How to Copy Programs to a CD

The kind of program you want to copy to a CD matters. When video data, as opposed to audio data, are stored on a CD, the disc is called a VCD (video CD). You can use your computer, along with the appropriate DVD ripping software, to copy video programs to a CD. Or you can use CD burning software to copy other software programs to a CD. The process of copying software programs to a CD will vary slightly depending upon the type of CD burning software you use, but the basic steps are generally the same.

Things You'll Need

• Blank CD-R disc
• Computer equipped with a CD burner
• CD burning software

Instructions

Copying Software Programs to a CD

1. Insert your blank CD-R disc into your computer's CD burner. If you're copying a software program from another disc, insert that disc into your computer's D drive (if you have one). If your computer has only one CD drive, insert the disc you want to copy into this drive.

2. Launch your CD burning software.

3. Select "data disc" if you are presented with the option to choose the kind of CD you would like to burn.

4. Click "add" files (if you are presented with the option). Then browse to find the program file(s) you want to copy. Add the entire program folder(s) to your CD burning software's layout queue (make sure the program file with .exe extension is included in your program folder). Alternately, some CD burning software programs have a "copy disc" tab you can click on. This option allows you to simply copy the data on your source disc without dragging all the files on that disc to a layout queue.

5. Give your new disc a title.

6. Select the disc writing speed you want.

7. Make sure the "finalize" or "close session" option is selected before you actually burn your files. Then go ahead and "burn" your files. (If your computer has only one CD drive, after the program has finished copying the program files to be burned from your source CD, it will eject it. Take out your source CD and insert your blank CD-R to finish the burning process.)

Tips & Warnings

• Making a copy of a software program installed on your computer without the software installation disc is not always possible. This is especially true if you're dealing with commercial copyright- protected computer software. When commercial copyright-protected software is installed on your computer, the installation process usually involves placing critical hidden files, in addition to the main program folder, onto your computer. Therefore simply copying the main program folder onto a CD will not actually produce a working copy of the software program. Installing hidden files on your computer in this way is one of the tools used to combat software piracy.

• Beware of the legalities involved in copying software to a CD. If the software is in the public domain, it's fair game. You can copy it. If you purchase copyright-protected software, you do have the legal right to back up this software "for archival purposes" only. Otherwise it is illegal to make copies of copyright-protected software programs even if it's only for personal use.

References

• Nero: Nero DiscCopy Manual
• Roxio: Backing up Creator Purchase
• University of Texas Systems: Permissible Copying of Software

Resources

• PCHell: CD Burning Software