Thinkpads Forum

Where do I get the DVD Express software that came with the 770Z? The old link doesn't work anymore.

It's part of the original install, not available as an 'afterthought'.
Maybe someone still has a set of install-disks and can make you a copy?

There are several versions of DVD Express.

One version came pre-loaded on the 770Z when it shipped. That version is only available by doing a restore using the original restore disks for the 770Z.

Another version shipped with some DVD drives designed for the 770Z. I have an original set of disks like that. And I have an ISO I can post for you if you email me directly.

Yet another version shipped with some DVD drives designed for the 600E/X series. I'm not sure if that version works with the 770Z in all operating systems, or if the DEVA will work correctly with that version in all cases.

After installing the version I send you, you will want to upgrade it to the latest version using the (very large) update file available from IBM/Lenovo. This update file will replace the entire installed version (the only reason you need to install it first is to provide the updater evidence that you have installed it to begin with).

I personally was never able to get DVDExpress to work correctly under Win98SE using the disks I have. I either couldn't get it to work, or it would work without taking advantage of the DEVA. Some people have suggested that some 770Z configurations may require the original restore disks in order to get the DEVA to work correctly under Win98SE.

Under Win2000 and WinXP, however, everything has been hunky dory...er, well, as long as all you want is basic DVD playback and nothing too fancy beyond that...

Phil.

There's plenty of good freewares that will play DVD if that's what you're looking to get.

Bookworm wrote:Where do I get the DVD Express software that came with the 770Z? The old link doesn't work anymore.

Don't cry ! There's no need to. Forget DVD-Express, it's not good software. There are better ways for watching DVD's on the 770Z.
I've been a 770Z-user nonstop since june 2003 (upgraded to Z61p last week) and my recommendations are:

1: Get your hands on the DEVA-card. It adds hardware MPEG2 decoding and lifts off the burden from the CPU. I don't even think the CPU alone can decode DVD's. Other freeware DVD-software won't work with the DEVA-card. In other words: The DEVA-card is essential.
2: Install Windows 2000 or XP from scratch with the DVD-drive in the Ultrabay II. This way, the DVD-player software in Windows recognizes the DVD-drive and moreover, it works with the DEVA-card.
3: Be sure that the setting for the DVD-drive inside the Device Manager is switched from [PIO-mode] to [DMA-mode if possible] This eliminates judder or lost frames. I had a lot of trouble before I knew how to fiddle with this switch.

I'm sure you're also going to install all the nessecary drivers. Go ahead. You won't be disappointed. A 770Z set up to its best, can outperform many other machines.

Kindest regards