Formatting R Disk for File Appending

For optical discs of type R (not RW) with the ability to append files later, you should choose the Live File System (LFS) format based on UDF. This format allows adding files later, similar to multisession, although with some limitations compared to RW discs.

Table of Contents

• Live File System vs Mastered: Key Differences
• How LFS Works on R-Type Discs
• File Deletion Mechanism on R-Discs
• Compatibility and Limitations
• Practical Setup Guide
• Alternative Solutions

Live File System vs Mastered

Mastered (or “closed recording”) is the traditional format where all files are written in a single session. After recording is complete, the disc becomes read-only and does not support adding new data.

Live File System (LFS) uses the UDF (Universal Disk Format) file system, which provides:

• Ability to append files later
• Deletion of individual files (with limitations)
• Editing of existing files
• USB flash drive-like functionality

As explained by HowToGeek, LFS “is often more convenient because you can copy selected files immediately and as many times as you want, as if the disc were a floppy disk or USB drive”.

How LFS Works on R-Type Discs

On R-discs, Live File System works through packet writing technology, which allows:

1. Incremental writing: files are added as needed, without requiring a full disc rewrite
2. File management: creating, renaming, and deleting individual elements
3. Pseudo-dynamic space: logical management of disk space

As noted in research, LFS works differently than Mastered - it’s not just “dark spots” from the laser, but a complex file system that manages data in packets.

File Deletion Mechanism on R-Discs

When deleting files from an R-disc, the following occurs:

1. Logical deletion: the file is marked as deleted in the UDF file system
2. Space freeing: the space occupied by the file becomes available for new recordings
3. Physical inaccessibility: deleted files cannot be physically overwritten, as the disc is write-once

An important nuance: as users explain on Reddit, “the space occupied by deleted files cannot be recovered (and instead becomes unavailable)”.

For R-discs, this means:

• You can add new files to the freed space
• But deleted files remain physically on the disc forever
• The total number of writable files is limited

Compatibility and Limitations

LFS Advantages:

• Ease of use (like a USB drive)
• Ability for partial appending
• Support on Windows XP and later

Limitations:

• Low compatibility: as noted on Wikipedia, LFS “will not work on many other types of devices”
• Software requirements: requires UDF support
• Not suitable for older devices: many DVD players and car systems don’t read UDF discs

Practical Setup Guide

To set up Live File System on an R-disc in Windows 10:

1. Insert a blank R-disc into the drive
2. Open File Explorer and select “Burn files to disc”
3. In the “Burn a disc” dialog, select “Show formatting options”
4. Choose Live File System (not Mastered)
5. Name the disc and click “Next”

Important: When using LFS on an R-disc, remember that deleted files occupy space forever. Allocate disk space wisely.

Alternative Solutions

If LFS is not suitable, there are alternatives:

1. Classic multisession (without LFS)

• Use professional burning software (Nero, ImgBurn)
• Enable the “Allow files to be added later” option
• Higher compatibility than LFS
• Limited support for file deletion

2. Compromise solution

• Make the first recording in Mastered format for maximum compatibility
• Leave free space (10-20%) for possible appending
• Use specialized software for adding multisessions

3. Modern alternatives

• Switch to flash drives (more reliable and convenient)
• Cloud storage for frequently updated data
• Use RW discs if possible (though they are less reliable in the long term)

As recommended by Microsoft, if you need maximum compatibility, it’s better to use the Mastered format, but for the convenience of appending files, LFS is the only practical solution for R-discs.

Sources

1. Live File System vs Mastered Disc Formats in Windows - HowToGeek
2. Live File System - Wikipedia
3. Which CD or DVD format should I use? - Upgrade & Repair
4. Managing Files Using a CD or DVD - InformIT
5. How to Delete Files from a CD-RW Disc - Chron
6. r/techsupport on Reddit: Why are my DVD-R discs actually DVD-RW?
7. CD-R Live File System? How does it work - BetaArchive
8. Convert CD from Live File Format to Mastered Format? - Microsoft Q&A

Conclusion

To achieve classic “multisession” on an optical disc of type R, it is recommended to choose the Live File System (LFS) format based on UDF. This format will allow you to add files later, although with some limitations:

• Main advantage: ability to append files without a full disc rewrite
• Main limitation: deleted files do not free physical space on R-discs
• Compatibility: lower than Mastered format, but higher than professional multisession recordings

For optimal use:

1. Start by formatting LFS on your test disc
2. Leave free space for future recordings
3. Use only Windows-compatible devices for reading
4. Consider alternative storage options for critically important data

If compatibility is more important than convenience, classic multisession through specialized software may be the better choice, although it doesn’t support deletion of individual files.