Selecting "Don't Finalize Disk"; What does that do?

[BKSinAZ]

When I make a data disk, I thought that when I dont finalize a disk that I would be able to come back at a later time and add more files to that disk. This has not been the case for me.

Once I create a disk, I can never add more files to it at a later time. Everytime I put in a disk that has files on it, I am instructed to put in a blank disk before I can burn.

I've used Roxio and Nero and had the same luck.

Am I misunderstanding the Dont Finalize Disk function or am I doing something wrong? How can I add more files to a disk once it has already been used?

 

[Hairy_Lee]

i have personally never used the do not finalise option, but i do know it means that you can add files at a later date.

check with the guides for the programs you are using to make sure if there is a specific way you have to go about it

 

[Supremo]

I have always used that option and has always added files to a burned CD repeatedly.
Check your ASPI drivers in Nero infotool. Try downloading the latest aspi drivers from the adaptec website.

 

[Praetor]

When you burn a [multisession] CD, it adds something at the end called "lead out" ... when you select "finalize cd", that closes the multisesson-ness of the disc (i.e., as the name suggests, finalizes it) ... the time it takes to do the lead-out is virtually elliminated (you notice how, when you burn a cd without finalizing it .. it takes forever to finish? .. yeah, well when you finalize a disc, that time is virtually nill).

Another reason people finalize CDs is to increase the amount of space available for overburning (actually its better to make a non-multisession disc but every bit helps sometimes).

Note that when you burn a non-multisession CD then it is automatically finalized. Now it is possible in some cases to unfinalize a CD -- but its better to be careful and not screw up in the first place.



Hope this clears things up.