You can format and rewrite data multiple times on DVD-RW discs ("RW" stands for "rewrite"). This allows you to keep using the DVD-RW over and over again to save or move files. You may need to erase the data already on the DVD-RW disc before you "rewrite" the disc. You can also use this process to reformat the disc which can change how and where you can use it for your data purposes. The process for formatting and erasing DVD-RW discs is fairly straightforward, but the method differs depending on the operating system you are using (Mac or Windows computer).
Step
Method 1 of 2: Formatting a DVD-RW Using Windows
Step 1. Insert the DVD-RW disc into the DVD burning drive
Make sure the drive can be used to write DVDs. Otherwise, you will not be able to format, delete, or write new data on the disc.
You may need to download and install Service Pack 3 for your computer to recognize DVD-RW discs if you are using Windows XP or an earlier version of Windows
Step 2. Erase the data on the disc
You must first delete the data on your DVD-RW disc. Click " Start " -> " Computer " -> " Windows Explorer " then click the DVD icon. This will bring up the DVD burning software. Click "Erase this disc" in the toolbar and follow the instructions given.
You'll need to click the "Manage" tab first if you're using Windows 8 and 10
Step 3. Access the "Burn files to disc" window
This window will appear when you insert a blank disc or double-click a blank disc in the Computer window.
If no window appears automatically after the disc's contents have been erased, remove and reinsert the now-empty disc into the DVD burning drive for the window to appear
Step 4. Name your disc
You will be asked to name the disc. This name will appear when you insert the disc so you can identify it. If possible, give a name that describes the contents in it.
Step 5. Select the format you want
You have two options for the DVD-RW format in Windows: "Like a USB flash drive" (aka Live File System) or "With CD/DVD player" (aka Mastered). Choose the appropriate format for the disc's designation.
- The Live File System is a great choice if you want to be able to add and delete files on the disc at any time. Your disc will act like a USB drive and the added files will burn directly to the disc.
- Note: Live File System discs burned in this way can only be opened on Windows computers.
- Mastered is a good choice if you want the disc to function like a closed system. All files will be burned at once after you finish adding them. If you use this format, you will not be able to add files until they have completely erased their contents (full erase).
- Note: The Mastered option tends to be more suitable if you want to burn a lot of files. Also, Mastered discs can be opened on other operating systems.
Step 6. Complete the formatting process
After selecting the format method, your drive will prepare for disc burning. This could take a while. When you're done, you can start adding files to the disc.
Step 7. Add files to disc
Open your disc in an Explorer window, then drag and drop the files you want to burn. If you select Live File System, the file will be burned immediately when you drag it and the burning process on the disc will be completed when you eject the disc. If you chose the Mastered format, you'll need to click "Burn to disk" once all the files you want are added.
Method 2 of 2: Formatting a DVD-RW Using a Mac
Step 1. Insert the DVD-RW disc into the burning drive on your computer
Almost any drive on a Mac can be used to burn DVDs. If your Mac computer does not have a disc drive (disk drive), you must use an external optical drive.
Step 2. Open Disk Utility
This "utility" is in the Applications directory.
Step 3. Locate your DVD-RW disc in this utility
Select the DVD-RW disc in Disk Utility. You'll find it in the list on the left of the window.
Step 4. Click the "Erase" tab to open the format utility
You must select "Quickly" or "Completely" as an option for the deletion process. Usually, the "Quickly" option will suffice, but if your disc has experienced problems, select the "Completely" option.
The " Completely " option should take at least a few minutes and much longer than the " Quickly " option
Step 5. Click the "Erase" button
Once the process is complete, you will have a blank DVD-RW disc that you can load.
Step 6. Burn your data to a DVD-RW disc
Double-click your disc on the desktop and drag the files you want into the Finder window that opens. When you're done adding files, click the " Burn " button to burn the files to disc. These discs can be opened on other operating systems.
Tips
- If the " Erase " feature does not appear when you use one of the methods described above, you may be using DVD discs (writable only once), not DVD-RW discs (rewritable).
- You can also use a DVD burning program to burn data to a DVD-RW disc. Nero, Roxio, and a number of other companies offer comprehensive DVD burning programs if you're having trouble using the utilities built into your operating system.
