Using DVD -RW for the first time....Help....

[#1]

Hi,
I'm trying to burn some files to a DVD-RW but an error messge has appeared saying
'Write error at 0(16) - Code 05 30 08 [illegal request, cannot write, application code mismatch]"
I've been using this particular software (which converts .avi files to .bup files etc and burns to DVD) for a couple of years with no real problems.
I was using DVD-R and decided I would like to use rewritable media (for obviousl reasons) so I bought Verbatim DVD-RW 4x which was recommended as a stable and reliable disc.
This is literally my first attempt with the DVD-RW and I am stumped.
Am I forgetting to do something really basic like formatting the DVD or is it simply the wrong DVD for my drive?
Or maybe something else.
Thanks.

[#2]

Is this with an Apple Mac
If it is a PC which burning software are you using and what is the DVD writer

[#3]

Sorry for lack of info.
I'm using a PC running XP.
The DVD burner is SONY DVD RW DW-U14A
Thanks

[#4]

A quick check threw up this spec link to Aria which states

Quote

Description:       Mfr Part Number: DWU14A       DVD-R Write Speed :       1X, 2X, 4X max.       DVD-RW Write Speed :       1X, 2X max.       DVD+R Write Speed :       2.4X, 4X max.       DVD+RW Write Speed :       2.4X, 4X max.

You could try forcing a 2X write speed otherwise you will need some 2X disks - I know that 4X disks should work on a 2X burner but often they don't
To be honest I would buy a new DVD drive as they are dirt cheap now -

[#5]

you need to format the dvd rw once, after which you erase when you rewrite.  then you can write in the usual way.

[#6]

Hi,
Thanks to both of you for your advice.
I will try to format them first and then perhaps consider a new drive if this does not work.
How do I format the disk - what software do i use.
Sorry for sounding naive but I have never had to do this before.
Thanks

[#7]

Windows XP does not include any "proper" DVD software, though it may recognise a blank DVD-RW and offer the option to format it.
Did your DVD drive come with a software disk, they normally do with at least some basic "burning" software?

[#8]

Hi,
Unfortunately my machine was bought from Mesh about 5 years ago and didn't come with any additional software.
I do however have Nero, would this have the facility to format the disc?
Thanks

[#9]

Nero has many versions. Mine (which came with DVD drive) includes an "Erase DVD" function - if yours has that it should do it.

[#10]

i haven't used RW for a long time - I just use R and junk it when it is full and start a new one.
That aside I believe that if you burn a DVD RW with Nero it asks if you want to format it if it isn't already

[#11]

Thanks for all your advice.
I exchanged the DVD -RW for DVD +RW and they work perfectly.
Just one other quick question... Do I have to reformat the disc every time I want to use it again, ie to delete everything on it or is there a simpler way.
If I want to keep certain files on the DVD and delete only certain ones, can this be done?
Cheers

[#12]

Yes you can just delete the files you don't want and carry on.
A word of caution - never rely on a RW disk to store critical information. They can sometimes go wrong.
That is why I never use them as the cost of a decent DVD R disk is only about 20p and all I do is not finalise the disk until it is full. In this way I can keep adding files as necessary

[#13]

Thanks Oldjim,
I was using the R discs to transfer stuff to be watched on my DVD player in the TV room and then I simply discard them so there was a lot of wastage.
I thought that by using RW discs I could save myself a few quid and help the environment to boot 🙂
So to simply delete the files I would use good old Windows explorer - would this be sufficient?
Thanks
DG

[#14]

To erase the DVD RW you could use a free utility like ImgBurn http://www.imgburn.com/
There is an erase option under tools > Drive > Erase Disc