Plextor USA

The PX-708UF contains a set of self-test diagnostics that can help isolate trouble and determine if a problem is in the drive or elsewhere.

What You'll Need

To perform the tests you'll need a blank piece of Plextor-recommended DVD+R, DVD-R, or CD-R media The self-test will write to this media, so you won't be able to use this disc again. The recommended disc list is available here:

http://www.plextoramericas.com/index.php/forum/11-general-media-discussion/1021-px-708a-recommended-media

Performing the Self-Test

This tests three functions of the drive: writing at maximum speed, continuous playback at maximum speed, and random access.

To perform the CD write/read test:

1. Unplug the USB or FireWire cable from the rear of the Plextor PX-708UF drive.
2. Set the PX-708UF drive's power switch to OFF (so the "0" is depressed).
3. Slide the SELF TEST switch to the left (ON) position. Use a pen point, paper clip, or other similar object.
4. While pressing the eject button, set the PX-708UF's power switch to ON (the "1" is depressed). The front-panel disc/busy indicator blinks green and amber, and the disc tray opens.
5. Insert a blank Plextor-certified DVD+R, DVD-R, or CD-R disc. Be sure to use only media of the type recommended by Plextor. Then close the disc tray.

5.  
   • If the disc/busy indicator blinks amber three times, the loaded disc is not a blank DVD+R, DVD-R, or CD-R disc. Remove the disc and insert a blank, Plextor-certified recordable disc.

6. The drive begins the diagnostic routine. Upon completion of the diagnostic, you see the results:

6.  
   • If there was no problem, the disc is ejected automatically. (That is, the disc tray opens, allowing you to remove the disc.)

6.  
   • If there was a problem, the disc is not ejected, and you see the disc/busy indicator blink green. One green blink indicates a write or read error. Two green blinks indicate an initialization error.

7. If the disc was not ejected automatically, press the eject button to eject the disc.
8. Turn the PX-708UF power switch to OFF, and set the self-test switch to the right (OFF) position.
9. Turn the PX-708UF's power switch to ON (so the "1" is depressed).
10. Reconnect the USB or FireWire cable from your PX-708UF drive to the computer.

What the Self-Test Results Indicate

• If a drive passes the self-test, then the drive's operation is OK.

• If the drive fails the self-test, in some cases the problem may be caused by the media. Try the self-test again using a different brand of DVD±R or CD-R media; if the drive passes the self-test this time, the drive is OK.