How to Delete Files From a CD-RW on a Desktop

Have you ever found yourself staring at a CD-RW disc, wondering how to delete some files that are taking up storage space?

And is it even possible?

You don’t have to be a tech expert to delete files from a CD-RW disc; if you’re familiar with the process, you can do it.

And in this article, I am here to guide you through the steps to delete files from a CD-RW disc like a pro!

Whether you’re using Windows or Mac OS, this article will provide you with all the information you need to manage your CD-RW discs.

How to Delete Files From a CD-RW

First, let’s start with the basics.

What is a CD-RW disc, and how does it differ from a CD-R?

In fact, I have written a dedicated article on the differences between CD, CD-R, and CD-RW. However, if you want a short version, let me explain it.

A CD-RW disc, short for Compact Disc Rewritable, is a type of optical disc that can be erased and rewritten multiple times. In contrast, a CD-R disc, short for Compact Disc Recordable, can only be written to once.

This means what it sounds. Once you burn data onto a CD-R disc, you can’t edit or delete it. However, with a CD-RW disc, you can delete and rewrite the data as many times as you want. This makes CD-RW discs a popular choice for data backup and storage.

Now, let’s move on to the process – how to delete files from a CD-RW disc. The process is slightly different depending on whether you’re using a Windows or Mac OS computer, so I’ll walk you through both methods.

Deleting Files from a CD-RW Disc Using Windows

To delete files from a CD-RW disc using Windows, follow these steps:

1. Insert the CD-RW disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive.
2. Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.
3. Locate the CD-RW disc in the left-hand panel of File Explorer and click on it to open it.
4. Select the file or files you want to delete by clicking on them.
5. Press the Delete key on your keyboard or right-click on the selected files and choose Delete from the context menu.
6. A dialog box will appear asking if you’re sure you want to permanently delete the file(s). Click Yes to confirm.

That’s it! The selected file(s) will be deleted from the CD-RW disc.

Deleting Files from a CD-RW Disc Using Mac OS

To delete files from a CD-RW disc using Mac OS, follow these steps:

1. Insert the CD-RW disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive.
2. Open Finder by clicking on the smiley face icon in the Dock or pressing Command + N on your keyboard.
3. Locate the CD-RW disc in the left-hand pane of Finder and click on it to open it.
4. Select the file or files you want to delete by clicking on them.
5. Press Command + Delete on your keyboard or right-click on the selected files and choose Move to Trash from the context menu.
6. Click on the Trash icon in the Dock to open it.
7. Select the file(s) you want to permanently delete from the CD-RW disc.
8. Right-click on the selected file(s) and choose Delete Immediately from the context menu.
9. A dialog box will appear asking if you’re sure you want to permanently delete the file(s). Click Delete to confirm.

And just like that, you’ve successfully deleted files from a CD-RW disc using Mac OS.

Few Tips and Considerations

Before you go ahead and start deleting files from your CD-RW discs, here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind:

• Make sure the CD-RW disc is not write-protected. Before trying to delete or write anything on a CD-RW disc, make sure the write-protection switch or tab is unlocked. This prevents the disc from being modified accidentally, and you can then easily delete your files from it.

• Don’t forget that deleting files from a CD-RW disc is permanent. Make sure you double-check which files you’re deleting and back up any crucial data to ensure its safety.

• Struggling to delete files from a CD-RW disc? Formatting the disk will erase all data, letting you start from the beginning. To format your CD-RW disc, go through the same process as deleting files but choose ‘Format’ instead.

• Some CD/DVD drives may have trouble reading or writing to CD-RW discs. If you’re experiencing issues, try using a different CD/DVD drive or a different brand of CD-RW disc.

• It’s important to remember that CD-RW discs can only be rewritten a finite amount of times. While these discs are great for temporary use or backups, they may not be the best choice for storing data in the long run due to their reduced quality over multiple rewrite cycles. Consider using other storage options, such as external hard drives or cloud storage, for important data that you want to keep for a long time.

Conclusion

As I said, deleting files from a CD-RW is not difficult. Whether you’re using Windows or Mac OS, the process is simple and straightforward.

Just remember to keep in mind the tips and considerations I mentioned earlier, and you’ll be on your way to successfully manage your CD-RW discs.