CD-RW only works once

[SF]

I have a Sony re-writable CD. When I put in a blank CD, I can write all
kinds of data to it using the WinXP wizard. But if I take it out and put it
back, I cannot add any files. Is this normal? How do I get around this? The
salesman said the CD-RW unit worked like a big floppy. But I beg to differ.
Do I have to erase the whole thing and reload everything that was on it
originally (while adding the one small extra file?).

 

[CWatters]

I have a Sony re-writable CD. When I put in a blank CD, I can write all
kinds of data to it using the WinXP wizard. But if I take it out and put it
back, I cannot add any files. Is this normal? How do I get around this? The
salesman said the CD-RW unit worked like a big floppy.

Only if you format them correctly. Otherwise they can behave like CDR.

What burning programs do you have?

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Yes, this is normal, unless you have software like InCD or Direct CD installed. XP does not natively support packet writing.

 

[SF]

I have not used any special writing program.
I just open the E:\ (which is the CD-RW) folder window and then I just
drag the files to the E:\ folder window (in WinXP) and then, after the
files appear in the holding place at the top of the window, I click "Write
these files to CD".
When the wizard pops up it says "CD software developed under license from
Roxio" but this is all being handled under the WinXP software (I believe).
It works fine every time I put in a blank disk.
The help file does not give instructions for adding files to a disk with
data already on it.
The help file always says "Put a blank disk in the drive" before it
describes anything.

 

[SF]

Well, I'll be $%*#-ed.
Okay. Thanks.


Yes, this is normal, unless you have software like InCD or Direct CD
installed. XP does not natively support packet writing.

 

[David Candy]

That's because most computers (95/98 etc) won't read a disk like that.

 

[Harry Ohrn]

XP's native CD Writing wizard is supposed to do multisession writing until
the disc is full. At that point no more data can be written to it. It treats
CD-R/W discs in the same way it treats CD-R discs.

Read the info about CD Writing in XP at the late Alex Nichol's page here
http://www.aumha.org/a/xpcd.htm
I have more info here http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/cdr_info.htm

 

[SF]

EXCELLENT!!
Wonderful sites. Thanks. Now I understand everything.

XP's native CD Writing wizard is supposed to do multisession writing until
the disc is full. At that point no more data can be written to it. It
treats CD-R/W discs in the same way it treats CD-R discs.

Read the info about CD Writing in XP at the late Alex Nichol's page here
http://www.aumha.org/a/xpcd.htm
I have more info here http://www.webtree.ca/windowsxp/cdr_info.htm

--

Harry Ohrn MS-MVP [Shell/User]
www.webtree.ca/windowsxp

I have a Sony re-writable CD. When I put in a blank CD, I can write all
kinds of data to it using the WinXP wizard. But if I take it out and put
it back, I cannot add any files. Is this normal? How do I get around this?
The salesman said the CD-RW unit worked like a big floppy. But I beg to
differ.
Do I have to erase the whole thing and reload everything that was on it
originally (while adding the one small extra file?).