Member Avatar for janda5

I have an Intel Pentium 3, 27 GB hard drive, 384 MB system RAM that uses Windows XP Pro SP2. I am looking for advice on the best and easiest way to "burn" data/music to a CD-R. I have too many files stored on my computer hard drive and loaded on 3.5" floppies and really need to learn how to burn to CDs. I have Nero 6 StartSmart on my omputer and, of course, I understand Windows XP has a built-in CD-burning program of its own. All tips are welcome. Thank you.

janda5

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by firekid1239

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Good practical follow-ups to the tips from and — the two most helpful early steps are (1) confirm whether the existing optical drive actually writes, and (2) pick a storage workflow that keeps restoration simple and verifiable. The short checklist below reduces wasted media and makes future restores straightforward.

How to confirm the drive: open Device Manager (Start -> Run -> devmgmt.msc) and look under "DVD/CD‑ROM drives" for the model string, or check the drive bezel/metal label for an "RW" or "DVD" mark. If the model is unclear, note the exact text and look it up later. When fitting a new internal unit in an older machine, match the interface and observe jumper/power connector rules for the platform.

A reliable burn workflow: make one test disc first; create a single "data disc" project in the burning program, add files or a single archive (zipping folders reduces the file count and eases restore), select a modest write speed, enable "verify after burn," and finalize the disc unless additional sessions are required. Include a plain‑text index (disc number + path list) on each disc so contents are searchable without special software. Prefer UDF/Joliet options to preserve long filenames on Windows.

Troubleshooting and long‑term notes: failed burns often resolve by using a different media brand, lowering the speed, cleaning the lens, checking the IDE/USB cable, enabling DMA, or updating the drive firmware/driver. Avoid adhesive labels; mark the hub with a soft permanent marker and store discs upright, away from heat/light. For large or frequent backups, an external USB drive or flash storage is faster and simpler; optical media is convenient for small, portable archives but should not be the sole long‑term copy for critical data.

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Member Avatar for Bob_180_Bob

Hi,
Your PC is old are you sure that you have a CD burner in the first place?
If you do the easiest way for you would be to copy and paste the files you want to the CD icon. Windows will tell you that you have files to burn and lead you through the process.

Member Avatar for firekid1239

First of all you need to make sure that you have a CD-RW drive. Because your PC is old... it may not have one. You can pick one up at walmart or any other computer store for about 40 bucks or so. Make sure you buy one that is ATA (IDE) and not SATA. Because of the age of your PC... you won't be able to use Serial ATA (SATA). Even today burning Cd's for backup purposes is becoming outdated. A CD only holds 700MB while a DVD hold 4.3 GB! A dvd burner won't be much more expensive. And a DVD burner can burn to regular CD's as well.

Another option you have is to buy an External harddrive. While they are more expensive, they provide a Quick way to back up your files, keep the portable, and when you finally get a new computer you can copy your old files easily and MUCH faster than burning to CD's.

If you still want to stick to burning cd's and you have a cd-rw drive... just open nero and select to burn a Data Disc. Add the files which you want to burn and click burn on nero. You can also use the built in windows tool which is just as simple. Simply drag and drop the files that you want to burn to the CD-RW icon in My computer and windows will do the rest.

Hope this helps...

-Firekid

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