DVD-RW - how do rewrite to them?

Question

Hi I put some stuff on a dvd-rw and attempted to overwrite it and it didn't work. So I erased the contents on the disc and attempted to write to it and it still doesn't work.

So what do I need to do? I saw something to format the disc but it also says it reduces the space on the disc. Is this what I have to do anyway? or am I missing something else?

The disc I'm using is Datawrite 2xDVD-RW with a standard samsung writer that comes on a Dell machine.

Whilest on the subject can normal dvd-r's be formated and used again?

Thanx.

Answer 1

DVD-R (Recordable) cannot be re-written to
DVD-RW (Re-Writeable) can be continuously written to as long as the disc isn't 'closed'. Once it's closed, you can only re-write to it after formatting and removing the current data.

*IRT Mortis

Re-writeable media, when formatted, does not become a 'pseudo hard-drive' that can be dragged and dropped to. The only reason drag n' drop is allowed is through the IMAPI CD Burning COM Service, which can and should be disabled to free up resources as it is unnecessary.

In that case - third-party burning apps need to be used. They provide more stability and options during the burn process.

Answer 2

When you format a DVD-RW or a CD-RW you are making the disk into a sudo hard drive that you can drag and drop diles to it without having to run an individual burning software, that is why you lose some storage space. DVD-R's cannot be erased or formated to write to again, once they are written to, they are done.

Answer 3

DVD-RW can be treated just like a floppy disk you can add files delete file and format the disk.
If the disk is new you'll need to format it so you can use it like a floppy.
If your having problems with the disk format it it doesn't reduce space it just rebuilds the file structure ready for files to be added if you're getting a warning of reduced disk space you may have a faulty disk and any damage areas won't be written to after the format

Answer 4

If you are using "Sonic" to write to the disc you must right click on the disc and format even if you know that there is nothing on the disc I found this program quite temperamental, at times, always when I am tired.

Answer 5

You just re-write, by formatting the DVD RW and then put the data you would like on there? Very simple

Answer 6

To use RW in the same way as a floppy disk, you need packet writing software like Roxio/DirectCD or Nero/InCD.

Answer 7

Hey according to me the data should be written. But for your case I suggest that you try burning it through other burner softwares, or on some other computer, coz sometimes we have a problem in our own pc, & we get weired to find out where are we going wrong.

Answer 8

there must be some kind of prob in dvd .but u cant format dvd r.

Answer 9

just format the disc and you can use it again.