Help w/ Raptor's Guide for DVD 2 DVD-R

[SolidSnake0613]

I'm using Raptor's guide "DVD 2 DVD-R for Dummies" and after completing Step 5: Spruce DVD Maestro (Compiling The DVD Project), there is now a *.LAY file. Can anyone tell me what this file is used for? Also, I don't have access to Gear Pro DVD so I'm using Nero instead and when I import the VIDEO_TS folder into Nero, I get an error telling me that only *.IFO, *.VOB, and *.BUP files are allowed. I then delete the *.LAY file and start burning but now I get the error "Unexpected Exception" and the burn process cancels. Can anyone tell me what's going wrong and how to fix it? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance

[VidHack]

You were correct in deleting the .LAY file, its a spruce-up config file, needed if you wanted to re-open the project, basically it saved your projects settings.

The "Unexpected Exception" is another can of worms.

This can be alot of different problems, is the Drive set to UDMA or PIO mode? The media crap. A slow computer? 2 drives connected to same drive cable? Not enough RAM? Nero Version? Other apps running while buring? The list goes on...

Solution: Buy a single DVD-RW disk, practice with it. Change your computers settings, create a small 10 min DVD video, Burn it. If it fails, continue changing settings....Blank the DVD-RW, start again... Trial and error... You will figure it out, go to message boards about the type of DVD burner you have and read thier forum, the answer lies within....

VidHack

[wy685mm]

Also try using a different burning software such as VOB Instant CD/DVD. Nero gets flaky when it comes to burning DVD's, and you don't have to delete the .lay file with this software.

I (and I gather quite a few others) have found that avoiding Nero gives more compatible discs.