How to Burn CD Games on a Computer

Burning a game to a computer is a simple process.

Most computers are capable of copying a game CD. Some game CDs have copy protection that makes it impossible to copy the CD. Other games, however, allow the copy of a back-up disc. Remember, it is illegal to copy a CD to sell for profit, or to give to someone who has never purchased the game. Only copy a CD for your own back-up purposes, in case your original copy gets scratched or lost.

Things You'll Need

• CD burning software
• CD Drive
• CD cleaner
• Soft cloth
• CD-R or CD-RW burnable CD
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Spray the surface of the CD with CD cleaner. Wipe the surface of the CD with the soft cloth. Do not wipe in circular motions. Rubbing in a circular motion can destroy the data on the CD. Start from the middle of the CD and brush gently toward the edge.

2. Place the CD in the CD drive. If any programs start after you place the CD in the drive, close them.

3. Download disc-burning software if you have no other burning software on your computer (see the link in Resources for free trial versions of the popular Nero and Roxio programs). Follow the directions for installing the program.

4. Open your burning software and locate the "Copy" button. This may be at the top of the menu, in the middle of the screen or located on the left side. The location will depend on the burning software that you have. Click on the "Copy entire CD" or "Copy disc" button. The program will ask you where to place your copy. Specify a location that is easy to find, such as the desktop. Allow the CD to copy completely. The CD will eject when finished.

5. Insert your CD-R or CD-RW CD into the optical drive. Close the drive. If any menus pop up after inserting the CD, close them.

6. Click the "Add" or "Add to burn list" button. The wording may be different for your burning software. Add the CD that you copied to the burn list.

7. Press the "Copy" button. Some versions will have an "OK" button, and others will copy automatically once you insert the blank CD. This will depend on your burning software. When the burn is completed, the disc will be ejected.

8. Close your burning software and re-insert the copied game CD into the drive. Try to run the program as normal. If the disc was burned successfully, then the game will operate from the copied CD. If copy protection is present on the original game disc, then it will not run. Label the CD with a permanent marker.

References

• University at Buffalo: Burning CDs
• IT Self Help: Help with Nero

Resources

• Nero: Nero Burning Software
• Roxio Easy Media Creator