Before we talk about how to erase files from a DVD-RW, we will first talk about the media itself. This will eliminate some obscure points. On sale you can find two types of DVD format discs - DVD-R and DVD-RW. The first option is not designed to overwrite information, while the second can be used several times.
Moreover, some manufacturers, either due to dishonesty, or for some other reasons, sometimes pack R-format products in boxes from under RW. So if you do not delete files from the DVD-RW, then you should take a closer look at it. On the body itself (photo below) or on the inner ring of the disk there should be a corresponding label (R or RW). As a rule, it is barely visible, but still visible to the naked eye.
Disk Cleanup Methods
We've sorted out the technical issue, now let's move on to the software one. So, let's try to figure out how to delete files from a DVD-RW disc and do it as painlessly as possible for the user and for external media.
There are two ways to clear a rewritable drive. The first - using the utilities built into the operating system, and the second - through third-party software. Both of them allow you to equally efficiently delete files from a DVD-RW. Both that and another way, more likely, a question of personal preference, than convenience.
Established Windows Tools
All versions of Windows operating systems (XP, 7, 8, 10) have a built-in ability to delete files from a DVD-RW disc. It is implemented in the same way as the functionality for working with ordinary files and folders. After inserting the disk into the drive, the system should detect the media.
Detailed information about the disk can be obtained by calling the auxiliary menu, right-clicking on the corresponding icon. In the “Properties” section, the drive capacity, name and other information are indicated, including its type - RW or R.
In order to copy and delete files from a DVD-RW, you need to open the explorer window with the media. Here again it is necessary to call the auxiliary menu by tapping the right button of the manipulator on an empty area in the same window. The item “Erase disk” should appear in the list. In some versions of the OS, the phrase may change: “Clear disk”, “Delete information”, etc. But the general meaning should be clear.
After selection, the system should ask again if you are sure of your actions, and when you click OK, the disk cleaning procedure starts. Operations with individual files proceed in approximately the same way, only before calling the context menu, it is necessary to select specific data, and not an empty area of the medium.
Third Party Funds
Third-party software has wider functionality in comparison with the regular one. A vivid example of sensible programs of this kind are Nero, Ultra-ISO, Daemon Tools and Alcohol 120. Utilities not only allow you to erase the entire disk, but also perform different actions with individual files, images and other data.
In all the programs described above, the process of erasing the disk occurs in the same way as in the case of the Windows Explorer: open the window with the disk, call the context menu with the right button of the manipulator and select the "Clear", "Delete", etc. All tools duplicated on the control panel, so that you can run the functionality from it.
It is also worth clarifying that the programs mentioned provide a detailed report on the work done, where you can find out about bad sectors, bad tracks and other problems. The utilities have Russian-language localization and an extensive help system, so there should not be any problems, at least with the deletion of files.