Format

[shylock73]

I have been unable to format a DVD-RW on my DVD recorder although I have used the same disc many times, it keeps stating that it is Unformatted. Does this mean the disc is now useless or is there someway to overcome this problem? Is it possible to format it on my PC to make it usable again? In the past I have `binned` quite a few.

[ACtheTROLL]

we all have lots of reflective coffee mats
(I us them on my gateposts as reflectors)

try a new disc ... if it works the old one is worn out
If not your writer is worn out

discs are good for about 1000 write cycles

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVD%2BRW

at 43p each ... spoil yourself :-0

[shylock73]

Thanks AC, but when I say I have used the same disc `"many times" I mean about maybe 20 at most as I use others also. I just wondered if there were a way to re- format an unformatted disc. Should I always `Format` a `New DVD` before usage, and what exactly does it do to a DVD? Sorry if I`m a pain in the butt, but these things make me curious to know.

[ACtheTROLL]

20 isn't ideal

I'm not exactly sure .... there are two reformat options ...
quick I imagine just deletes the fat entries (cdfs or dvdfs) -
because the space remains unusable - even though the data is gone.

I guess format resets the whole disc by melting the track so it becomes smooth
as with all discs - if the process blips at the wrong time the hidden file system could get corrupt.

It's back to cost ... with a hard disc ... I've spent days letting various recovery progs do their magic

with CDs I just tend to try and hit the bin from where I'm sitting

as for recovering ... I've never seen one .... you can get data recovery utils ... but I've never sees a dvd fixer except for reformating in the usual way - I don't know what to suggest to be honest ... if I can't use a disc ... I chuck it.

[The Cowboy]

If you have Nero you can use that to erase a disc.

[shylock73]

I guess I`ll just use them as bird scarers to keep them off my kidney beans then, cheers AC.

[ACtheTROLL]

you could build little solar powered greenhouses for them.
If you have as many as me ... one for each bean

I find that the birds just use them as mirrors

they either start touching up their makeup and gossiping
or sit in front of one saying "who's a pretty boy then"