How to Read a Non-Finalized DVD

See what files are waiting to be written to DVD.

Many computers are equipped with DVD-burning drives. These drives permit a user to insert a blank DVD into their disc drive, then copy computer files onto the disc. This disc can then be transferred to another computer or media player. One aspect of creating a disc is the ability to slowly add all of the files that need to be included on the disc before it is burned. However, if this process is spread out for too long, it may be possible to forget what is waiting to be written. Fortunately, it is possible to see what is in the writing queue.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" or Windows button in the lower left corner of the screen.

2. Select the "Computer" or "My Computer" option.

3. Locate your DVD burner drive within the "Devices with Removable Storage" section. If you have multiple DVD drives on your computer, the DVD burner drive will be signified by a "DVD-RW" label.

4. Double-click on the DVD burner icon.

5. View the files on your non-finalized DVD under the "Files Ready to Be Written to the Disc" section.

Tips & Warnings

• Creating DVDs in this fashion can be useful if you are uncertain whether all of your data will require multiple discs or not. By right-clicking on the disc folder and selecting "Properties" you can see how much space your files will take up.

• Remove files from the non-finalized DVD by right-clicking on them and selecting the "Delete" option.

References

• University of Delaware: How to Back Up Data to a CD Using Windows XP