When I load a DVD, CDR or external hard disk the dialog box does not appear asking what do I want to do.

The Wizard does not recognize any CD in drive E when I try to copy files to the disk ?

I have been away from home for a couple of months and my PC has been in some use by other family members

but I do not see any changes to the PC that could account for this problem.

Any help welcome

When I load a DVD, CDR or external hard disk the dialog box does not appear asking what do I want to do.

I assume you mean the autorun dialog? If so your family member has probably disabled it. What OS are you running?

The Wizard does not recognize any CD in drive E when I try to copy files to the disk ?

What wizard? Windows OS or some other software? Are you sure that the coffee cup holder is all the way in and that you are using a writable disk? More to the fact are you sure the E drive still refers to your CD writer?

OS is Windows XP and I have tried several disks in drive E non of which are recognized

try this :

1. Double click on the My Computer icon on your Desktop until it opens.
   
2. Then gently click on your CD / DVD Rom Drive just until it becomes highlighted.
   
3. Then click on the word File, which is contained in your top tool bar area.
   
4. This will pull down a menu for you to now click on Properties.
   
5. Then click on the Auto Play tab at the top of the screen.
   
6. You can adjust settings for Music CDs, Music Files, Pictures, Video Files and Mixed Content.
   
7. Now select a multimedia types by using the pull down arrow to the right with your mouse.
   
8. Then for each multimedia type, use your mouse to encircle the Select an action to perform: option.
   
9. To disable that multimedia type, click on the Take no action icon at the bottom of the screen.
   
10. Now click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen to save your changes.
    
11. Continue in the above fashion for each multimedia type, choosing the Take no action option.
    
12. And ensure that you click on the Apply button at the bottom of the screen to save your changes.
    
13. Once all options have been set, then click on OK button to exit the CD Drive Properties window.
    
14. Repeat the above procedure on any additional CD Rom Drives you have in your system.
    
15. Note: If you feel you have made a mistake, you can click on the Restore Defaults icon at any time.
    

Still not sure what you mean by the 2wizard" when you are trying to copy files to a CD - can you be more specific.

Hello dsys, I can get as far as step 5 but there is no Auto Play tab to click.

I want to restore the Auto run dialog box and copy files to a CD but the CD writing wizard keeps saying there is no disk in drive E, I have tried several disks and none are recognized.

your reply was most welcome,

thanks for your help