I've been trying to burn dvd's and just realised that I've only got a cd writer and dvd reader(just assumed it did both,eejit I know!)As I've got a dvd hdd recorder(80GB) for my tv I was wondering if there's any way of linking it to my computer and burning that way?
If not then how difficult is it to install an internal dvd rewriter instead of my current dvd/cdrw?

it's very easy to swap for DVD writer, especially as they are now so cheap.

You just need to remove both sides of the computer.

The existing drive will be held in place by four screws, two on each side.

There will be a ribbon cable at the back going to the motherboard, and a small plug from the power supply.

remove these plugs from the drive.
slide the drive out from the front of the computer.

Replace with new drive, screw in place and put cables back, making sure you put them back the same way they were removed .

That's basically it.

Thanks Fingees,now have my new dvd rewriter installed,hardest part was figuring out how to open the case lol(only one side slides off,then front cover pops off!).Got nero 7 essential with it but can only burn to vcd seems I've got to upgrade to premium before I can burn to vscd or dvd!
Is there any good free software out there that I can use instead?

I don't know much about the following, but worth a try.


http://www.filehippo.com/download_deepburner/

I use Nero 7, I thought you could download the various extras if you have the basic and a serial number.Certainly you can use a trial copy of nero for a while at least. Go to

http://www.nero.com/eng/index.html

Select downloads

Just a thought.

Thanks will try that link,
I think nero that came with rewriter is a trial version,mentions OEM when I look at upgrades whatever that is!

OEM means original equipment manufacturer.

That means you can only ever use it on the first machine it is installed on.

It is not a trial version, but a full one. subject as I said to no tranfer to any other PC.

That means you may in fact qualify for any upgrades/updates to that edition.

Have a go.

Hi Fingees,sorry took so long to get back to you,the link for deepburner works great for my hdd dvd recorder(burns avi files straight to dvd-which seem to go into an archive section on recorder)but wont play on normal players!
Tried updates/upgrades on nero 7 but none available unless I pay,so saving my pennies now lol
Thanks again for all your help,Shazx

I am not sure what format you are at present recording in.

It may just be a format that a normal DVD player will not recognise, or it maybe that your player like many, will nor recognise any home recorded one.

Just make sure, before spending out on new software, that your dvd player will recognise it.

I use Nero 7, and have no problem playing it on my present player. However, my previous Sony wouldn't recognise any home recorded video on DVD or CD


Just a point.