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

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.

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.

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.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

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

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