Plextor PX-W4824TU User manual

INSTALLATION AND USERS MANUAL
SEPTEMBER 2002
Model PX-W4824TU (External)

Plextor reserves the right to make improvements in the products described in this
manual at any time without prior notice. Specifications are subject to change without
notice.
Plextor makes no representation or warranties with respect to the contents hereof
and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose. Further, Plextor Corp. reserves the right to revise this manual
and to make changes in its content without obligation to notify any person or
organization of such revision or change.
This manual is copyrighted, all rights reserved. It may not be copied, photocopied,
translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without
Plextor’s prior permission.
Manual copyright ©2002 Plextor Corp. First edition, September 2002.
Licenses and Trademarks
Plextor and the Plextor logo are registered trademarks of Plextor Corp; and
PlexWriter, PoweRec and SpeedRead are trademarks of Plextor Corp. Other brands
and products are trademarks of their respective holders.
Record Your Serial Number
For future reference, record the serial number and the TLA code (found on your
drive’s label) in the space provided below.
TLA/Firmware Revision Number

PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual iii
FCC NOTICE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Subpart B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
?? Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
?? Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
?? Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
?? Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Any changes or modifications should be approved by the party responsible for compliance with FCC
Rules; otherwise, the user loses authority to operate the equipment.
LASER INFORMATION
These products have been designed and manufactured according to IEC 60825-1 on the Safety of Laser
products. This product comes under “Class 1 Laser Products.”
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
A Laser Caution Label is attached on the bottom of the external drive model. The label reads:
“CAUTION –CLASS 3B INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID EXPOSURE
TO THE BEAM.”
Detail of Laser Caution Labels Bottom View of Drive Showing Location
of Laser Caution Labels
The laser beam emitted from the optical pickup is invisible. Accordingly:
?? Do not open the optical pickup housing.
?? Obtain service only from Plextor-authorized personnel.
CAUTION: To disconnect the CD drive from an electrical current, pull out the power plug.

iv PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual
ÜG-Vfg.243
VORSICHT: DIE TRENNUNG VOM NETZ ERFOLGT DURCH ZIEHEN DES NETZSTECKERS.
Zur Einhaltung der Funk-Entstörung von nicht selbständig betreibbaren
Hochfrequenzgeräten (periphere Anlagenkomponenten).
Dieses Gerät entspricht als Einzelgerät den Funk-Entstöranforderungender
Postverfügung Nr. 243/1991.
Wird das Gerät innerhalb einer Anlage zusammen mit anderen Geräten
betrieben, so muss bei Inanspruchnahme der “Allgemeinen (Betriebs-)
genehmigung” nach der BMPT-AmtsblVfg Nr. 243/1991 die gesamte
Anlage folgenden Richtlinien entsprechen:
?? Grenzwertklasse B der EN55022
?? Auflagen nach § 2 der BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991
Dies ist bei der Zusammensetzung einer Anlage (z.B. Computersystem) aus nur einzeln geprüften Geräten
nicht immer erfüllt.

PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual v
Table of Contents
1. Getting Started...............................................................................................................1
About this Manual.........................................................................................................1
Meet Your PlexWriter 48/24/48U..................................................................................1
What the PlexWriter 48/24/48U Does......................................................................1
Minimum Configuration to Use the PlexWriter 48/24/48U...................................3
What You Can Do with the PlexWriter 48/24/48U.................................................3
What's in the Box............................................................................................................4
Save Your Box! ...........................................................................................................4
PlexWriter Drive Features and Controls ......................................................................5
Front Panel..................................................................................................................5
Rear Panel....................................................................................................................6
About Software...............................................................................................................7
Precautions......................................................................................................................7
2. Connecting Your PlexWriter......................................................................................9
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System.........................................................9
Connect the PlexWriter Drive........................................................................................10
Record the Serial Number and TLA Code..............................................................10
Install in Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows Me....................................10
If You Have Windows 98SE.....................................................................................11
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized.............................................................................11
If You Have a Macintosh...............................................................................................12
3. Using Your PlexWriter.................................................................................................13
What Media to Use........................................................................................................13
Install Device Drivers (Windows98SE Only).............................................................13
Tray Loading and Operation.........................................................................................14
Handling CD Media ...................................................................................................14
Cleaning Discs............................................................................................................15
Using the Writing Speed Indicator..............................................................................15
Using SpeedRead............................................................................................................16
What SpeedRead Does .............................................................................................16
Manually Enabling SpeedRead................................................................................16
Disabling SpeedRead.................................................................................................16
Advantages of BURN-Proof.........................................................................................17
Advantages of VariRec Technology...........................................................................17
How the Default VariRec Setting Is Determined....................................................18
Changing the VariRec Setting..................................................................................18
When You Write with VariRec.................................................................................18
Advantages of Overburn...............................................................................................18
4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting..............................................................................19
Upgrading Firmware .......................................................................................................19
Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................19
Using the Self-Test Diagnostics...................................................................................20
What You’ll Need.......................................................................................................20

