A: The LightScribe System Software links the drive firmware with the Labeling software application. It coordinates the functions among the different drives and media combinations to ensure the best LightScribe labeling experience.

A: LSS updates are released regularly to accommodate the ever increasing number of products being introduced by optical drive and disc manufacturers. Typically, when the LSS doesn't recognize your hardware or discs, it will automatically alert and guide you to update your LSS. If your version of LSS already supports your drive and CDs/DVDs, then the latest version of LSS may not necessarily add any functionality to your system. In some of these cases, the hardware manufacture may elect to post only the most recent version that applies, and these can actually be multiple revisions old.

A: Optical drives and media from the different manufactures perform very differently and require calibration to perform consistently and at their best. One function of the LightScribe System Software is to provide these critical calibration values derived from extensive testing. The LightScribe System Software has the capability to prompt the user for an update when it recognizes any new media.

A:

• Your Product Provider should have updates to best support your installation, but universal versions are also available in our Downloads section for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.
• Download the update file to a local temporary folder on your computer that you can easily identify and locate later.
• Run the download file by either clicking “Run” after the download, or finding the downloaded file in the directory and running the update file (either double click or right click and “open”).
• Follow any directions that may pop up in message boxes,including the need to reboot.
• On typical systems, the update process should take no more than 2-3 minutes.
• You may safely delete the downloaded update file after the successful completion of the LightScribe System Software update.

A: For Windows installations, the best way is to activate and click on the Control panel icon. This is installed with the LightScribe System Software. You may also use the Diagnostics Utility. For other operating systems or if you don't have the Control Panel installed, all Labeling Software can also display the installed LSS version. Here are some examples for some popular labeling applications:

SURETHING LABELER
Open SureThing/ Select Files/ Print/ Diagnostics/. You should get a pop-up that displays:
Driver version: (LightScribe System Software version)

NERO LABELER
Open Nero and then open the Nero Cover Designer, as if you were going to create a label. On the toolbar select Help/ About LightScribe. You should get a pop-up that displays:
Driver version: (LightScribe System Software version)

SONIC EXPRESS LABELER
Open your Sonic Express Labeler/ Select Print/ Diagnostics/. The following information should be displayed:
Driver version: (LightScribe System Software version)

LaCie LIGHTSCRIBE LABELER
Open the LaCie LightScribe Labeler. On the toolbar, select Lacie LightScribe Labeler/ About LightScribe Labeler/. The LightScribe System Software version number is displayed in the lower left corner

A: For Windows installations, the best way is to use the Diagnostics Utility. Just click on "View", "Advanced View", then click on "Scan for Drives."

You can also use your labeling application to verify the drive firmware. Here are some examples for some popular labeling applications:

SURETHING LABELER
Open SureThing/ Select Files/ Print/ Diagnostics/. You should get a pop-up that displays:
Drive Product Number: (Firmware version)

NERO LABELER
Open Nero and then open the Nero Cover Designer, as if you were going to create a label. On the toolbar select Help/ About LightScribe. You should get a pop-up that displays:
Drive Firmware version: (Firmware version)

SONIC EXPRESS LABELER
Open your Sonic Express Labeler/ Select Print/ Diagnostics/. The following information should be displayed:
Drive Product: (Firmware version)

LaCie LIGHTSCRIBE LABELER
Open the LaCie LightScribe Labeler. On the toolbar, select File/Print on Disc/Drive Info/ Drive String.
Drive String: (Firmware version)

A: Generic printing uses a set of standard non-optimized printing parameters. The user can select this and continue printing when new media is detected, and perform the required LightScribe System Software update later at a more convenient time.

A: Since your hardware or software provider would have the best knowledge of your system, they should be your primary source of software updates. If the Labeling application update button does not bring you to the appropriate download page, you may need to search for the update by your hardware product name or model number at their support page. Universal versions are available in our Downloads section for Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.

A: If your LightScribe media has been released with new capabilities since the manufacture of your optical disc drive, the software will automatically guide you through the update process or direct you to a website for additional information.

A: The difference in appearance of labeled LightScribe DVDs and CDs stems from the difference in how CDs and DVDs are made in general. DVDs have a second plastic layer, which CDs don't have, that creates a kind of “plastic sandwich” around the reflective layer on which data is burned. This additional plastic layer separates the reflective layer from the LightScribe coating on the surface of the disc. When you look at a labeled LightScribe DVD, you are seeing through that additional plastic layer, which creates a three-dimensional effect. In our testing, we have found that many people think the dynamic appearance of LightScribe-labeled DVDs is especially suited to media which store videos and creative content.

A: Sustained exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided, both to prevent damage to the data side of the disc and possible fading of the label image. The image will fade under direct sunlight, but the rate will depend on the light's intensity and exposure time.

A: Due to the many possible system configurations, exact cause of download problems are difficult to identify. However, here are some potential fixes that have helped.

• Windows Internet Explorer browser security setting preventing file downloads or executing downloaded files. In some cases, note the alert bar below the address bar on your browser for indications of the download being blocked. Right click and chose option to allow download of the file.
• In some cases, anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-pop up, or other utilities may interfere with the download and installation of the LightScribe System software update. You may try temporally disabling these or allow the download and execution of the update file through the software. Just remember to re-enable them when your update is completed successfully.
• You do not have administrator privileges on your computer. If your computer is maintained through a corporate IT system, you may not be able to install or change system-level files on your computer. In those cases, please check with your IT department.
• Your computer is behind a firewall. If your computer is maintained through a corporate IT system or have installed stand alone firewall programs, these may prevent the download and execution of the LightScribe System Software. You may need to check with your IT department or temporarily change your firewall settings.

A: Currently LaCie is the only Licensee providing a complete Mac solution with hardware and software; please go to the LaCie support site for their current updates.

LaCie

1. The website www.lacie.com/lightscribe will have the latest System Software Download.
2. Firmware or labeling software updates that may be available through their download site:
   www.lacie.com/support/drivers/index.htm
   • From the “Choose a product family” dropdown, select DVD

SmileOnMy Mac

1. Go to the website smileonmymac.com
2. Click on Support
3. Look for support on “disclabel”

Please also see our Downloads section for available updates and downloads.

A: Although extensive testing is done on all download content hosted on Lightscribe.com, they may not have been specifically tested with your exact hardware and software installations. Your product provider will have the best knowledge of your exact installation details and can provide validated solutions.

A: Since your hardware and software provider have the best knowledge of the LightScribe product you purchased, we recommend you contact your hardware or software supplier for any non-system software related support needed. For System Software or general LightScribe questions, please log a request here.

A: The white powder you may see on some labeled discs results from crystallization of the label-side coating. It is not harmful and can easily be removed with a water-dampened cloth. Wiping the disc with a damp cloth will not harm the label.

A: Download and Save the latest version of the LightScribe System Software from our website. This current version allows you to uninstall the LightScribe System Software through the Windows control panel using Add/Remove programs. This process was not available on previous versions and required a separate uninstall utility that is no longer available.

• Double click the downloaded file “LS_Update_X.XX.exe” to install the latest update.
• Select START, Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs. From the Currently installed programs list, select the LightScribe System Software and click Remove. After the uninstall process is completed, reboot your system.
• Any other labeling applications that you do not require can be removed through the Windows control panel using Add/Remove programs.
  For other installations, please log a Help Request, and our support staff will assist you.