Using DVD-RWs for mass storage

[macnab]

If I have lots of files (more than 70) on a DVD-RW. Windows takes ages to read the disk and be ready to access the files.

Is there an optimum way of doing this that makes Windows happier?

I update the files fairly regularly.

I do have DVD buring software. (In any case, if I use Windows to update the disk, it finalises the disk.)

I remember with earlier versions of Windows using a UDF reader, and then there was no speed problem.

 

[essenbe]

I am not sure I understand what yu are asking. I think you are asking about using DVDs for backups. If that is correct, I would suggest investing in an external hard drive. They are relatively cheap right now and all of the information is in one place. I have 4 externals and use them daily. Redundancy of backups is the key. esata and USB 3.0 if you have them are great and much faster.
If you decide to go that route, look into using microsoft sync toy. Once you set it up, just push the run button and it will syncronize any folder or entire hard drive you want. I use it for my user folder. Best of all, it's free.

 

[sreedhav]

Dear macnab,
I am with essenbe as far as backing up a system image or even a HDD partition image!which will automatically include your DVD-RW files(once you download them them onto your HDD) The advantage is the speed of tranfer.

I am a VERY STRONG ADVOCATE (Pardons for the caps) OF BUYING AN EXTERNAL HDD for regular (scheduled or manual) backups! It's worth is immense! I have a relatively old Seagate Free Agent Pro(750GB) EXTN.HDD and the transfet speeds reach 300 MB+/sec! Dazzling fast for a 2.0 USB. Now 3.0 GB ports have come! If you are one of the persons whose "need for speed" is overriding & immense ,then An EXTN.HDD is the sure way to go! You will never ever regret it.

A search in Newegg.com - Hard Drives, External Hard Drives, Internal Hard Drives, Laptop Hard Drives, Portable Hard Drives, Computer Hard Drives, SATA Hard Drives, Hard Drive has led me to suggest to you this wonderful product: Seagate external drive 500GB 2.5" USB 2.0 and costs you 80 dollars with warranty and free shipping. Kindly browse the other choices there on offer and make your pick. I guess you are a Seagate folk like myself!

I suggest Macrium Reflect as the software to backup and restore and i am really at your service to help you out with Mac-Reflect. Backups are the second heart to a PC! Link : Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

regards,
Sreedhav

 

[macnab]

Actually I do use external drives for my backups. I just got into the habit, in the days when external drives were a major expense, of using a DVD-RW to keep copies of downloaded utilities etc. Apart from my daily backups I weekly clone my two main drives so that when I have a drive failure I have plugandplay replacements ready.

I think I should get rid of my old habits and use a partition on my daily backup drive for storing these files.

That apart, it still doesn't answer my question of numerous files on a DVD-RW being so painfully slow at being ready, and if there is a disk format that works better than the one I am currently using.

 

[DocBrown]

What about using USB flash drives for fast access instead of DVD-RW ?

4gb, 8gb, 16gb as prices have really dropped to buy these

 

[macnab]

Size is a problem with flash-drives. Going to either get another backup drive or use a partition on one of my existing backup drives for these files.

I have so many partitions and backup drives I'm running out of drive-letters!!!