Help with bypassing SonicStage Check-In...Heeeelp!

[djonathang]

Hello All,

Just found this forum after years of frustrations with my N707. I'm amidst one of those computer "Ugh" moments. Lots of time spent repeating the same actions, but no success.

Here's my situation:

I would like to burn songs, books, etc. to my N707. I'd like to do this without going through the check-in/check-out process required by SonicStage. Also, a good deal of my music is not on CD, so MD Simple Burner is not sufficient.

I came across SimplerMD, and installed it. Reading the instructions, I have also installed SonicStage and MD SimpleBurner. I have followed the instructions to the letter (many times!), yet no success. I created a Audio1.NRA file, and made all of the appropriate settings on SimplerMD to match the instructions found on the documentations for Simpler MD:

Full path to empty Nero audio project - Audio1.nra

Temp folder for Nero CD image - C:\

Full path to ImageDrive program - NetMDSB.exe

When I attempt to burn to my N707 through Simpler MD (All other applications closed, and no cd in the cd drive), I see the following progression on the window header:

Starting

Ejecting Image

Tedleting Temperary Image

Starting Simple Burner

Erasing MiniDisc - Nothing Happens

Closing Simple Burner

Starting Nero

That's it, I'm returned to the SimplerMD window, ready to add files, but no success on the transfer.

Can someone help?

Thank you.

DG

[bobt]

What vesion of sonicstage do you have, get at least 3.4. and see what a world of difference it makes. The other thing, your 707 is on it's last legs, if you don't have the record head problem, you will. Do yourself a favour and get a Hi-MD unit, an NH-700 won't break the bank and will increase you're pleasure.

Again your biggest improvement will be updating sonicstage.

Good luck

Bob

[Richard]

* Moved to Software Discussion

[djonathang]

Bobt,

I'm working with SonicStage 4.2.02.

In terms of a "world of difference", are you suggesting that the transfer sans check-in/check-out should be taken care of?

As far as record head issues are concerned, no problems yet. Actually, the unit hasn't been used enough (in terms of hours) to pose a problem - yet.

When that time comes (by the impending tone of your post), I'll make the leap to Hi-MD.

Anyway, still searching for help on my initial issue.

Anyone?

DG

[A440]

SonicStage 4.x still has remnants of check-in check-out, but it allows an infinite number of them, so you can transfer anything in My Library to as many discs as you want without checking back in.

You shouldn't have to go the roundabout Nero way any more for music files, but you do still have to import the files to My Library.

What kinds of files are you trying to transfer? .mp3 should be easy--just Import (make sure you are ONLY importing the folder you want to import by un-checking the C: drive in the Import options, or SonicStage will start chewing on every sound file in your computer).

Audio books often have some kind of encryption, and you may still have to use the Nero method with them. Once you have a disc image, you should be able to import that into SonicStage and transfer easily, or just send it with Simple Burner.

Also, check some mechanical things: Make sure the write-protect tab of the MD is completely shut, and try a different USB cord (from a PDA or camera).

I'm working with SonicStage 4.2.02.

[djonathang]

A440,

Thanks for the reply. I have tried two different cables, and have checked the tab on the disc. All is well.

The files are MP3 Audio.

You lost me on this point: (make sure you are ONLY importing the folder you want to import by un-checking the C: drive in the Import options, or SonicStage will start chewing on every sound file in your computer). I couldn't find a place for this choice. I did go to the Options menu as you suggested, but found nothing similar to your description. Can you clarify?

As far a books are concerned, I understand the encryption issue. When you say that I will have to go the Nero route, I'm right back where I started, and thus need help figuring out what isn't working with the Nero process.

One last thing - I'm happy to learn (from you) that I can transfer unlimited times via SonicStage. One issue I come against from time to time is the desire to erase the disc without transferring back into SonicStage. In these cases, the unit display reads "protected". Any way to circumvent that, and simply erase the disc?

Thanks.

DG

[djonathang]

Hello All,

As these discussion strings tend to drift around, I wanted to bring this one back to my primary request +1

Original Issue:

When I attempt to burn to my N707 through Simpler MD (All other applications closed, and no cd in the cd drive), I see the following progression on the window header:

Starting

Ejecting Image

Deleting Temperary Image

Starting Simple Burner

Erasing MiniDisc - Nothing Happens

Closing Simple Burner

Starting Nero

The +1 Issue:

One issue I come against from time to time is the desire to erase the disc without transferring back into SonicStage. In these cases, the unit display reads "TrProtect". Any way to circumvent that, and simply erase the disc? It would be a lot more convenient than having to work through SonicStage.

Thanks for your thoughts, consideration and help.

DG

Edited January 17, 2007 by djonathang

[raintheory]

I've never used SimplerMD myself, but I do know that you can accomplish exactly what it does simply by creating an audio CD image in Nero, mounting it using Nero Imagedrive, and selecting that drive letter in SimpleBurner's options. I can try to explain this process in more detail if you would like.

I also believe that if you use SimpleBurner to transfer the files to MD, you can erase/edit these files (unlike when you transfer via SonicStage).

[A440]

You lost me on this point: (make sure you are ONLY importing the folder you want to import by un-checking the C: drive in the Import options, or SonicStage will start chewing on every sound file in your computer). I couldn't find a place for this choice. I did go to the Options menu as you suggested, but found nothing similar to your description. Can you clarify?

Sorry, I rarely use my MD as a player, so I'm a bit rusty on this stuff.

The importing functions are under File/Import/Scan Files/Settings--at least in 3.4, which is what I'm still using. You're telling SonicStage where to look for music files--and, more important, to leave the rest of your computer alone. Uncheck C: and open up the + signs to direct SonicStage only to the folder you want to add to My Library.

SimplerMD automates two processes: making a virtual CD with Nero and then sending it to MD via Simple Burner. To troubleshoot, why don't you try separating the two processes?

But first, since nothing happens at "Erasing MD," make sure SonicStage is detecting the MD unit. Everything with transfers to the unit runs through SonicStage--even other apps--so the unit has to be detected. Open SonicStage, connect the USB, connect the unit and give it a little time. The unit will say PC-->MD on the unit display once the USB is plugged in--that just means it knows the cord is connected. Click on Transfer and see if the MD unit is in the drop-down menu. The MDAC Repair Tool, in the Downloads section here, may help if the unit isnt being detected by SonicStage.

But let's hope it's detecting the unit, anyway. Disconnect and close SonicStage to free up system resources.

Make the virtual CD by opening Nero and going to Nero Express, and it should say "Which recorder would you like to use?" and the drop-down list should have an Image Recorder with a (virtual) drive letter (mine is G:, but yours may be different). Nero will burn files (from whatever folder/folders you select) to a virtual CD that you can then copy to MD via Simple Burner.

The Protected bit is one of those unfortunate remnants of Check In/Check Out. It was, at the time, a good idea, so that you wouldn't erase your only copy of the track. Now it's pointless, another weird Sony software holdover.

Try raintheory's idea of using Simple Burner instead of SonicStage. Perhaps Simple Burner assumes you own the CDs so erasing the track from the MD wouldn't be a disaster.