How to Copy a CD to a Hard Disk

Copying CDs can save you space around the office.

Copying a CD to a hard disk is the same as copying a CD to a hard drive. Hard drive and hard disk are used interchangeably. You might want to copy the contents of your CD onto a hard disk to save space or organize information. Transferring the information to a hard disk eliminates having to keep track of the location of the CD in the future. This can be quite beneficial if you have several CDs to copy.

Things You'll Need

• External hard drive (optional)

Instructions

1. Insert the CD into your CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive on your computer. If you want to copy the CD to an external hard drive, plug in the USB adapter from the external hard drive into a USB port on the outside of your computer.

2. Navigate to the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM by clicking "Start" and choosing "Computer" or "My Computer." A window will open that will show you all the drives attached to your computer. The hard disk already in your computer will be labeled as "C:" and the external hard disk will be labeled as "D:," "F:," or "H:." The CD you inserted will show on the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive usually listed as "E:" or "G:" with the name of the disk you inserted.

3. Right-click on the CD and choose "Copy."

4. Navigate to the hard drive of your choice, either the "C:" drive or the external drive where you want the information, and create a new folder. Right-click on the drive and click "New," and then "Folder." Name the folder something easily identifiable to you.

5. Open that new folder. Right-click and choose "Paste" to copy the files. If your system does not allow this, leave the folder open and navigate back to the choices where you see the hard disks and drives listed. Open the CD by double-clicking on it. Click and drag all the files on the CD into the open folder you just created.

6. Close the CD when you are finished, and remove it from the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make sure you have enough space left on the hard disk by checking the available free space before copying any CDs to it. Click "Start" and then "Computer" or "My Computer." Right-click on the hard disk you are inquiring about and choose "Properties." A graph will appear showing you how much free space is left.

• Never make illegal copies of proprietary information whether it is music, literary works, art collection or software. If you aren't sure if you're able to make a legal copy of the CD, then don't do it until you are absolutely certain that you can. Making illegal copies of the content found on CDs carries stiff fines of up to five years in prison and up to $25,000 for first time convicted offenders.

References

• "Discovering Computer Fundamentals, Fourth Edition"; Gary B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, Misty E. Vermaat; 2008
• Recording Industry Association of America: Piracy-Online and in the Street