Making a copy of Windows 7 install DVD

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Hi,

I want to make a backup copy of my Windows 7 Home Premium installation DVD (it’s a Dell OEM reinstallation disk). It is a dual layer DVD of approx 5546 Mb, in other words too big to fit on a normal DVD. But the problem seems to be more that any ISO making software I have treied choked on the DVD. Is it is some sort of special format? How do I make a viable (preferably bootable) copy of the disk so I am not relying on my one and only original DVD?

Thanks in advance, David

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Me again. It seems the DVD is a BD-ROM and it is 5.74Gb in size. I can copy all the files from the DVD to a hard drive. And if I leave off the BOOT folder and the LANGPACKS folder it will fit on a normal single layer DVD. Do you think that such a single-layer DVD would be usable to reinstall the operating system if need be (I have other boot CD disks in case I need them).

best
David

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Hi David,

I think I would copy the entire contents of the BD to a folder on my hard drive, then uncheck the boxes in Folder Options so you can see all hidden files and all operating system files. By making those files visible you can be sure you are copying everything including the files necessary to boot the DVD. I would purchase some dual layer DVDs to burn your copy from the hard drive or if you have a BD writer, get a BD writable disc to make your bootable backup copy.

Another Lounger may have a better, easier approach.

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Assuming that there is no copy protection on the disc I would use the freeware utility ImgBurn and simply copy the disc image to the PC and then write it to a dual layer DVD.

If you do try this, make sure to click the download link at the top left hand side for the program, not one of the ads within the web page.

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I do not know for sure so I’m asking this, Is this legal to do? I guess I’m just wondering because I do not know.

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I do not know for sure so I’m asking this, Is this legal to do? I guess I’m just wondering because I do not know.

Yes, making a backup copy is legal.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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I do not know for sure so I’m asking this, Is this legal to do? I guess I’m just wondering because I do not know.

Good question Ted,

This is quoted from the Windows 7 EULA located in C:WindowsSystem32license.rtf :

“10. BACKUP COPY.
a. Media. If you acquired the software on a disc or other media,you may make one backup copy of the media. You may use it only to reinstall the software on the licensed computer.”

One backup copy is allowed in Vista also; this MS link allows you to download the Vista EULA that contains permission to make one copy of the installation media for backup.

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Thanks for the advice. Like most other people, I am guilty of not spending a lot of time reading the EULA. I will have to look into this for all 3 of my copies of Win 7.

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OK, thanks for the dual-layer DVD suggestion. My new Dell has dual-layer burn capacity, but I am so unused to having it that the idea never occurred to me… Duh… David

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I think the blank DVD disc needs to be dual layer also. These are a little more expensive than regular DVD blanks

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Hi,

I want to make a backup copy of my Windows 7 Home Premium installation DVD (it’s a Dell OEM reinstallation disk). It is a dual layer DVD of approx 5546 Mb, in other words too big to fit on a normal DVD. But the problem seems to be more that any ISO making software I have treied choked on the DVD. Is it is some sort of special format? How do I make a viable (preferably bootable) copy of the disk so I am not relying on my one and only original DVD?

Thanks in advance, David

First off, in order to do what you ask, you have to have the hardware; Dual layer DVD Player and the disks to burn.
…or a DVD player that supports the DVD9 standard.

Understanding Dual Layer DVD Recording
LG Black 6X BD-ROM 16X DVD-ROM 40X CD-ROM SATA Internal Blu-ray/HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Model GGC-H20L
Capacity : 8.5GB

making bootable dual layer DVDs+Windows 7

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