Formating DataCD's

[PepeLapiu]

Okay, really noob question here:
I want to burn avi files to a dataCD, do I need to format it?
What does formating actually do?

Thanx and don't laugh please.
HEY! I SAID DON'T LAUGH !!

Thanx,
Pepe Lapiu

[PepeLapiu]

Also, I wasted some CD-R's with files avi I can't retreive , copy or view any more.
I did't format the CD's, is it the cause of the problem and can I cave those files?

Thanx again,
Pepe Lapiu

[setarip]

"do I need to format it?"

Nope...

[PepeLapiu]

Thanx,
the software that came with my XP/WM player/Mitsumi CD writer offers me the option to format my CDs and WM and it tells me I can't burn a CD without formating .... I guess they are wrong because I have done it without.

Still, I'd like to know what formating would to a CD and why one should/shouldn't format.

Thanx
Pepe Lapiu

[GeneralLeoFF]

i'm going to guess that this is for a seldome used aspect of CDR where the CD can be used similer to a floppy disc. It's probly mainley ment for CDRW.