Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Windows
• Method 2 of 2: Mac
• Tips
• Warnings

If you want to write data to a blank CD, it will have to be properly formatted. This is a not too difficult procedure in Windows and completely hidden in OS X. If you have a CD-RW, you can quickly and easily erase data using the formatting tools on both operating systems.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Windows

1. Insert the blank CD into the computer. If you have multiple optical players, make sure to use the drive that you can use to burn CDs. The AutoPlay window appears with a number of options.
   • You don't have to format the disc if you want to burn an audio CD.
   • You cannot format an already used CD-R, but you can format a used CD-RW.
   • If the AutoPlay notification doesn't appear, or you accidentally closed it, open Windows Explorer with ⊞ Win+E. Double click on the correct drive.
2. Select Burn files to disc. This will open a new window with the formatting options for the drive.
3. Give the disc a title. By default, Windows will display the current date. You can give the disc any title you want.
4. Choose a format option. There are two different options available, depending on how you plan to use the drive. Click Next when you've chosen the option. Formatting takes up a little bit of disk space.
   • As a USB Flash Drive - This uses the Live File System, and provides the ability to continue adding files later, as well as editing and overwriting existing files. This format can only be used on Windows computers. This is the best option for CD-RW discs, as it makes them easy to rewrite.
   • As a playable CD / DVD - If the files are burned, then the disc will be mastered, which finalizes the contents of the disc. This is best for large numbers of files, or if you want to use the CD on a different system. This is the best option for CD-R discs.
5. Burn the files. Once the disc is formatted, you can start adding files that you want to burn to disc.
6. Delete all data from a CD-RW. If you want to quickly delete all data from a CD-RW, it is also best to format it.
   • Open Windows Explorer with ⊞ Win+E.
   • Right-click CD-RW in the list of drives.
   • Select Format ...
   • Leave all options unchanged.
   • Enter a new name for the disk if necessary.
   • Click on Start. All data will be deleted from the CD-RW. Formatting takes a few seconds.

Method 2 of 2: Mac

1. Insert a blank CD into the computer. Usually you will now be asked what you want to do with the CD. CDs in OS X are automatically formatted when you set the disc to burn, so you don't have to worry about the settings. When you see this option, open Finder to search for the files. In other cases you can open the CD with the icon on the desktop.
2. Add the files you want to burn. Click and drag the files on the CD icon to add them to the disc. When you are done adding files, double-click the CD and click Burn at the top of the window.
3. Name the drive. After clicking Burn you will be given the option to name the disc and set the burning speed. When you are done, click on Burn. The burning process can take a few minutes.
4. Erase a CD-RW. If you have a CD-RW full of data and you want to erase it, you can do this with the Disk Utility program.
   • click on Go and select Utilities. If you don't have an option Utilities then select Applications and then open the folder Utilities.
   • Select Disk Utility.
   • Select CD-RW from the list of connected disk drives.
   • Choose your wiping speed. You can opt for Quickly or Completely. Most users choose Quickly, but if your disk is having problems, you can Completely might solve the problem for you. Complete erasure of the disk can take an hour.
   • click on To clear. All data on the CD-RW will be erased.

Tips

• Software such as Roxio CD Creator or Nero can make this process a lot easier.
• You can format a CD-RW as many times as you want (rw stands for rewritable).

Warnings

• A CD-R or DVD-R can only be formatted once. Once burned to the disc, files cannot be deleted.