Can't save files to CD-RW.

Question

Level 1

8 points

Can't save files to CD-RW.

I can't save any files to a Memorex CD-RW. The CD works fine in my Dell, but in my Macbook Pro, running Leopard, I can't drag and drop like in windows, I can copy but there is no option to paste. I feel like I'm probably missing something very basic. First time mac user, had it about a month. Would appreciate any help.

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Jun 4, 2008 6:40 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,725 points

Jun 4, 2008 6:59 PM in response to melyob

OS X does not implement the UDF filesystem used by Windows. You cannot simply drag and drop files to a CD/CD-RW nor use an optical disc as though it were a floppy disc. Read the following:

Mac OS X- About burning data onto CDs.

Also, select Mac Help from the Finder's Help menu and search for "burn cd" which will produce numerous related articles.

Open System Preferences and select the CD & DVD preferences. If you set the drop down menu for what to do when you insert a CD to "Ask me" then when you insert a blank CD you will be prompted for what to do. You can mount the disc on the Desktop and then you can drag files to it. However, the files you drag are actually placed in a temporary burn folder until you finally select the Burn Disc option from the Finder's File menu.

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Answer 2

Trisha K

Level 1

19 points

Jun 4, 2008 9:17 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks for the info, Kappy! Just a follow up...

Is it acceptable to just make a burn folder from the beginning, copy the needed files to it, insert a cd or dvd, and then, when the computer has recognized the cd or dvd, click "burn to disc"?

Can doing it this way damage my system or the CD/DVD content in any way?

Thank you!

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,725 points

Jun 4, 2008 10:28 PM in response to Trisha K

Yes, you can select the option from the Finder's File menu to create New Burn Folder.

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Answer 4

melyob Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 5, 2008 3:49 AM in response to Kappy

Thanks for the reply. Just to be sure I understand, are you telling me I cannot back up my files onto a CD-RW? Every way I try to "burn" something onto my CD I'm prompted to insert a blank disk. My backup disk is, of course, not blank. If I do 'burn' over my disk, will it erase everything else? I back up from more than one program on the same disk, so that will not work.

Thanks.

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Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

361,725 points

Jun 5, 2008 11:17 AM in response to melyob

No, you can backup files to any media you choose. But if you plan to "add" files to a CD then you must create a multisession CD before you burn data to it. Again, consult Mac Help from the Finder's Help menu and search for "multisession" to find instructions on how that's done.

If you normally backup CDs or DVDs then you might consider using backup software that will backup to optical media. Your best bet would be Retrospect which has excellent control over optical media and can backup over multiple discs if necessary. If you have a .Mac account then you can use Apple's Backup instead.

There's also a third-party utility called BurnAgainFS that enables re-using optical media transparently. It's shareware and you'll find it at VersionTracker or MacUpdate.

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