Stratesave supports backups to CD-RW (rewritable) and CD-R (write once) CD-ROM, with backups extending over several disks (multi-volume backup). Backups to DVD are similar to CD in principle, the help provided here applies to DVD also. Stratesave doesn't have a CD-ROM driver builtin, but relies on driver Software that usually comes with the CD-drive, e.g. DirectCD, PacketCD or other. The driver lets the CD-ROM access similar to a standard removable disk, with the CD having it's own drive-letter. In Stratesave macro definition, select removable disk as backup media for backups to CD-ROM. CD-ROMs are somewhat more delicate than ordinary removable disks. One of the problems is data underrun, which occurs when there is no more data available while the CD is being written to, and makes the CD defective when it occurs. For network backups (and local backups to a lesser degree), a CD drive with burn-proof or other underrun-safe technology is recommended.
Another problem is that CD-ROMs don't like to get completely filled. Completely filling the CD-R may render the CD defective, and the data cannot be read from the CD, or it can lead to other data errors. The reason is that when the write operations are finished and file is closed, there is still some internal information which must be written to the CD-ROM, and this is no more possible when there is no space left on the CD. Stratesave has the option to always leave some space on the disk, 20 MBytes per default. This option is strongly recommended for backups to CD-R and CD-RW. For backups to DVD-RAM, specify around 140-150 MBytes free space, see below. Backups to CD-RW sometimes allow complete filling, but there may be write problems later, when a completely filled CD-RW is being rewritten. To avoid these errors, a completely filled CD-RW should be quick-formatted before being reused. Stratesave has the option to prompt you to quick-format the full CD-RW, before it is reused. Summary: For CD-R: leave space on the disk (for example 20 MBytes); for CD-RW: best to leave space, 2nd best use quick-format at reuse.
For backups to DVD-RAM: Some DVD drivers allow a maximum filesize of 4GBytes on the DVD, while the DVD has somewhat more space (e.g. 4.12 GBytes). To avoid errors, leave enough free space that backup never exceeds 4GBytes (140 MBytes free space in this case instead of the default 20MBytes).
When Stratesave prompts for a CD, best is to wait a few seconds after CD is inserted before pressing OK in the Mount-dialog. Some driver Software has problems if the CD is accessed too quickly after insertion, which can lead to Access-Error.
Backup to CD-R or CD-RW?
Stratesave has builtin rotation scheme, where the backup media is periodically rewritten. Therefore the rewritable CD-RW is the more natural choice for backups with Stratesave. CD-Rs are probably best for organized archives, which are outside the rotation scheme and not overwritten, and for longer periods, e.g. monthly to yearly backups. CD-RW are best for daily and weekly (possibly monthly) backups, which are overwritten more often. For backups to CD-R, Stratesave can prompt you when it's time to provide a new formatted CD-R.
Backup over multiple CDs
Stratesave allows backups to extend over multiple CDs / DVDs. In Macro Editor's dialog Backup storage, you can enter a list of volume names into each field for removable disks, separated by blank or comma. When first volume gets filled, and a second volume has been specified in list, Stratesave will continue backup on the second volume. Dito for 3rd, 4th volume etc. Macro Editor's dialog Backup storage's Help has an example for this configuration.
See also: Dialog Removable disk devices and options