Radio Shack 25-3052 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Please read before using this equipment.
External USB 6X
4X
6X
CD Rewriter

2Features
 Features
Your RadioShack External USB 6X 4X 6X
CD Rewriter is designed specifically to meet
the data and music storage needs of a new
generation of PC users. Your CD rewriter’s
features include:
6X Write, 4X
Rewrite, 6X Max CD Read —
the CD rewriter is fast enough to help you
keep up with a wide variety of multimedia
tasks.
Maximum Performance For a USB CD Re-
writer — the CD rewriter combines speed
and convenience in one package.
Supplied MUSICMATCH Software —
makes it easy to rip (convert from one format
to another), organize, burn (copy onto a CD-
R or CD-RW disk), and play your digital mu-
sic files.
Supplied Nero Software — makes it easy
to burn data and music files, back up impor-
tant data and application files onto a CD-R or
CD-RW disk, create music CDs from MP3
files, edit audio files, create and work with
CD jewel case inserts and inlay cards, and
create karaoke mixes so you can sing along
with your favorite music.
Write-Safe Technology — the CD rewriter
automatically turns its laser off if your PC
slows down or is interrupted during the write
process. This helps eliminate interruption of
the data flow between the CD rewriter and
your computer (which can ruin a CD-R disk),
resulting in successful writing of your data to
the CD-R or CD-RW disk.
Supplied USB Device Driver Software —
makes it easy to connect the CD rewriter to
your computer.
Music CD Creation — you can use the CD
rewriter to create music CDs that you can
play in a standard CD player at home or in
your vehicle.
USB Connector — lets you easily connect
the CD rewriter to your computer’s universal
serial bus (USB) port, providing plug-and-
play convenience with Microsoft Windows


2000, Windows ME, or Windows 98 SE or
later operating systems.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Before connecting the CD rewriter, be sure
your computer is an IBM

PC with Pentium
166 MHz processor or compatible, running
Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Windows
98 SE or later, and having all of the following:
• one available USB port
• at least 32 MB RAM
• at least 50 MB free hard disk space (for
installing supplied software)
• at least 10 MB free hard disk space for
each minute of music you record (750
MB total)
Note: You cannot use the CD rewriter with
Microsoft Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 or
with a Macintosh computer.
©2001 RadioShack Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack and RadioShack.com are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.

3
Features
FCC DECLARATION OF
CONFORMITY
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC
Rules
. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, in-
cluding interference that may cause undes-
ired operation.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Make sure you have all of the following ac-
cessories before disposing of the packing
material.
• AC adapter (Input: 100–240V AC ~ 50/
60 Hz 0.52A; Output: 12V DC, 2080 mA)
• AC power cord
• MUSICMATCH and Nero recording soft-
ware CD
• Nero operating guide
• Blank CD-R disk
• Quick Installation Guide
• Stand for vertical placement
• USB device driver floppy disk
• USB cable
About CD-R and CD-RW Media
You can use CD-R and CD-RW blank disks
with your CD rewriter. You can write informa-
tion to a CD-R disk but cannot erase the in-
formation. You can write information to,
erase information from, then write more infor-
mation to a CD-RW disk.
We have included one CD-R blank disk with
your CD rewriter.
Product: External USB 6X 4X
6X CD Rewriter
Model: 25-3052
Responsible Party: RadioShack
100 Throckmorton
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Phone: [phone]

4A Quick Look At Your CD Rewriter
 A Quick Look At Your CD Rewriter
Rear View
USB Socket — Connect the
square end of the supplied USB
cable to this socket and connect
the flat end to the computer’s USB
socket.
DC 12V — Con-
nect one end of the
supplied AC adapter
cord to this socket and
connect the other end
to the AC adapter.
I/O — Turns the CD rewriter on and off.
Power Indicator —
Lights when the CD
rewriter is on.
AC Adapter
Front View
OPEN/CLOSE — Press
once to open the CD tray,
press again to close it.
PLAY/SKIP — Press once to
play an audio CD, press again
to skip one track forward.
DISC IN — Lights when data is
being read from the disk, flashes
while seeking data.
WRITING — Lights while
data is being written to or
erased from the disk.
VOLUME — Adjusts connected
headphone’s volume level. Emergency Eject Hole
PHONES — Lets you con-
nect headphones or self-
amplified speakers.
WRITING DISK IN Description
Off Off Drive ready/no disk loaded
Off Blinking Power on or reading
Off Steady Disk loaded/ready for access
Blinking Blinking Test before writing
Steady Blinking Writing

