Sony cd writer

[earring]

hi--
I have a Sony cd/cdrw, 2 years old, and am trying to backup my data and some programs on a cd-rw. Every month or so I will erase everything and then copy everything again. My questions are:

1. There is a choice of "quick" or "full" erasing. What is "quick"?

2. I did a "full" erase and then it asked me if I want packet writing. Since I had no idea if this was necessary or not, I went ahead with it. I've been trying to read about packet writing on the web, but still can't figure it out. When do you do packet writing?
Should I routinely do this with cd-rws or not? Someone please enlighten me.

3. I read about backup in which files are copied only if they have been changed since the last backup. Then I would not need to erase all of it each time. Does anyone know how to do this.

Thanks for yr. advice........Judy

[Bovon]

I can't answer 1 or 3..but packet writing is where you format the disk, then from Windows Explorer (No writing software really needed here..) you can drag and drop files from your hard drive directly into/onto the drive letter where your CD RW is, and it will burn them. The problem with this process is...the cd is not closed out, and only the CD RW can read the files. I think there is some software that when installed, it will permit some (quad? triple? speed) drives to read those files. Nero has a burn program called InCD that can format the disk for you...normal Windows formatting will not work. Not too many people use packet writing anymore...what with CDRs so cheap, just burn a disk each week and discard the old backup...or, serve drinks on them when friends stop by, or continue to use the CD-R/W disks.

[earring]

Hi Bovon--THANX for the info on packet writing-
-I sure didn't know that it wasn't used much anymore--that was helpful. I definitely won't do that again.

I didn't understand much about the formatting you mentioned--over my head.

**What did you mean: "only the CD RW can read the files."
Do you mean that when i put the cdrw back in, it won't be able to be read??

**another question: now that i have formatted this cdrw, the program says there not enuf room for my backup--AND the cdrw is EMPTY!!!
Can i erase it to get rid of the formatting and get it back to the way it was?

Thanks again--

[Bovon]

I really don't understand the 'process' of formatting either...I believe it is simular to wiping a VCR tape with a magnet ect. Floppy disks have to be formatted as well as the hard drive. I suspect the process is different for hard drives vs floppy drives. But what ever the process, they all must be 'formatted' before they can be writen to. Now, perhaps the process of formatting a cdr or cdrw disk is still different. When burning a disk by way of CD to CD copy, does it (sorta) format on the fly?...I donno, but the disks can be writen to. A normal writing/burning to a disk is actually burning dots and dashes (like radio code) to the disk...so, it dosn't sound like this process is a format. To drag and drop files or folders onto a disk without the actual burning software running is called packet writing..and I gather not too many people do this, but I could be wrong. I have the software...DirectCD has the ability to format a CD disk for packet writing...so does Neros InCD application...maybe others.

To read a disk that was written by the packet method, the disk can (sometimes) only be read by the burner...or maybe a different burner...but not by a CD reader, except for a select few models, and there is a file that needs to be added to the computers OS in order for this to work..I forget the file name..but its at Nero if needed...also, you should check to see if your ASPI layer is up to date. You can download the file to test with as well as the most current ASPI file from Adaptec's website..I can locate the URL if need be.

You can try to read that disk by your reader (if you have one) but it probably will only be read by the burner. (has something to do with the laser and the packet disk not being closed out as needed for normal readers to read it.)

When a 700 mb CD is formatted for packet, you only have about 550 mb left...you loose several mb in space when it is formatted. Probably another reason some people do not use packet writing.

You can try to erase the disk...I have never tried this myself.

[earring]

Hi Bovon,
thank you for your thoughts on formatting. You are definitely better than 20 pages of Sony's help/information that came with the CD writer.

I wasted a lot of time today tried to do something with with that blessed disc.
First, I tried to erase it. One window showed nothing on the disc and another window said that it was still packeted.

I tried to copy the my documents folder and it said that there wasn't enough room. You are right about the packets using up MBs. I finally copied something, but when I looked in the D drive, where the CD ROM is, it was empty. It did not indicate that anything was on the disc.

This whole CD business is confusing and there doesn't seem to be much clear information out there as to how exactly to do anything. I think your idea of burning one CD each week for backup is probably the simplest thing I can do, in terms of not wasting time trying to figure it out. I guess I should throw this one away and start over.
Best Regards,
Earring

[Bovon]

Well, I know I am a poor source for burning data info...most is guesswork. For the nitty-gritty and excelent advice for CD burners/information...go here:

http://www.cdrom-guide.com/cgi/Ultimate.cgi/

[earring]

Hi Bovon--

I was just working my way through Google's cd info.... and I got this address from you. Thank you.
It looks difficult for me, but I'll try to read through their forums.


ps do you have any thoughts about when the cd rom drive is not recognized--it says there is no cd in the drive, and of course there is. Been monkeying with this tonight--nothing seems to work. Is this the fault of the particular brand of writer or what?

Regards,

[Bovon]

Originally posted by earring
I was just working my way through Google's cd info.... and I got this address from you. Thank you.

You are welcome.

It looks difficult for me, but I'll try to read through their forums.


Not really...its difficult right now because you (or I, for that matter) do not understand what is going on. Its hard to make someone else "see" thru your eyes...so, the best anybody can do is, describe something, and hope the other person will get a hint.

ps do you have any thoughts about when the cd rom drive is not recognized--it says there is no cd in the drive, and of course there is. Been monkeying with this tonight--nothing seems to work. Is this the fault of the particular brand of writer or what?

Regards,

No CD rom drive will recognise a CD that has not been written too, and the leadin/leadout track has not been written. (or closed out) If you put a blank disk in a CD or CDRW drive...doesn't it indicate there is no disk in the drive?...same thing with a packet written CD that is being read (or attempted to be read) by a CD reader. There is a download file...Nero has one kind...I remember when I had Adaptec DirectCD on here and did a couple of formatting and drag 'n drop of files on a CD RW...only my Sony CD RW would read it...I was told to download a certain file, install it..and my reader would probably read the disk. Old 2X and/or 4X drives ect will never read these files, and the disk will appear blank to these readers.