How to Burn DVDs on a Dell
Although it may seem confusing when you first get started, burning DVDs is actually a straightforward process. Dell usually bundles some type of disk burning software with each computer they sell. So, more than likely you already have all the software you will need. It should only take a few steps to burn a DVD successfully.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Check your computer's specs. Before even attempting to burn a DVD, determine if your Dell computer has the necessary hardware to burn DVD media. If the computer was purchased in the last few years, there is a good chance that it does have DVD-burning capabilities. If it is older, it may or may not be able to burn DVDs.
To check, take a look at the optical drive on your computer (the part where you insert discs). If you see a label on the drive such as DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+-R or DVD+-RW, than your computer can burn DVDs. If there are no labels on the drive, check the specs within Windows. To do this, right click "My Computer." Select Properties > Hardware > Device Manager. Within the Device Manager, you will see your ROM drive. Click the "+" sign next to it and again look for the labels DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+-R or DVD+-RW. If you do not see any of these labels, your computer is probably not able to burn DVDs. Thus, you will need to upgrade your burner if you wish to burn DVD media.
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2
Locate your computer's disk burning software. If you have a DVD-enabled drive, you should have some type of disk burning software as well. Some common disk burning applications to look for are Roxio Easy DVD Burner, Nero and Sonic Digital Media Home. Once you have located your Dell's disk burning software, double click it to launch. After the application has launched, insert a blank DVD into your drive. After the application recognizes the DVD, you will be presented with several options. Common options among Roxio, Nero and Sonic, are the options to burn a data disc, burn an audio disc, burn a video disc or copy a disc. Select the option that best suits your disc burning purpose.
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3
Insert a blank DVD and choose your burn method. Start by inserting a blank DVD into your Dell's DVD drive. After the application recognizes the DVD, you will be presented with several options. Common options, among Roxio, Nero and Sonic, are the options to burn a data disc, burn an audio disc, burn a video disc or copy a disc. Select the option that best suits your purpose.
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4
Select files to be burned. You should now see on your screen an area that allows you to select files to be burned. Use this option to navigate to your specific files and load them into the burning application. For example, if you are burning a music DVD, you will probably need to navigate to your computer's music folder and select the songs you want to burn.
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Choose settings and burn the DVD. There will now be an option that says "Burn," "Burn Disc," "Burn DVD" or something similar. Click to choose the option. On most programs, such as Roxio Easy DVD Burner, a setting window will then pop-up asking you to verify settings. Settings will be items such as DVD write speed, verification, etc. Adjust the settings to your liking and click "OK."
Your DVD should now be in the process of burning. It can take up to an hour to burn a disc, depending on how much data you chose to burn. Wait for the disc to burn and you will have just burned a DVD.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember to consider that Dell manufactures several models of computers. Burning a DVD will be a somewhat different process for each one.
