Actually disk to disk increases the chance of an error. If you write to HDrive and back to disk the burner program can verify the data. Takes twice as long but is an option. On the fly is usually fine. I always copy an original and then install from the copy. That way I verify the copy is good.

0

Not sure about "error reduction" when using two drives. Also, some burner software will automatically create an image anyway, regardless. Two drives is more convenient, to be sure -- but by no means necessary. A problem can arise from using 2 drives: they are likely different speeds, and the buffering necessary for a clean burn is not always handled successfully. Personally, I do use 2 drives (convenience), but depending on the burn software I use, the 'experience' is different, as are the results, on occasion. Some software prompts for creating a temp image, some does not. I assume the OP is referring to an original XP Pro CD, but duplicating a one-or-more removed copy using 2 drives without a temp image, increases the chances of failure (slower, uneven reading). My 2¢'s.

0

"No doubt about it, and going disc to disc probably reduces the chances of error. :-)" Do you mean to say increases? Anyhow, with a two burner machine, naturally everyone will go disc-to-disc unless something prevents them from doing that. However with how cheap DVD burners are today, very few people maintain two burners in their machine. As suggested above, just clone the OS disc & be done with the chore.

0

""No doubt about it, and going disc to disc probably reduces the chances of error. :-)" I would like to retract that statement! I wasn't really serious! The difference in reliability between the two methods (if any) is so minute that it's not really worth considering. And now I'll sit back and watch people try and start an argument about that comment. :-)

0

I have 3 optical drives in the machine I am currently on and burn optical to optical all the time and have never had a bad burn. However, I have read it is better to wwrite the data to the disk first for two reasons. First was mentioned by justcuz. The second is that if a disk is scratched or dirty there is a better chance of the corect data being written to the HDrive than if going on the fly. I believe that was in help files somewhere but not sure where.

0

OtheHill, THREE optics in one PC? Do you mind telling us the IDE cables scheme? i_Xp/VistaUser

0

I should have mentioned in my post that I do NOT have burner software. I usually just use XP's built in software. If it can't be done with XP's software, does anyone know of any FREE software I could d/l to use?

0

250 SATA II in 3 partitions all NTFS. C = 31GB WinXPsp2, D = 59GB programs, E = 142GB music, jpg, etc. IDE 0 master Lite on DVDRW, IDE 0 slave DVDrom. IDE 1 Plextor CDRW. I use the Plextor for drag to disk (disk is always in). Additionally, I have a WD320GB External USB drive FAT32. My MBoard has 4 IDE channels and 4 SATA II ports (three unused).

0

Thanks Othehill - I will keep this for reference for future use. vwchappy IMO The best freebie CD burner is CDBurnerXP http://www.cdburnerxp.se/ i_Xp/VistaUser

0

Yes, burning from optical drive to optical drive (aka "on the fly") increases the chances for errors. And if both optical drives are on the same IDE channel/cable, those chances increase even more.

0

you can use magiciso to create booable xp pro cd. It works great. http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/m...

0

I just found out that my sonic record now will save an image from a CD. Then it has the ability to burn the ISO image onto a CD....thanks a bunch guys! Another thing I just learned....if I learn just one new thing every day, it sure will increase my PC knowledge!! Much appreciated. Some HELP in posting on Cnet plus free progs and instructions Glad to Help!

0

I have to agree with XPUser. CDBurnerXP Pro 3 is by far the Best FREE CD Burning software available, IMHO. I belive www.download.com has it. Don't remember where I got mine, been so long, I can't remember the programs I used before CDBurnerXP Pro software was first released. If it ain't broke, screw it up so you can fix it.

0