Writing (Burn) Files to CD using Windows

Microsoft Windows XP/Vista and later contain a very simple ability to write (burn) files to a CD/DVD writer.

To build a list of files to be burnt

1. Double-click My Computer on the desktop and use it to browse for the file you wish to burn to CD.

2. Right-click the file and choose Send To, and then in the sub-menu choose the drive which represents your CD burner (usually D:).

   If there is already a disc in the drive, you may be prompted to format the disc:

   

   Generally speaking, it is most appropriate to choose With a CD/DVD Player or Mastered (depending on what appears).

   An icon will appear in the taskbar which says, You have files waiting to be written to the CD.

3. Repeat this process for all files required.

To burn a CD

1. Double-click My Computer on the desktop and then double-click the CD burner (usually D:).

   Explorer will show the list of files selected.

2. Delete any files not required. (NB this does not delete the original file.)

3. From the File menu, choose Write these files to CD.

4. Follow the wizard.

Notes

• This process burns the files as they were when you selected them, not when you burn. When you add the files to the CD burning queue, Windows creates a copy in a special directory and it is this version of the file that is burnt. If you subsequently modify the original file, it will not affect the version waiting to be burnt to CD.

  If you wish to build a CD project which contains live (dynamic) links to the original source files, use the full-featured burning software that may have been included with your PC or with the CD-burner. Some common programs are Nero Express and Roxio Easy CD Creator or Toshiba Disc Creator.