Cannot access data on cd

[ace100]

I previously had data on a cd, but couldn't access it. Under properties, it showed 0% free, although I had accessed it in the past and it wasn't full. Since I didn't really need the data, I tried to format it, and Windows could not complete the format. This happened on two other disks, but some others are ok. What caused this? and what can I do to avoid it in the future?

 

[ksiemb]

I previously had data on a cd, but couldn't access it. Under properties, it showed 0% free, although I had accessed it in the past and it wasn't full. Since I didn't really need the data, I tried to format it, and Windows could not complete the format. This happened on two other disks, but some others are ok. What caused this? and what can I do to avoid it in the future?

If you burned the CD with 3rd party software, you may have to use it to erase the content. Happened to me with one created with imgburn.

 

[hang-the-9]

Burnable CDs are easily scratched, their surface is not very hard. If you want to avoid issues with storing them, there are some companies that make scratch resistant disks that work pretty well. http://www.imation.com/en-us/Imation-Products/Blu-rayDVDCD-Media--Accessories/CD-RRW-Media/CD-R-ForceField-Discs/ http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/382419-REG/Maxell_648410_CD_R_700MB_Professional_Disc.html and so on.

If the disk is not a CD-RW you can't format it, CD-R are write once only.