5
Installation
 Installation
We recommend you connect only one CD re-
writer to your computer at a time. Connecting
two or more fast USB devices (such as CD-
ROMs, CD rewriters, scanners, printers or
hard disk drives) at the same time worsen
the performance.
HARDWARE
1. Turn on your computer and start the
Windows operating system you installed
(Windows 2000, Windows ME, or Win-
dows 98 SE or later).
2. Connect the supplied AC power cord’s
female plug to the supplied AC
adapter’s power cord socket.
3. Connect the supplied AC adapter’s bar-
rel plug to the CD rewriter’s DC 12V
jack, then connect the AC adapter’s plug
to a standard AC outlet.
Cautions:
You must use a Class 2 power
source that supplies 12V DC
and delivers at least 2080 mA.
Its center tip must be set to positive and
its plug must fit the CD rewriter's DC 12V
jack. The supplied adapter meets these
specifications. Using an adapter that
does not meet these specifications
could damage the CD rewriter or the
adapter.
• Always connect the AC adapter to the
CD rewriter before you connect it to AC
power. When you finish, disconnect the
adapter from AC power before you dis-
connect it from the CD rewriter.
4. Set I/O to I(on). The power indicator
lights.
5. Connect the supplied USB cable’s
square plug with its icon side up to the
CD rewriter’s USB socket. Then connect
the USB cable’s flat plug to the com-
puter’s USB socket.
Note: The USB plug fits into the USB
socket only one way. If you cannot eas-
ily insert it into the USB socket, turn it
over and try again. Do not force it into
the socket.
The computer system automatically
detects the CD rewriter and prompts you
to install the supplied USB device driver.
For more information about installing the
USB device driver, see “Software.”
SOFTWARE
Your CD rewriter includes a USB Device
Driver floppy disk and a MUSICMATCH and
Nero recording software CD. After you finish
the steps under “Installation” on Page 5, your
computer automatically detects the CD re-
writer and prompts you to install the USB de-
vice driver.
Installing the USB Device Driver
Follow the steps for your operating system.
Windows 98 SE or later
When you finish installing the hardware, the
following screen appears.
!

6Installation
1. Click Next. The following dialog box
appears.
2. If necessary, select the default selection
Search for the best driver for your
device. (Recommended). Then click
Next. The following dialog box appears.
3. Click Specify a location, insert the sup-
plied USB Device Driver floppy disk into
your floppy disk drive, click Browse,
select and double click A: to open the
file, select win98/2000 under 3 1/2
floppy (A):, then click OK. The following
dialog box appears.
4. Click Next. The driver file is copied onto
your computer’s hard disk.
Windows has
finished installing the software that your
new hardware device requires
appears.
5. Click Finish to finish installing the driver.
A dialog box appears prompting you to
restart your computer.
6. Click Yes. The CD rewriter is ready to
use.
For Windows 2000
When you finish installing the hardware, the
following screen appears.
1. If necessary, select the default selection
Search for a suitable driver for my
device (recommended). Then click
Next. The following dialog box appears.
2. Click Specify a location then click
Next. The following dialog box appears.

