Trying to burn my first dvd

[OldSchoolbeats]

I bought a new dell that came with a dvd burner, I dowloaded dvdx copy xpress and it reads the movies and then it asks me for a dvd blank but nothing happens. I also tried doing it with dvd decrypter, it ripps the dvd but it won't burn it. Please anyone out there willing to teach a newbie how to burn his first dvd.
Many Thanks in advance

[Vejita-sama]

Look to the left under 'DVD Rip' there are several guides there on backing up DVDs. Long story short:

1) Check to see if disc is DVD9 (dual layer) or DVD5 (single layer)
2) If single layer rip w/ DVD decypter (mode | iso - read), then burn the image file (mode | iso - write)
3) If it's a DVD9 disc you more options Either only back up the main movie (if less than 4.3GB) re-encode to a lower bitrate to <4.3GB, or use a transcoder to lower the size to <4.3GB.

See the guides for more info

[jdizzy40]

After inserting your blank DVD did the big green start button go from grayed out color to green? If it did click start again (the big green button that is). But please explain what you mean by "nothing happens"?

[jdizzy40]

Also when you mean dowloaded DVD XCopy Express, you bought the software complete with registration etc. correct?

[tandynor]

you probably have to select your burning device. go to START ---> Programs---> DVDCOPY EXPRESS ---> SElect recording drive. then you pick your burner drive letter.

if its not that then make sure you have the right media in there. +R or -R?

[OldSchoolbeats]

jdizzy40, When it asked me for the blank dvd, I inserted a DVD-R and the grey button never turned green. Yes it is a purchased copy. aLSO i WENT TO DRIVE SELECT AND CLICKED ON IT AND IT NEVER POPPED UP.

[jdizzy40]

Well it sounds like for some reason your DVD Burner isn't recognized which would be very rare since you have an OEM computer. Usually after installing DVD X Copy or any updates (which requires you to delete the previous version) upon reboot, the drive select window will pop up asking you to select your drive, especially if more than one writeable drive is installed. I would say to delete the program again, reboot, make sure nothing is running in background and re-install. Then go to start program/DVD X COPY and pick the drive select and see if your drive is being detected. Your drive is showing up in device manager correct? I can't see any other reason why the software should not work. You also did the online registration stuff after installation correct? Try this again, and if you already have gone thru these steps and your DVD Burner is being recognized by windows then you may need to contact their tech suport. Good luck and let us know how it goes. And one final question, your DVD Burner is a DVDR-/RW- model and not an DVD R+/RW+ model correct?

[OldSchoolbeats]

Jdizzy40,
it's a NEC DVD+RW ND1100A. does this mean it will not write to a DVD-R
If so that would explain why it recognizes the DVD+RW. If that's the case what disks should I be using.

[jdizzy40]

Yes thats your problem. A previous guy (tandynor) above or below my post eluded to the same thing. Its an easy mistake to make. Get yourself some DVD + media and you should be able to burn your back-ups without a problem. I have the Sony DRU 510 A and AX models and have both media in supply. I usually grab the + but in my case it wouldn't matter except burns times using - Media are by default longer. Good luck let us know how it goes. Oh I use Verbatim, Fuji or Memorex. You will have to find out which media gives you the best result (no coasters) for the money. Prices are great right now when you buy in bulk. I saw a post that Target stores (if in the US) will be on sale tomorrow. TDK 25 packs for like $29.00 plus tax.

[OldSchoolbeats]

jDizzy40,
Once I make the backup copy I can play it in my standalone dvd player like the original?

[andkiich]

It depends. Checks the list of DVD Players to see if yours will play DVD+R/RWs.

[vege77777]

what exactly is the difference between + and - dvd media? if you dont want to explain, please tell me which section of the site to look in.