DVD-RW and Vista backup

Want to save Vista home premium backup to a dvd-rw. The program asks to
format disk first that takes 30+ minutes. Is this correct? Do I need to do
this everytime I want to start a new backup?

"pfl04" <> wrote in message
news:...
> Want to save Vista home premium backup to a dvd-rw. The program asks to
> format disk first that takes 30+ minutes. Is this correct? Do I need to do
> this everytime I want to start a new backup?

DVDRW have always been unreliable media. Data can "vanish" at any time. Yes
they must be formatted first and can take up to 30 min.
A much safer backup....if you want to use optical media...is to burn to DVD
+ or- R. Yes you will need a new disc every time, but they only cost a few
cents each and your data will be safe. Better yet...use and external HD