Is it possible to burn DVDs using an external HD for data storage and an external burner?

Question

I would like to burn DVD movies to backup some movies, but my laptop does not have enough disc space. Would it be possible to connect an external HD for space and then an external burner to burn the DVD? My laptop only has a CD burner (that's having some reading issues as it is).

Thank you for everyone's answer! It was very helpful :)

Answer 1

Yes, it should be very possible. Should work just fine as long as the drivers are in order.

Answer 2

Yes but it will be slower than an internal drive by far. You could buy a cheap(er) and faster internal DVD burner for your laptop. I have one in mine and it works well. You just cant buy an internal HDD because you will loose all your information. Trash your CD drive if it doesn't work because a DVD burner can also burn and read CD's.

A word of warning... If you plan to buy a burner and a HDD, you will suffer when it comes to battery life. I would remove the external Hard Drive when you are away from your desk and avoid using the burner when you are not plugged into a wall.

Answer 3

Yes, but remember USB connection is way slower than EIDE ones (used for cd/dvd/hard disk inside pc); all data must flow from source (external hard disk) to burner faster than the burning speed you select on your dvd burner; otherwise, burner device will be force to stop waiting for next data to write... Although today burners has good systems in order to prevent errors that could made your dvd unreadable, it's anyway wise you keep burning speed low and if you can don't use your pc for other works in the meantime (or at least do light ones only).

Answer 4

Yes. You should be able to connect your External Hd and Burner using USB or Firewire ports. When prompted for which files to be burned to your DVD, just select the files from the HD drive that shows up in your "My Computer" and you'll be all set. Keep in mind that this proces might be a tad slower.

Answer 5

I don't see any problem by using an external burner. That's why they are made for, right?

Answer 6

Yes you can. Windows will just see them as drives. It does not care if it is internal or external.

Answer 7

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