TS12 Disk won't read?

[alexl102]

Apologies, as this is slightly more of a technical question than a trainz one, but I figured someone might know.

I've just bought 'Railway Simulator powered by Trainz 12' as a physical copy from a shop in my local town. However, when I put the disc in the drive, the computer doesn't seem to be able to read the disc- a lot of spinning happens by the sound of things, but a quick check in My Computer suggests that it knows a disc is there but can't work out what's on it.

My PC runs XP, which the spec on the game box said would be fine, the drive is a DVD drive as required and I have installed other games on it, so I don't think the disc drive is to blame.

Any suggestions? I have an old copy of 2006 which I could try installing if that would be of any use for diagnostic purposes?

Thanks in advance.

 

[alexl102]

*UPDATE*
I've no idea why, but after playing a different game for a while and then trying again, it's worked. Maybe the disc drive was cold or something.
Installation is now in progress!

Admins, you can delete this if you wish.

 

[JCitron]

Hi Alex,

I would consider replacing the DVD drive. This sounds like the drive maybe failing and with some discs being more sensitive to the poor laser than others. The replacing would take about 10 minutes and you can easily do it yourself.

John

 

[Robert3a0]

Alex, John is right on the money here, it seems like your DVD Drive is on its way out. You can purchase a head cleaner that cleans the laser of dust etc, and that might work. However, Drives are so cheap nowadays that they are cheaper to replace than repair. Moreover, they are very straight forward to change (unclip the SATA Cable and power cable, undo the four screws and slide the drive out then simply reverse the process). I am guessing that, as you are still using XP your PC is probably getting a bit long in the tooth and has probably gathered a good layer of dust inside - so while you have the side of the box off it might be worth your while to vacuum out as must dust as you can.
Regards
Bob

 

[KingConrail76]

Hi Alex,

I would consider replacing the DVD drive. This sounds like the drive maybe failing and with some discs being more sensitive to the poor laser than others. The replacing would take about 10 minutes and you can easily do it yourself.

John

Alex, John is right on the money here, it seems like your DVD Drive is on its way out. You can purchase a head cleaner that cleans the laser of dust etc, and that might work. However, Drives are so cheap nowadays that they are cheaper to replace than repair. Moreover, they are very straight forward to change (unclip the SATA Cable and power cable, undo the four screws and slide the drive out then simply reverse the process). I am guessing that, as you are still using XP your PC is probably getting a bit long in the tooth and has probably gathered a good layer of dust inside - so while you have the side of the box off it might be worth your while to vacuum out as must dust as you can.
Regards
Bob

Please do use caution when working inside your computer's case.
-Turn off Power
-Disconnect the power cord
-Ground both yourself and the computer case, to avoid damage from static electricity
--If vacuuming, be sure vacuum nozzle is also grounded (blowing out with low pressure compressed air is preferred, but vacuuming can be done if done cautiously)
-avoid touching any "contacts" or circuit boards, the oils in your skin can cause corrosion and shorts (latex gloves work well in small cramped cases)

 

[alexl102]

Hi all,
Thanks for this advice. I'm actually considering upgrading the CPU processor thing too, so may do both at once. I am though a complete novice at this despite being a techie where sound equipment is concerned!


I do appreciate the safety advice KingConrail76, and will bear it in mind. How do I ground myself/the copmuter case/the vacuum? Shouldn't the vacuum be grounded through it's plug (UK) anyway?