DVD-RW support on Windows XP

[nemethmik]

I'm thinkming of buying a Pioneer DVD-R/RW drive (possibly DVR-104). If I install the drive in my XP box, can I use DVD-RW discs like "floppy" discs, or they are only writable by a dedicated DVD burning utility (like RecordNow Max, or Nero)?
What is the case with DVD+RW drives?

[desmo88]

microsoft will support dvd+rw, see:
http://news.com.com/2100-1040-883152.html

i think, without any additional software it's not possible to use a dvd-rw like a floopy on windows xp.

greetz

[nemethmik]

If you install the driver for DVD-RW or +RW possibly available from the manufacturer, can you use these disks like hard or floppy disks?
As a reference, Windows 2000 has no built-in support for DVD-RAM, but when you install the Panasonic drivers for your LF-D311 unit,
you got an extra (DVD-RAM) drive letter (for example E) beside the CD/DVD-ROM drive letter (for example D). When you insert a DVD-RAM disk you could use it as a randomly rewritable disk (just like a hard drive) via drive E.
Isn't there something similar for DVD-RW or +RW today?

[RAAGAAman]

You will need a packet writing S/W like DLA(Veritas), DirectCD(Roxio) or INCD(Nero) to do a drag and drop application like you would with a floppy
on DVD-RW. MS will incorporate this into their next OS but it will only support DVD+RW.

RG

[alkieman]

It's not an issue to be honest. Whatever format and drive you buy includes the required drivers and software.

When I installed my Pioneer A03 on my Windows XP machine it was recognised by Windows XP and I can use explorer to drag and drop files in the way described, why, because the writing software that comes with the drive includes the required packet writing software.

If you decide to purchase Nero it also includes all required drivers, as does the other writing software that include DVD-RAM/-RW or +RW support.

Whatever format you chose you can use it like a large capacity floppy if the drivers are installed, the only difference is that DVD+RW drivers will be built into future versions of XP, the rest of us will haver to spend a couple of minutes installing drivers. Not really an issue is it?