Cannot drop all the files to the DVD write

Question

I am trying to write files to a DVD, either a 4.7Gb or 8.5Gb but when I have dropped three files to the DVD space total 1.9Gb the forth file of 1.5Gb is refused because of lack of file space, for the 4.7Gb it says I need an extra 130Mb

Answer 1

Hi Graham Benzeval,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

I understand how confusing this is when it looks like there should be plenty of space left on the DVD. However, there's a chance that this behavior is not an actual issue, but just a combination of the following possibilities:

1 - Different in size reporting

• Windows reports file sizes in GiB
• DVD manufacturers advertise GB

⇒ Your 4.7 GB DVD might have provided about 4.4 GB usable space in Windows, hence saying you are short of space even though the numbers look correct.

2 - DVD file system overhead

• When you burn files to DVD, Windows adds file system overhead (UDF / ISO)
• This overhead can consume 100-200 MB > needing 130MB extra in your case.

3 - Large file handling limitation

• Some DVD writing modes require files to be written before finalizing the disc
• If you are using Like a USB flash drive, space reporting can be inaccurate

To work around this, try sending the files one by one. If possible, compress the files into a ZIP or 7‑Zip archive before burning.

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Answer 2

It seems that you are encountering an issue with burning files to a DVD due to space limitations. When you attempt to add a fourth file that exceeds the available space, the system is indicating that there is not enough room on the disc. Here are a few things you can check or try:

1. Check Available Space: Make sure to verify the total capacity of the DVD you are using (4.7GB for single-layer or 8.5GB for dual-layer) and the total size of the files you are trying to burn. The total size of the files must not exceed the available space on the disc.
2. File System Limitations: Ensure that the file system being used for the DVD is compatible with the size of the files you are trying to write. For example, if the DVD is formatted in a way that limits file sizes, this could cause issues.
3. Burning Process: If you are trying to add files to a session that is already in progress, this can lead to errors. Make sure that any previous burning sessions are completed before starting a new one.
4. Free Up Space: If you are using a 4.7GB DVD and the total size of the files exceeds this limit, consider removing some files or using a larger capacity DVD.
5. Try Different Software: If you continue to experience issues, consider using different burning software that may handle file sizes and disc space more effectively.

If the problem persists, you may want to look into the specific error messages or behaviors you are encountering for further troubleshooting.

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References:

• You may receive an error when burning files to disc