
PlexCombo 20/10/40-12A Installation and Users Manual
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3. Installing and Using Software
There's one more step before you can begin to use your PlexCombo drive: you need
to install special software on your computer. There are two software types:
•
Device driver: This is a software program that allows your computer to interact
with the PlexCombo drive. Drivers are included in Windows XP, Me, 98, 95, and
2000 that let you operate your PlexCombo as a CD-ROM device (reader). The
device driver is installed automatically by the operating system as long as the
IDE interface is enabled in your system’s motherboard BIOS.
Note that the Windows 95 operating system does not provide embedded support
for the packet writing format, or UDF. This means that in order to actually play
packet-written discs such as DVD discs on a Windows 95-based computer, you’ll
need a separate software program. Installing the CyberLink PowerDVD player
software, included with the Plextor software bundle, will give you this ability.
•
Application software: These are software programs for specific tasks, such as
mastering CDs, backing up your hard disk or files, capturing audio, duplicating
CDs, and more. Some of these applications are supplied with your PlexCombo if
purchased as a kit from Plextor, while others are available from other vendors.
If you have any problems at all, our technical support staff will help you.
Install Device Drivers
In Windows, your PlexCombo 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 PlexCombo.
•
Using the PlexCombo on a PC:
As CD-ROM drive: The computer’s operating system, whether it is
Windows XP, Windows Me, Windows 98, Windows 95, or Windows 2000,
supplies a generic CD-ROM device driver that allows the PlexCombo to
function as a standard CD-ROM drive. You don’t need to install anything
else.
As a DVD-ROM drive: The computer’s operating system (unless it’s
Windows 95) also allows the PlexCombo to function as a DVD-ROM drive.
You don’t need to install anything else to play DVDs.
(In Windows 95, you’ll need additional software to play DVD media. One
example of such software is the CyberLink PowerDVD player software,
included with the Plextor software bundle.)
As a CD-R or CD-RW device: In order to write to CD-R or CD-RW media,
you will need additional software. If you purchased a kit from Plextor,
software is supplied.