How can I format a CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, or DVD-RW

J

Jeanne

I should like to copy files onto CD-R or CD-RW media, but
they are not recognized because they are not formatted. I
assume that like floppy disks (3.5" diskettes) they DO
need to be formatted, but I'm at a loss how to do it.

Do I need to purchase software that will do this? Or is
there some method included within Windows 2000
professional that can do it?

Also, I should like to start a backup procedure for these
CD's using W2K after they are formatted if possible. Or
do I need to purchase a separate backup program instead?

Thank you for any help you can offer this novice.
 
S

Steve Parry [MVP]

In
Jeanne said:
I should like to copy files onto CD-R or CD-RW media, but
they are not recognized because they are not formatted. I
assume that like floppy disks (3.5" diskettes) they DO
need to be formatted, but I'm at a loss how to do it.

Do I need to purchase software that will do this? Or is
there some method included within Windows 2000
professional that can do it?

Also, I should like to start a backup procedure for these
CD's using W2K after they are formatted if possible. Or
do I need to purchase a separate backup program instead?

Thank you for any help you can offer this novice.

You'll need to install UDF packet writing software on your PC

Such as Nero

http://www.ahead.de/en/631898241930156.html
 
L

Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]

Jeanne said:
I should like to copy files onto CD-R or CD-RW media, but
they are not recognized because they are not formatted. I
assume that like floppy disks (3.5" diskettes) they DO
need to be formatted, but I'm at a loss how to do it.

Do I need to purchase software that will do this? Or is
there some method included within Windows 2000
professional that can do it?

Also, I should like to start a backup procedure for these
CD's using W2K after they are formatted if possible. Or
do I need to purchase a separate backup program instead?

Thank you for any help you can offer this novice.

In addition to Steve's reply, note that packet writing (copying/moving files
to a CDRW in Explorer, etc) can be problematic - sometimes can't read the
contents of the disc on another computer. When burning CDs, I recommend
using the included CD burning software instead.

For backups, I wouldn't use CDs anyway - perhaps an external USB-attached
hard drive would do the trick a lot more easily.
 
W

Walter Donavan

Note also that you cannot format CD-R and DVD-R disks. These are write-once
media.

I highly recommend Nero for all CD-DVD writing. Been using it for years.
 
J

Jeanne

Thank you Steve, I'll look at the website for Nero & start
learning about UDF packet writing software. I'm quite new
to using the Internet, Newsgroups, and searches. Any
tutorials or websites that could help me educate myself?
Appreciate the apt "fumbled, fiddled and fingered..."
 
J

Jeanne

Lanwench - do you mean using the included CD burning
software with W2K? I don't have such a component in the
Professional W2K 5.0.2195 Service pack 4 I have
installed. Or is this feature included in off the shelf
software? Can you recommend or point me to a site that
reviews such type products: ie - burning cds, dvds and
formatting them?

and finally, what/where do I find information on external
USB-attached hard drives? As you might surmise, I am very
new to going online, newsgroups, & using the Internet. My
previous experience didn't venture online so I don't know
terms & methods of research about these things yet. But I
really appreciate your help and patience. Can you point
me to any tutorials or places to pick up such
 
S

Steve Parry [MVP]

In
Jeanne said:
Thank you Steve, I'll look at the website for Nero & start
learning about UDF packet writing software. I'm quite new
to using the Internet, Newsgroups, and searches. Any
tutorials or websites that could help me educate myself?
Appreciate the apt "fumbled, fiddled and fingered..."

The "fumbled, fiddled and fingered" is in my news reader settings and
goes out to all replies :blush:) .... hope it did'nt offend

To be honest getting a good starter book or even consulting the built in
help is good

Start
Help
Contents tab
 
L

Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]

Jeanne said:
Lanwench - do you mean using the included CD burning
software with W2K? I don't have such a component in the
Professional W2K 5.0.2195 Service pack 4 I have
installed. Or is this feature included in off the shelf
software? Can you recommend or point me to a site that
reviews such type products: ie - burning cds, dvds and
formatting them?

Yes, it isn't part of W2k - Nero is one highly recommended app - very often
your CD burner will come with its own software.
and finally, what/where do I find information on external
USB-attached hard drives?

What is it you're looking for? I have an Iomega 120GB USB/firewire drive and
it works like a champ.
As you might surmise, I am very
new to going online, newsgroups, & using the Internet. My
previous experience didn't venture online so I don't know
terms & methods of research about these things yet. But I
really appreciate your help and patience. Can you point
me to any tutorials or places to pick up such
information? Thank you. <*)))><

Welcome to the newsgroups! One good piece of advice is to search - google is
your friend - before you post. You also might want to consider using a
newsreader like Outlook Express or Forte Agent rather than the web interface
to the newsgroups - it's a lot easier to do nearly everything there,
including searching, which is always a good idea to do before you post, as
well as mark messages to be watched, and filter based on replies to your
posts.

The Microsoft public news server is msnews.microsoft.com and you can
subscribe to as many groups as you like.

For tips on using the web interface, should you prefer to use it, see
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=newswhelp&style=toc#faq2148
 
N

nesredep egrob

I should like to copy files onto CD-R or CD-RW media, but
they are not recognized because they are not formatted. I
assume that like floppy disks (3.5" diskettes) they DO
need to be formatted, but I'm at a loss how to do it.

Do I need to purchase software that will do this? Or is
there some method included within Windows 2000
professional that can do it?

Also, I should like to start a backup procedure for these
CD's using W2K after they are formatted if possible. Or
do I need to purchase a separate backup program instead?

Thank you for any help you can offer this novice.

I find it difficult to see why even my sons are using Nero. Long before that I
became addicted to Roxio or as it was called Adaptec. I have bought the Version
6.0 a year ago as I also do some video editing and needed to learn that - it is
not too expensive and you get a good book unless you go and get the download
version.

I don't give a hoot for the advice given by Roxio - they are probably the
poorest at giving any kind of help but the programs are fine as long as you
don't expect Photosuite to do as advertised - but then I am sure you will not
need that part of the program for a long time.

B.Pedersen Latitude -31,48.21 Longitude115,47.40 Time=GMT+8.00
If you are curious look here http://www.mapquest.com/maps/latlong.adp
 

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