I have a DVD+RW that I'm trying to erase (actually a few of them) but my computer won't let me. I've tried in the drive it was burned on and a newer one but no luck. Does anyone have any suggestions?

What OS are you using?

Laurie

WIndows XP

What software do you use for deleting your medium ?

windows explorer

Don't you use Nero or something similar for doing this, should be able to erase it with that!

If you use XP, seems to me you should be able to right-click on the dvd in question and choose "Format" from the flyout menu. It's not letting you do that?

Laurie

I have Nero but can't find an erase disk function.

 Right clicking doesn't give me a format option.

What version of Nero are you using?
depending on which version, you may have 2 different exe files, you need the one called "startsmart" or something like that, the erase function is on that.
It would help to know which one you have though, because they are different.
The Nero on my Wife's computer is a different one to mine and works slightly differently.

I use Nero Express. At the bottom theres a MORE button that gives you Erase Disc and Disk Info options.  If your nero has those try that.  

Stupid question bur are you certain that it is actually a RW disk ?

I get the "Format" option, but I'm using Vista. XP, if I remember correctly had the same function, so I'll echo markschum's question and ask if you're sure it's an -RW disk?...lol.

Laurie

Attached Link: http://www.nero.com/eng/downloads-nero9-free.php

Adter the system has recognised the disc, I get a right-click menu option but ONLY when the disc is a RW type.  Thats why I asked  :) 

I have had a lot of problems wirh disks burned by a friend. My drive does not allow me to erase them for some reason, I get an error. I have to assume that there is some alignment issue messing things up. 

Yes they are rw. I triple checked. And I was able to find the erase disk on Nero and it worked. Now I'll have to see if i can burn to it again. Thank you all for your help.

not to be silly, but why are you trying to erase a DVD? They're cheap enough that even I can afford them.

BTW - RW's don't work well for long-term storage. Ask Doc Geep about that, he has a tutorial...

But you never know, there could be a perfectly good reason.

I want it for recording tv. I copied the stuff to a single write dvd and figured i'd use the rw for tv. my dvd recorder is fairly new and i don't have many dvd rws. I just went back to work so money is still tight and i'm saving it for p8.

**pakled
**I agree with you 100% - and I avoid cd/dvd/bd as much as possible - that is the worst data storage - always wait sooooo long to see anything - and handle it so carefully - it makes me sick - when I had my first laptop long time ago (HP) there was a removable cd drive so I immediatelly removed it and put another hard drive inside the same cover - didn't work by the way - but who cares:) - it was looooong time ago.

I use cd -rw for music and video. Its not long term storage and there is no downside except inconveniance to having an unreadable disc.

The basic problem with RW's is file corruption over time and usage.  Data storage is imbedded into a fluid matrix rather than a hard burn.  With time the molecular cohesiveness begins to breakdown and the data becomes unusable.

Well I'm not saving the tv shows long. It's just so my hubby can keep up with stuff during harvet.