Computer Hope

Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows Vista and 7 => Topic started by: Bobh on April 26, 2009, 04:44:26 AM

Title: How can I erase DVDs
Post by: Bobh on April 26, 2009, 04:44:26 AM

I have backed up my computer on DVDs.  I have several of these but only want to save the last one I made.  I want to erase the old ones and use them again.
When I put a new DVD in to run a backup a panel says that it must be formatted and that will erase every thing on the DVD.  There is nothing on it because it is new.  If I put a DVD in  that has a backup on it, the panel says that there is already a backup on the DVD and refuses to run it.  How can I get it to erase the DVD and leave it clean so that I can use it again?   Thanks    Bob

Title: Re: How can I erase DVDs
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on April 26, 2009, 05:05:55 AM

Are they DVD-RW's or DVD-R's?

Title: Re: How can I erase DVDs
Post by: Dias de verano on April 26, 2009, 05:28:35 AM

Quote from: Carbon Dudeoxide on April 26, 2009, 05:05:55 AM

Are they DVD-RW's or DVD-R's?

A good question!

Title: Re: How can I erase DVDs
Post by: Bobh on April 26, 2009, 06:41:14 AM

I forgot to tell you facts.  I am running Vista Home basic on an E Machine.  The DVD package says  DVD + R.  The computer panel says I am using it in  "DVD RW drive (E:).   Thanks for the replies.   Bob     

Title: Re: How can I erase DVDs
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on April 26, 2009, 06:46:04 AM

There's your problem.

The DVD's are DVD-R's or DVD Recordables, not Re-Writable. They cannot be written on a second time, only once.

Title: Re: How can I erase DVDs
Post by: Bobh on April 26, 2009, 08:59:25 AM

Thank you for the explanation.  I just went into Best Buy and bought what they told me I needed.  No big deal.  I don't plan on making a backup very often and the DVDs are not expensive.  I'll just discard the old ones.   Thanks again.   Bob

Title: Re: How can I erase DVDs
Post by: Carbon Dudeoxide on April 26, 2009, 09:14:40 AM

Anytime. ;)