CD Reading and writing

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dick
  • Start date Start date
D

Dick

I have been using my cd-rw drive to back up data. the cd filled up today and
I would like to delete some of the files to create some space. When I try to
delete a file I'm told that it is a read only file and I can't delete it.
This happens on all of the files. I tried to format the CD and got the same
response.
I tried using a blank formatted cd and all works well. Any ideas as to what
is going on?
 
Are you using CD-RW's? Because if you're using CD-R's then you won't be able
to remove any data from them, or format them.

So if you are using RW's then what CD burning program are you using? You
should at least be able to erase the disk in this case.

Just to let you know, even if you are using RW's and you completely fill up
the disk, then you won't be able to "delete" files off of it. Actually, when
this occurs the data is not actually deleted from the disk, just the
reference to the file is "removed" from the CDFS (CD File System). This
occurs when you are using a MultiSession CD, but when you run out of room on
the disk, you don't have the ability to alter the disks contents anymore.

-Dan
 
I'm using CD-RW's.

I believe the CD burning program is Sonic DLA.

Are you saying that when a RW disc fills up it becomes a read only disc?
 
Yes, becaue the only way to "delete" files on a CD is to add *more*
information (data) to the CDFS that "tell" whatever is reading the disk to
disregard the file. So even when an RW disk becomes full, the CD burning
application ends the multisession property of the CD, making the disk read
only. But after this you still should be able to erase the disk and start
over - and if you do this then you'll reclaim the space that used to be used
for the file(s) that were deleted (because this information is still on the
disk).

-Dan
 
Dan,
Thanks for your help.. I am still unable to erase, (format) the disc as
you say I should be able to. When I try to format I get the notice that this
media is a Read Only and to check to make sure the disc is compatible with
your recorder. Sure is strange. Any more ideas?
 
I would try using another CD burning application - this would be able to
tell if it's a problem with your current CD burning software. If it doesn't
burn in another program, then it might be a software problem with a driver,
or possibly a malfunctioning CD drive.

Here's a list of burning applications at download.com:
http://www.download.com/sort/3150-2646_4-0-1-4.html?
Try one or two of them and see if they work.

If you still have the same outcome, try putting the CD drive in another
computer and burning a disk with it in the other computer. If it works then
it's a problem with your system, so you might want to consider a repair
install of XP at this point. If it doesn't work then you know that you need
to get a new drive.

How to Perform a Windows XP Repair Install:
http://www.michaelstevenstech.com/XPrepairinstall.htm#RI

-Dan
 
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