7
Installation
3. Insert the supplied USB Device Driver
floppy disk into your floppy disk drive,
click Browse, select and double click A:
to open the file, select win98/2000
under 3 1/2 floppy (A):, then click OK.
The following dialog box appears.
4. Click Yes. The driver file is copied onto
your computer’s hard disk.
5. Click Finish to finish installing the driver.
The CD rewriter is ready to use.
For Windows ME
When you finish installing the hardware, the
following screen appears.
1. Select Specify the location of the
driver (Advanced). Then click Next.
The following dialog box appears.
2. Click Search for the best driver for
your device (Recommended), click
Specify a location, insert the supplied
USB Device Driver floppy disk into your
disk drive, click Browse, select winME
under 3 1/2 floppy (A):, then click OK.
The following dialog box appears.
3. Click Next. The driver file is copied onto
your computer’s hard disk.
4. Click Finish to finish installing the driver.
The CD rewriter is ready to use.
Installing the CD Writing Software
Insert the supplied MUSICMATCH and Nero
recording software CD into your CD-ROM
drive or your CD rewriter. A dialog box ap-
pears with installation instructions. Follow
the instructions to install the software. After
installation is complete, an icon appears in
the lower right of the window. Click the icon

8Installation
to view a menu with setting and operation in-
formation.
Notes:
• For detailed installation instructions, re-
fer to the Operating Guide supplied with
the MUSICMATCH and Nero recording
software CD.
• Some programs might require that you
reboot your system after installing them.
Follow the program's prompt to reboot
your computer if necessary.
OPTIMIZING YOUR SYSTEM
A stable recording environment, free of any
hardware or software interruption, is a must
for proper CD recording. For best results,
use a hard disk drive with
only
the operating
system (Windows 98 SE or later, Windows
2000, or Windows ME) and the CD writing
software installed on it. If you do not have an
extra hard disk drive, follow these steps to
optimize your system.
1. Close all resident programs, including
any anti-virus programs, screen savers,
System Agent, Power Management, etc.
2. Turn off Auto Insert notification.
3. Close any program running in a maxi-
mized or minimized window.
4. Defragment your hard disk drive. This is
particularly important when you write
files to a CD from your hard disk drive.
Defragmenting your hard disk drive real-
locates all the files so these relevant
files are placed in nearby clusters. This
saves time and trouble when the
MUSICMATCH and Nero recording soft-
ware is searching for the files you want
to record on CD.
Caution: Do not connect too many devices
internally to your computer system. Heavy
loads carried by your computer system’s
power supply might result in unstable power
delivery to each connected device, causing
your computer system to become unstable.
USING THE VERTICAL
STANDS
The supplied vertical stands let you place the
CD rewriter vertically in a narrow space.
Note: We recommend that you place the CD
rewriter’s right side on the stands so the
power indicator on the left side is on top for
clear visibility.
Position both stands flat side up, then place
the CD rewriter vertically on the recess on
the stands.
USING A USB HUB
If all of your computer’s USB ports already
have devices connected to them, you can
use a device called a
USB hub
to connect
additional USB devices (including your CD
rewriter) to your computer.
The USB hub you use must be an active
(self-powered) type. An active USB hub sup-
plies power to each connected device so that
they all work properly with your computer.

9
Operation
 Operation
Note: Follow the instructions in the supplied
MUSICMATCH and Nero recording software
operating guide to copy data and music files.
LOADING A CD
1. Press OPEN/CLOSE on the front of the
CD rewriter. The CD tray pops out auto-
matically.
2. Load the CD in the CD tray with the
label side up.
3. Press OPEN/CLOSE again or slightly
push the front of the CD tray to close it.
UNLOADING A CD
1. Press OPEN/CLOSE on the front of the
CD rewriter. The CD tray pops out auto-
matically.
2. Remove the CD from the CD tray.
3. Press OPEN/CLOSE again or slightly
push the front of the CD tray to close it.
Emergency Eject
If the CD tray does not eject automatically af-
ter you press OPEN/CLOSE, follow these
steps to manually pull out the tray.
1. Turn off the CD rewriter.
2. Insert an object such as a straightened
paper clip into the emergency eject hole.
The CD tray ejects partially.
3. Gently pull out the CD tray.
 Troubleshooting
If your CD rewriter is not working as it
should, these suggestions might help you
eliminate the problem. If the CD rewriter still
does not operate properly, take it to your lo-
cal RadioShack store for assistance.
The CD rewriter’s icon does not appear in
My Computer or Windows Explorer.
• If you cannot find the CD rewriter’s icon
in Windows Explorer, restart your com-
puter, or shut it down and then turn it on
again.
• Make sure each connected device in
your computer has power. To check if
the CD rewriter is receiving power, make
sure the power indicator is lit or press
OPEN/CLOSE and make sure the CD tray
opens and closes.
• Disconnect then reconnect the CD re-
writer’s AC power cord.
• Make sure the CD rewriter is securely
plugged into your computer’s USB port.
I can’t tell which icon is the CD rewriter’s
icon.
Double-click My Computer, right-click the
icon you want to check, then select Eject.
The selected drive’s tray opens.
The CD rewriter cannot read an installed
CD, or an error message appears when I
double-click the CD rewriter’s icon.
• The CD might be loaded upside down or
off-center. Reload the CD with its label
side up and make sure it is loaded in the
center of the tray.

