Can't Add Files To RW DVD

Question

Level 1

51 points

Can't Add Files To RW DVD

Hello,
I'm a musician and successfully backed up a Pro Tools session with no Problems to a -RW DVD. I tried to back up a second session and got an error messege stating I couldn't not add to the DVD. From Apples Help Menu I learned the only way I could add the other session was to erase the DVD and burn both session at the same time. This is unexceptable for obvious reasons. Is there a work around? Do I have to backup each session on it's own DVD? This is a serious design flaw in my opinion. I thought RW media was designed so you could add data to your disc when needed. What's up with that?

Mac G4 Dual Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Mac G4 Dual Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Mac G4 Dual Mac OS X (10.4.1)

Posted on Feb 27, 2006 12:03 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 27, 2006 12:44 PM in response to Keniko

Take a look at Toast (software, not the breakfast food).
Understand what is meant by a "session" and a burned disc.

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Answer 2

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Feb 27, 2006 2:27 PM in response to Keniko

There is no defined standard for a multiple-session DVD. Therefore to add files to a RW-DVD you must erase it first.

I thought RW media was designed so you could add data to your disc when needed. What's up with that?

No, RW media is designed so that you can erase it and reuse it.

You can create multiple sessions CDs with CD-Rs you don't need CD-RWs. The RW has nothing to do with the ability to write multiple sessions.

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Answer 3

OlsonBW

Level 2

405 points

Feb 27, 2006 2:32 PM in response to Keniko

I agree with you Keniko. It makes a LOT more sense to be able to add data to an existing DVD-RW without having to erase and rewrite what you already had there.

As for no standard. That's what I did using Windows and OS/2 (now eComStation).

Is Linux this stupid too? I hope not.

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Answer 4

Keniko Author

Level 1

51 points

Feb 28, 2006 10:48 AM in response to OlsonBW

Hey, Thanks for your responses. I learned something here. In my opinion this is backwards. You should be able to add files (sessions) to an RW disc. I just makes sense. I guess not. What I'll do is use the RW DVD as the backup session disc per session. That way I'm only erasing the current session and burning a newer version of that session. This will greatly cut down on burn time as I wont have erase multiple sessions and reburn them. Make sense? I still think it's backwards.Maybe someday.Thanks again.

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Answer 5

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Feb 28, 2006 10:52 AM in response to Keniko

Personally I would use 3 discs and rotate which disc is burned. Then when you erase and burn one disc, you still have the 2 previous sessions backed up.

With your current strategy a crash during the burn could leave you with no backups.

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Answer 6

Keniko Author

Level 1

51 points

Feb 28, 2006 2:02 PM in response to Duane

Duane,
Thanks so much for your insight. Yes, you're right,rotating the discs is cheap insurance. Like they say Digital is not saved unless it's in two or more places. Thanks.

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Answer 7

joeyoppo

Level 1

120 points

Feb 28, 2006 5:49 PM in response to Keniko

yeah, multisessioning through os x, using disk utility is a hassle, but like quicktimekirk referenced, toast has an easy function, probably the single best function in toast, where you can de-select 'close disc'

normally discs are 'closed' at the end of burning, which is why you can't go back and add more to your dvd. so toast is worth it if you want make use of the space on removable media.

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Answer 8

ali brown

Level 7

26,493 points

Feb 28, 2006 5:56 PM in response to Keniko

Hi Keniko!

This utility BurnX Free, allows you to burn multi-session CDs, but not DVDs.

ali b

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Answer 9

Duane

Level 10

124,293 points

Feb 28, 2006 7:42 PM in response to joeyoppo

joeyoppo, you are referring to CDs not DVDs.

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Answer 10

Keniko Author

Level 1

51 points

Mar 3, 2006 2:19 PM in response to Duane

Ali,
Thanks so much. I'm going to give this app a try. I might try Toast. Thanks everyone,you've all been a big help to me. I learned a couple things here. Thanks again.
Hey, check out my bands web site. www.thebluesmavericks.com. Email me and let me know what you think.
-Ken-

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