How to copy MSDN DVD's?

[hurnik]

We have a set of the MSDN DVD's from Microsoft. Since there's only one set, we need a backup.

I've been able to only copy 2 of the 8 DVD's using Nero6 Ultra.

The rest of the DVD's apparently either hold more than 4.6 GB or I thought I read on Google somewhere that there's a proprietary file system called Microsoft Joliet (as opposed to "regular" Joliet) and that Nero can't handle the MS format?

Any ideas/suggestions?

[garryheather]

Are you allowed to copy stuff from the MSDN ?

I don't have any dealings with the network now, but when I used to the content provided by Microsoft still had some EULA on them and I seem to recall "do not make illegal copies of this disc" being stamped on a few. Granted that was about 6 years ago now, but I would hazard a guess what you're trying to do would be frowned upon my the Developer Network who you've probably signed up with on the grounds of non distribution... ?

You might want to check the terms and conditions on that one - MSDN might even supply duplicates if asked legitimately.

[Faustus]

Well I know that if your an MSDN member you can also download copies off the MSDN website (friend is a devoper, MSDN is cool) so while I can't say for sure I wouldn't think it would be a big deal long as he really is an MSDN member. (but like I said I can't say for sure)

As far as them not wanting to copy, have you made sure they are not dual layer disc? Thats usually what it means when something is over 4.35gbs.

[BJ_M]

MS will send you an extra set i believe for the cost of postage and some very small fee -- less than the cost of copying them really ...

you used to have send your MSDN number/ID and a photocopy of the front of disk1 is all ...

[hurnik]

Yes, we are a legitimate MS shop and we pay for the privilege of getting the MSDN (whereas Novell gives us their SEL for free).

Unfortunately with only ONE MSDN set, they have a tendency to get borrowed by an engineer and either lost, scratched, what have you.

However, I will check and see how much extra copies are. Last time I checked, it was $400 per kit. Much easier to make a copy of the set they send us and lock it up somewhere so if one gets lost, we still have a copy.

Also, MS seems to no longer send "unlocked" software anymore. Most of what is on the MSDN now will only function for 30-60 days and that's it. poof, bye bye.

[Faustus]

MY friend with the MSDN sub says that if your a current subscriber a CD kit cost about $25. You just have to give them a valid reason why you need another kit. In his case they changed their subscription to a higher level and needed a full kit instead of the limited one they had.

[BJ_M]

MY friend with the MSDN sub says that if your a current subscriber a CD kit cost about $25. You just have to give them a valid reason why you need another kit. In his case they changed their subscription to a higher level and needed a full kit instead of the limited one they had.

sounds about right ... last time i checked , backup disk copies from MS of server 2000 and xp and nt4 cost about $14-20

a valid reason would be your original got scratched ... or got coffee dumped on it or was used as a drink coaster at the christmas party

[grossjamesh]

As a long time subscriber to MSDN I can assure you that they will replace unreadable disks.
Have the subscriber holder(the person identified on the member card) call and request a replacement disk. You may order a replacement set of disks but there is a charge.

[hurnik]

I will have to contact MS and see how much they want to zap us.

However it still doesn't answer my original question:

Can it technically be done to copy the MSDN DVD's?

A FEW posts on google seem to indicate that because of the use of MS Joliet instead of standard Joliet that most dvd burning software won't work.

[K(c)offee]

Damn 8 DVDs... sorry thats my only comment on the subject saying "Damn" to the number of DVDs.

[Faustus]

I will have to contact MS and see how much they want to zap us.

However it still doesn't answer my original question:

Can it technically be done to copy the MSDN DVD's?

A FEW posts on google seem to indicate that because of the use of MS Joliet instead of standard Joliet that most dvd burning software won't work.

Put the disc into DVD DEcrypter then put it in ISO read mode. How many layers does it say the disc is?

[asisoft]

M$ use a tool called CDIMAGE to optimize the disc size before making the ISO image. For example, Win XP Home and Professional version only differ in a few objects. Instead of repeating the majority programs for the 2 versions, CDIMAGE just make the FAT points to the same objects. So M$ can comfortably fit many versions of the same OS in one single disc.

If you copy the disc by normal method, you would have many copies of the repeating objects so the size exceeds 4.7GB.

You can search for CDIMAGE and use it as what M$ does before making the ISO image.