10 Troubleshooting
• When you load a CD, DISC IN flashes
as the CD rewriter reads the information
on the CD. When it finishes reading the
information, DISC IN stops flashing and
turns green.
• If the disk you loaded is blank, copy in-
formation to it then try again.
An error message containing the words
“buffer under-run” appears.
Buffer under-run is caused by interruption of
the data flow between the CD rewriter and
your computer. Follow these steps to help
prevent buffer under-run:
• Your hard disk might be too fragmented.
Run your computer’s disk defragmenter.
• There might not be enough space in a
temporary directory. Delete unneeded
files from your hard disk.
• Your hard disk might be too slow. Try a
faster hard disk.
• Your hard disk might be compressed.
We do not recommend using the CD
rewriter with a compressed hard disk or
disk partition.
• Some types of older hard disks might
have “dumb” thermal calibration. The
CD rewriter does not work with dumb
thermal calibration.
• You might be using software that does
not support your CD rewriter’s Write-
Safe technology. Check with your local
RadioShack store or the Internet for
software updates.
My mouse was not detected by my com-
puter.
• Make sure the mouse is securely
plugged into your computer’s USB port.
• Check if your computer’s USB port is
working properly. If it is not, contact your
PC manufacturer’s technical support.
• Check the version of your operating sys-
tem. If you are not running Windows 98
SE or later, Windows 2000, or Windows
ME, update your operating system so
the USB device can be enabled.
• Make sure the USB port was enabled in
the BIOS setup.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What are ‘ripping’ and ‘burning?’
The process where you convert audio from
one format (such as CD audio) to another
(such as MP3) is called
ripping
. The MUSIC-
MATCH software supplied with your CD re-
writer includes all the tools you need to rip,
organize, and play your MP3 audio collec-
tion.
The process where you transfer files from
your PC to a CD-R or CD-RW drive is called
burning
. The Nero software supplied with
your CD rewriter lets you easily burn back-
ups of your important data, burn collections
of files such as digital photos for long-term
storage, or copy CD's for safekeeping.
The CD rewriter transfers data too slowly.
What can I do to speed it up?
• In some cases, setting your hard disk’s
read-ahead optimization setting to None
might speed up the rate at which the CD
rewriter transfers data. Follow these
steps to adjust your hard disk’s read-
ahead optimization.
1. From the Start Menu, click on Settings
then click on Control Panel.
2. Double-click on System, click on Per-
formance, then click on File System...
under
Advanced settings
.
3. Slide Read-ahead optimization to
None.

