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Space on CD-R

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by rajan62

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Whenever I burn a CD-R to take backup of my data the entire space on the CD-R is never used. When I burn around 250-300 MB of data after checking the property it gives the message that there is no empty space. But when i check it with Nero CD burner it shows that adequate space is still there. So where this remaining space is used. I am using the default CD-burner that comes with Wndows XP. I have also tired Nero CD burner. I burn the CD in multiple sessions. Is it because:
1. I am doing it in multiple sessions, or
2. The default CD burner of Wndows XP is not enough.
Can anyone explain me where I am going wrong, so that I will correct myself.
Thanks.
Rajan

2 replies

by thechas

I believe that your problem is the multiple sessions.

There is a fixed amount of space on the CD-R for the file allocation table / index. Each time you add files to a CD-R, you obsolete the old record, and create a new one. After just a few sessions, the file index table is full and no more files can be added. It is also very possible that you will not be able to access all of the files on the disk after you get the disk full message.

You will have more flexibility if you use a CD-RW disk. But, a CD-RW disk is more apt to suffer from data loss.

How critical are the files you are backing up? If they are business critical or valuable files, I would use some media other than writable optical disks. They are just not a reliable backup media. Use tape, or even an external hard drive if this data is valuable.

Chas

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