How to watch ripped DVDs on a PC with Magicdisc
After you have backed up your fragile DVDs to your computer’s hard drive in the form of disc images, one of the most convenient ways to watch the movie later is by using a free program called Magicdisc. It functions as a virtual CD or DVD drive for your PC, allowing you to use the ripped DVD images as if they were physical DVDs. Simply follow these instructions to watch the ripped DVDs on your PC.
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Instructions
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1
Download and install a copy of Magicdisc that is compatible with your version of Windows. After the program is installed, your computer will recognize that there is a new optical drive installed and there will be a new icon in the system tray.
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2
Use the right mouse button to click the Magicdisc icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen, near the clock. It will look like a hand holding a CD. In Windows XP, if the icon is not visible, you may have to click the arrow to the left arrow that is next to the row of icons, to expand the system tray and reveal the hidden icons.
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3
Choose “Virtual CD/DVD-ROM” from the pop-up menu. Another menu will open listing the virtual CD and DVD drives on your PC.
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4
Select drive onto which you would like to load the ripped DVD image. If the drive letter is not followed by the description “No Media,” refer to the instructions about unmounting the CD/DVD image in Step 8. A new menu will open listing several choices.
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5
Pick the “Mount” option from the menu and a file selection window will open.
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6
Locate the ripped DVD image on your PC. If it is one of the many file types supported by Magicdisc, the file should be visible in the selected directory.
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7
Click on the desired file, and press the “Open” button to load the image. Most computers with Windows will be configured to automatically play CDs or DVDs, and the PC will present you with a list of possible actions.
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8
Select the “Play” option that corresponds to your favorite DVD playback software, and enjoy the film. After you have finished watching the movie on your PC, you will need to unmount the ripped DVD image in the Magicdisc software. To do this repeat Steps 2 through 5, but instead of selecting "mount" from the menu in Step 5, select "unmount."
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Tips & Warnings
If Windows is not set to automatically run CDs or DVDs, you will have to click on the "My Computer" icon, located on the desktop or in the start menu. Then right-click on the virtual drive, and select "Play."
Magicdisc can add up to 15 virtual drives to your computer. This could be handy for sequels.
Magicdisc is also capable of making disc images, with the included MagicISO, as long as the DVDs are not copyrighted.
