DVD Plus or DVD Minus RW.

[doddsredoubt]

I wonder if anybody on answerbank could answer this question please,what is the difference between a DVD-RW and a DVD+RW.
I want to back my computer up and it tells me I need a DVD+RW and I have only got a DVD--RW.

Thankyou for any help.

[Ethel]

It is simply a different format. There is nothing you can do to change it without buying a new dvdrw drive.

Newer models burn to all formats.

[doddsredoubt]

Thankyou ethel,I have had this computer for just over a year it's a Dell.

But to backup my computer I am using Roxio Easy Media Creator 8,if that means anything.

Thanks for your help though.

[Ethel]

Roxio is the software.

The hardware - the dvdrw itself - determines the type of disc you use.

You have several options -

Buy dvd+ disks
Replace your dvdrw unit with a multi reader one
Buy an additional internal or external dvdrw unit.

[doddsredoubt]

Thankyou ethel,I am new at this thanking for putting me right I will go out and get some DVD+RW'S now.

Thankyou for your help.

[vehelpfulguy]

DONT GET DVD+RW DISCS, THEY ARE NOT GOOD FOR BACKUP

GET DVD+R DISCS

DVD+RW are re-writeable and files on there can be deleted, this is NOT good for backups.

DVD+R are write once, never delete. This is far more sensible for backup as once the data is on the DVD it cannot be deleted.

You may think that you will never delete anything off a DVD+RW but it can easily happen, by accident for example.

If your drive can support DVD+RW it can also support DVD+R.

So for backups use DVD+R discs.

[doddsredoubt]

Thankyou vehelpfulguy,you have helped me so much also like ethel as I am new to this part of computing.

So glad there is answerbank and knowledgable people like you around to help people like me.

Thanks for your help much appreciated.