Overview

This document covers the step-by-step process for using a Windows machine to create a CD or DVD archive of your digital files for later use on other computers.

Generally speaking, GroundWorks recommends storing your data on a flash drive or external hard drive rather than a disc. Both of these are available for purchase at the Computer Showcase.

Before you get started

Remember to bring your own blank discs, as we do not provide them here in GroundWorks. Within the building, you can purchase blank discs at the circulation desk on the second floor of the Duderstadt Center or at the bookstore in Pierpont Commons.

We recommend that you use CD-R and DVD-R. They are far preferable to CD+R/DVD+R or rewritable (RW) discs.

CDs typically hold up to 700MB of data. DVDs typically hold up to 4.7GB of data and Dual Layer DVDs (DVD-R DL) hold up to 8.5GB. The exact capacity for your disc is usually located on the disc’s case or the disc itself.

It’s best to copy all the files you’re archiving onto the hard drive of the computer you’re using to burn the disc. Otherwise there’s a slight chance that your disc will fail if you’re burning files located on a networked drive or external drive (such as a USB stick or SD card).

Setting up your disc

1. Eject the disc tray and insert a blank disc, making sure the recordable side of the disc is facing down. The computer will automatically detect whether you inserted a CD or DVD.
2. Locate and select all the files that you wish to burn to disc in Windows Explorer.
3. Click “Burn” towards the top of the Windows Explorer window. This will open a new burn folder with all of the selected files and folders ready to be burned.
   
4. You can add more files or folders by dragging and dropping them into this window. You can remove files or folders by right-clicking them and selecting “Delete.”

Writing to the disc

1. In your burn folder, click “Burn to disc” towards the top of the Windows Explorer window.
2. A dialog box will pop up where you can change the disc name and burn speed.
3. Click Next to begin the burn process.
4. When your disc has finished burning, a confirmation message will appear and your disc will be ejected automatically. You can burn an additional copy of the disc if you want by checking the box provided. Click “Finish.”

Summary and last steps

You now have a data disc which will be readable on both Mac and Windows computers! Be sure to write a label on the top of your disc with a soft-tip pen or permanent marker. It is recommended that you test your disc by opening it on another computer. If you copied files to the computer in order to burn them to the disc, move them to the Recycle Bin on the desktop, right click the Recycle Bin, and select “Empty Recycle Bin.”

Need to make a quick copy of your disc? Check out How to Use the Disc Duplicators.

 

This tutorial was written by GroundWorks Consultant Stephen Ratkovich.