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Using a CD Writer

If you have the opportunity to obtain a CD Writer (also called a CD Burner) you will have an easy method for sharing and backing up large database files, as well as storing photos, music and other files.

What is a CD-R? A CD-R can be written only once...but the advantage is that it can be read in any type of CD drive. Files that you plan to share with others should be shared via CD-R.

What is a CD-RW? A CD-RW can be be written on more than once, but can only be read from a CD Writer drive. A CD-RW is suitable for creating backup copies of files.

How do I create a CD?. The method depends on your CD Writer software and your operating system. In Windows XP, you can simply right click on a file or group of files and choose Send To, CD on a popup menu. In other operating systems, you may need to run a CD-writing software program in order to make a copy. Use the START button to open your CD-Writer software (look under Start, Programs, "HP" or "Adaptec" or "Roxio" or "Create CD" or "Easy CD Creator" for example). The software will bring you through a series of questions. Specify that you want a Data CD, that you want it be readable in any type of CD drive, and then specify the folder or files that you want to copy.

  • In most cases, it is better to copy from the C:\ drive than from a network drive, since the CD-Writer demands a steady flow of information.
  • If you get error messages about 'buffer overrun' or something similar, the data was being copied too quickly. Choose a slower speed on the CD writer screen (such as 4X instead of 8X).

Can you work directly on the CD-R or CD-RW? No, once the file is copied onto a CD it becomes "Read-Only." You can look at a presentation or photo, read a document, listen to a music file, etc., but if you want to edit the file, you must copy the file back to your C:\ drive and remove the "Read Only" setting.

How can I copy files from a CD-R to my computer? When you copy files to a CD-R they become "Read-Only." * Use My Computer to copy the files from the CD to the C:\ drive or network drive * Right click on each filename and choose Properties from the popup menu. Uncheck the "Read-Only" checkbox.