How many times can you rewrite a CD-RW?

Thanks. I definitely will not be using them for backup purposes, but I was planning on using it one as a bootable cd for linux. This way, once a new version comes out I can simply rewrite the disk and have an updated version.
I have never worked with rewritables before, so I do not even know if this is a solid idea... Thanks for your help.

As drive age they lose the ability to boot from RW media first, then R and in the final stages no media works. Since I use linux boot CDRs to diagnose or to recover files from problematic machines I need to get the best media I can for the task.

So I'll use CDR plus I'll record at 2X to give it the best chance of running on the most machines.
Bob

I understand why there would be a compatibility issue, but what I do not understand is the "selective" failure of the drive based on complexity of the media... Is there any technical reason this is the case, or is this just personal experience?

There are tomes written about how CD, CDR and CDRW media works and how it is read. And in that order it is easy to harder to read. EXAMPLE at http://www.cdrfaq.org/faq04.html#S4-23

Sorry but this area is full of information ready to be found but use what works for you. For me I need the what will most likely work in an old machine.
Bob

I understand why one would do that and it completely makes sense for a backup purpose or if you were loading a paid for O.S. However, I am simply loading linux onto the computer so if I can get a years worth of reliability out of it I will be more than happy. Thanks for the info!

We can't escape the need for a backup. Your post doesn't write but alludes to an idea that CDR media is expensive. Here it's dropped to a dime or less. While I have a few CDRW the lower speed and the fact it can fail to work on other machines has me spend the dime.

And if I figure I use that CD for about a year (I don't update my linux boot CD often) the amortized cost is under a penny a month.

Hope this answers all your questions.
Bob

I was jsut wondering about the longevity of the disc as a piece of viable media. In no way do i think CD-R's are expensive. I just bought 100 for $10. ( $.10 per disc)

I dont see how I alluded to anything about pricing. I dont mind spending a few extra dollars for reliability. As such, I have a backup solution that includes imaged copies of all eight of my computers on at least 2 hardrives each and also CD/DVD backups of all my data.

And the reason I want to use a cd-rw for a linux boot is because it often takes several installs to get everything working properly. I like to test new hardware with linux and I often crash many systems. So its nice to be able to modify the install disc and reinstall. This way I'm not wasting media (helps the environment).

But yes I appreciate the info you posted, Thanks!

I have some old CDRW media that is from before 2000. Maybe 1995. Still works after untold erasures.

This is sounding more and more promising with each post. I appreciate the input!

Its good to hear some real world experience with the rewrite limit. I was thinking that was the case. I can imagine under ideal conditions you may be able to get a couple hundred rewrites but I cant imagine much more. In any case, I am only looking to rewrite it about 10-20 times... nothing really more..