[SABRMnLgs]

Okay folks, I'm just about ready to give up on CD-RWs. I got a bunch of them last year on sale and use them extensively when moving data from my pc to my laptop.
The problem then shows up. When I want to delete or change the name of the file on the CD, I get a note that says, "ubable to delete as file is a read-only file".

Where does this come from? I never clicked on anything that says make it a read only file. So I have to go all the way back to the main board and erase the entire CD to clear it. I cannot erase just a few things.
I have tried going to "properties" but it does say "read-only files". I click on it to make it go way but it dosen't. I try it again and the same message comes up, "unable to delete, files are read-only".

Anyone out there who can help me? Please send suggestions to my email:
Thank you.

SABRMnLgs@AOL.com

[tony]

Why via email?

Post your suggestions here so we can all learn. This is a forum, you know.

[Hawkwind]

A CD-RW is not like a floppy disk, you can change the name. I believe it has to do with the file allocation table and CD's were never made to be used like floppy disks were.

[chuckinca]

If you have USB ports it is much easier to use a memory stick. I have about a dozen of different capacities and usually use a 2 Gig one (I believe CD's only hold about 750 Meg).

Chuck

[katezbox]

Agree with the above folks - CDs aren't floppies.

I would buy a removable hard drive. They have them at Staples or other box office store for about $100. My personal preference is one that connects by USB and requires no separate power source. It is about 3 X 5 X 1/3"

l

[zcaveman]

Right click on the file you want to rename or delete and click on Properties. Look at the bottom for attributes. If the read-only block is checked, uncheck it.

This has always worked for me.

[Yoda]

As said above. Use CD's to archive. There is a CD that can be used like a floppy but thumb drives and SD cards make them obsolete. You can get a 4 gig usb thumb drive for less than $20. 4 Gig Thumb drive = about 8 CD's.

Good luck

Yoda

[tony]

If you have a gmail account, you can go to docs.google.com.

For certain types of file, that google service can be very helpful.

[midstatepc]

Hi all,
all good recomendations, but they really don't answer the question. In order to be able to rename files, change attributes, or even selectively delete and replace files on a CDRW, it must be written with a specail method called "packet writing" If you have a retail copy of Nero or other popular cd burning software, then you should be able to write the CDRW using this method. Most OEM copies as well as the burning software included in Windows do not have packet writing available as an option. Also, if you choose to use packet writing method of CDRW creation, be warned, as the overall capacity of the CDRW is reduced.