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).