How to Delete a Rewritable DVD

Information on a rewritable DVD can be erased.

Rewritable DVDs come in two forms, DVD-RW and DVD+RW. Although the two formats have their differences, they both function in relatively the same manner, allowing users to write and rewrite data to the disc as if it were a hard drive. It's easy to remove single files or folders from a disc, but if a person wants to remove all the files and format the disc to its original state, then he must do things a bit differently.

Instructions

Windows

1. Insert the disc in your disc drive. If any autoplay options come up, hit "Cancel."

2. Go to "My Computer."

3. Right-click on the disc drive with the DVD and select "Erase This Disc." A warning will pop up asking whether you are sure you want to erase the disc. Click "Next" to erase the disc.

Mac OS X

1. Insert the disc into your disc drive.

2. Go to "Applications," then "Utilities." Select "Open Disk Utility."

3. Click on the "Erase" tab. Next to "Volume Format" select the disc drive.

4. Click on "Erase" to erase all the files on the disc.

Tips & Warnings

• If the disc has been mastered or finalized, then it cannot be rewritten or erased.

References

• Apple: How to erase a CD-RW disc
• Microsoft: Erase a CD or DVD

Resources

• Video Help: What is DVD?