Table of Contents
vi PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual
CD Write/Read Test...................................................................................................20
What the Self-Test Results Indicate.......................................................................21
Appendix A: PlexWriter Specifications.........................................................................23
Appendix B: Technical Support.......................................................................................29
How to Contact Plextor Technical Support.................................................................29
Before You E-mail/Log On/FAX/Call...........................................................................30
Returns.............................................................................................................................30
Contacting Plextor’s RMA Department..................................................................30
Packing Your Drive....................................................................................................31
Shipping Your Drive to Plextor.................................................................................31
Appendix C: Warranty.......................................................................................................33
Index......................................................................................................................................35
Notes .....................................................................................................................................39

PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual 1
1. Getting Started
Congratulations! Thank you for purchasing the Plextor®PlexWriter™48/24/48U, a
reliable, high-performance external CD rewriter, recorder and reader that connects to
your computer with a USB cable. We appreciate the confidence you have shown in
us. Our goal is to put you—and keep you—on the leading edge of CD technology.
About this Manual
This manual explains how to connect and use your external PlexWriter 48/24/48U
drive. With USB, the installation process is simple. And if you have problems, fear
not. We have successfully walked through installation with millions of customers
who previously had lived in mortal terror of their computer.
Please read this manual carefully and keep it handy for easy reference. Use the
manual for installation, operation and troubleshooting. See your dealer or call
Plextor’s Technical Support Department if your drive needs service. And if you run
into a problem that doesn't seem to be covered, please contact us. (See “Appendix B:
Technical Support” for the different ways you can contact us.) You will be
connected to our friendly, helpful band of tech support engineers, people who know
their stuff. What might seem like an uncooperative drive to you could very well be a
30-second fix to them. But we will never know unless you contact us.
Meet Your PlexWriter 48/24/48U
The PlexWriter 48/24/48U is a CD-ReWritable drive that provides professional
quality CD performance for writing, rewriting and reading.
What the PlexWriter 48/24/48U Does
The PlexWriter 48/24/48U:
?? Writes to CD-R (recordable CD) media at up to 48X speed.
?? Writes to Ultra Speed CD-RW (rewritable CD) media at 24X speed. The drive
also writes to High Speed CD-RW media at 4X and 10X, and to Normal Speed
CD-RW media at 4X speeds.
?? Reads CD-ROM and CD-R media at a maximum of 48X speed with an average
access time of 65 milliseconds. (Maximum read speed of CD-RW media is 40X.)

Section 1. Getting Started
2PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual
The PlexWriter 48/24/48U has a high-speed Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
interface. You can also use it with USB version 1.1 (although with USB 1.1 the
drive’s top performance is 4X for CD-R and CD-RW, and 6X for reading a CD-
ROM). The PlexWriter 48/24/48U supports the ATAPI command set.
Reliable writing is virtually guaranteed, thanks to unique PoweRec™(Plextor
Optimized Writing Error Reduction Control) circuitry. This feature automatically
detects the type of media being recorded and adjusts the PlexWriter 48/24/48U to
provide the optimum laser power and length of burn—which means the highest
quality playback.
New VariRec (Variable Recording) technology from Plextor, if supported by your
writing software, lets you manually adjust the laser burn parameters to match your
sound system or media. VariRec aids in achieving widely compatible audio discs.
The PlexWriter 48/24/48U supports the Mt. Rainier (MRW) function for the
formatting and management of CD-RW media. It also offers SpeedRead™, a feature
that boosts read speed to 48X without sacrificing data integrity or safe operation.
Another important feature of this drive is Overburn: If your application software
supports Overburn, you now have the capability to burn an audio disc up to 94
minutes 55 seconds in length, or a data disc up to 830 MB in capacity.
The PlexWriter 48/24/48U is compatible with Orange Book, Parts II and III. It is
fully MMC-compliant, and supports the following writing modes: Disc-at-Once,
Track-at-Once, Session-at-Once, and Multi-Session, as well as variable and fixed
packet writing. It also supports the UDF file system implemented through packet
writing.
The PlexWriter 48/24/48U supports running OPC and is compatible with Windows®
Plug & Play. Flash memory allows upgrading the PlexWriter 48/24/48U to the latest
firmware revision (available from the Plextor web site) without opening the
computer or physically accessing the drive. BURN-Proof™technology eliminates
buffer underrun errors, which means you can safely use your computer for other
things while you’re writing to a CD-R or CD-RW disc.
Your PlexWriter also has a self-diagnostic feature. The drive can actually determine
if it is working properly, an invaluable feature for troubleshooting. And Plextor
backs up this remarkable drive with a one-year full warranty on parts and labor, and
unlimited toll-free tech support.

