OT- Making backup copies of DVDs

[labst60]

This is very off topic - except for the reason that I am trying to make backups is to take to WDW

We have a portable DVD player for DD and I am trying to use my new computer to make backup DVDs of her favorites so that we don't have to worry about losing/damaging the orignals travellng.

Because my computer has a dvd burner (roxio is the software), I thought it was going to be as easy as going to Wal Mart, buying some blank DVDs and tada - that's it. But, apparently that isn't the case b/c I'm struggling.

Specifically, I purchased DVD+Rs. They say 16x, 4.7GB, 120min video - but when I went to copy "Elmo's Potty Time" - that is 2.9GB and no where near 120 minutes, it told me "disk full"!?!?

Is there some other software I need to download? Hopefully I won't have to spend a lot on it because if the software costs a bundle, I might as well just take my chances with her originals.

Also - my new computer has Windows Vista - if that matters.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!!

 

[goinback]

My suggestion would be to use a zippered case that can hold multiple cds or dvds. It makes for much easier packing . I would not worry about damaging them . We always take movies, and nothing has ever happened.(but we rarely wind up watching them!)

 

[crazywig]

it is not as easy as just copying them. you need to 'rip' them to your hard drive, then compress them, then burn to a disc.

www.afterdawn.com is a very helpful forum for instructions on how to back up your discs.

 

[dmthoma76]

There is a free program called DVD shrink that shrinks the dvd then copies the compressed version to your hard drive then you transfer that to the blank dvd media.


~Donna

 

[F4disneyfan]

This is very off topic - except for the reason that I am trying to make backups is to take to WDW

We have a portable DVD player for DD and I am trying to use my new computer to make backup DVDs of her favorites so that we don't have to worry about losing/damaging the orignals travellng.

Because my computer has a dvd burner (roxio is the software), I thought it was going to be as easy as going to Wal Mart, buying some blank DVDs and tada - that's it. But, apparently that isn't the case b/c I'm struggling.

Specifically, I purchased DVD+Rs. They say 16x, 4.7GB, 120min video - but when I went to copy "Elmo's Potty Time" - that is 2.9GB and no where near 120 minutes, it told me "disk full"!?!?

Is there some other software I need to download? Hopefully I won't have to spend a lot on it because if the software costs a bundle, I might as well just take my chances with her originals.

Also - my new computer has Windows Vista - if that matters.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!!

You want to download and use the trial version of DVD FAN platinum it does everything you need and it is very very easy. You can choose entire disk or main movie so it strips out all the extras and such so you can put a full movie on one disk. It is very very simple to use give it a shot. Also if you have an ipod video there is a nice feature that will let you rip the movies for your ipod.

http://www.dvdfab.com/