HP PLDS DVDRW DU8AESH is an internal, ultra-slim 9.5mm SATA optical drive often found in HP laptops and compact desktops. Firmware updates for this specific model are typically released to improve disc compatibility, system stability, and overall hardware health. Performance Review & Features
Broad Compatibility: The drive supports a wide range of formats, including DVD single/dual layer (PTP, OTP), DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, and various CD formats.
Reliability: Users generally find it to be a "plug-and-play" device that works efficiently for everyday tasks like burning media or installing legacy software.
Hardware Design: Its ultra-slim 9.5mm height makes it an ideal fit for modern thin-profile notebooks. Why Update the Firmware?
System Health: Maintains compatibility with newer versions of Windows and updated BIOS modules.
Fixing Issues: Updates are often recommended if you encounter errors like "Cannot format disks" or if the drive is not recognized by the operating system.
Media Performance: Can improve write speeds and reduce the likelihood of "buffer underrun" errors during disc burning. Potential Issues to Consider DVD RW firmware and HP MyDrive - HP Support Community hp plds dvdrw du8aesh firmware update
To update the firmware for an HP PLDS DVDRW DU8AESH optical drive, you must first identify your specific computer model, as firmware is typically distributed via model-specific "SoftPaqs" rather than a universal drive-only installer. 1. Identify Your System Information Because the
is an OEM drive used across various HP ProDesk, EliteDesk, and Pavilion models, firmware is tied to the PC’s support page. Find Serial/Product Number Windows Key + R , and find the "System Model" or "Product Number". Check Current Firmware Device Manager
, expand "DVD/CD-ROM drives," right-click the PLDS drive, and select Properties Hardware Ids
from the dropdown to see the current version (e.g., a 4-digit code like HP Support Community 2. Locate and Download Firmware Official HP Support - Software and Driver Downloads Enter your Serial Number Product Name (e.g., "ProDesk 400 G7 SFF"). Expand the Optical Drive categories.
Look for a "PLDS Optical Drive Firmware Update." If multiple are listed, match them to the manufacturer name found in your Device Manager. 3. Alternative Troubleshooting (If No Update is Found)
If your drive is malfunctioning (e.g., not reading discs) and no firmware update is available, use these standard HP troubleshooting steps: HP PLDS DVDRW DU8AESH - HP Support Community 2 Apr 2025 — HP PLDS DVDRW DU8AESH is an internal, ultra-slim 9
HP PLDS DVDRW DU8AESH is a standard, ultra-slim internal optical drive commonly found in HP laptops and desktops. Firmware updates for this drive are typically maintenance-focused, aimed at improving media compatibility and overall system stability. Performance & Specs Write Speeds: Supports DVD+R and DVD-R up to 8X, and CD-R/RW up to 24X.
Ultra-slim 9.5mm height, weighing under 140g, built for modern thin notebooks. Interface:
SATA (internal) or sometimes USB 2.0 in external enclosures. Key Feature:
SMART-X technology, which automatically adjusts data extraction speeds based on disk quality. Why Update Your Firmware?
Updating the firmware on this drive is rarely about gaining new features; it is primarily about: Enhanced Media Support:
Ensuring the drive can reliably read and write to newer brands of blank DVD or CD media. Fixing "Obsolete" Alerts: PLDS_DU8AESH_FW_XH7B
Some third-party security software (like Norton) may flag the driver as obsolete, though HP often recommends sticking with the default Windows driver unless a specific hardware fault occurs. OS Compatibility:
Maintaining system health across Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates. HP Support Community User Sentiment
Reviewers and users generally view the drive as a "solid" and "handy" component for adding software or backing up files. However, some note that:
Even with careful execution, errors can occur. Here’s how to handle them.
Inside the extracted folder, look for:
PLDS_DU8AESH_FW_XH7B.exe (or similar name)..bin or .enc firmware file.Before updating, verify your current version:
FWVER or a string like REV: X.XX (e.g., REV: HD20, REV: HD30).After reboot:
1.06).HP stopped releasing firmware updates for many older optical drives around the Windows 7/8 era. If you are running Windows 10 or 11 and the drive works, you likely already have the best compatible driver via Windows Update. If the drive is not working on Windows 10/11, a firmware update is rarely the solution—it is usually a driver issue or hardware failure.