HOW TO USE THE WINDOWS XP BUILT IN DVD WRITER

Unfortunately Windows XP does not include DVD Burning capabilities. Windows XP is however able to write to CD without the need for any Third Party Software.

This Article will explain how to use the built in CD writer functionality of Windows XP and also how to add DVD Burning capabilities to this platform.

So how do you Burn a CD using just the Windows XP Operating System ?

Well actually it’s very easy, just have a look below!

1. Open your CD Writers Drive and insert the Blank Media.
2. Windows will ask if you want to use the Windows CD Writer, click yes.
3. Drag or paste your Files into the Window just as you would with any other explorer Window.
4. Click “Write these Files to CD” and follow the instructions to add these Files onto a Blank CD.

You don’t actually have to insert a blank Disc first, you can navigate to your DVD Writer without any Disk in, paste Files there, then clicking “Write these Files to CD” will prompt you to insert a blank CD.

So CD writing using just Windows is very easy, how about writing DVD’s with Windows ?

Well as we already mentioned you need some third party Software. There is an abundance of different Software available, and which one you choose will depend completely upon what you want to be able to do with it.

If you want to be able to copy DVD’s then you will need to get some Software specifically to do this. If you intend to copy DVD Movies then you will also need additional Software to remove the copy protection on these DVD’s to enable you to make Copies.

DVD Decrypter is pretty good Software, especially as it’s Free! You can use it to copy DVD’s exactly as the original, or just select the titles that you want to Copy to a new Disc.

If you want to author a new Disc with your own Custom Data, perhaps you will be using the Disc to store Data for example then you will need different Software to do this.

It is likely that you already have the Software you need to Burn Data DVDs. Most DVD Burners or Computers that already have a DVD Burner fitted come supplied with some form of DVD Writing Software.

The most popular form of DVD writing Software is Nero Burning ROM this is bundled with many of the Recorders. If you use this Software then it is possible to create new data DVDs. A data DVD or DVD-ROM works just like a CD-ROM only it’s a lot bigger!

There is also a wide range of Backup Software available for Computers, traditionally you needed 10 or 20 Floppy Discs to Backup a Computer, but now you can Backup your Computer straight to a CD or DVD!

This solution is very interesting as it’s a lot cheaper than fitting a Tape drive. Single Write DVD’s can be used for Backup purposes which can never be replaced, alternatively you could use DVD+/-RW and recycle the Discs on a regular basis.

The new version of Windows, known as Windows Vista which is about to be released will include DVD writing functionality, although it is likely that this will only be for data, additional Software would still be required to Copy DVD Movies.

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