dvd help

purplecatlover

i need dvd's to create a computer back up.
i bought some, dvd-rw but the hp recovery create thing keeps telling me to insert a recordable dvd into the drive.
is there a difference between recordable and rewrite?

the options it gives me to creeate the discs on are dvd, dvd-dl (whats that?) or cd. i dont want to do cds as it needs 15 of them, its dvd that im trying.

thanks if anyone can advise.

snaffler

Could you let me know what the make of your DVD drive is if possible and the Software you are using to burn the DVD-RW.

Most drives should accept DVD-RW, but always a good option is to check if possible.

The problem is with DVDs their is still a kind of format war.

You have DVD- and DVD+ most drives are DVD- that will prevent you from burning if you are using DVD+.

I will check back to see your response soon.

purplecatlover

thanks for the quick reply

software is hp system recovery pc recovery disc creator from my start menu.
dvd drive is a (quoting from the hp website specs for this computer) Super Multi DVD Writer (+/-R +/-RW) with Double Layer support

dvds that im trying to use are maxwell 1-2x speed dvd-rw

snaffler

I can only assume that your drive may not recognise that brand of DVD at this stage. DVDs unlike CDs are still very tempermental if you can get a copy NERO from someone many people may be able to guide you through as its a far easier and superior software to use for DVD / CD burning.

purplecatlover

i guess ill try a different brand of dvds then. thanks

theboylard

Quick answer - pop down to your local aldi/lidl (even have a look in poundstretcher?) and buy some cheap disks, about £4 in the former for 10 in lidl/aldi.
I'd suggest the DVD-R flavour as these tend to be the more common.
open the pack, open one disc only and try that, if it works, great. If it doesn't you can take it back and get your money back.

Question - have you used the drive to burn any other discs?

hapless

purplecatlover

fraid popping down to any shops is out of the question, i have to buy them online.

nope ive not burned any other discs, its a new computer and befor ei install anything extra i want to make recovery discs, it didnt come with any and i used them frequently on my old copmputer.

bat999

purplecatlover wrote:

dvd-dl (whats that?)

dvd-dl = dual layer (probably)

purplecatlover

Just wanted to say thanks everyone i got some dvd-r and it worked on them. i now have a set of recovery discs
the +r ones work fine for pics and music though.