A recording medium (D) comprises a file system area (FSA), a data area (DAA) and an initial defect management area (DMA). A system comprises a drive (DR) for writing data (DA) to or reading data (DR) from the data area (DAA) or the defect management area (DMA), and a host (H) for sending data (DA) to or for receiving data (DA) from the drive (DR) when the drive (DR) is in a mounted state wherein a file system (FS) in the file system area (FSA) is available to the host (H). The method of accessing such a recording medium (D) detects (S1) whether a shortage of free space in the defect management area (DMA) is to be expected, and if yes, allocates (S2) supplemental defect management area (SDMA) at the cost of the data area (DAA). The file system (FS) is adapted to reflect the latest state of available data area (DAA) and the allocated supplemental defect management area (SDMA). The file system (FS) is adapted during an adaptation period related to a mounting or an unmounting phase wherein the host (H) mounts or unmounts the drive (DR). The host (H) unmounts or releases the drive (DR) when no further data has to be exchanged between the host (H) and the drive (DR).