Do I have to format a blank DVD+R?

Question

I bought these Memorex DVD +R DVDs because that is the type of DVD specified by my HP laptop for creating recovery disks.
The first DVD was in the burner for the Preparing and Writing stage of creating the first recovery disk.  When it came time for the Verification stage, I received a message that it failed.
So, I used a second DVD and the same thing happened.
I put both DVDs in a different computer (Lenovo laptop), and it will not let me write anything to either DVD.  But, both DVDs appear blank to the computer.
Do I need to format the DVDs somehow?  Or are the DVDs faulty?

I just took a 3rd (blank) DVD, put it into the Lenovo laptop, tried to copy a file to it, and it fails as well.  

Written on the DVD drives of both computers is "DVD Multi Recorder".

I just took a 4th (blank) DVD, put it in the original (HP) laptop and it asked me if I wanted to use the DVD similar to a USB drive (being able to read/write data from it) or if I wanted to format it some other way (if I remember, something like an archive).  I chose "as a USB drive" and it has been sitting here for at least 30 minutes with the status screen "Preparing to format".
HP Laptop has Windows 7 premium, the other computer I have been referring to is a Lenovo laptop with Windows XP Professional.

Laurence I · Accepted Answer

you dont format a DVD.
the process of writing the data to the dvd creates the format as it goes.
the CLOSING of the writing session finishes the formatting.

the problem you have is a familiar one.
as new media emerges it is given a Media Code.
Media Codes are programmed into the drives.
If the drive doesnt recognise the media code it may assume its LIKE
a similar disk media code. This may not be quite right and may produce 
unreliable results.

GO GET SOME SLOWER MEDIA then try again that WILL cure the problems.
========================================
now some lessons

a CD rewriting software can WRITE to the media.
it can also  install a SPECIAL INSERT NOTIFICATION utility
that STARTS A WRITING SESSION WHEN YOU INSERT A BLANK.
most experienced users UNINSTALL this option.

WINDOWS ALSO HAS THIS OPTION itself
most experienced users also turn off that option too.
Usually referred to as DragnDrop

now some more lessons

a dvd or cd can be SINGLE session or MULTI session.
a session is a START, WRITE some files, STOP
a completed CD/DVD then adds a CLOSE

Windows Explorer usually only shows you the LAST SESSION from the last START.

so a TWO session cd in windows looks like a ONE SESSION cd. So the first 
sessions data will NOT show up. You can use a utility like MagicISO to SEE
all sessions on the media.

once a dvd is CLOSED then no more sessions can be added.
some people SWITCH ON the option to CLOSE a cd after burning to make sure
its is SAFE and other sessions wont accidentally be added later.
the only good reason to leave a session OPEN is if creating your own
music cd's and adding music gradually over time.

Anonymous · Answer

Normally this may happen when utilising a disc from a multi spindle like a 30 or 50 disc spindle you've purchased. The intent is poor first-class, or an error when they were made. 2nd this can additionally occur when the disc you are attempting to use was burned with software that used to be set at the mistaken environment. Most of your better program will supply the option when burning. Mac only, computer most effective, and Mac or laptop. In order you'll discover this would be a situation. And depending on what computer and working process you're using some provides you with choices as to wht you need to do when you insert a clean CD or DVD. If ignore choice is choosen that's your challenge.

Trending News

Do I have to format a blank DVD+R?

2 Answers