Easy CD Creator/Direct CD/XP Writiing

Roxio Easy CD Creator came installed on my computer. It was buggy. I installed the patch. It was better, but still problems. I seldom use it. But, the only way I have to back up my data is to CDs. I learned the method of copying from Windows Explorer. All along I thought that function was built into Windows (independent), but the last time I backed up, I noticed the Window that opens is Direct CD (Roxio).

I was considering uninstalling Roxio, but Direct CD will probably go with it. Easy CD Creator 5 Basic is on my add/remove program list. I checked the folder for Roxio and there is a subfolder for Easy CD Creator and Direct CD.

So, if Direct CD goes, does that mean I will have no way to write to CDs?

Thanks,
nz

ps Easy CD Creator 5 Basic is no longer supported by Roxio. Do you think Add/remove will get rid of enough of it to not cause problems or do I need to do a manual uninstall. I have six pages of manual instructions. Not sure I can do it. And, there is a warning that the procedure may cause any other Roxio or Adaptec software installed on the PC to become inoperable and advises to uninstall any other Roxiio or Adaptec sofware first before attempting the listed procedure. I am hesitant to try this.

 

It's been a while since I used CD Creator and Direct CD, but I am pretty sure that Direct CD is a "plug-in" of sorts. Even though you can mount the CD like a file system (drive), you are still using CD Creator to write the data to the CD. Direct CD is just a way of making things look more seamless.

CD Creator was sold to Roxio

I now use Nero 6. It is way better than Roxio
If you decide to switch, you can safely uninstall Roxio\Cd Creator and Direct CD.

Using the native windows backup software does not work for CD-RW.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/learnmore/bott_03july14.mspx
Down in the section Decide Where to Store Your Backup Files, one of the bullets explains this. to write data to a CD-RW, you will need some thrid-party software.

- Don

 

Easy CD CreatprDorect CD/XP Writing

Don,

Thank you for your response. I am just concerned about losing my CD writing capabilies if I should uninstall Easy CD Creator and then have problems with Nero or some other software. Having both may also cause problems.

I agree - Nero is probably a better way.

 

Yes...If you uninstall CD Creator you will loose writing capabilites, even if you leave Direct CD installed.

In Comparing CD Creator to Nero. CD Creator was a little easier to use, but it lacked some serious functionality. I was un-able to burn data from a network file server. I had to copy it locally first, then burn. Nero has no problem with networked resources...so if you have more than one pc at home and file & printer sharing turned on, you can make cd's from data on the other workstations.

I understand being hesitant. An ounce of caution is a good thing. I have no doubt after a few days of using Nero you will quickly forget about Roxio. And theres really nothing from stopping you from just loading NERO without uninstalling Roxio. Space permitting, just leave it alone and don't use it.

btw...This may be a gotch-ya. While you will be able to read cd's that were previously burned, I am pretty sure you cannot append data using NERO onto a cd originally created with CD Creator.

And while of topic, you could always just drop $100 for a USB external Harddrive. BestBuy has the following:

Maxtor Personal Storage 3100 80.0GB External USB 2.0 Hard Drive
Model: M01B080
$99.00 + tax

From the article previously metioned:

Don't buy Nero, purchase the external drive and use the native backup program...and set the program up for a scheduled backup, from internal drive to external drive, sometime in the middle of the night.

edit btw...you could also just do a file copy in lieu of backup, to the external drive. Having a USB device would allow you to take it to some other computer for quick restore. AND it's 80GB...not 650mb

 

I had similar problems with Roxio...I concluded that the Windows burner software conflicted with Roxio, so I disabled the Windows software. Now Roxio works fine.

 

Easy CD /creatir./durect /cd

This is what I am confused about.

Does Windows have the function to write CD's without Direct CD?

If I uninstall Roxio Easy CD Creator, I think Direct CD will go with it because it's in a folder under Roxio.

I didn't realize Direct CD was being used when I copied files in Explorer and wrote them to CD until one day I just noitced Direct CD was the heading of the window that opens while copying.

 

From my reading of the MS information, MS native backup, that being the backup application under Programs\accessories\system tools...the answer is no. Native backup doesn't burn to disk. It is used for Drive, tape, and floppy media.

However, I have not tried the MS backup to cd-rw.

While Roxio is currently installed, see if you can burn to a cd-rw from the MS backup program.

 

Zanetti...SORRY FOR THE UPPER CASE.....

Does Windows have the function to write CD's without Direct CD? YES

If I uninstall Roxio Easy CD Creator, I think Direct CD will go with it because it's in a folder under Roxio. YES

I didn't realize Direct CD was being used when I copied files in Explorer and wrote them to CD until one day I just noitced Direct CD was the heading of the window that opens while copying. THAT'S MY POINT...THE TWO SYSTEMS APPEAR TO CONFLICT..YOU THINK YOU'RE USING ONE BUT YOU'RE REALLY USING THE OTHER. GO TO MY COMPUTER, RT CLICK YOUR BURNER, PROPERTIES>RECORDING AND UNCHECK THE BOX. NOW JUST WORK WITH ROXIO. HTH

 

Easy CD Creator/Direct CD/XP

The Backup Utility is not installed by default in Win XP. It can be installed form the CD.

And, the utility will not backup to a CDR/CDRW/DVD drive. It has to be a tape drive or another hard disk.