11
Troubleshooting
• You might be trying to record data using
a network or from the Internet. We do
not recommend using the CD rewriter to
record data from a network or from the
Internet, as the network’s bandwidth
might not be sufficient. Copy files you
want to use to your local hard disk in-
stead.
• You might be trying to record too many
small files, damaged source files, or files
already in use by your computer or other
applications. If your data includes more
than 10,000 very small files, create a
disk image first, or record at a slower
speed.
• You might be trying to copy from a CD
that is scratched, dirty, or damaged.
• It might be necessary to write audio at
slower speed than those you can
achieve for data, since writing CD-DA
audio requires streaming more bits per
second to the recorder.
• Try recording at a lower speed. It takes
longer to empty the buffer when record-
ing at a lower speed.
• Keep the CDs, the CD rewriter, and your
CD-ROM drive free of dust.
• Close all other application programs.
• Disable the screen saver and anti-virus
programs.
• Disable power management or delay the
power saving time.
• Do not allow CD-R or CD-RW media to
overheat.
• Try a different brand of CD-R or CD-RW
media.
I cannot copy from one CD to another.
• Some CD-ROM disks do not let you di-
rectly copy files to the CD rewriter or are
incapable of digital audio extraction. Try
another brand of disk.
• Make sure you have a CD-ROM drive in-
stalled on your computer. You must have
a CD-ROM drive installed to copy files
from it.
• Some CD disks might have copy protec-
tions or other features that do not allow
a CD-to-CD copy.
The quality of recorded audio is poor.
• Make sure the audio cable is connected
between your sound card and the CD re-
writer or CD-ROM.
• Make sure that you do not have any
sound-muting feature turned on through
your monitor or software.
• Try playing .wav files already on your
hard disk to see if they sound poor be-
fore you copy them to a CD.
I cannot see a second session reading
from a CD-ROM drive.
• Eject the CD and reload it.
• Refresh the screen by selecting My
Computer in Windows Explorer then
pressing F5.
• Make sure your CD-ROM drive can read
CD-RW disks. CD-RW disks can be
used only in your CD rewriter or in newer
multiread CD-ROM drives.
I cannot see the CD label or all files on the
CD within Windows Explorer.
• Refresh the screen by selecting My
Computer in Windows Explorer then
pressing F5.
One of my programs cannot locate the CD
in the CD rewriter.
• Some programs can only locate the first
logical drive letter assigned to a CD-
ROM or a CD rewriter. For example, if
your CD-ROM drive is assigned to drive
D: and your CD rewriter is assigned to
drive E:, the program will locate drive D:
but not drive E:. You must assign the
same drive letter to both your CD-ROM
and CD rewriter.

25-3052
06A01
Printed in Malaysia
RadioShack Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
To do this in Windows, right click My
Computer, click Properties, open
Device Manager and double-click the
icon for the CD-ROM drive, then click
Setting. Under Reserved drive letters,
select the drive letter
after
the existing
letter (for both the start and end drive
letter) then click OK. Then double-click
the CD rewriter icon and click Setting.
Under Reserved drive letters, select
the drive letter
before
the current one
then click OK.
CARE
Keep the CD rewriter dry; if it gets wet, wipe
it dry immediately. Use and store the CD re-
writer only in normal temperature environ-
ments. Handle the CD rewriter carefully; do
not drop it. Keep the CD rewriter away from
dust and dirt, and wipe it with a damp cloth
occasionally to keep it looking new.
Modifying or tampering with the CD rewriter’s
internal components can cause a malfunc-
tion and might invalidate its warranty. If your
CD rewriter is not performing as it should,
take it to your local RadioShack store for as-
sistance.
Most potential problems with your CD rewrit-
er can be avoided if you keep the CD disks
you use with the CD rewriter clean. Use a
lens-cleaning cloth to gently wipe away dust
on the disk surface. Rough movement
scratches the CD.
Limited One-Year Warranty
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship under normal
use for one (1) year from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-owned stores and authorized RadioShack
franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES
AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTIC-
ULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES
CONTAINED HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RESPON-
SIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LIABILITY, LOSS OR
DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING
OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING
FROM INCONVENIENCE, LOSS OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPE-
CIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POS-
SIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack sales receipt as
proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, unless otherwise provided by law: (a)
correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same
or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is
made, become the property of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the perfor-
mance of warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the original
warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the expiration of the war-
ranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse, accident, mis-
use, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or maintenance, alteration, light-
ning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs other than those provided by a RadioShack
Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation,
shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations, 200 Taylor Street, 6th Floor, Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell
12/99