On a floppy or hard drive, deleting a file usually occurs by changing a pointer to show file doesn't exist.   The file is usually not actually erased.  That is how undelete works - it changes the pointer back.   FAT stands for file access table.  If you lose your FAT, you can't locate your files.  I'm not sure if NTFS (new technology file system) works the same way or not.  I suspect the cd drive is doing something similar, the rewrite(erase) simply rewrites the pointer.  

----- Original Message -----
From: "E. Ryder" 
Date: Thursday, June 8, 2006 11:50 pm
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Erase DVD
To: [log in to unmask]

> ***********I tried erasing as suggested below and it indicated 
> that it had 
> erased the contents of the DVD but when I opened the DVD the 
> files were 
> still there. Why was that?
> I then tried selecting the file name and clicking on 
> the delete 
> key and it went to the Recycle bin and the disc is now blank. 
> This seems 
> too easy. Any comments?
> Thanks..............Elliott
> =============================
> 
> At 11:01 AM 6/7/2006 -0400, you wrote:
> >Can anyone tell me how to erase an Imation DVD+RW or at least 
> reuse one?
> >I have Windows XP and have access to most programs that could 
> be used for
> >this operation.
> >Thank you...........Elliott
> >
> >Hi There Elliott,
> >
> >If you will click on MY COMPUTER, when that comes up, you will 
> see a drive
> >that says CD RW ( you will see a pic. of a CD there)
> >RIGHT click on that, and select ERASE THIS CD RW. Hope this helps.
> >Harriet
> 
> 
> -- 
> No virus found in this outgoing message.
> Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.8.2/357 - Release Date: 
> 6/6/2006
> Do you want to signoff PCBUILD or just change to
> Digest mode - visit our web site:
> http://freepctech.com/pcbuild.shtml
> 
> 

              The NOSPIN Group is now offering Free PC Tech
                     support at our newest website:
                          http://freepctech.com