Share via

erasing a CD-R

Anonymous
2011-05-24T19:24:26+00:00

I want erase a writable disk that I messed up. I have went through the help topics but still can not figure it out. Do I even have that option on my computer

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Music, photos, and video

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
  1. Anonymous
    2011-05-25T05:22:45+00:00

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Erase-a-CD-or-DVD

    To erase all of the files on a disc

    You can erase all the files at one time on a rewritable disc, such as CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, or DVD-RAM discs. You can do this for discs that use either the Live File System or Mastered disc format. The following steps for erasing a disc won't work for recordable discs, such as CD-R, DVD-R, or DVD+R discs.

    1. Insert the rewritable disc, such as a CD-RW, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, or DVD-RAM disc, into your computer's CD, DVD, or Blu‑ray Disc burner.
    2. Open Computer by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Computer.
    3. In Windows Explorer, click the CD, DVD, or Blu‑ray Disc burner icon.
    4. On the toolbar, click Erase this disc, and then follow the steps in the wizard.

    To delete one or more files on a disc

    If you have a rewritable disc (such as a CD-RW or DVD-RW disc) or recordable disc (such as a CD-R or DVD-R disc) formatted using the Live File System, you can delete one, some, or all the files on the disc.

    1. Insert the recordable or rewritable disc into your computer's CD, DVD, or Blu‑ray Disc burner.
    2. Open Computer by clicking the Start button, and then clicking Computer.
    3. Double-click the CD, DVD, or Blu‑ray Disc burner icon in Windows Explorer to view the files on the disc.
    4. Select the files or folders that you want to delete. To select more than one file, press and hold the Ctrl key, and then click the files you want to delete.
    5. Press the Delete key.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments

3 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2011-05-25T11:44:27+00:00

    You can't.

    Once a CD-R has been burned its either good to play or good for use as a drink mat.

    Only CD-RW disks can be erased then re-written as per the above book.

    Cheers,

    Jerry

    5 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2017-11-30T18:28:23+00:00

    Hi - as Jerry said above - only possible with a CD/RW disc... (only data discs can be amended if it is CD-R providing there is sufficient free space - it's not an option for audio discs) - if you don't want to harm the environment they make good mobiles for the garden! (I don't like them as coasters myself!) - Ric.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2017-11-30T00:33:45+00:00

    Hello - I am a Windows7 user and I have a CD with music on it that I want to delete (or format the disc).

    I am following the help directions but I get told "An error occurred applying attributes to the file: Access is denied"

    I've tried to format but end up being told "The disk is write protected." and cannot do anything...

    I would like to either format or delete the entire data somehow or I will just garbage the discs and buy new ones...not the best environmental choice tho'.

    Any help will be appreciated...many thanks

    R.

    0 comments