CD-R or CD-RW???

Question

Being that I am totally computer illiterate, I'm hoping someone can help me. I have the Dimension 2400. It only has the basic read-only cd drive. I have to do a complete/clean installation of Windows XP. But before I do this, I was told I have to back everything up so I don't lose everything. (I really don't want to lose anything!)

Now my question is...rewritable or recordable?

In searching through the forum, I've seen it mentioned that new users (me ) should get rewritable b/c due to the lack of experience, if something gets messed up, it can be deleted and redone. I've also seen that the rewritable is good for losing data. I would also like to save other stuff that I don't view on a daily basisc (i.e. pictures and documents) for future reference.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Message Edited by Linschro on 04-13-2004 04:07 PM

fireberd · Answer

If you only have the basic 'read only' CD drive (CD-ROM) you do not have the capability to make (burn) CD's.  You would have to either install an internal CD burner or an external USB connected CD burner.  However, you do not have to backup 'everything'.  Since you will be reinstalling, you should have the necessary Dell supplied CD's to reinstall everything that came wiht the PC.  The only thing that is needed to be backed up is your personal data/files such as WordProcessing files, picture files, etc.  Also, your E-Mail address book and if you want your Internet Explorer Favorites.

Linschro · Answer

Thanks! But which one is most recommended? Rewritable or recordable (for what I need/ want to do) Thanks again (in advance)

Kanuk001 · Answer

That depends on what you want to do with the disks. If you want the ability to write over previously recorded material, then -RW is what you want. If you want to make a copy and keep it indefinitely, toss it out eventually, then you are better off with -R, they are more reliable and less expensive.

Storage, Drives & Media

CD-R or CD-RW???

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