How to Format DVD RW: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

Table of contents:

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

DVD-RW discs allow you to delete and rewrite data multiple times (the abbreviation "RW" means "rewrite"). These optical media can therefore be used many times to transfer or store files. rewriting a DVD-RW, however, you will have to erase the data already on the disc. This operation also allows you to change the format of the media, in order to use it on different devices. Deleting data from a DVD-RW and formatting it are quite operations simple, but the methods to use vary depending on the operating system (Windows or Mac) of your computer.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Windows

Step 1. Insert the rewritable DVD into the DVD burner

Make sure the optical drive has the capability to write DVDs, otherwise you will not be able to erase, format or write new data to the disc.

If you are using Windows XP or an earlier version of the operating system, you may need to install Service Pack 3 to recognize the DVD-RW disc

Step 2. Delete existing data

If the DVD-RW contains information, you will need to erase it first. Click on "Start" -> "Computer" -> "Explorer", then on the DVD icon. The DVD writer will open. In the toolbar, click on "Erase Disc" and follow the instructions.

On Windows 8 and 10, you must first click on the "Manage" tab

Step 3. Enter the "Write to disk" window

You will see that entry after inserting a blank disk or after double clicking on a blank disk in Windows Explorer.

If after erasing the contents of the disc, no window pops up automatically, eject and reinsert the blank DVD to bring up autorun

Step 4. Name the disk

You will be asked to enter one. The chosen name will appear when the optical media is inserted into the system and will allow you to recognize it. Find a name that describes the contents of the DVD, if possible.

Step 5. Choose the format you want to use

You have two formatting options for a DVD-RW on Windows: as a "USB Storage Device" (aka Live File System) or as a "CD / DVD Drive" (aka Burning). Make your choice according to the disk usage destination.

The Live File System option is best suited if you want to be able to add or remove files from the disk at any time. The optical media will behave similarly to a USB storage device and the files will be written to the DVD upon addition.
Note: Live File System discs created in this way are compatible with Windows only.
Burning is the best choice if you want the disc to act as a closed memory. All files are written in a single operation and no new data can be added in the future without deleting the rest of the contents.
Note: If you want to write a lot of files to a disc, burning is the best option. In addition, the burned discs are compatible with other operating systems.

Step 6. Finish the format operation

After choosing your preferred method, the drive will prepare the disc for a few moments. When finished, you can add the files.

Step 7. Add files to disk

Open it in an Explorer window and start dragging the files you want to write into it. If you are using a Live File System, the data will be written upon drag and the disc will be completed upon ejection. If you are using the burned format, you will need to click "Write to disc" after adding all the files to be copied.

Method 2 of 2: Mac

Step 1. Insert the rewritable DVD into the optical drive

Almost all optical drives on Mac computers are capable of writing DVDs. If you have a Mac without an optical drive, you will need to connect an external one to your system.

Step 2. Open Disk Utility

You can find this entry in "Utilities", in the Applications folder.

Step 3. Find your DVD-RW in the program

Select the disk on Disk Utility. You can find it in the list on the left of the window.

Step 4. Click on the "Delete" tab to open the formatting application

You will be prompted to choose whether to perform the operation in "Quick" or "Complete" mode. In most cases, quick format is sufficient, but if you have had trouble reading the disk, select the full one.

The full option takes several minutes at a minimum, much longer than the quick option

Step 5. Click on the "Delete" button

Once done, you will have the option to write to your DVD-RW disc.

Step 6. Write the files to the DVD-RW

Double-click the disk on the desktop and drag the files into the Finder window that opens. When you are done adding the files, click on the "Burn" button to transfer them to the disk. The DVD will be compatible with other operating systems.

Advice

If the "Delete" item does not appear using the methods described, the DVD may not be rewritable.
You can use a DVD writer to copy data to a DVD-RW. Roxio, Nero, and many other companies offer comprehensive disc writing programs, which can help you solve problems you encounter using the features pre-installed in your operating system.

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