Samsung DVD-R155 DVD recorder. Plays DVDs but when I try to load a blank DVD-R a "system error" message comes up on the screen, the machine freezes and has to be unplugged

If you can afford it purchase a TIVO. I had a a video and dvd player and it drove me mad. This unit records 2 programs at once with just the press of a button.
you can watch tv at the same time. Also you can rewind situations on live tv to watch it again. Top unit. I am 73 and I have no problem using it. Love it!

Are you loading to play or to record?
Commercial DVDs should play.
DVDs for recording may not be recognized by your drive. First make sure that the disc is blank. You must insert a blank disc of the proper format: DVD-R or RW, DVD+R or RW. Even with the proper format, some brands may not behave the same way as other brands.

Sounds like a bad pick up assy (Laser)

I just checked the support site on Samsung.com. There have been two firmware upgrades issued on this product.

Click on this link for instructions and downloads

I have just copied a video to a dvd on my samsung dvd-vr355 and finialised the disc with a title now it will not play any disc,even if it is. shop bought, just says loading then the dvd opens to reject the disc. please help

just try to load the dvd disc.and see if it is reading..

Check to see what format you are able to play on you Laptop
Sometimes they only work on some formats. Also make sure you are not recording in progressive scan

Heating issue. If you remove the cover and touch the processor chip - you will not be able to keep your finger there for more than a second (that is if your really want to use this crude method to test the temp).

I have taken measurement and its around 50C. Thats a lot for no heatsink or cooling fan.

If you have the unit in a cabinet with no air flow - you will not be able to use this unit for more than 3 months and up to a year. Best to have it on top of a cabinet or in one with an open front and back to allow some airflow - or just anywhere where its in the open.

Samsung has another unit - the AR650, which I believe is discontinued - which for some strange reason has realized this concern. My guess its a whole different team of designers (or at least some folks with some brains) and added a cooling fan into the unit. Its the same exact case and motherboard as the 135, and 155. There are absolutely no issues with it rejecting disc's - even after a year of use for some users.

In Summary:

Solution 1 - Place it in the open
Solution 2 - Remove case and drill holes to the topside
Solution 3 - Remove case and add a fan
Solution 4 - Remove case and add a heatsink over proc (will still need to drill holes over heatsink..
Solution 5 - We can all complain to Samsung and have them recall the units

I have a JVC DR-MH50 DVD/HD recorder and it will only record on DVD-R or DVD-RW not DVD+R or +RW. so check your format of disk you are trying to record on it may be as simple as that.