Q&A for How to Erase a CD RW

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  • Question
    What if my CD was formatted to be compatible with a CD player? I can't delete the data on the disc, and I tried the steps above, but it won't work.
    Community Answer
    When you "finalize" the CD to use in other players, it is no longer re-writable.
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 23
  • Question
    Can I rewrite on a CD that I purchased with content on it?
    Community Answer
    Depends on what type of CD you have purchased. CD-R can't be rewritten while CD-RW can be rewritten.
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  • Question
    My "erase this disc" prompt has turned gray. How can I fix this?
    Community Answer
    If you have a CD-R, it doesn't work. You need a CD-RW in order for this to be re-written.
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    Not Helpful 21 Helpful 6
  • Question
    How do I do this using Windows 7?
    Community Answer
    Double-click My Computer, right-click the CD icon, then click Format.
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  • Question
    How do I identify whether it is a CD-R or CD-RW?
    Aditya Telang
    Community Answer
    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.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 0
  • Question
    What do I do if the option to erase my CD-RW disc is grayed out?
    Aditya Telang
    Community Answer
    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.
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  • Question
    Does this work with movie DVD-Rs that I have created?
    Aditya Telang
    Community Answer
    No. A DVD-R can be used to burn data just once. After that, it cannot be deleted or re-written.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
  • Question
    Is it possible to erase a CD-RW or DVD-RW?
    Denneisk
    Top Answerer
    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.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
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