Solved How can I delete backup files from DVD discs

[stinger7018]

I am using Windows 7 64-bit OS. I have amassed a large collection of backup discs that has information that is no longer on my computer. I cannot seem to delete the information so I can reuse the disc. I insert the disc and delete all the files that are on it and at the bottom of the window it tells me that there are zero items on the disc, then reformat the disk. When I click on properties it tells me there is no available space on the disk. How can I clean up this disc for reuse?

 

[richnrockville]

I am using Windows 7 64-bit OS. I have amassed a large collection of backup discs that has information that is no longer on my computer. I cannot seem to delete the information so I can reuse the disc. I insert the disc and delete all the files that are on it and at the bottom of the window it tells me that there are zero items on the disc, then reformat the disk. When I click on properties it tells me there is no available space on the disk. How can I clean up this disc for reuse?

Welcome Stinger to the Windows 7 Forums.

DVD's are not erasable, The only way to destroy the data is to cut or shred the dvd. The price of DVD's are pretty cheap now adays and the easiest way to destroy the data is as I said, shredder or cut up with scissors..

UNLESS you have a read/write DVD which is another ball game entirely. I haven't seen any for sale lately. If you have the dvd r/w then this url
DVD-RW - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
is where you can go to find out the information on read write dvd's.

Much cheaper now days to just buy new dvd's. cut the old ones up.

rich

 

[PooMan UK]

richnrockville pal all DVD writers are read/write and are supplied in most modern PC's it's the media that is either re-writeable or not

DVD Writer
DVD media

 

[carwiz]

What did you use to create the backup discs? If the discs were created using the Mastered format and the software Finalized the disc, they can't be reused. Formatting would be done at the time you burn the disc. "Live File" is the format you want to use if you want to add/remove files and/or reuse the disc.

See here on how to specify the format: Format a CD or DVD

This explains which format to use when: Which CD or DVD format should I use?

 

[carwiz]

Pooman is right. I haven't seen a recent DVD that WASN'T a read/write. Of course, the media must also be DVD+/-RW though.

 

[stinger7018]

Thanks. You've anewerd my question. Not sure what format was used to create the disc, when I first started doing backups with DVDs but simply said that they needed to be formatted before use and I just clicked okay. I did not bother to look for an option. Usually I need to change the disc in the middle of a backup and the same thing occurs, a pop-up stating that the disc needs to be formatted and I simply click okay or format now. I will pay more attention in the future.

 

[richnrockville]

Sorry guys but I evidently did not note the diff between drives and media.
Most all dvd drives are r/w but it is the media that makes the difference.
I should have been more distinct in my explanations.

(I am removing all of my memory but 640K for one week, to punish myself for this non information.)

Rich