Checklist: Nero Express Basics

From the desk of: Sam C. Chan

Checklist: ImgBurn Basics

January 31, 2008

This checklist covers the 3 most common operations: burning a data disc, duplicating a disc, and an burning an ISO image to disc. It is based on ImgBurn 2.3.2.0. It might also apply to earlier versions, with slight discrepancies in wording and menu sequence.

Burning a Data Disc:

Insert blank CDR or DVD+R disc.
From Mode menu, select Build
From Output menu, select Device
Drop your file(s) and folders(s) into the list box under "source"
Click Calculator button to update total size
Check the box: Verify
Click the big graphic Write button.

Duplicating a Disc:

a 2-step process: read from disc to ISO image + write from ISO to disc
From Mode menu, select Read
Insert Source Disc
Optional: customize Destination ISO file location, note its name for later
Click big graphic Read button
Remove source disc after read is complete
Insert Blank destination disc
From Mode menu, select Write
Source: browse to the file previously noted
Click big graphic Write button
Optional: you may delete the temporary ISO image file

Burning an ISO Image to Disc:

Obtain the ISO image file and store it on your hard drive.
Browse to that file, Right-click, select "Burn using ImgBurn"
Insert blank CDR or DVD+R disc.
Check the box: Verify
Adjust the speed setting (optional)
Click the big graphic Write button

Tips:

Optical disc burning is a relatively complex and unreliable process. Many potential problems could arise, and some of them are not easily noticed.

Clearly label all discs immediately, using a wide felt tip permanent marker.

You should always turn on the Verify option.

Even with the Verify data on disc after burning setting checked, you should still reinsert the disc after successful completion, to visual confirm that the copying is done correctly, with the content you expected, by browsing thru folders, and checking the total size.

If the disc is being sent away for something critical, you should use a special utility to compare file-by-file against the source; or better yet, use the disc as it is intended to be used: such as installing the program on it, or test use of the data files it contains.