FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is it legal to copy DVD movie?

"Easy DVD Shrink" may be used to facilitate copying media in which you own the copyright or have obtained permission to copy from the copyright owner. If you are not the copyright owner or you have not obtained permission to copy from the copyright owner, you may be violating copyright laws and you may be subject to claims for damages and/or criminal penalties. This program is not meant for those who intend on breaking copyright laws. In no way will we be held responsible if you do. Any other illegal use of this program is strictly prohibited.

This program is intended for use in countries where DVD Copying is legal. Please take the time to find out if it is legal in your country of residence. We are not liable and can not be hold responsible for your actions. We are not responsible for any direct or indirect loss to the end user by using this program. You agree to waive all liabilities associated with this program to the provider and associates.

What do I need to prepare before starting to backup my DVDs?

- Ensure the DVD you wish to copy is clean (no finger prints) and not scratched.

- Use high quality recordable DVD disc like Verbatim, Sony, Fuji, etc. Avoid using cheap discs. Always refer to the DVD writer manufacturer for the list of recommended discs for your DVD writer drive.

- Ensure you have sufficient hard-disk space (at least 4.3 GB).

- If you are using external USB DVD drive, please make sure it is connected to the computer directly without using USB hub.

- Try to update your DVD writer firmware.  Many DVD writers are not compatible with newer DVD disc/formats until the firmware has been updated.

Firmware updates: http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Firmware/Home.aspx

- Read through the Getting Started Guide.

I have a 7-day trial period, why the trial version expired halfway?

The trial version can only copy 3 DVD movies. If this limitation is exceeded, the trial version will expire even the 7-day trial period has not been exceeded yet.

When I play the copied DVD, the image jerks from time to time, what might be causing this?

Ensure the disc is clean. Also, try to lower the burning speed.

I can play the copied DVD on my computer, why can't I play the copied DVD in my DVD player?

Make sure you are using the right type of disc for your player. Some players will only read one of the formats (+ or -) but both, others won't read either. DVD-R is still the most compatible format, especially with older DVD players. Check with this link and see if you shouldn't use another format: http://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers

Sometimes this problem is caused by media incompatibility issues. If a DVD disc does not play or work after you have burned the medium, choose another medium type or brand and repeat the burning process. Eventually, you may have to lower the burning speed. Many writers are not compatible with cheap or old media (blanks). The quality of some blanks is actually so bad, that the specified maximum speed cannot be reached in most cases. Find a combination of writer, disc and player that work together before ordering large quantities of discs to back up your DVD collection.

Why can't I play my DVD+/-RW in my DVD player?

For DVD, you'll want to work with DVD+/-R rather than DVD+/-RW because you may not be able to play DVD+/-RW discs in normal DVD players. In certain cases, simply eject and re-insert the disc can solve the problem.

Can other software conflict with the operation of Easy DVD Shrink?

- Some packet writing software will constantly talk to your CD/DVD writer, and can cause a number of issues while our program try to burn a DVD. Please disable these software if you experience problems. Well known packet writing software includes: InCD,Veritas Record Now, DLA, B's Clip, DirectCD, and InstantRead/InstantWrite.

- Some anti-virus software can cause errors while burning. If you experience problems while burning, you can disable the software temporarily by right clicking on the icon in the lower right side of the task bar. When the burn is complete, the software can be reactivated. Well known anti-virus software includes: McAfee virusscan and Norton AntiVirus.

The burn process aborted unexpectedly after the copy process successfully completed, do I need to start all over again?

No, the copy process actually stored the ready-to-burn DVD files into the "Temp Path" you specified. To burn those DVD files to the disc directly, please follow the procedures below:

1. Select your temp path (e.g. "C:\DVDShrink\VIDEO_TS") as the "Source".

2. Select your burning drive and check the "Burn existing DVD files to the disc directly" option.

3. Finally, click the "Burn" button to start burning.

Why the preview window is so small?

The preview window only serves as an indicator where the copy process currently is, so we have implemented a small preview window. This allows us to speed up the process, please note that the preview window doesn't represent the actual quality of the output DVD.

After the copy process completed, why can't I copy again?

In certain cases, some burning drives do not change back to the "Ready" state after it had processed large amounts of data (DVD). If that happens the computer needs to be restarted before you can copy again.

Sometimes I get an error when burning a disc, what might be causing this?

In some cases, you may get an error writing the DVD because your DVD disc is not the right format (+R/RW or -R/RW) for your DVD writer. In other cases, it may be that your DVD burner can't recognize the brand of DVD disc you are using. Errors can also occur when the disc you are using has a bad section on it. This is more frequent when using cheaper no-name brands of discs. Try another brands of disc (like Fuji, TDK, Maxell, or Sony).

