Question 1

Can this be used to reformat a laptop with a new copy of widnows?

Accepted Answer

I assume by reformat you are aking about reinstalling the operating system.

Yes, it can be donewith some constraints:
You must, via your compter's set up in the BIOS, select this DVD Recorder (drive) as the primary boot drive.

The operating system installation disk must be in the DVD drive. This install disk will then install the operating system and overwrite any data which was on the boot drive. All existing data will be lost by this overwriting.

Note that you could even use a USB thumb drive if it were able to hold all of the original install disk and selected to be the primary boot drive.

Question 2

Is this Dual Layer?  There isn't as much product information as other drives.   Thanks.

Accepted Answer

Apparently it is, although I've not tried it. The sheet that comes with it says:
Under "SPECIFICATION":
Under "Drive Performance": DVD+R9 6X(W), DVD-R9 6X(W)
Under "Records": DVD+R9 (DL), DVD-R9 (DL)
Under "Read/Play": Nothing is mentioned about R9 or DL
Under "DVD RECORDER FEATURES":
Double-Layer Recording:
Records on 8.5GB DVD+R9 discs, and 80% increase over standard DVD discs.

Question 3

Is it compatible with windows 10?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it depends on the burning/recording software! If you can install the software successful in Win 10, you can use the recorder.

Question 4

can you watch dvds using this device?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I have, but only in Windows 7. You have to have dvd-viewing software in Windows 8.1 and 10. Like PowerDVD, etc.

Question 5

is this compatible with macbook pro?

Accepted Answer

I know the device is both Mac and PC compatible, but since I'm on a PC I'm not familiar enough with the Macs to give you a definite 'yes'.  I've been very happy with the device, so I'd give it a try!

Question 6

Can this be used to install software on an iMac (El Capitan)?

Michelle S

Accepted Answer

If the mac sees the drive, it will see the media inserted.  Don't see any reason why not.  It is a USB device.  No drivers required.  I can boot to it on my PC, but my mac is old and dead, so I can't try it.

Question 7

Can this be used to reformat a laptop or desktop with a clean copy of windows?

Accepted Answer

This is a DVD Recorder/Player.  If you're looking for a device that will play a disk, this one will work.  As long as you have the installation disk for your operating system, you should be able to connect this recorder and reinstall your operating system, but you'll need to install the player first.  I hope this helps.

Question 8

Is the body color of this external DVD white?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is, along with the cables which are also white.  It's a wonderful machine.  I'm very happy with the performance.

Question 9

Would this work with my tablet?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what kind of tablet if it is not a Surface or other tab that emulates a computer, but I would lean toward saying no for iPads and the like. It would need two USB slots on your device, one to communicate with the device and the second for power.

Question 10

Will it burn from a TV saved file to a DVD?

Accepted Answer

I'm really not sure how to answer your question.  I've transferred VHS tapes that were recorded from TV that copied beautifully to DVD and others that couldn't be copied at all because the TV program itself was copy-protected.  I have no experience whatsoever with trying to transfer data from a DVR to a DVD.  You may need special software for that.  I do love the DVD Recorder - it does an excellent job of both playing and burning DVDs as well as CDs.  I hope this helps!

Questions & Answers