Q&A for How to Erase a CD RW

When you "finalize" the CD to use in other players, it is no longer re-writable.

Depends on what type of CD you have purchased. CD-R can't be rewritten while CD-RW can be rewritten.

If you have a CD-R, it doesn't work. You need a CD-RW in order for this to be re-written.

Double-click My Computer, right-click the CD icon, then click Format.

All CD/DVDs will have it printed on the label. If your label is damaged or not visible, put the CD/DVD in the DVD drive. Right-click on the CD/DVD, then click Properties. You will see what kind of CD/DVD it is.

In that case, the CD is probably not CD-RW. Check on the CD specifically for "RW". If it's there, try to format your CD-RW from the system. It will delete data from the CD and make room for burning. If that does not solve your issue, try using a third-party DVD/CD burning software to format or delete data. If that also does not solve your concern, then it is time to replace the CD-RW.

No. A DVD-R can be used to burn data just once. After that, it cannot be deleted or re-written.

CD-RW and DVD-RW are both erasable and rewritable. You can erase and rewrite them as many times as you want until they wear out.