In many cases, updating the DVD burner's firmware will solve the problem since newer firmware will be more compatible with newer discs. You can obtain the latest firmware for your DVD burner by using this link: http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Firmware/Home.aspx

Sometimes I get an autorun installation window after I inserted my DVD movie, should I install it?

These programs are DVD software viewers that often come on DVD movie discs, and will try to install themselves every time you watch a movie on your computer. You are not recommended to install these viewers. They are poor quality viewers and we suggest that you use WinDVD or PowerDVD.

Why can't I use the DVD drives installed in the computer?

You may not have security rights to use the DVD drives. To give access rights to a non-administrative user, do the following:

1) Open 'Control Panel' and click on 'Administrative Tools'.

2) Double click on 'Local Security Policy'.

3) Double click on 'Security Options'.

4) Double click on 'Restrict CD-ROM access to locally logged-on users only'.

5) Click on Enabled.

Note: DVD access is not currently possible for users with Non-Administrative rights for Windows XP Home Edition. This limitation does not apply to the Windows XP Professional Edition.

Windows hanged while burning DVD, what's wrong?

Make sure that no other program that accesses CD/DVDs uses the AIN (Auto-Insert Notification) function during the burning process. If this function is activated, the burned DVD may not be finalized correctly. In the worst case, the operating system will hang. We strongly suggest that you de-activate AIN:

Windows 98/ME Settings:

1) Open 'Control Panel' and click on 'System'.

2) Select 'Device Manager' tab.

3) Click on the CD-Rom icon.

4) For every CD/DVD device in the list, do the following:

Select the Device.

Select 'Settings'.

Enable 'Disconnect'.

Enable 'Sync Data Transfer'.

Disable 'Auto Insert Notification'.

Enable 'DMA' (if available).

Click on 'OK'.

5) Repeat #4 for each device.

6) Reboot the system for settings to take effect.

Windows NT4/2000/XP/2003/Vista Settings:

Windows NT4 must have Service Pack 6 installed.

Set the following registry value to disable Auto-Insert Notification using RegEdit.exe: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services/Cdrom/Autorun=0

What is ASPI?

An ASPI driver is required for DVD ripping. Windows 95 or 98 comes with the ASPI manager pre-installed, while NT does not. To tell if you have an ASPI manager installed, look for a file called WNASPI32.DLL in your Windows system directory (c:\windows\system or c:\winnt\system32 are common locations).

You can download a ASPI driver from: Adaptec ASPI Driver, Nero ASPI Driver

What's the difference between .IFO and .VOB files in a DVD?

The .IFO (and backup .BUP) files contain menus and other information about the video and audio. The .VOB files (for DVD-Video) and .AOB files (for DVD-Audio) are MPEG-2 program streams with additional packets containing navigation and search information.

How to upgrade?

Easy DVD Shrink registered users are entitled to free upgrades. The latest version of Easy DVD Shrink uses the same registration key as your previous version, download the latest trial version from our download page (http://www.burnersoft.com) and install it over the old version without erasing your configuration. Finally, use your registration key to register it (it may recognize your registration automatically).

I lost my registration key, how can I get it back?

Please contact us with the software name, your registration name, email address and possibly OrderID or TransactionID at support@burnersoft.com.

What to expect when I order?

You will receive a registration key by email (most emails are sent immediately, but please allow up to 8 hours to receive this email) that you can use to register a previously downloaded trial version.  Be sure to keep your registration key email. With your key you can download the trial version from our download page and use your key to register it. This is how you download your free upgrades.

I don't have my registration key yet, what's wrong?

Please allow up to 8 hours to receive your registration key by email (most keys are sent immediately). The most common cause of delays in receiving keys is an incorrect email address on the order. Be sure that you type your email address correctly on the order form.  AOL users should make sure that their AOL email settings are set to receive mail from outside AOL.

Remember that email is not totally reliable and emails can and do get lost. If you have not received your registration key within 8 hours of your order, email support@burnersoft.com.

I'm a registered user and my copy says it is unregistered, what should I do?

You need to enter your registration key into the program to tell the program that you have registered. You should have received a email from us after you ordered with your registration key and instructions on how to enter it into the program. Just follow these instructions and enter your key into the program.

I'm a registered user and I need to download again?

You can download the latest trial version from our download page and then use your registration key to register it. If you don't still have your registration key, please contact us with the software name, your registration name, email address and possibly OrderID or TransactionID at support@burnersoft.com.

How can I uninstall Easy DVD Shrink?

You can click on the "Programs -> Easy DVD Shrink -> Uninstall Easy DVD Shrink" shortcut from the Start menu or you can uninstall the program by going to "Add/Remove Programs" in Control Panel and selecting "Easy DVD Shrink" from the program list.

If you have any other questions please let us know.

Thank you,

Technical Support

support@burnersoft.com