How to Format a Blank DVD+RW

Windows 7 can format DVD+RW discs without third-party software.

A DVD+RW disc is a recordable DVD that can be written to and erased multiple times. But before writing data onto a new, blank disc, you must first format it. Windows 7 allows you to do this without the need to install a third-party utility.

Instructions

1. Insert the blank DVD+RW into your computer's DVD drive.

2. Select "Burn files to disc using Windows Explorer" in the dialog box that comes up. Name your DVD in the "Disc title" box.

3. Choose either "Like a USB flash drive" or "With a CD/DVD player" as the formatting option, depending on how you intend to use the DVD+RW disc. The first option uses the Live File System format, which writes files to the disc as soon as you drag them there. You can also delete files one at a time from the disc. The second option uses the Mastered format, which writes all the files at once.

4. Click "Next" to format the DVD+RW disc and prepare it for writing.

Tips & Warnings

• The steps can also be used to format CD-RW and DVD-RW discs.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Format a CD or DVD