How to Erase or Overwrite a CD

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Erasing a CD is a simple process, but it can only be done with a CD-RW disk. The data on a CD-R is permanently written on the disc. You are being eco-friendly when you use a CD-RW, because you are reusing a disc rather then burning a disc that will later be thrown out when you are done with it.

Advertisement

Erasing a CD-RW: For PC Users

Video of the Day

Step 1

Insert the CD-RW into your CD drive.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Click on the start button for Windows. For Mac users, go to the next section.

Advertisement

Step 3

Click on "My Computer" for Windows.

Step 4

Click the icon for the CD-RW drive. This icon will be labeled "CD/RW Drive."

Step 5

Click either "Format" or "Erase." Click "Next" on the window that pops up to start the format process. When that process is done, the disc has been erased and is ready to use again.

Advertisement

Erasing a CD-RW: For Mac Users

Step 1

Open the disc utility in your Mac OS. This utility is in "Applications," then in "Subfolder," "Utilities."

Advertisement

Step 2

Click the tab named "Erase."

Advertisement

Step 3

Select the disc you want to erase. Be very careful not to select your hard drive.

Step 4

Click the "Erase" button. Your disc is now erased and ready for use.

Advertisement

Advertisement