Section 1. Getting Started
PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual 3
Minimum Configuration to Use the PlexWriter 48/24/48U
PC Configuration:
?? Computer: Pentium II, 300-MHz CPU or faster.
?? Minimum RAM: 64 MB.
?? USB port: USB 2.0 or 1.1
?? Hard disk size: Minimum free space of 800 MB. To write to a CD in image
mode (that is, to write an image of a CD to your hard disk), you need 1 GB of
free space.
?? Operating system: Windows 98SE (Second Edition), Windows 2000, Windows
Me, or Windows XP.
NOTE: You must have one of these operating systems. In the case of Windows 98,
you must have Windows 98SE or later, and you need the Plextor USB driver,
supplied on your software disc or available on our web site.
Macintosh Configuration:
Macintosh with USB port and OS 8.6-9.x (provides USB 1.1) or with OS X
(provides USB 2.0).
What You Can Do with the PlexWriter 48/24/48U
Just look at some of the things you can do with your PlexWriter 48/24/48U:
?? Record data or audio onto writable or rewritable CD media.
?? Play music CDs.
?? Save photos and other images on rewritable or recordable CDs.
?? Create a “CD sneakernet” to share information with colleagues—just use
software such as Roxio DirectCD™to drag and drop files onto CD-R or
CD-RW media, then continue adding files and sharing the same CD disc.
?? Archive images and video to CD.
?? Master new software programs on CD.
?? Periodically back up your computer's hard disk, including operating system,
hardware configuration, registry, program files and data.

Section 1. Getting Started
4PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual
What's in the Box
What you find in your Plextor box depends on what the company that sold you the
box put in—or took out—while the Plextor drive was in their possession.
Plextor currently sells its PlexWriter 48/24/48U drive in this configuration:
?? PlexWriter 48/24/48U CD-RW drive
?? AC adapter
?? USB cable
?? Emergency eject tool
?? 1 piece of approved CD-R media
?? Plextor CD with authoring software bundle
?? PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual
NOTE: This applies to the Plextor retail box. Your drive may have been shipped in a
different box with other contents, depending on whom you purchased the drive from
and what they included inside the box.
If the security sticker on top of your
box is cut, there may be a good
reason: for example, a dealer may
have added other components or
software. Carefully check the
contents to ensure nothing hasbeen
removed. If something is missing,
contact the party from whom you
purchased the box for an explanation.
Save Your Box!
Be sure to save the box after you have
installed your PlexWriter drive. The
box and its packaging material were
designed and drop tested to ensure your
PlexWriter can endure rough treatment
and still arrive in working order. If you
have to ship your drive back to Plextor,
you’ll want to send it in the original
box. (For more details about returning
your drive to Plextor, see “Returns” on
page 30.)

Section 1. Getting Started
PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual 5
PlexWriter Drive Features and Controls
Before proceeding, become familiar with the controls and features of your
PlexWriter drive. Match the parts of your drive to the illustrations below.
Front Panel
Figure 1: Front Panel of the PlexWriter 48/24/48U Drive
?? Tray front door: Attached to tray drawer.
?? Emergency eject hole: Insert emergency eject tool, paper clip, or other thin,
rigid object to eject tray if automatic eject button does not work. Turn OFF power
before using this feature.
?? Headphone jack: Stereo mini-jack for headphones and powered speakers.
?? Volume control: Controls volume of headphone jack.
?? LED indicator: Illuminated to indicate drive operation:
?? Green: Power is on and a disc in the drive; also green when BURN-Proof is
operating.
?? Amber: Reading a disc
?? Blinking amber: Writing data to disc. The LED changes its blinking interval
to indicate different writing speeds:
40-ms blink interval: 41-48X CD-R recording; or 24X CD-RW recording
(Ultra-Speed RW media)
80-ms blink interval: 32-40XCD-R recording; or 10X CD-RW recording
(High-Speed RW media)
150-ms blink interval: 24 X or lower CD-R recording; or 4X CD-RW
recording (Normal SpeedRW media)
?? Also blinks green three times when SpeedRead is enabled.

