I used to be able to copy files to CDs on my CD/DVD writer in Win XP Home, by using drag-and-drop in Windows Explorer. Suddenly it has ceased to work, telling me that the files on the CD (even if it is a blank one) are read-only. However, I can still successfully copy files to CDs (and DVDs) using "RecordNow! CD & DVD recorder", with results that can be read on another computer. Has anyone any ideas on what I can do to persuade WE to work the way it used to, please?

   My suspicion would be with RecordNow or any other CD/DVD recording software that you installed around that time.  Many times CD/DVD recording software replaces the Windows driver with their own which allows their software to work properly, but it cripples Windows recording process.  If RecordNow was not WinXP compliant, that would explain it all even better, but even if it were WinXP compliant there could still be problems.  I would suggest looking on RecordNow's website and see if they have a WinXP update for their drivers.  If you suspect RecordNow, you could give them a call and see what they suggest.

Thanks Ray for your suggestion. I received RecordNow bundled with my computer, so it was already installed when I bought the machine. I tried contacting Sonic and found I needed to register my copy, but the system prevented me from doing so, so I have sent them an email on the subject, explaining the problem and the inability to register. Now I wait to see if they will respond....

   If it worked when RecordNow was on your computer, that must not be the problem.  Maybe some other program messed it up.  You need to think about what you installed or did before it started messing up.  That is usually the best way to figure out what caused the problem.

Sorry not to have responded sooner. My computer developed a terminal illness, which may explain the problem I reported. I have now obtained a new PC which does not have RecordNow pre-installed, but it does have Sonic's MyDVD Plus, which I have used to copy files to a CD, after which normal drag-and-drop still works OK. So my problem has gone away, though I guess I shall never know for sure what caused it. Anyway, thanks very much for trying for me - much appreciated.

I have experienced the same problem, although I do not have "RecordNow" on my computer; but I do some of 'SONIC'S" software on my computer.    OOP, I do have Sonic's MyDVD Plus, now I'll backtrack to see when I put it on the computer and when "Drag-and-drop" stopped working.