Q&A for How to Format a CD

You can only erase a CD-RW, not a CD-R, so first make sure that is what you are working with. For the details you'll want to check out How to Erase a CD RW .

It's a similar process to formatting a CD, but a little different. Check out How to Format DVD RW for the details.

Here's how to format a DVD disc: 1. Insert the DVD-RW disc into a DVD burner drive. 2. Erase the existing data. 3. Access the "Burn files to disc" window. 4. Give your disc a name. 5. Select the format you want to use. 6. Finish the formatting process. 7. Add your files to the disc.

Erase all the data off of a CD-RW: 1. Open Windows Explorer. 2. Right-click on the CD-RW on your drive list. 3. Select Format. 4. Leave all the options at their defaults. 5. Enter in a new name for the disc if you wish. 6.Click Start. All of the data on the CD-RW will be deleted.

You can only format a CD/DVD-RW. If Windows shows a "cannot format the disc" error, make sure that your CD/DVD is an RW (re-writable) disc. It will be most likely be written on the label of the disc. If it is not, just put the disc in the DVD/CD drive, right click on it, and click "Properties." There it will show what kind of disc it is.