How do I format a DVD-RW?

dvd restricted-formats

32,799

Solution 1

There are a couple of different options. I think the easiest is:

dvd+rw-format -force=full /dev/sr0

I also think that is the one most commonly already installed on your system. I think there's an option in k3b to blank it for you... Oh, just found it, under tools->format/erase rewritable disk. Back in the day we would just do a dd and write zeros over the whole disk, lol. Good luck!

Solution 2

I had a similar problem. The trick (I found) was to make sure the /dev parameter points to the correct device - which in my case made the command:

dvd+rw-format -force=full /dev/dvdrw1

Solution 3

In my case

dvd+rw-format -force=full /dev/dvdrw

worked (without the 1 on the end).

It will take about 15 minutes.

32,799

Julien Chau

Born in 1942 and now I am 77 years old. I learned Unix end of 1970 in Brussels by order of the firm i was working for. And suddenly Windows was there. The firm where i was working for decided to stop the Unix utilization. I had to study Windows,Cobol,Pascal,C+ etc. etc. Later I was a HR business consultant (Cap Gemini - Ernst & Young) specialized in transform and (re)organize firms with great IT projects. When i retired at 65 i returned for my own pleasure to UNIX and became a Ubuntu 8 fan.

Updated on September 18, 2022

Comments

Julien Chau almost 2 years

I have a dvd-RW- / Ubuntu (nautilus and KB3) recognise this DVD as DVD with restricted overwrite. So i cannot reuse that DVD. I had to pass in Windows - make him completely empty there, and return in Ubuntu. Then everything work normal. (recognise the DVD as sequential). Is there a explanation and a better solution?

Neither KB3 neither the terminal command: BD/DVD±RW/-RAM format utility by , version 7.1. :-( mounted media doesn't appear to be DVD±RW, DVD-RAM or Blu-ray. * In this case the DVD was make "empty" with KB3. When I redo the same in Windows, it will work in Ubuntu.
Julien Chau about 13 years

Thanks, but is not working, neither KB3 neither the terminal command: BD/DVD±RW/-RAM format utility by <[email protected]>, version 7.1. :-( mounted media doesn't appear to be DVD±RW, DVD-RAM or Blu-ray. *** In this case the DVD was make "empty" with KB3. When i redo the same in Windows, it will work in Ubuntu.
Julien Chau about 13 years

Thanks for your answer, but in the mean time i have make all my DVD -RW empty in Windows, and now there is no longer a problem. I think the problem (as usual) is in Windows, for i can only do this with a old Nero program
shravan about 10 years

can I use 'cd+rw-format -force=full /dev/sr0' for cd-rw? @darkdragn
Kurt Krueckeberg about 10 years

dvd+rw-format -force /dev/sr0 worked, but not "-force=full", which it said was an unimplemented commandline option.