What DVD blanks to use?

Question

Resolved Question

What DVD blanks to use?

by Aderosa Jul 12, 2012 10:12PM PDT

Hello, I wish to buy the right DVD blanks for my computer and don't know for sure which type. I'd like the ones to be able to re-write on, etc. Could someone let me know? Here are my computer data (please forgive if it's too much as I don't know exactly what you need to know to recommend the DVD blanks):

Dell Intel® Pentium® dual-core E5500(2.80GHz,2MB L2,800MHz).
Memory: 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1066MHz- 2 DIMMs.
Hard Drive: 750GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™.
Video Card: Integrated Intel® GMA X4500 Graphics.
Optical Drive: 16X DVD+/-RW Drive (Your computer will only play BluRay if it is specifically listed here).
Operating System: Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64Bit, English.
Office Software: Microsoft® Office Starter 2010.

Thanks ever so much for your recommendation. Adela

P.S. How can I abbreviate my computer data next time I need to show it to get advice? Thanx.

Discussion is locked

Aderosa has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

8 Posts

- Collapse + Expand Details

Best Answer

- Collapse -

What DVD blanks to buy?

by Aderosa Jul 13, 2012 7:04AM PDT

Thank you R. Proffitt but I'm sorry I don't understand. I never thought of using a DVD until these 2 things came up:

1. I need a disk to copy stuff from my computer so i can work on it away from home as i don't have a laptop.

2. I also need to create the "Dell DataSafe Local Backup" where it asks to put a disc in, and so I thought I'd try it. Do you think this Dell backup is worth doing?

Thanks again! Adela

- Collapse -

Answer

Dvd

by Bob__B Jul 13, 2012 12:58AM PDT

Go to your local store and pick up a "small" package of dvd/rw disc.
Test.

- Collapse -

Recovery disks?

by mopscare42 Jul 13, 2012 9:58AM PDT

If you are trying to make a set of recovery disks from the Dell data safe local backup, the program won't let you use DVD-RW disks.
You need to use DVD-R or DVD+R disks. I use the +R disks.
Dells reasoning for that is so you can't accidentally format and write anything else to that disk because the program only allows 1 copy to be made.

- Collapse -

About the "1 copy."

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jul 13, 2012 10:04AM PDT

Which is a non-issue because after I make them I use my machine to duplicate a spare set!

- Collapse -

What DVD blanks to buy?

by Aderosa Jul 13, 2012 10:50AM PDT

Thank you mopscare! I understand now. I'll buy the DVD-R only disks for the Dell DataSafe. (What's the difference between DVD-R and DVD+R disks?)

Should I also use the DVD-R for copying stuff from my computer to another? Or can I use for this the DVD-RW?

As to CD disks, is there only one type I hope? Or are DVDs used as CDs?

So sorry for expanding so much, but I'm confused and trying to sort out my thoughts before I buy them.

Thanks so much again! Adela

- Collapse -

Answer

I suggest...

by Willy Jul 13, 2012 11:28PM PDT

Optical Drive: 16X DVD+/-RW Drive (Your computer will only play BluRay if it is specifically listed here)
\\\\\\\\\\\

Given the above info you provided, states it supports DVD +R or -R discs. It also supports DVD-R/W(re-usable) discs as well. For your back-up use, you can use either +R or -R type discs. If you manual so states, it *may* suggest what blank disc to use, it's not a secret but it maybe buried within the manual or the back-up procedure instructions. I also suggest you use "brand name" and not the cheapies, names like Sony, Philips, TDK, Toshiba or Ritek, though names like Memorex or Verbatim I refrain from back-up use.

if you want detail help, you did provide good info in your 1st post, it always helps to state the Dell model#.

tada -----Willy

- Collapse -

Thank you!!! :)

by Aderosa Jul 14, 2012 3:31AM PDT

Oh thank you so much Willy! Your thorough information with that from mopscare has given me now a complete info on what to buy and where. I will look in the manual too as somehow I didn't think of it. Thank you so very much! Adela

Back to Dell forum

r. proffitt · Accepted Answer · Jul 13, 2012 1:07AM PDT

- Collapse -

Depends on what DVD you want to create.

by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jul 13, 2012 1:07AM PDT

DVDRW is something I use when I've testing something but may not play on my Video DVD player. Fine for testing but then I'll use DVD-R or DVD+R when I'm ready.

Bob

What DVD blanks to use?

Best Answer

CNET Forums

Other Forums

Forum Info