Section 1. Getting Started
6PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual
?? Eject button: Push once to eject tray.Push again to insert the tray back into the
PlexWriter. To prevent wear on the drive, always use the eject button to insert the
tray.
For SpeedRead, press and hold this button for 3 seconds or more before inserting
the disc. The LED indicator blinks green 3 times to indicate SpeedRead is
enabled. SpeedRead enables high speed (48X) CD reading.
Rear Panel
Figure 2: Rear Panel of the PlexWriter 48/24/48U Internal Drive
?? Analog audio output connectors: Output of analog stereo signal. Connect a
sound board or audio amplifier here, if desired. Connectors are standard RCA
type.
?? Power switch: Press this switch to turn power on or off. Press the “0” down to
turn power off, “1” to turn power on.
?? Power connector: Connect the AC adapter here.
CAUTION: Use only the AC adapter shipped with your PlexWriter.
?? USB connector: Connect the USB cable here.
CAUTION: Use only the USB cable shipped with your PlexWriter.
?? Self-test switch: For normal operation, leave the switch cover to the left and the
switch in the down (OFF) position. To have the PlexWriter execute its self-test
routine, disconnect the USB cable from the drive, slide the switch cover to the
right, and set the self-test switch to the up (ON) position using a pen point, paper
clip, or other similar object.

Section 1. Getting Started
PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual 7
About Software
In order to create CD-R and CD-RW discs you will need to have mastering, packet
writing, or duplication software installed on your computer system. If you purchased
a retail kit from Plextor, you’ll get software packages that include such software.
For details on the various software packages for writing to CD-R or CD-RW, please
visit the web sites of the companies whose software you are interested in, refer to
their user’s manuals, or look at the help option within the software. A list of various
software packages that you can use with your Plextor drive can be foundin the
Support/Compatibility section of www.plextor.com.
Precautions
Like the rest of your computer system, your PlexWriter requires reasonable care in
its installation and use.
?? Keep the area around your drive clean from dust, smoke, and other contaminants.
?? Do not allow moisture or liquids, including water or cleaning fluids, to touch the
drive. Thinner, benzene, or alcohol-based solvents can mar your drive’s surface.
?? Do not drop or jolt the drive.
?? Do not move, carry or transport a disc in the drive because this can cause
damage.
?? Do not attempt to open the drive and service it yourself. Removing the cover may
expose you to harmful electrical voltages or the laser beam. For your safety,
entrust service to Plextor-authorized service personnel only.
?? Keep your CD discs free of dirt or other contaminants, by storing them in jewel
cases. Use only industry-standard discs. Do not insert dirty, warped, poorly
balanced, or cracked discs into the drive.
?? Do not clean discs using a circular motion. Instead, using a soft, dry cloth, wipe
in a radial motion: start at the center of the disc and proceed to the outer edge.

Section 1. Getting Started
8PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual
CAUTION: Operate your PlexWriter in horizontal position only. Plextor does not
guarantee the drive’s performance in a vertical position.
Figure 3. Operate Your PlexWriter in a Horizontal Position

PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual 9
2. Connecting Your PlexWriter
This chapter explains how to physically connect the PlexWriter to your computer. In
general, this is what you’ll do:
1. Determine if your computer is running the Windows XP, 2000, Me, or 98SE
operating system. If you have a Macintosh, ensure that it is running the
Macintosh OS 8.6 or higher (for USB 1.1) or OS X (for USB 2.0).
If you have Windows XP, 2000, or Me, go to step 2 now.
If you have Windows 98SE:
a) Insert the bundled Plextor Setup Disc in your CD-ROM drive.
b) Go to the Software Installation screen, and click on the button titled USB
Drivers.
c) Follow the prompts through the USB driver installation routine.
d) Reboot your computer.
2. Connect the AC adapter to an electrical outlet and to the PlexWriter.
3. Turn the PlexWriter’s power switch ON (the “1” position).
4. Connect the USB cable from your PlexWriter 48/24/48U drive to the computer.
That’s all there is to it! We’ll go over the procedure in more detail in the next few
pages.
If you have a PC, start here. If you have a Macintosh, go to “If You Have a
Macintosh” on page 12.
Determine Your Computer’s Operating System
To determine which operating system your computer uses:
1. Select the Start menu, then select Programs and choose Windows Explorer.
2. In Windows Explorer, select Help. The About line shows your operating system.
(For example, “About Windows 2000.”)
NOTE: Your computer must be running Windows 98SE, Windows 2000, Windows Me
or Windows XP or Macintosh. If you are not running one of these operating systems
you cannot use the PlexWriter 48/24/48U. You cannot use the PlexWriter 48/24/48U
with early versions of Windows 98; it must be Windows 98SE (Second Edition).

