How do I over-write files on a DVD -RW disc...?

[arthurbach4]

I have just purchased some DVD -RW discs and have placed several files on one of them.

I am using Nero express and it seems that I am able to delete the files I no longer need (when Nero accesses the disc) by simply selecting the files I no longer require and clicking "delete."

The problem is this doesn't actually increase the amount of space left on the DVD.
My understanding was that while you can't delete files on a DVD -RW you can in fact over-write them.

However when I delete most of the files and try to add new files - it tells me that there is not enough space left on the disc.

How do I over-write the files I no longer require? How do I make sure it doesn't over-write files that I still need?

I apologize for being such a noob in this area but we all have to start somewhere right...?

Thanks for your help.

[Llamatron]

DVDRWs are not like hard drives or floppy disks.

The only way to recover space on a DVDRW or CDRW is to erase the whole disk.

[LeMarchand]

Unless you formatted the disc using special software (I think it's InCD in Nero), as Llamatron says you have to erase the whole lot. Apparently such software tends to be a bit unstable anyway, so you're probably best of not using it!

[arthurbach4]

Thankyou for the answers. How do I erase the whole disk?

Thanks.

[Llamatron]

In Nero there's an 'Erase Rewritable Disc' option in the Recorder menu.

[arthurbach4]

Thanks heaps. I can feel the noobness start to crack away as I speak ... but wait it's back!

What is the difference between a quick erase and a full erase ie. other than the time differences what are the pros and cons of each?

Thanks again.

[LeMarchand]

Quick erase basically adds a flag to the disc that says "I am empty - you can overwrite any data on here", but leaves the data fairly intact (though not accessible through normal methods). It is fairly quick to do (!).

A full erase will take longer (dependent on how much data the disc held) and will actually make the disc as close to actually blank as possible. This may take some time!

I generally use quick, though sometimes if a disc has been playing up a full erase will correct errors. If you're worried about data security, smash the disc into lots of little bits rather than trust a full erase.

[arthurbach4]

Brilliant! Thanks heaps.