Reading and writing an incomplete recording on an optical disk

A method of handling information, comprising the steps of:

• writing marks representing the information blocks into areas of the record carrier using a write unit and a beam of electromagnetic radiation;
• positioning the write unit depending on a track structure which defines a track pattern;
• generating status information which indicates that at least one area of the record carrier has been written, the generating of status information including generating initial-area information indicating an uninterrupted written initial area which extends from the start of a track pattern area intended for writing information blocks.

A reading device comprising:

• means for reading information blocks represented by optically readable marks in a track pattern on a record carrier including a read unit for reading the marks using a beam of electromagnetic radiation;
• and
• means for positioning the read unit depending on the marks and status information which indicates that at least one area of the record carrier has been written, the status information including initial-area information which indicates an uninterrupted written initial area which extends from the start of a track pattern area intended for writing information blocks.

Apparatus to provide signals for programming a programmable system to provide programmed apparatus and comprising:

• status means to provide programmed apparatus to generate status information which indicates that at least one area of a track of an optical record carrier has been written, the status information including initial-area information defining an uninterrupted written initial area which extends from the start of a track pattern area intended for writing information blocks.