How to Use Free DVD Ripper to Backup Your DVD

Many DVD collectors may run into the problem of sharing their DVD movies with friends and backing up DVD files on their computer hard drive. Here I want to share a method of copying and backing up DVDs using a free application. With this method, you can even copy protected DVDs.

Now I am going to introduce this method respectively for Windows and Mac users.

For Windows users
The application that has the most complete functions is DVD Decrypter. It can rip DVD to DVD folder, ISO file and burn ISO files to blank DVD discs. The steps to use this software are:

Step 1: Import DVD Disc
Download the software from the website of DVD Decrypter and install it. Insert your DVD disc. If it is protected, the program will prompt a message stating the protection type (RC, RCE, CSS, CPPM etc.) of your DVD along with a list letting you select your region. You can just tick the right region and click OK.

Step 2: Rip ISO file
DVD Decrypter provides three output methods: File Mode, IFO Mode and ISO Mode. If you want to convert your movie to an ISO file, you can just select “ISO Mode –Read” and click the DVD icon to start the conversion process. See the figure below:

Tips:
1. ISO-Read: To convert your original DVD to ISO image file on your hard drive.
2. After conversion, what you get will be a protection-removed ISO file. You can use a virtual drive tool, say DAEMON Tools, to load the ISO file and view your movie on your computer.
Note: Because FAT32 does not support files that are bigger than 4GB, you have to do the following: Settings -> ISO Read Mode -> File Splitting -> Auto. Thus, big ISO files can be split automatically.

Step 3: Burn ISO to DVD
Insert a blank disc twritable), select Mode->ISO-Wo your DVD drive (rite. Then click the DVD icon, and the new protection-free DVD will be burned. See the figure below:

Tip: Select Test Mode, the program will simulate the burning process. You can refer to this process to correct the settings.
Note: The latest version of DVD Decrypter was released on June 7th, 2005 and the version number is Version 3.5.4.0 (final).
It only supports Windows Server 2003 or below.
If you are a vista user, you can use DVD ripper software to remove DVD protections and convert them to regular video, and burn converted video to DVD with DVD burner software.

Additional Tips:
1 .File Mode, IFO Mode are often used to convert video and audio files. I will introduce them in another article about DVD Decrypter.
2. DVDShrink and Nero together can also help you get the job done. But Nero 8 alone will cost you $63.99.
3. For the info on how to convert regular video files to DVDs, you can refer to this step by step guide.

For Macintosh OS users
There are very few free applications like DVD Decrypter for Mac users. So the method I have discovered is to use two applications to copy DVD on Mac OS.
1. Use DVD Ripper software to remove DVD protection and copy DVD folders.
2. Use DVD Burner software to burn the copied DVD folders to a DVD disc.

Part 1. Copy DVD to a DVD folder
Step 1: Get Ready
MacTheRipper is one of the best free DVD Rippers on Mac OS. You can download it HERE. To install MacTheRipper, simply mount the .dmg archive by double-clicking it, and copy the MacTheRipper application from it to your Applications folder (or wherever you want it), along with this MacTheRipper Manual if you need it.
Step 2: Rip DVD
Run MacTheRipper, and insert the source DVD disc. MacTheRipper can automatically detect the info of the inserted DVD disc. See the figure below:

There are two major setting parts: Disc and Mode

1. 1. RCE Region settings:
   UOPS:allow you to skip or fast-forward through most DVD content, such as warning screens, previews etc.
   RCE Region:  
   If MacTheRipper displays "DISC RCE: CLEAR" after scanning the DVD, you can leave the option to OFF status.
   
   If MacTheRipper displays "DISC RCE: -DETECTED-", you must set the option to the region in which the DVD was purchased. For example, if you have a DVD that was purchased in N. America (Region 1), and MacTheRipper says that RCE is detected, you must set the 'RCE Region' popup menu to 'RCE 1"
   
   De-Macrovision:allow you to record your DVDs straight to VCR, or connect the DVD player through a VCR without getting a bunch of wavy lines. This is enabled by default.
   
   2.In Mode settings:
   Select the Full Disc Extraction Mode to reserve all the info in the inserted DVD disc.
   
   Note: If the coped DVD folder only contains one folder: VIDEO_TS, in order to play the final DVD disc, you should create an empty folder and name it AUDIO_TS in the DVD folder.
   

Part2. Burn DVD Folder to a blank DVD
Wondershare DVD Copy for Mac is an application that can be used to burn DVD folders. After you launch the software, you will see the window below:

Select Source:
Click the Browse button (the button of two arrows) in the Select Source field and import the coped DVD folder.

Select DVD Copy Method:
You can select the DVD ROM where you have inserted a blank DVD disc.

Click the Start button to start burning it to a new DVD disc.

Tip: A playable DVD disc should contain two folders: VIDEO_TS and AUDIO_TS. The AUDIO_TS folder is also required although it is sometimes empty.

This Mac method is what I have discovered for Mac users. However, I am no expert of Mac since I still use Windows most of the time. Probably this is not the easiest method, but I hope it can throw some light on how to copy DVDs on Mac OS.

Related link:
If you want to convert AVI/MOV/MPEG/MP4/FLV/VOB and HD video to DVDS, visit the guide to finish it.

 

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