How to Build a CD/DVD Duplicator

Duplicating CDs and DVDs can be done using inexpensive old computers.

A CD or DVD duplicator is a device that reads a CD or DVD and creates an exact physical copy of the original media. The least expensive method for creating a CD or DVD duplicator is to find an older computer tower already equipped with a motherboard and extra slots for optical drives, allowing you to add your own DVD-R/W drives to perform your own CD or DVD duplication from home.

Things You'll Need

• Computer tower
• DVD-ROM drive
• DVD-R/W drive
• blank CD/DVD-R

Instructions

1. Find an older computer with a DVD-ROM drive already installed and at least one additional optical drive bay to add your DVD-R/W drive.

2. Connect the additional optical drive to the motherboard by sliding the drive into the drive bay, and attaching the unused ribbon cables from the motherboard to the drive. Fasten the drive into place.

3. Boot the computer and insert the CD or DVD to be copied into the DVD-ROM drive. Insert the blank CD or DVD you will author into the newly-installed optical burner.

4. Launch your favorite CD or DVD copying software and start the copying process.

Tips & Warnings

• For older computers, specify the slowest copying speeds for the software to avoid buffer underrun errors which can corrupt the copied media.

References

• Tech-faq.com: How to Burn DVD's
• Discread.com: How to Build Your own CD and DVD Duplicator

Resources

• hubpages.com: How to Troubleshoot DVD Burning Issues