Using Vista and unsure after reading guides

Hi there

I have read through a few of the guides (I am very new to this, i.e. never done a backup of DVD before) and many of the links to software indicate that they can be used on XP but don't mention Vista.

Also, I have found that some of the links point to software where the site has been closed down, so I can't find the software and don't know what to use instead.

I am looking to use freeware at this stage as I don't need to do much of this, but have a few DVDs I would really like to backup. I am still a little confused about the use of the all the bits of software and what needs to be used first and how it all works. I guess I need the Stupid Newbie guide!

Hope you can help.

 

Thank you. I have downloaded the programmes mentioned, but wasn't sure e.g. which of Fabdvd or Platinum or hd or whatever to download. So I got the HD one. Still don't really understand how to put the whole thing together. Most of the guides refer to either AnyDVD or RipIt4Me. AnyDVD is only free for a few days and RipIt is not longer available. So I don't know how to get the DVD ripped and then what to do after that. Guess I just don't understand all the concepts.

 

Rip the movie to the Hard drive with DVDFab HD Decrypter

http://www.dvdfab.com/free.htm

Then Use Shrink to get the movie to fit on a Dvd.

http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/dvd_rippers/dvd_shrink.cfm

Then use Imgburn to put the movie on the Dvd.

http://www.imgburn.com

Guide: http://www.dvdplusvideo.com/Guides/DVDFab_Shrink_ImgBurn_Guide.html


Use Good Quality Media. (But, for a 3yo, Lesser Quality is ok) Imo
Burn at 1/2 the rated speed of the Blank Media
Do Not Surf the Web / Multi-Task while Ripping/burning.
Set The Target Area to 4300 mb
If The Movie is An Eposodic Disk, Copy the Full disk.

 

I think that ^^ wraps it up nicely.

 

Thank you so much! That does help. Now the only thing is, where does AnyDVD fit into that?

 

I only have the trial version. So I will try the method suggested by Berryone. Does it make a difference if you use -R or +R?

 

And added to above question - can I use DVD RW media to backup a movie or is this not a good idea?

 

The -R format is widely compatible by itself.

The +R format can be booktyped to DVD-ROM, which is very compatible with most players.


Personally, i use Taiyo Yuden or Verbatim +R's and booktype to DVD-ROM on just about all of my burns.

 

Thank you! Can a DVD RW be booktyped to DVD ROM?

 

In short...yes.

Here, read this:

http://www.afterdawn.com/guides/archive/how_to_set_booktype_for_blank_dvd_r_w__media.cfm

 

Thank you again 7thsinger! One thing I am not clear on - people on the forums talk quite a lot about the quality of various media. If I use a RW disk and make a mistake with a burn and then reformat it, will I be able to use it again? Without problems? Or is it better to use a +R and toss it if I make a mistake?