Copying a CD directly to a hard drive?

boe · 24-01-2008

Hello,

I'm sure this has been covered but I'm not sure what to search for. I am running Windows XP - I'd like to copy my CDs as is - no downgrade, no compression. Can I copy a CD directly or do I need to convert the files to WAV or something first? Any recommendation on how to do this would be appreciated. WHen I look all I see is 1k cda files.

**geno888** · 24-01-2008

To transfer an audio CD on hard disc it's not sufficient to drag and drop files from the cd in windows explorer. It is necessary a proper software named "ripper".

One of the best audio CD rippers is Exact Audio Copy (free but not exactly easy to use mostly for advanced settings).

A good alternative is CDex (free and opensource).

With these softwares you can transfer all your audio CDs on hard disc, but because of the large file size I suggest to compress files using a proper compressor.

The main possibilities are mp3 and ogg (so called "lossy codecs", i.e. softwares that compress audio files partially removing some contents) and FLAC or APE (so called "lossless codecs", that compress files removing nothing from the original, so the quality is identical to the original CD).

Seven of Nine · 25-01-2008

Geno..

You can also use Windows Media Player to rip them from the CD... EAC is not exactly the most user friendly to start off with.

Media Player has a variety of formats that you can rip eg.. lossless wav etc.. mp3... You can set the quality in the options in the rip tab..

Might be an easier option for you seeing you got xp pro.

*CDan* · 25-01-2008

Nero CDDAE is still a free download and works terrific. Easy to use too.

boe · 25-01-2008

Thanks for your advice everyone!

**geno888** · 25-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seven of Nine

Geno..

You can also use Windows Media Player to rip them from the CD... EAC is not exactly the most user friendly to start off with.

Media Player has a variety of formats that you can rip eg.. lossless wav etc.. mp3... You can set the quality in the options in the rip tab..

Might be an easier option for you seeing you got xp pro.

In my opinion CDex is easier to use than WMP, but it is only a matter of personal choice

24-01-2008	#1
boe MyCE Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 69	Copying a CD directly to a hard drive? Hello, I'm sure this has been covered but I'm not sure what to search for. I am running Windows XP - I'd like to copy my CDs as is - no downgrade, no compression. Can I copy a CD directly or do I need to convert the files to WAV or something first? Any recommendation on how to do this would be appreciated. WHen I look all I see is 1k cda files.

24-01-2008	#2
geno888 Senior Moderator, Editor and Guru Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Italy Posts: 29,213	Re: Copying a CD directly to a hard drive? To transfer an audio CD on hard disc it's not sufficient to drag and drop files from the cd in windows explorer. It is necessary a proper software named "ripper". One of the best audio CD rippers is Exact Audio Copy (free but not exactly easy to use mostly for advanced settings). A good alternative is CDex (free and opensource). With these softwares you can transfer all your audio CDs on hard disc, but because of the large file size I suggest to compress files using a proper compressor. The main possibilities are mp3 and ogg (so called "lossy codecs", i.e. softwares that compress audio files partially removing some contents) and FLAC or APE (so called "lossless codecs", that compress files removing nothing from the original, so the quality is identical to the original CD). __________________ Click here or here to download latest version of CD-DVD Speed Click here to read more about DMA User guide for CD-DVD Speed: English version - Versione Italiana User guide for ImgBurn in BUILD mode English version - Italian version Please do not ask questions via PM. Post in the forum instead. Thanks Per favore, non chiedete consigli o suggerimenti tramite PM. Usate invece il forum (che serve proprio per questo). KTPHTT

25-01-2008	#3
Seven of Nine CD Freaks Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Aus Posts: 153	Re: Copying a CD directly to a hard drive? Geno.. You can also use Windows Media Player to rip them from the CD... EAC is not exactly the most user friendly to start off with. Media Player has a variety of formats that you can rip eg.. lossless wav etc.. mp3... You can set the quality in the options in the rip tab.. Might be an easier option for you seeing you got xp pro.

25-01-2008	#4
CDan MyCE Resident Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Posts: 3,913	Re: Copying a CD directly to a hard drive? Nero CDDAE is still a free download and works terrific. Easy to use too.

25-01-2008	#5
boe MyCE Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 69	Re: Copying a CD directly to a hard drive? Thanks for your advice everyone!

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