Create Multi-Session Data Track

Data Disc Basics

A data track is written to the CD just like an audio track except a directory structure is written along with file data as one contiguous track. CD burner will write all file data into a root directory on the CDR. Only one data track can be read by the OS at one time.

Unlike audio, the last data track on the CD is the one which the OS will use to determine which files are on the disc. All previous data tracks are disregarded unless they were linked into the image of last track written. In other words, on a disc with multiple data tracks, the OS will only see the last recorded data track. Linking (importing a previous session/track) allows files from previous data tracks to be visible from the last session recorded. This is done by including the address of previously written files (of the previous data track) in the directory structure of the new data track's image. This is commonly called 'continuing a multi-session disc'.

This functionality allows an update/addition of files (written previously) without the need to write all of the file data again - except the updated files. After a data track has been written, either the session or the disc should be closed. The disc should be closed if no further data needs to be written to the disc - ever. At the very least, the session should be closed so that the disc is useable. Audio & Data Music CD Burner will close every sessions automatically but the disc is still open to allow you perform update/addition of files, unless you check the Finalize Disc option on the Data CD Option Window.

Some operating systems do not recognize unclosed data tracks. The OS may also need the disc ejected and reloaded before recognizing a newly recorded data track.

Using CD Burner to Write an Imported Multi-Session Data Track

If the last session needs to be imported, it must be done prior to adding any other items to the image. If you record a session/track with 'FileA.MP3', and then record another session/track with 'FileB.MP3'; only 'FileB.MP3' will appear in the OS's file system. The first session is superseded by the last session. The only way around this problem, is by importing the previous session into the new data image. Importing a data track links a previous session's file information with the new session.

If importing is not used, a new session will overwrite the previous session and all of the files must be written again (taking up unnecessary space). After importing the last session, you have to write the new session again to the disc.

To import previous session/track from a CD, select "Data CD" from the CD Type drop down menu. This will enable the "Import Previous Session" item from the "CD-Recorder" menu and select it once it is available. The imported session/track will be listed on the Burn List box. You can then make addition/update to the Burn List. When you are satisfied with the new image (Burn List), click the "Write Disc" button to burn the new image to disc.

Only the last session/track is imported by the control to prevent confusion. The disc must remain present in the drive after the import, or the recording will not work properly. CD Burner relies on the presence of the imported disc for a successful write operation. Only Mode 1 CD-Rom discs can be imported (XA or any other modes are not supported, but may work).