How to Copy a DVD on to a Hard Drive
- 1). Get DVD copying software. If you are going to copy data DVDs containing your own photos or documents, regular DVD software such as Roxio's Toast or Nero will work fine (see Resources below). With Toast, for example, all you need to do is insert the data DVD, chose "Copy" and then "Save as Disc." This will create a replica of the DVD on the hard drive which you can then access from the computer just as if you inserted the DVD.
- 2). Use different software for video DVDs. You will need a software package that will remove the encryption from the DVD. A good and free program for the Mac is "Mac the Ripper" (see Resources below). Insert the DVD and open Mac the Ripper. As soon as it detects the DVD, it will scan it and tell you how big the file will be, what Region Code the DVD was recorded for and give you a time estimate for upload. The program will save an exact replica of the DVD without the copy protection. You also can instruct it to ignore certain aspects of the DVD such as the DVD start materials that normally you would be required to sit through each time you watch it.
- 3). Use a hard drive that you set aside specifically for movies and TV if you plan to put your collection on a hard drive. This will lessen disk fragmentation that can slow down the hard drive. It also makes it easier to find the DVD disc images you've copied.
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