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06/01/08

HOW TO: Create a CD-R or CD-RW disc in Windows XP
(Article: 913)

Summary

General instructions on creating (burning) a CD-R or CD-RW disc in Windows XP

Resolution
 

The following text requires that a CD-RW drive is installed in your system.

Quick Tips:

• · For best results always make certain you have the latest Windows Update installed.
• · Make certain the blank media you purchase is rated for the speed of your CD-RW drive.
• · Windows XP cannot do a CD to CD copy - you will need to purchase a third party program for this feature (make certain the program you purchase is compatible with Windows XP).

• Which disc type should I use?

CD-R: Compact Disc - Recordable. A CD-R disc is the least expensive for creating your own discs. It allows you to make one recording, or session, and it becomes permanent once you make the disc. Once the information is recorded, you cannot re-record a CD-R disc. Note - the type of disc you need for recording in Windows XP is the Data type. You should not purchase the Music type of blank discs

CD-RW: Compact Disc Rewritable. A CD-RW disc allows you to create a disc, and information will be available for many years, just like the CD-R disc. But the CD-RW disc also allows you to re-format (re-record) a disc, which essentially erases the information on it. Once you have reformatted the disc, you can use it again as you would any other blank disc. Of course, reformatting a disc, will erase all information currently on it, so make certain you don't erase anything important. You can reformat (erase) a CD-RW disc up to 1000 times. Note: CD-RW discs are normally not compatible with audio CD devices such as boom boxes, portable "walkman" type CD players, etc. If your audio CD player does not recognize an audio CD created using a CD-RW disc, try creating the disc again using a CD-R disc.

How do I save my data to a blank disc in Windows XP?

There is an abundance of help available in Windows XP. To find information specific to CD Recording do this:

• Click Start
• Click Help and Support
• In the search box near the top type in the words CD Recording
• Click the Search button
• On the left hand list, locate the selection Copying Files And Folders To A CD and click it once to open it.
• Follow the instructions for copying files to a disc.

• How do I get music onto a blank disc?

As above, these instructions are included in Windows XP Help and Support. To open these instructions:

• Click Start
• Click Help and Support
• In the search box near the top type in the words Music Recording
• Click the Search button
• On the left hand list, locate the selection Walkthrough: Making Music and click it once to open it.
• Click the topic Creating a CD
• Follow the walkthrough for saving music to a disc.

• More Information from the Microsoft Support Knowledgebase:

Description of CD-ROM Recording in Windows XP (Q279157)

Windows XP Does Not Support Testing Before Writing to CD-R or CD-RW Media (Q302711)

HOW TO: How to Copy Music to and from an Audio CD in Windows XP (Q297015)

The "Write to CD" Option is Available While Copying Files to the Staging Area (Q300779)

How to Set the Write Speed for a CD-R Drive in Windows XP (Q309522)

HOW TO: Back Up Information to a CD (Q306524)

Cannot Rename the Volume Label for a CD-R or CD-RW Disc from Within Windows Explorer (Q291731)

How to Troubleshoot Audio CD Creation in Windows Media Player for Windows XP (Q306319)