An optical recording medium which includes a PMA area, a TOC area, program area, an area that includes a user area and lead-out area. A portion of the PMA area, which relates to the program area, is in a recorded state and the TOC area is in an unrecorded state. Alternatively, the PMA may be in an unrecorded state. In addition, a password may be recorded in a portion of an information area. A method of erasing the medium and a system for reading and recording information are also provided.