Sometimes, there are difficulties with laptop units due to the constraints of the hardware/operating system required for mobility. Basic entry level laptops are not a replacement for desk top systems. They are subject to heat restraints forcing them to use cooler running chip sets, CD burners and usually lesser quality audio and graphics cards. If you are considering purchasing any computer and especially a laptop, please buy the best you can afford not the special sale item. Look for quality CD burners and high end gaming audio and graphic cards.

Any high end laboratory software program like our Voice Analysis Hydration System (VAHS) is math driven and utilizes high number crunching. High end chips sets like P4's etc work best.

Gaming computers with good CD burners and sound cards should also be considered.

Be sure to plug in the laptop and change the power mode to maximum power when using the Voice Analysis Hydration System. There have been reports where the laptop has gone into the hibernation mode while burning a CD. You want to make sure the power system remains constant and the laptop remains on during the complete session. Go to your computer CONTROL PANNEL and change the default power settings to maximum and turn off screen and drive timers.

CD burning and other possible problems
Make sure the computer has a minimum of 512MB of Ram or more for XP and at least 2 gig for Vista You have only to watch the TV adds to realize that VISTA has operating problems. We have had a few complaints concerning CD burning problems. A quick Google search concerning Vista CD problems will reveal a host of information. Our VAHS system is a plug and play design. This means our code is complete and relies on the computers operating system to complete the various tasks.

When you purchase a new computer very few sellers take the time to bring your computer's drivers up to date. Their default Vista install does not include the latest drivers that came out after problems were discovered. The newer sound drivers fix the unreliable burning problems.

We are working with an expert to compile a link for downloading driver upgrades. His personal advise is to select HP or Dell as these companies have direct access on their web sites for downloading the necessary driver. Toshiba, Sony etc. are not as user friendly. Please continue to check back to this site for possible upgrades.

Our software uses the burning features built into the Microsoft Windows XP and Vista operating system and has been extensively tested on multiple configurations.

Some burner problems have been due to drivers needing to be updated? Using the wrong kind of CD, do not use a DVD? Not putting a CD in the burner before starting the program? If using a Laptop you must change the power settings to max so it does not go into sleep mode during the process?

When I click on "select burner" the drop down window is blank
There can only be a couple of problems when you click on the burner and the drop down menu is blank.

1. You did not put a CD-R in the CD drive before starting the program so the burner is not recognized.
2. A common problem is not using a proper or quality CD-R. We have customer pre-labeled, blank, high quality empowerment CD's available on vahsworld.com
3. Your CD burner need's to be adjusted, drawer problem or the CD-R is not being inserted properly in the drawer, the "Photo Eye" needs to be cleaned.
4. Your CD burner driver needs to be updated. (always a good idea to go on-line and check for never drivers for your CD burner).
Note: CD burners on laptops have light flimsy drawers and have always been a source of problems. Many computer manufactures have been known to install many different models in production runs due to supply and demand.

Hope this helps. The software is working perfectly, it relies on the Windows Operating system to control the CD burner. The problem is with your computer's CD burner. This is a common weakness in Lap Tops. Over heating is another. You will notice that manufactures have added more air holes and in some cases fans. This is why we recommend using Desk Tops because they have more space, have fans and are able to use larger and more rugged parts. Burning a C-R creates alot of heat.

If you are still having problems burning CD-R's try the following in sequential order.

1. Ensure you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2
2. Install any updates from Microsoft.
3. Install any updates from your hardware manufacturer.
4. Update any device drivers for your CD-Burner.
5. Remove any other CD-Burning software, especially InCD.