Nero problems - Data Disk & Backup functions

[nathanaa]

I just tried, for the first time, to backup a lot of my mp3's. I have half a dozen CD's that I thought I could put onto one DVD.

When I tried to use Nero Express to make a Data Disc though, a message popped up about, something about a multisession disc only working once and then only working on WinXP after that. I didn't know what the heck it was talking about. Anyway, the process hung up, and I noticed in the verification process window there were some red flags about certain sectors that could not be read.

When I tried to use Nero Burning Rom to make a "regular" backup disc, the process again hanged and there were flags about unreadable sectors.

So, first question, would a Nero Backup disc even be readable in an mp3-capable DVD player?

Second, as this is the first time I've tried this, are there issues with Nero data disc creation that I should know about?

Third, is there a freeware or other-ware data-disc burning option other than Nero I could consider. I don't even know what searth terms to use, I keep getting DVD backup search results (understandably, as this is what we DO here, lol).

Any help/advice greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Prot]

Copy the CDs to your hard drive first, then burn them then all at once to the dvd.
Try making each CD a different folder on the DVD to prevent exeeding the limitation of the number of files/folders in the root directory.

[nathanaa]

Well, of course I copied all the CD's to the hard drive first, into one main music folder. The main folder I call "Tunes" and then there are dozens of sub-folders under that, and some of those have sub-sub-folders in them, but mostly there are the individual music files in the sub-folders. All told there's about 4 gigs worth of music. I also have about 16 gigs of audio books I wanted to back up to DVD too, I just decided to start with the music is all.

Anyway, when I tried to make the data disc, I didn't try to load the Tunes folder, I went in and selected all the sub-folders (each band or artist has their own folder) to load onto the DVD. No dice though. How do I know if the problem is I've exeeded the limitation of the number of files/folders in the root directory?

Anyone else have an idea on what else to try or do?

[Prot]

If you are copying folders, then I wouldn't worry about exeeding the number....it's in the thousands for for FAT32.

There really shouldn't be a problem copying the folders over, however, unless the burning software wants to convert the MP3s to WAV.

Try dragging each folder over one at a time, or just a few at a time, so you can observe just how much space is being used. Remember, when you drag a folder over, the subfolders go with it.

It might just be easier just to bring the TUNES folder over by itself first. Then you can experiment on the second backup to arrange how you want. At least then you will know you have a backup.