How To Enable/Disable Direct Memory Access (DMA) In Windows 7

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Before giving steps to turn ON/OFF DMA, let us explain “What is Direct Memory Access (DMA)”.

DMA is a technology found in devices such as CD/DVD drives and hard drives. DMA capable devices can directly transfer data between Computer Memory (RAM) and themselves, avoiding the need of Processor. Which means you can perform tasks like CD/DVD burning smoothly alongside because CPU will be used for this task.

But sometimes if there is problem with the hardware or drivers, DMA can cause problem and hence failure while burning CD/DVDs. In such troubleshooting cases, you can disable DMA. By default, Windows 7 keeps DMA turned “ON” always. To turn it “OFF” follow these steps:

1. Login to Windows with Administrator Privileges

2. Click “Start” and then “Control Panel”—> “Hardware and Sound”.

3. Click on “Device Manager”. (You can also launch by simply entering “Device Manager” in the Programs search box and hit enter.

Hardware_and_Sound

4. Double-click IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers.

5. In IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers, for each item that has the word Channel in its label, right-click on item, and then click Properties.

ATA_Channel_Device_Manager

6. Click the Advanced Settings tab. Clear “Enable DMA” checkbox, and then click “OK”.

ATA_Channel_DMA_Disable

Published on March 2, 2010
  • Guest

    Hey the only thing that shows up when i hit the drop down for IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers is Intel(R) PCHM SATA AHCI Controller 6 Port and that is it. What do i do?

  • Wtsenators

    This is all fine in good if you actually have a device listed in your ATA Channels…..I have nothing at all therefore cannot enalble DMA in Windows 7….my sound is distorted and this needs to be adjusted.