10.4: Use Automator to create CD-RW erasing tool

Jul 21, '05 09:42:00AM

Contributed by: joshelgin

Tiger only hintThe old hint Erase CD-Rs with an AppleScript gave me the idea to use Automator in 10.4 to make the process even easier...

I used the Run Shell Script action in Automator to create an 'Erase CD-RW' plug-in for the Finder. Here are the very simple steps:

  1. Open Automator and add the Run Shell Script Action (from the Automator Library) to the workflow.
  2. Leave all of the defaults, but type hdiutil burn -erase in place of the default cat.
  3. Save the workflow as a plug-in for the Finder (File: Save As Plug-In) and name it something like "Erase CD-RW."
You now have a command that you can select by control-clicking on the CD-RW and mousing down to the Automator menu. This is much easier than using the Disk Utility.

Semi-obvious warning: This will erase the contents of your CD-RW without asking for confirmation!

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