Can't erase DVD+RW after first video burn?

[hartlenb]

Hi I hope somebody can help me with this. I've searched the forum here but couldn't find a similar thread.

I have a Sony Vaio media center machine that came with a Sony DW-U12A DVD burner. The machine is running XP media center SP2 with all the current patches. I'm using stock OEM software (Drag'n Drop CD+DVD to burn data & Click-to-DVD to burn video) to CD+RWs and DVD+Rs. Just recently I tried to use DVD+RWs. I can rewrite DVDs with data but can only write video once (same media type). When I try to rewrite a DVD that has video on it it fails. I've also tried to use the force->fullerase feature in the Drag'n Drop application, but it also fails.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Bryan

[VideoRoy]

This appears to be a very common problem with "drag n drop" applications loaded (DirectCD, InCD, etc.)

Even though these packet writing applications seem very convenient they cause more compatiblility problems than they are worth in my opinion. I do not install them any longer and you will notice that on applications like Nero that these are no longer installed by default.

I use multi-session RW discs now if I need to transfer between computers. Not as convenient but most drives today seem to be able to read multi-session.

[hartlenb]

So I can't do anything with the DVD+RWs that have already been used?

Going forward how would I create DVD videos in the multi-session format you mentioned?

Thanks, Bryan

[Ian]

Have you tried erasing with another application such as Nero or even CD Speed (www.cdspeed2000.com)?

[burninfool]

ImgBurn has an erase function.
www.imgburn.com
As for burning DVD-VIDEO use Data/TAO Closed or make an ISO and use ImgBurn,I agree about not using packet writing software.

[hartlenb]

Thanks for the tips. I've tried the CDSpeed program and the ImgBurn. With CDSpeed I was was able erase and rewrite test data on one of four previously written discs. With ImgBurn, I can't get it to recognize any of the discs previously written (incl the one from CDSpeed). Note that a regular DVD-ROM drive can still read the files and play the DVD content...

Anyway for now, I'm going to assume that those previously written discs are toast, and focus on how I can create re-writeable DVD+RWs with DVD movies on them.

I'm afraid that I'm a newbie in this area... It's been recommended/suggested that I create "multi-session RW discs" or "use Data/TAO Closed or make an ISO and use ImgBurn". I've searched this forum but can't figure out how do I do either of these? Can someone explain (or point me to a reference) with a little more detail what I need to do?

Thanks again.

[VideoRoy]

Thanks for the tips. I've tried the CDSpeed program and the ImgBurn. With CDSpeed I was was able erase and rewrite test data on one of four previously written discs. With ImgBurn, I can't get it to recognize any of the discs previously written (incl the one from CDSpeed). Note that a regular DVD-ROM drive can still read the files and play the DVD content...

Anyway for now, I'm going to assume that those previously written discs are toast, and focus on how I can create re-writeable DVD+RWs with DVD movies on them.

I'm afraid that I'm a newbie in this area... It's been recommended/suggested that I create "multi-session RW discs" or "use Data/TAO Closed or make an ISO and use ImgBurn". I've searched this forum but can't figure out how do I do either of these? Can someone explain (or point me to a reference) with a little more detail what I need to do?

Thanks again.

Go here http://www.videohelp.com and check out the Tools and Guides sections on the left nav bar. Many tools are free.