Needing assistance to copy homemade DVD

Vicki · 16th November 2008

Hello everyone!

My daughter and son-in-law recently brought over their DVD movie of their wedding for my husband and I to watch (was fun to see the event from a different angle

) This was a movie that a friend had recorded for them (so it's not done by a professional nor a copyrighted movie.)

We just finished watching it (on this computer) and I would really love to have a copy of this DVD for us, but am totally lost on how I could go about copying it (or if that's even possible to do??)

I have "burned" pictures to CD's, but have never attempted anything of this nature. Can anyone tell me what is needed to accomplish this if it can even be done? (I have not attempted to try anything with the DVD other than to view it, as I certainly don't want to ruin their only copy!)

I know you'll be needing information as far as what program(s) I may have on my computer to do this, but I'm not even sure where on my computer I would find that information to post here?

My o/s is WinXP Pro, IE 6, I have Windows Media Player v.10 as well as Media Classic Player and Nero. That's about the extent of my knowledge as to what types of media info may be on my computer, so I'm not even sure if any of those programs would be relevant in what I'd like to accomplish!

Appreciate any guidance you might offer!

Thanks!
Vicki

Eric Robinson · 16th November 2008

Does your DVD player have the capability of burning DVD's?

Most likely you will se something like "CD-R/RW" on the front panel of the DVD player, but you would also want to see "DVD-R/RW".

If so, your right, you will need to software to "copy the disk." I use a product from NERO, but its a little pricey. Maybe someone here knows of some freeware that you can use?

**dobhar** · 16th November 2008

For free burning software I like CDBurnerXP

Quote:

CDBurnerXP is a free application to burn CDs and DVDs, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs. It also includes the feature to burn and create ISOs, as well as a multilanguage interface. Everyone, even companies, can use it for free. It does not include adware or similar malicious components.

MinnesotaMike · 16th November 2008

Vicki,

As Eric mentions, you will need a DVD burner. I also use the Nero program which works pretty good. Stop by and I will copy it for you.

Mike

Vicki · 17th November 2008

Thank you all for your helpful insight!

I did check the front of the DVD player (on this computer) and I'm guessing from what is written on the front of it "compact disc rewriteable ultra speed +" that it is not a DVD burner?? (No mention of DVD rewriteable?)

Thanks Mike, for the offer to copy this for me. However, my daughter and son-in-law are due back from their honeymoon shortly and unfortunately, I wouldn't have time to get over to your place to have this done.

I do believe they have a DVD burner (& software) that they could do this themselves, so I will wait until they have returned to ask them. They have probably already planned on doing this (burning additional DVD's) but haven't had the opportunity to do so. Just thought I'd see if I could get it done before they returned and they picked up the DVD.

Thanks again for all your responses!

Vicki

richardmitnick · 18th November 2008

Vickie-

If you have a DVD burner, you don't need anything else that you do not have.

If you have two drives, insert the DVD with content into the drive that just plays, and a new formatted DVD (they all come formatted) into the drive that will record.

Then, just go into Windows Explorer, click on the drive with the DVD with content,find the file with the content in the right pane of Explorer.

Just copy and paste or drag and drop from the file with content onto the player in the left pane that holds the fresh DVD. When the file finishes, and you hit the eject button, Windows will tell you to wait while it finalizes the disc. When it finishes that process, the drive will open and you will have your copy.

>>RSM