Storing files on CD-RW

I burned all my files to CD-RW to make room on my HD. Now when I tried to open some files (Excel) I am unable. I am receiving the following message: "2004 files cannot be accesses or your trying to access a read only location. Or the server the document is stored on may not be responding." Any ideas as to what I did wrong and how I can open these files? I copied them just as they were on my HD to the CD. Please advise. :cry Thank you in advance you are always so helpful. I do hope I am at the right heading.

Thank you,

Wadda

 

Have you tried copying them from the CD back to your HD and then opening?

 

I did and received the message "Cannot read from source file or disk." Any thoughts???

 

If the file is on your hard-drive, you may right-click 'yourfile.xls' and select 'Properties'. then uncheck the 'Read-only' file attribute.

 

I cannot copy the file to the hard drive. I receive a message Unable to.

Thank you,

Wadda

 

I would not recommend to backup your files using Cd-R, and especialli CD-RW, for two reasons:

1)They may become unreadable after a couple of years, especially if you damage the surface.

2)Easy to loose! =)

 

Is there anyway I can retrieve these files?

Thank you,

Wadda

 

How did you burn them? Was it a particular burning program or a Windows drag and drop?

Are you trying to access them using the same computer that you burned them on? If you didn't finalize the disk properly then they may be readable if you use the same PC they were burned on.

 

I burned them using Nero I could try to restore them on the computer I burned them on. If I could restore them I can burn them on to a CD-RW. If it is possible can you direct me as to how to do it? I would most certainly be appreciative. Do I understand you correctly? Any backup I do should be on CD-RW only?

Thank you,

Wadda

 

Definitely try using the same PC you burned them on to access and copy back to harddrive. Then in Nero Express use Data CD and CD-R blank CDs. DO NOT format the CD before burning, let Nero do the formatting. A CD-R burnt with Nero should be usable on any PC. If you see a finalize or Disc at Once option check it (not sure if it is even an option with CD-R it may be automatic).

I haven't used CD-RW for a long time because of exactly your problem. I think Nero is a better burning program than Sonic/Roxio that got me in trouble. The trick is to not format the CD-RW before burning. I thought Nero CD-RW could be read on any computer but now I am wondering. If you do use Nero with CD-RW find the Burn-at-Once or Finalize option and check that box. That should make it readable on other computers.

 

Thank you, I am going to use the next few days to see if I can recupe this information. Thank you for all you suggestions. If you think of anything else, please let me know.

Appreciative,

Wadda

 

I hope you get your files back! I think you will be OK as Nero probably left the CD open so it could add more files if needed. Reopening the CD on the original PC/burner should work.

My last post has all the info you should need. I just wanted to add that I have definitely used Nero and CDRW discs between computers. I believe I always used Disc at Once. So the disc was readable on another PC, I then copied the files to the other computer and then blanked the CD with Nero to use again. So the DAO option does not permanently seal the disc it is still reusable after data transfer.

Again, for backing up data I prefer CD-R to avoid read problems. They are easy to find on half price sale and are not a big investment if you decide you no longer want the files.

Good Luck!