How to Burn a Backup CD
In computer terminology, a backup is a copy of a file or folder located on a separate storage device, which can be accessed in case the original file is corrupted, damaged or lost. The most common backup media include tape drives, external hard disk drives and optical discs. A compact disc (CD) is a type of secondary storage device that is either recordable (CD-R) or rewritable (CD-RW). You can burn your backup files to either of these CD types.
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Things You'll Need
- Computer with CD-R drive
- Nero software or optional other third party CD burning program
- Blank CD-R/CD-RW
Instructions
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1
Insert a blank CD into the appropriate drive.
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2
Start Nero software by clicking Start>Programs>Nero [Version Name or Number].
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3
Click the "CD" option from the project selection page.
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4
Choose the appropriate file type to back up. Click the corresponding icon from the menu. The "Disc Content" window will show up.
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5
Click "Add" button to display the dialog box. This window allows you to browse the files from your computer and add them for burning.
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6
Locate the file(s) you want to burn. For multiple selections, press "Ctrl" key and use your mouse to click the file names.
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7
Click "Add" button from the dialog box to add the files you selected to the list. Repeat step 6 if you want to add more files.
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Click the "Finished" button when done with your selection and to go back to the previous window. You will see the list of files ready for burning. Check the space indicator on the bottom of the files list. If the total file size exceeds the maximum disc capacity, you will see a red line. Remove some files until the file size is within the disc size limit.
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9
Click "Next" to continue.
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Configure the final burn settings. These settings are optional. To go directly to the burning process, click "Burn" button. As the CD is burned, you will see the progress of the recording, until it is finished. After the process is complete, a message box will give you confirmation. Click "OK" to confirm and to go back to the recording window.
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Click "Next" button to move forward to the next windows, or "Exit" to close.
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12
Check the contents of your backup CD after burning. Open files to check if they are working.
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Tips & Warnings
Group and arrange files in folders before burning. You may need more than one disc to backup all of your files. Speed up the burning process by turning off other programs currently running in your computer. Currently, the market standard for a blank CD-R and CD-RW comes in 74 minute/650 MB, 80 minute/700 MB (12 cm) and 21 minute/185 MB (8 cm) discs. Burn your backup from any of these types.
