First of all, verify the type of media (CD-R, CD-R/W, DVD-R, DVD-R/W) you are using. All media types have the option to add files incrementally in successive sessions. This is referred to as creating a multi-session disc. Also, verify the type of drive you are using to burn data to. If it is just a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM (ROM stands for Read Only Memory), you will not be able to copy data to any media using this type drive.

Next, if you are using a CD burner, you can only copy data to a CD-R or CD-R/W media disc. You cannot use a DVD-R or DVD-R/W media disc in a CD Burner. If you have questions, contact Roadway Cadd Support.

The difference between a CD-R and a CD-R/W is that a CD-R/W allows data to be modified or deleted after burning, where the CD-R is a permanent, one-way process. Files cannot be modified or deleted from a CD-R disc. However, they can be copied onto other media such as the hard drive of another computer or a new computer in case your old hard drive crashes.

The same applies for DVD-R and DVD-R/W discs. The difference between a CD and a DVD is that a CD will hold approximately 600 - 700 MB of data and a DVD will hold approximately 4.5 GB (or 4,500 MB).

Each of the burning applications has its own method of configuring the disc for the multi-session option. In general, it is called TAO-Open, or Track-at-Once and Leave Disc Open. This option leaves the disc open for future sessions.

Another option, called the TAO-Close, does the same as the TAO-Open option, but it closes  the disc to any further burning in the future. Some applications, such as Nero, will occasionally refer to this as Finalizing or Closing the disc.

The last option, DAO-Close, or Disc-at-Once, is generally used for processes such as burning music CD's. This option always closes of finalizes the disc.

Also, if you are backing up critical data such as email or project files and you are concerned about the data on the CD being modified or deleted by accident, always use a CD-R or DVD-R disc and select the TAO-Close option or Finalize/Close option.

Don't be overly concerned with not using all the storage space on each CD. Although we do want to emphasize not wasting supplies; if you weigh the cost of a CD (between 10 cents and 50 cents each) to the cost of losing your data, the choice seems to be obvious.

The last general comment is to always select the Create Data Disc option versus Create Disc Image option. The Create Disc Image option creates a "bit for bit" copy and individual files cannot be transferred from one media to another, only the entire image file can be moved.

Additional Comments:

If you select the TAO-Open option, be prepared for potential problems when trying to add files to the disc using different software or even a different drive than that which the CD-R or DVD-R was originally burned.

You will generally not have this problem with CD-R/W or DVD-R/W media because this type media is designed for multiple sessions, but remember that data can be modified or deleted on any re-writeable (R/W) disc.

One last general comment is that you should check the drive type your workstation has installed. Optical drives can be of any of the following types:

   - CD-R(R/W)
   - CD+R(R/W)
   - CD+/-R(R/W)
   - DVD-R(R/W)
   - DVD+R(R/W)
   - DVD+/-R(R/W)