how do I change my dvd region code

I keep trying to download dvd playing software onto my computer, but it wont play dvds and pops up saying that my computer dvd region code is set to the wrong code, then when i try to change it I cant.



any ideas anyone?

The problem there may likely be the program's own regoin namely the region it was meant to be used in. For marketing in different locations drives will often be from one production line or another mainly for wholesale distribution and media standards. If the drive if for the US and Canada the program is likely intended for use elsewhere and not for either. This is mostly a software problem where the program has limits over one that would see a more universal format.

I found its best to have 2 DVD drives

1 for UK region and 1 for the USA region.

The only information found pertaining to drives themselves was the abstract seen here.

Abstract


A digital versatile disc (DVD) drive has a first memory for storing a region code and a source code, and a second memory for [COLOR=blue! important][COLOR=blue! important]storing [COLOR=blue! important]data[/color][/color][/color] temporarily. The method for changing the region code of the digital versatile disc drive comprises storing the source code in the second memory, and changing the region code in the first memory according to the source code stored in the second memory. The method and apparatus is capable of changing the region code of the digital versatile disc drive. http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6788632.html

That would be likened to flashing the bios eprom chip on a board there since the firmware is already set for the predetermined region. One thing to try would be a free player like Superdvd that's not tied down to any one region by code. These owuld be older more basic players in that regard.

Have you tried various freeware sites? You may be getting shareware trial versions and not totally free players seeing a lock to one region. The AVS dvd player is free at http://www.avsmedia.com/DVDPlayer/index.aspx

How did you try to change it, right click on the drive in my computer- click properties- click hardware- pick the drive, click properties- click the DVD region. You only have so many times you can pick a region.

(I dont know a whole lot about computers)....I was thinking that the problem lay with my actual dvd drive? I sent it to be mended a few months back and I've found it has been stuck in region 1 ever since, then when I upload software with which I can play dvds, it says the dvd is not compatible with my dvd player region code.



any one know how to change my computer dvd drive'sregion setting?

One tutorial with illusstrations shows a global map with screen shots on how to change the settings can be seen at http://www.mvps.org/marksxp/WindowsX...ns/regions.php That's seen at Mark Salloway's Windows XP Resource Center there.

so where and how do I access the options or control options for my dvd drive? is it in control panel?

The third freeware seen at the link above DVD Genie 4.10 will automatically adjust that by software rather then fuss with settings in the Control Panel or right clicking as such on a drive's item found in the device manage ro bring up the properties. You will see that option right under the one for setting the default media player.

Which versions of Windows are you running there XP or Vista? There are differences in settings seen when right clicking on the drive's icon to get into the properties in order to make any changes there. The freeware there seems like the easier method if it works out for you there. The Mark Salloway recommendations are usually reliable.

if you cant find any other solution, what you could do is use the software "dvd shrink" to play dvds. i use it to burn regular DVDs down to the standard 4.7GB blank dvds that you buy. i think you can even shrink it down to fit on a regular CD! anyways, the program lets you choose regions when you burn it or take off any other restrictions. i ususally take out all the other languages and extra stuff on the dvd with the program also.