How to Create a Data CD in the GATCF for Windows Machines

An InfoHelp How To...? Guide

• Introduction
• Creating a Data CD using a blank disc
• Adding Data to an Existing Disc
• Troubleshooting

Introduction

Currently there is no way to burn data directly from an application to a CD/DVD. You will need to use another program to store your data onto a recordable disc. The GATCF computers have 2 different programs for doing this depending on what lab you are in. Check your list of applications when you log in - if you see Easy CD Creator then go to Data CD's with Easy CD Creator . If you see Sonic Digital Media Plus then keep reading below.

Creating a Data CD using a blank disc

Step 1: The software we are using in this guide is called Sonic Digital Media Plus v7.

Click to access this software via the application launcher when you log into a GATCF computer.

Step 2: The Sonic Digital Media software will list all your available options along the left hand side.

Step 3: Expand the current options by clicking on the menu option titled Data.

Choose the Data Disc option from those listed to open the project creation window on the right hand frame.

Insert the disc you wish to use in the drive now - if this disk has already got data on it refer to the Adding Data to an existing disc section of this guide first.

Step 4: Click the Add Data button at the top of the screen to start selecting files to add.

Step 5: As you add files to the disc you should see the project starting to build up in the right hand window.

In the bottom left hand corner you can see an estimate of how much space would be left on the disc if you started burning now.

When you are happy with the contents of the disc, click the large red button in the bottom right corner.

Step 6: If everything goes well you should see a screen with the message Your disc was created successfully. Click the Done button then eject the disc.

Adding Data to an Existing Disc

If you have a disc that you have used previously follow these steps to import your existing data..

When you insert a disc that contains information you may be prompted with a screen that displays the message "The disc in drive (F:) is appendable. Do you want to load the contents of this disc into your project".

If you select Yes to this window your project screen will become populated with the data that already exists on the disc. A file that already exists on disc will have a value of On Disc in the Path field. Otherwise the location of where the original is stored on your computer will be displayed.

Troubleshooting

The troubleshooting portion of this guide is designed to be continuously updated as new problems / tricks are encountered. If a problem you have experienced is not on this list please inform InfoHelp via the online form and they will try to find a solution and update this page.

When I try to burn my disc I get the error message "The disc you have inserted is not blank. Would you like to erase it now?" I have stuff on the disc I don't want to lose. What do I do?

This problem is usually caused because the previous session information was not imported into the data project you are trying to burn. This can happen if you start adding files to the project before entering the disc or if certain auto detection features on the drive itself is disabled.

<< Do NOT choose the yes option. This will permanently erase your disc of all files >>

You can manually import session data from an existing disc by choosing the Load Disc option at the top of the project creation window.