How to Copy a Data Disc CD (13 Steps)
By C. Taylor
Unfortunately, Windows 7 does not offer a one-step "copy CD" feature. However, you can work around that limitation. As the description implies, data disc CDs are formatted as data, which is a format Windows readily handles. Therefore, to copy the CD, you simply have to copy the contents to the hard drive first and subsequently burn a new CD. This is the same method high-end CD copy programs use, except everything is performed in the background without manual involvement.
Step 1
Insert the CD you wish to copy in your CD/DVD drive.
Step 2
Click "Open folder to view files using Windows Explorer" on the AutoPlay pop-up.
Step 3
Click anywhere in the right-hand panel and press "Ctrl" and "A" to select all the files and folders.
Step 4
Press "Ctrl" and "C" to mark all files for copying.
Step 5
Click "Desktop" at the top of the left-hand folder tree.
Step 6
Click "New folder" at the top of the window. Type "TEMP," and press "Enter" twice to rename and access the folder.
Step 7
Press "Ctrl" and "V" to copy the CD to this temporary location.
Step 8
Eject the data CD when copying is completed and insert a blank recordable CD.
Step 9
Press "Ctrl" and "A" to select all files in the "TEMP" folder. Click any file and drag them on top of your CD burner in the left-hand panel.
Step 10
Click "With a CD/DVD player" in the "Burn a Disk" dialog box that pops up. Click "Next."
Step 11
Right-click the CD burner and select "Burn to disc."
Step 12
Enter a disc title or keep the default one. Click "Next" to copy the files.
Step 13
Right-click the "TEMP" folder, hold the "Shift" key and select "Delete" to remove temporary files and bypass the Recycle Bin.
References
Warnings
- This procedure should be used only for data CDs for which you have the legal right to copy. Never illegally copy or distribute a copyrighted CD.
Writer Bio
C. Taylor embarked on a professional writing career in 2009 and frequently writes about technology, science, business, finance, martial arts and the great outdoors. He writes for both online and offline publications, including the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, Samsung, Radio Shack, Motley Fool, Chron, Synonym and more. He received a Master of Science degree in wildlife biology from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts in biological sciences at College of Charleston. He also holds minors in statistics, physics and visual arts.