How to Rip DVDs If Your Computer Won't Read Them

Only make backups of DVDs that you own.

DVD "ripping" is the term used to describe the method of copying a DVD to a computer. Many things can go wrong during this process, especially if the DVD is old or dirty. Clean the disk with alcohol or glass cleaner before inserting it, being careful not to wipe in a circular motion. PC DVD drives are usually more successful in reading problematic DVDs than basic DVD players. Still, if the disk has physical damage the program will display an error and close down. It is possible to bypass the corrupt video by ripping with three pieces of software.

Things You'll Need

• Ripit4me
• DVD Decrypter
• DVD Shrink (optional)

Instructions

1. Download RipItForMe from the Resources section.

2. Click "Save" and choose a download location you can remember, like "Desktop" or "My Documents."

3. Click "Open Folder" when the download completes and double-click "RipIt4Me.zip." If you have Vista or higher, it will ask you to confirm the location and if you want to open after unzipping. Choose "Yes" and wait while the file unzips. Download WinRAR or 7zip if you have an operating system without unzipping capabilities (see Resources).

4. Place the DVD in the drive and double-click "RipIt4Me.exe" in the unzipped folder.

5. Download DVD Decrypter from Resources and double-click to install it. Continue clicking "Next" to bypass the prompts and install it to the default location. Click "Finish" when the process is complete.

6. Go back to RipIt4Me. It should show that DVD Decrypter is now installed. Click the "X" to close and then restart the program if the window is not updated.

7. Download DVD Shrink (see Resources). Install it in the same manner described for DVD Decrypter.

8. Go to "Logs/Settings" and "Preferences" in the RipIt4Me menu. Look under "Paths to Programs" and see if it lists the folder where DVD Shrink installed, usually "C:\Program Files\DVD Shrink\DVD Shrink 3.2.exe." Click the box next to "Path to Shrink" to change it. Click "OK" to confirm.

9. Click "1-Click Mode" and then "Next." The DVD will be quickly scanned and DVD Decrypter will automatically open to begin the copying process. Bad sectors will be skipped automatically and filled with "dummy" info. If the disk is in really bad condition, big chunks of video may be missing from the finished product.

10. When the decrypter is done, DVD Shrink will open and allow you to view the result, make changes and burn a backup, if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't try to rip DVDs that contain cracks, as this can cause permanent damage to your drive.

References

• HP: Care and Handling of HP Recordable Mediait
• U.S. Copyright Office: Copyright and Digital Files

Resources

• Major Geeks:Ripit4me Download
• DVD Decrypter: Download
• AfterDawn: DVD Shrink v3.2.0.15 Download
• WinRAR: Download
• 7zip: Download