I think we are suppose to depend on System Restore and just back up data. But, I don't like that arrangement.

But, I had to resort to just copying just my data to CD R's.

I had a tape drive with my old machine and Win 95. I decided then I didn't want another tape drive. It was so slow - unbelieveable. It would take twice as long to do a full system backup with this machine.

I think XP will write without Direct CD, but I'm afraid to uninstall Easy CD Creator. I had to download a patch to get it to work in the first place. I don't think that patch is available anymore. If I uninstall and have to reinstall, it will be back to the previous sorry state.

 

Easy CD Creator/Direct CD, etc

Chrisw,

I must have been typing my last response at the same time you were responding.

I have to run now, but when I get time I'll try unchecking the box in the recording properties and see what happens.

I seldom use Roxio. I don't create a lot of music CDs or copy CDs. But, I do have some old music recorded by my Dad in the 1940s - bluegrass. I designed a CD cover and I record the music and give the CDs to family and friends. And, a couple of times I recorded some other old music I downloaded from the Internet.

Can't I create music CDs in Windows Media Player?

IF so, i probably don't need Roxio or any other CD Writing Program for what I do.

What method do you suggest for backing up a whole system? Another hard disk?

Thanks

 

zanetti,

For backing up the whole system you can either add a tape drive (argh..), add a second drive and use MS backup or add a second drive and use Norton GHOST to periodically image the first drive to the second drive. A copy Ghost is about $65 before rebates. Ghost will allow you to quickly recover from a harddrive crash.

amazon
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...-9043249-9671141?v=glance&s=software&n=507846

 

FWIW, the MS Backup program will backup to a cdr or cdrw just fine if you have Direct CD installed and the cd you're using is formatted for it (whether it's a cdr or cdrw). When you have Direct CD installed Windows sees the cd disk just as it would a hard drive. Choose backup to file and browse to the cd and it'll write the backup to the cd. I can attest to this as I've done it many times myself.

I'm sure it will do the same if you have Nero's InCD installed but I have to say that I think I've seen far more problems with it than with Direct CD. I've tried Nero (never tried InCD) and it's a great program but I can't see any reason to change as long as I'm not having any problem with Roxio. In fact I've never had a problem with it and I've used it for years (dating back to when Adaptec had it). The version I'm currently using is 5.4.3.21 using WinXP Pro with SP2 installed and I've never had a problem. It does everything I ask of it.

What kind of problems? Don't know if I can help but perhaps if you let us know what they are somebody that's experienced the same could help.

 

Zanetti...I've come to like Roxio, the Windows burn software is too clumsy/obscure. I usually copy music CDs (for use in my car), or use Data CD to create genealogical archives for my wife. I use Direct CD only rarely, since I back up using an external HD (the only way to go...CDs are too clumsy). You can get one at Sam's/Costco at low prices...even if it's a slower USB 1.1 (rather than the faster 2.0), it sure beats mucking around with CDs. And as jedi says, you can clone with Ghost or Drive Image onto a second HD.

Yes, you can use WMP to create a CD, but again, it's clumsy. I use Data CD to do that. HTH

 

I do not have Easy CD Creator nor Nero but something (Sonic?)that came with WIN XP Home. It stopped working and lo and behold there was the option to write to a CD when I right clicked on a file and investigated the complete drop down menu. I believe that Direct CD, imparticular, conflicts with Nero and almost all other CD writing programs. Disable Direct CD and everything else should work.
Direct CD has been a problem for many years, I never used it.

 

Easy CD Creator, etc.

Thanks to all who responded. I think a second hard disk is the best solution for backup. I will have to check out prices, etc.

I have a stack of old backup CDs now that I need to throw away. But, I don't want to throw them in the trash for someone to get their hands on them - lots of personal data. I tried breaking one of the things one time - not easy - and sharp edges. Guess I'll burn them.

Thanks again.

I have another software issue, I will post about later.

 

Just incase you were serious, burning the plastic will produce harmful fumes. Not that you'd stand over the flame and take a deep breath, rather, just incase you didn't know.

Alternates... When I discard cd's I use two pairs of pillars to break then. Yes there is sharp edges afterwards. You could always run a box-cutter across the back side as well.

If you neighbors don't mind , I seen people hand the CD's off trees to fend off small animals/birds...like a scare-crow.

Glad we could help.

 

I had Roxio software for a few days. ( now has been un-installed )

While it was installed I had SEVERAL pop-up messages stating there was a conflict between Roxio and my AVG anti-Virus and something else bit I forgot what.

A Friend of mine was also getting a similiar message with a different Anti-Virus program.

BillyBob

 

Easy CD Creator, etc.

Actually, when I told my husband I wasn't going to try braking them - I did that before - he said he would burn them. I'll have to tell him not to do that. The last time I threw away CDs, I went over them with sandppaer. I don't know if it got rid of all the data or not. I didn't want to risk putting them in my CD drive and damaging the drive.

That would be a good invention: CD smasher.

I tried Windows Media Player to write those old music tracks yesterday. I think it was faster than Easy CD Creator. But, I don't think it would be practical for backing up data.

 

Just put them a bag on an uneven surface, and take a hammer to them...one swing and they break, and the bag keeps pieces from flying about. If you have a lot, use a sack and a sledgehammer.