I have lost several dvd's i like due to scratching?

Question

Is there a way to make copys of your dvd's as backup's, because I tried copying them and computer says NO!

Answer 1

Yes, according to my sources there are free and costly ways to do this. Here is what I found out:

DVDFab Platinum HANDS DOWN!! One button copying in express mode and it works with every movie!! It is however, only free for 30 days...then you have to install a newer version or you loose access to it.

If I remember correctly it is only $50.00, you can make that up with 3 movies...well worth the cost. I have had a 100% success with every movie with no exceptions!! http://www.dvdidle.com

Answer 2

Nero and DVD Shrink. Nero will cost a little money ($5 + shipping). I got a copy at:

http://search.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/nsearch?catalog=5dollarsoftware&query=Nero&.autodone=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.store.yahoo.com%2F5dollarsoftware%2Fnsearch.html&submit.x=5&submit.y=8

Inexpensive and a great program.

DVDShrink is a freeware program that can remove the protection on a DVD and replace it after it makes a copy.

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

You will need to save the movie to your computer and then burn it with the Nero. Once you have completed making the copy you can delete the movie file from your computer as they do take up a lot of memory.
These programs work in concert very well and I've had no problems using them.
Also- I would recommend storing your DVD's in plastic cases rather than one of those 'book type' DVD/CD cases with the plastic pockets. I've found some of my CDs and DVDs have gotten scratched from using them. Stores like Kmart and Walmart sell plastic cases (the slim ones) that you can put CDs & DVDs in. They are relatively cheap (50 cases for $15-$20) and they protect the discs far better. I think because of the amount of motion that the soft cases (with the pockets) have- they tend to rub the CD/DVDs when you carry them or turn the pages.
Have a great day and hope this helps!!!

Answer 3

You are supposed to be able to make 'archival backups' of your movies for you own purposes. That is the only legal copy you are allowed to make. some are copy protected and some are not. You need to handle them more carefully to prevent that. I've never had this problem and I've got almost 500 films. Only handle them by the middle hole and the edges. Never, never, never touch the area where the movie is. If it gets dusty, buy and use a special cloth to clean it and not your shirt. Be careful when you put the movie into your DVD player because you could scratch it then also.

Answer 4

Yes that is a tragic situation.

One day I believe all MEDIA of the "days gone by" will be on some "mainframe" will all will have access to the "previously released stuff" .... new artists will still sell their stuff....but the old classics like music or movie stuff is often EDUCATIONAL and I believe teh "right-holders" understand and realize what I am saying... and well it will be WAM BAM THANK YOU MAM.

Education and ENTERTAINMENT


-----

yes the dvd market of today is odd there is teh blockbuster version of format, there is the "plus r" there is the "minus r"... it is a confusing market place. So I said teh hell with it and bought an old video cassette recorder until the market shapes up as I would say.... Too many incompatibilites cause problems and people get upset/frustrated.

Answer 5

yes you can copy them... if they are double density DVD's like 8 gig. It will be cheaper to buy the movie again.. becasue the double density DVD's cost around $18. and you could rebuy the movie for that. Most movies arent like that thou. All you need is a DVD burner in you computer and it should come with software. make sure you use a copy program that like disk copy that copies EVERYTHING... some dvd's have encrypted info that is needed for it to work correctly.

Answer 6

you can get software that can break the security code and then enables you to put the film onto hard drive or copy directly onto a blank DVD. I used to use something years ago but have forgotten the name of it. Just keep searching on the net I am sure you will find something just beware what you are downloading from the net!

Answer 7

i would suggest downloading the movies/music and putting it on disc - since you do OWN the originals you aren't breaching copyright your just bending it a bit since your supposed to make a copy of your original before you break it, in the future do it that way copy your new original then put it away safe till your copy gets scratched then recopy from the nice clean original (or leave your nice new original in it's sealed packaging so it stays a collectable and download the movie again this is bending not breaking the rules if you own a copy you own the copyrite)

Answer 8

I managed to back up a couple of my DVD's recently by purchasing dual layer DVD's and using nero to copy them with no problems. the DVD's are not easy to find in shops but you can get them from any online computer stores I used www.redstore.com

Answer 9

Well, one legal way is to purchase software specifically for this purpose. Otherwise you could always try Sony's recomendation for getting data on a disc of any type to work. Peanut oil rubbed on the disc causes it to become easier for the laser in the player to read the information.
If you don't have any peanut oil, use good old fashioned creamy peanut butter smeared on the disc and the wiped off. It basically has the same effect.
Just remember not to leave the peanut oil/butter on before putting it in the drive/player! I've heard of people actually doing this.

Answer 10

I been making most of my DVDs into video files for backup and video trailer making. I use SuperDVD Ripper and it works fine.
There is a program called DVD Decryptor that lets you make mirror images of DVDs. It doesn't work on all DVDs but it's worth a try.