Formatting CDRW

[DF9]

Apologies in advance as I suspect this question has been asked many times before. I can't format my imation CD-RW 4x-10x discs in preparation for hard disk backup. When I try, InCD questions compatibility of the disc with the drive or if it's damaged/scratched (which it isn't). I have a Samsung CDRW/DVD SM-308B Combo Drive(version T101) capable of reading and writing to CDRWs. (Read speed 32X, write speed 8X). I use Nero version 6601. I run Windows XP incl Service Pack 2.
I suppose I could try other CDRWs to see if they work, but as a true Scot I want to see if there's an alternative to potentially spending a lot of money!
I'd be very grateful for advice. Samsung websites of no help at all. DF9

 

[roadworker]

You have to use 4X rewritable discs for that drive,it can't handle multispeed rw discs,the Samsung (as most older drives) doesn't support them.....

 

[zver]

You have to use 4X rewritable discs for that drive,it can't handle multispeed rw discs,the Samsung (as most older drives) doesn't support them.....

There was a some software before mentioned here from a maker of cdmate-specilizied for rewritable cdrw-like sort of super erasing,do a search,but if i were you i i wouldnt bother,buy a new drive for 30-40$ which will do all the way till 32 speed

 

[Duracell]

I can't format my imation CD-RW 4x-10x discs in preparation for hard disk backup.

oh no, -RW discs are absolutely not reliable for backing up important data;

Greetings from
Duracell

 

[LTR12101B]

Looks like the specification is 32x CD read, 8x DVD read,
8x CD-R write and 4x CD-RW (re)write

The 4x lowest speed of "High speed" media is not conpatible with the 4x speed of older drives, which only support "1-4x" at (up to) 4x and unspecified or 2x media at 2x.

Due to the construction of RW media, you do not have a free range of speeds, as there are 3 different media types.

1. Original (2x, later 1-4x)
2. HS (High Speed) - nominally 4-10x, but also 4-8x, 4-12x, and in some drives, overspeed to 16x is possible - Only usable in drives with the "High Speed" or "Ultra Speed" designations - High speed drives are also not certain to support the original low speed media.
3. US (Ultra speed) - speeds of 16x to 24x (and later 32x)

So low speed RW is required for that drive, and reliability / compatibility of CD-RW is vastly inferior to CD-R.


- Just checked XSCT, no low speed RW

http://www.bigpockets.co.uk/product.php?lang=&gad=&product=CDR8073-100&session=66d8c73f573cbb785aab3dba232fb869
- Bigpockets - 100 CD-RW 4x for £9.49 (plus P&P) - it's the right TYPE of media for that drive, but given the nightmares I've had with CD-RW, I can't assure you that it would actually WORK in that drive.

http://www.bigpockets.co.uk/product.php?lang=&gad=&product=CDW1006-5&session=66d8c73f573cbb785aab3dba232fb869
The only other CD-RW 4x they have, 5 cased for £3.17

If you won't be too cross at losing £9.49 + P&P if the drive doesn't like the media (and it's happened to me with various media on two drives!), then I'd say you have to chance the 100 pack "when it's gone, it's gone" - if you need low speed RW, you have to lay in supplies NOW, as it's certain to go from low price clearance to high priced rare, if it can be found at all.

I'll repeat the warning though, it's the right TYPE for the drive, but it might not be any good in it - hopefully the Samsung is less finicky than my drives.