Linux Formatting a CDRW / DVD Media ( blank media ) Commands
Q. How do I blank / format my CDRW / DVD media under Linux using a shell prompt?
A. You can use wodim (cdrecord) to record data or audio Compact Discs on an Orange Book CD-Recorder or to write DVD media on a DVD-Recorder
Task: Find out device name
Find find out your CDRW drive name by entering following command:
$ cdrecord -scanbus
or
$ wodim -scanbus
Output:
scsibus1:
1,0,0 100) 'TSSTcorp' 'CD/DVDW SH-S182D' 'SB04' Removable CD-ROM
1,1,0 101) *
1,2,0 102) *
1,3,0 103) *
1,4,0 104) *
1,5,0 105) *
1,6,0 106) *
1,7,0 107) *
Note that 1,0,0 is the device name you need to use.
Task: Formatting a cd rw on Linux
Insert CD and enter following command to format CDRW (note for formatting DVD use dvd+rw-format command, see below):
$ cdrecord blank=fast dev=1,0,0
OR
$ sudo cdrecord blank=fast dev=1,0,0
Above command will blank a CD-RW and exit or blank a CD-RW before writing. The blanking type is fast, but it may be one of the following:
- all : Blank the entire disk. This may take a long time.
- fast: Minimally blank the disk. This results in erasing the PMA, the TOC and the pregap.
- track Blank a track.
- unreserve Unreserve a reserved track.
- trtail Blank the tail of a track.
- unclose Unclose last session.
- session Blank the last session.
Task: Formatting a dvd rw on Linux
Use dvd+rw-format command to formats dvd disk in the specified dvd drive such as /dev/dvd:
$ dvd+rw-format -force /dev/dvd
OR
$ sudo dvd+rw-format -force /dev/dvd
Task: Using GUI tool - k3b
k3b is a CD/DVD burning tool. It can format CD/DVD RW. First install k3b:
$ sudo apt-get install k3b
Start k3b from menus or just type
$ k3b &
Now click on Tools menu > Erase CDRW to format CDRW
OR
Now click on Tools menu > Format DVD to format DVD
See also:
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