Section 2. Connecting Your PlexWriter
10 PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual
Connect the PlexWriter Drive
Before proceeding to install the PlexWriter drive on your personal computer, record
the serial number.
Record the Serial Number and TLA Code
Record the serial number and TLA number of your drive on the inside frontcover of
this manual.
Install in Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows Me
If you have a computer with Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows Me, use the
following procedure to install your PlexWriter USB drive:
1. Turn ON your computer system.
2. Connect the AC adapter to your PlexWriter as shown inFigure 4.
3. Turn the PlexWriter’s power switch ON (the “1” is depressed).
4. Connect the USB cable from your PlexWriter 48/24/48U drive to the computer.
Figure 4. Connecting the AC Adapter and USB Cable
The drive is automatically recognized by the computer.
NOTE: If you cannot connect the USB cable to the PlexWriter, make sure the self-test
switch cover is to the left, covering the self-test switch.

Section 2. Connecting Your PlexWriter
PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual 11
If You Have Windows 98SE
If you have a computer with Windows 98SE, use the following procedure to install
your PlexWriterUSB drive:
1. Turn ON your computer system and insert the bundled Plextor Setup Disc in your
CD-ROM drive. Go to the Software Installation screen, and click on the button
titled USB Drivers. Follow the prompts through the USB driver installation
routine. Reboot your computer.
2. Connect the AC adapter to your PlexWriter as shown inFigure 4.
3. Turn the PlexWriter’s power switch ON (the “1” is depressed).
4. Connect the USB cable from your PlexWriter 48/24/48U drive to the computer.
The procedure above loads the necessary drivers into the computer. After this
procedure, your PlexWriter drive should be recognized automatically by Windows
98SE on your computer.
Manual Driver Installation
If you have difficulty with the USB driver installation, you can manually install the
driver. To install the USB driver manually:
1. Use Windows Explorer to navigate to the \Drivers\98SE USB folder on the
Plextor Setup Disc.
2. Double-click on the file TPPINST.EXE.
This installs the USB driver for Windows 98SE.
Getting the Driver for Windows 98SE
If you do not have a Plextor Setup CD-ROM disc, you can download the USB
drivers for Windows 98SE. They are available from the Plextor web site. Go to
http://www.plextor.comand follow the links from the home page to
Support\Downloads\Drivers.
Make Sure the Drive Is Recognized
After installation, make sure the PlexWriter drive is recognized by your computer.
To check whether it is recognized:
To see if the drive is recognized in Windows:
1. Turn the computer ON. After the computer boots up, you should see the
Windows display.
2. Open Windows Explorer or My Computer and ensure there is an icon for the
PlexWriter. The PlexWriter may be D: or E: or another designator.

Section 2. Connecting Your PlexWriter
12 PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual
3. In Windows 98SE, or Me, once the system comes up click the Start button, then
Settings, then Control Panel, then double-click on System icon, then click on
Device Manager tab. Click the + sign next to the CD-ROM heading and look at
the PLEXTOR CD-R PX-W4824A entry underneath.
-or-
In Windows XP or 2000, right-click on the My Computer icon and select
Properties. Click on the Hardware tab, then click on the Device Manager button.
Click the + sign next to the CD-ROM heading and look at the PLEXTOR CD-R
PX-W4824A entry underneath.
4. If your USB controller has a yellow diamond with an exclamation point (!),
contact your PC or motherboard manufacturer for help, and to troubleshoot your
USB controller for driver compatibility or conflicts. It may just be a matter of
obtaining the latest USB driver, or a motherboard BIOS update, from the
manufacturer.
5. If the USB controller is listed and does nothave a yellow diamond with an
exclamation point, but you do not see this drive listed as one of the devices,
contact our Technical Support group at 1-800-886-3935, or email us at
[email protected]for help troubleshooting.
6. If the USB controller is listed and does not have a yellow diamond with an
exclamation point, but the PX-W4824TU is listed as a “USB Storage Device”,
select the “USB Storage device” and then select the “Remove” button. Reboot
your system. The system will do another hardware scan and should install the
driver properly.
If You Have a Macintosh
If you have a Macintosh, use the following procedure to install your PlexWriter USB
drive:
1. Turn on the Macintosh.
2. Ensure you are running Macintosh OS 8.6 or higher (for USB 1.1) or OS X (for
USB 2.0).
3. Connect the AC adapter to your PlexWriter.
4. Turn the PlexWriter’s power switch ON (the “1” is depressed).
5. Connect the USB cable from your PlexWriter 48/24/48U drive to the Macintosh
computer.
The Macintosh automatically recognizes the PlexWriter, and you should be ready to
use the drive.

PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual 13
3. Using Your PlexWriter
This chapter explains how to use your PlexWriter drive and how to load, handle and
care for your CDs.
CAUTION: Ensure your PlexWriter is in a horizontal position. Plextor does not
guarantee the drive’s performance in a vertical position.
What Media to Use
Use the right media! Your PlexWriter drive's capabilities change depending on
which type of compact disc you use. It currently supports these types:
?? CD-ROM: You can immediately play or read prerecorded discs, such as audio
CDs and data discs.
?? CD-R: Recordable CD. You can record on these discs, but only once. You can
also read them.
?? CD-RW: Ultra Speed, High Speed, and Normal Speed ReWritable CD. These
discs support recording and re-recording (up to 1,000 times). You can also read
them.
To achieve 48X CD-R writing speed you must use certified 48X media; and to
achieve 24X RW writing speed you must use Ultra Speed RW media. See
“Recommended Media on page 23 for a list of Plextor-approved media at the time
this manual was printed, and see the Plextor web site athttp://www.plextor.comfor
an updated list.
You can write to Ultra Speed RW discs only on drives that support this new media.
Drives that are capable of writing to Ultra Speed RW media, such as the PlexWriter
48/24/48U, are identified by a “Compact Disc ReWritable Ultra Speed” logo.
Install Device Drivers (Windows 98SE Only)
In Windows, your PlexWriter acts as a "CD-ROM Drive" for purposes of installation
and setup. In some cases, you will need to install additional software to make use of
all of the features of the PlexWriter.
?? Using the PlexWriter on a PC:
?? As CD-ROM: The computer’s operating system, whether it is Windows XP,
Windows 2000, or Windows Me, supplies a generic USB device driver that
allows the PlexWriter to function as a standard CD-ROM drive. You don’t
need to install anything else.
If you have Windows 98SE, you need to install a special USB driver. You’ll
find this driver on the Plextor Setup Disc, or you can get it from the Plextor
web site athttp://www.plextor.com. (Follow the links from the home page to
Support\Downloads\Drivers.)

Section 3. Using Your PlexWriter
14 PlexWriter 48/24/48U Installation and Users Manual
?? As a CD-R or CD-RW device: In order to write to CD-R or CD-RW media,
you will need additional software such as SimpliCD®or Easy CD Creator™.
If you purchased a kit from Plextor, this software is supplied.
?? Using the PlexWriter on a Macintosh:
?? Whether using the PlexWriter as a standard CD-ROM or as a CD-R or
CD-RW device, you will need additional drivers or software besides those
that are part of the Macintosh operating system. You will need to purchase
this software separately. The software compatibility list is available from
Plextor’s web site atwww.plextor.com.
Before installing any software, check that the USB cable connection between your
PlexWriter and the computer is correct, and the PlexWriter is recognized by your
system.
Tray Loading and Operation
To load and unload the tray:
1. While the PlexWriter drive is powered up, push the eject button on the front
panel. The tray drawer slides out in 3–4 seconds.
Figure 5: Loading the Tray
2. Lay a blank CD in the depression in the tray, label side up. The CD should lie flat
in the tray.
3. Press the eject button again and the tray will slide shut within seconds.
NOTE: Always use the eject button to close the tray in a smooth and secure manner.
Closing the tray by pressing the front of the drawer by hand is not recommended and
risks damage or premature wearing of the mechanism and your CDs.
Handling CD Media
Take care when handling blank CD-R and CD-RW media. Dust, scratches, and
fingerprints on either side of the disc can cause write errors during recording. When
picking up or holding blank media you can either place your fingers along the outer
edge of the disc, or place one finger through the center hole and one finger on the
outer edge. Once you have finished creating a disc, label it by writing on the top
using permanent ink.