Create a System Repair Disc

I'll keep that for reference. It would seem simpler to "un" format a DVD, but how's that done? Also, to remove all other files from it.

Unformat a dvd? You mean erase the dvd contents? Just use any dvd burning program, all of them can erase the dvd, provided its a rewritable dvd. You cant erase the contents of a recordable only dvd.

Bill, that was going to be my answer. Stop being so fast on the keyboard!

No, it's not a RW disc. DVD-R. So if it's formatted, I can't use it because I can't undo the formatting?

ukthesis said:

No, it's not a RW disc. DVD-R. So if it's formatted, I can't use it because I can't undo the formatting?

You cant remove the stuff already there. But if its a multisession disk (you didnt close the session/disk after the first burn) then you can use the remaining empty space on the disk to add more files.

Did it with an unformatted CD lying around. THANKS. But why isn't it made clear when it tells you on Backup and Restore about this function that you need to use an unformatted disc? Any how PROBLEM SOLVED!

States: insert a BLANK DISC

Without wanting to seem pedantic, I assumed that you could have a formatted disc that's also "blank" (ie blank in that it has no files saved by myself on it). I bet if you ask most who just fiddle about on their computers, and not those knowing more, they won't know this difference. They will probably assume that if they've not done anything but format their CD's, they consider them as blank (ie with no files they've saved on them).

The other point is that, for routine PC work, formatting discs before use is the norm. This is what one normally does to get them to work.

Just curious. If you have a problem with a System Repair DVD as opposed to CD then wouldn't you expect problems using the Install DVD for the same purpose?