Microsoft KB Archive/938684

= When you interrupt the formatting operation before the formatting operation is complete, a DVD-RAM disc becomes unusable in Windows Vista =

Article ID: 938684

Article Last Modified on 11/26/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Windows Vista Business
 * Windows Vista Enterprise
 * Windows Vista Home Basic
 * Windows Vista Home Premium
 * Windows Vista Ultimate
 * Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
 * Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition

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SYMPTOMS
When you format a DVD-RAM disc for the first time in Windows Vista, the formatting operation will be complete in 20 to 60 minutes. The formatting operation continues for this period of time even if you try to cancel the operation before the formatting operation is complete. Additionally, if you eject the disc or if you restart Windows Vista, you will forcefully interrupt the formatting operation. When you forcefully interrupt the formatting operation, the DVD-RAM disc is no longer recognized in Windows Vista.



CAUSE
This problem occurs because the DVD-RAM disc is altered to the un-preformatted state. The un-preformatted state occurs when the formatting operation is forcefully interrupted before the formatting operation is complete. Because Windows Vista cannot format an un-preformatted DVD-RAM disc, the disc becomes unusable.



WORKAROUND
To work around this problem, do not interrupt the formatting operation before the formatting operation is complete. You must wait for the formatting confirmation dialog box to be displayed. This dialog box confirms that formatting is complete. Then, the DVD-RAM disc will be usable.



STATUS
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the &quot;Applies to&quot; section.



MORE INFORMATION
The manufacturer preformats DVD-RAM discs. However, you can install proprietary DVD drives that will preformat DVD-RAM discs in Windows Vista.

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

930405 You cannot format an unformatted DVD-RAM disc in Windows Vista

Keywords: kbtshoot kbbug kbformat kbexpertisebeginner KB938684

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