How to Copy a Software Install CD to a Hard Drive
By Greyson Ferguson
Installation CDs have a variety of important files, each just as important as the previous. If a particular file is removed, the entire installation may not function correctly. If you are looking to back up an installation CD to your system's hard drive, you need to copy the entire CD to your drive and ensure every file is there. This is not a complicated task, but it does take solid computer skills.
Step 1
Insert the installation CD into the disc drive of the computer, then exit out the installation wizard and any other AutoPlay window that loads onto the screen.
Step 2
Right-click on the desktop (or any location where you wish to store the CD). Choose "New," "Folder" and a new folder icon appears. Title the folder after the installation CD.
Step 3
Double-click the folder icon you just created, then leave the window open for the time being.
Step 4
Click "Start," "Computer" and double-click the CD icon. A window appears with all the files currently stored on the disc.
Step 5
Highlight every file in the CD. Click inside the highlighted area, then drag the files over to the open window you created. This copies every file on the CD onto the hard drive, maintaining the exact file locations, without deleting any files.
References
Writer Bio
Greyson Ferguson is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design with a degree in film and television. He currently resides in Lansing, Michigan where he works on independent film projects and writes for numerous publications. Ferguson primarily focuses on computer and electronic articles. Greyson produces TheDailyUpbeat.com, focusing on only upbeat news stories with daily updates.