Play physical DVD without DVD player?

[MaicroDrop]

Is there ANY way to play a DVD on a computer, without a DVD-player installed? Extremely newbish, I know, but a friend left some DVDs at my house, and I wanna watch them. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

[MaicroDrop]

Oh well. Thanks.

[Baldrick]

software dvd-player? or do you mean dvd drive?

[devinemi83]

To watch "real" dvds you need 2 things.

1. A dvd rom/r/rw drive. A standard cdrom/cdrw drive unless stated CANNOT read a dvd disc.

2. Dvd software, usually you get the software with the drive. Or you can download one if windows media player 7+ isnt installed. Media Player classic can and its a great free program.

[MaicroDrop]

I wish there was a way to view the files on the DVD as actual files, then use like WinDVD to play them...

[devinemi83]

Do you have a DVD drive? If you have one you coule try to rip the movie. That will copy all the files onto your HD. Beware dvds are VERY big. The movie files are HUGE.

[MaicroDrop]

No, I jsut have a normal CD/RW drive. Though I shoulda put in the extra 30 bucks for the DVD part...

[devinemi83]

You're screwed. You cant read the disc with it. Look at circuitcity.com or bestbuy.com and check their prices. Dvd rom drives have be had from 25-50 bucks. Very affordable. It would be a good investment, dvds rock.

[MaicroDrop]

I thought as much. Thanks though.

[devinemi83]

http://www.circuitcity.com/detail.jsp?c=1&b=g&u=c&qp=0&bookmark=bookmark_0&oid=76607&c...oid=-10262&m=0

Check that drive out, 59.99. Good quality.

[louthewiz]

Man for 60 bucks you can get a cd/dvd burner from www.newegg.com or www.tigerdirect.com !!

[ZippyP.]

I wish there was a way to view the files on the DVD as actual files, then use like WinDVD to play them...

You can...but you still need a DVD drive.

[anubis13]

http://vcdhelp.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=2201702/prsrt=1/

i have this drive. best $80 i ever spent. not one coaster out of 100 or so discs