cdrwtool - Linux

Overview

cdrwtool is a command-line utility for writing, copying, and erasing data on CD-RW and DVD-RW media. It provides a comprehensive set of options for controlling the writing process, ensuring data integrity and preventing errors.

Syntax

cdrwtool [options] <command> <device> <file>

Options/Flags

• -d, –device: Specify the CD or DVD device to use.
• -w, –write: Write data to the device.
• -c, –copy: Copy data from a file to the device.
• -e, –erase: Erase data from the device.
• -v, –verify: Verify data after writing or copying.
• -m, –multisession: Write to or append data in a multisession format.
• -n, –no-multisession: Disable multisession writing.
• -s, –speed: Set the write speed (e.g., "1x", "2x"). Default: "auto".
• -f, –force: Force the write, even if the device is not ready.
• -h, –help: Display help message and exit.

Examples

Write data to a CD-RW:

cdrwtool -w /dev/cdrw /path/to/file.iso

Copy a file to a DVD-RW:

cdrwtool -c /dev/dvdrw /path/to/source.iso /path/to/destination.iso

Erase a CD-RW:

cdrwtool -e /dev/cdrw

Verify data after writing:

cdrwtool -w -v /dev/cdrw /path/to/file.iso

Common Issues

• Device not recognized: Ensure that the device is properly connected and detected by the system.
• Write errors: Check the integrity of the data being written and the write speed being used. High write speeds can cause errors.
• Media not writable: Use writable media and ensure it is compatible with the drive.

Integration

cdrwtool can be integrated with other commands, such as:

• dd: Low-level disk imaging and writing.
• growisofs: Create ISO images.
• mkisofs: Manage ISO filesystems.

Related Commands

• mkcd: Create a CD-ROM image.
• dvdauthor: Create DVD-ROM images.
• wodim: Write optical media using the SCSI interface.