Considering the Nero Burning ROM logo is an image of the Coliseum in flames; maybe it has been naive to ever put so much stock in this application. Having said that, Nero’s CD/DVD burners have been the gold standard in burning software for several years now.

 

 Nero 7 Wizard

 

All that, however, was called into question lately as I worked through technical issues setting up Nero 7. If you are like any of the many Nero users I have spoke with, the answer is always the same – “everything was running great on my system with Nero 6, but then I loaded the new Nero 7 and everything went to hell in a hand basket!”

 

So what has changed in this new version of the venerable, rock solid package. To start with Nero 7 makes me wonder if I purchased a CD/DVD burner or a full featured Video/Audio editor, player suite? Ahead (the makers of Nero) have gone crazy with adding a true “SuperSized Suite” of multimedia functionality. I for one am not convinced that all this integration is a positive thing, as it adds considerable complexity to a formerly simplistic package. I just need to burn a disc!

 

But all the new functionality aside, most users complaints have centered around how invasive the new install of Nero 7 is, and that its subsequent uninstall is next to impossible. Such an uninstall became necessary due to system instabilities encountered in early releases of 7.X. And the uninstall is ugly! We’re talking hand cleaning the registry.

 

Things looking Up? Version 7.7.5.1 to the Rescue!

 

So having successfully rid myself of Nero 7 a few months back, I re-installed my limited OEM copy of version 6 and all was good again. But with practically everything not working right under Vista, and some rave reviews about the Nero 7 Ultra capabilities I figured it was time to give it a try once more.

 

After doing some research it appeared that the most current version (7.7.5.1 as of this writing) was supposedly Vista compatible, so I grabbed the updated version and started the install.

 

Installation and operation of Version 7.7.5.1 has been smooth on both my Vista and XP test systems, without the incompatibilities I had witnessed in previous builds of Nero 7. Burning ISO and previous version NRG files has worked without a hitch.

 

I am anxious to test Nero’s support for BIN and CUE formats, as these previously required the use of Alcohol 120, and it would be nice use Nero on my Vista machines (Alcohol has been a bit flaky on Vista, looks like they still need to do some compatibility work.)

 

All and all Nero 7.7.5.1 appears to have turned the corner on instability issues and with good Vista compatibility I’m changing my opinion of this Uber feature laden burner. It’s nice to have a happy ending in the world of upgrades.