Copying a DVD movie to an external hard drive can be a convenient way to backup your movies or watch them on different devices without needing the physical disc. To accomplish this, you will need a DVD ripping program that can convert the DVD into a digital format compatible with your external hard drive. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to copy a DVD movie to an external hard drive:
1. Download a DVD ripping program: There are several DVD ripping programs available online, both free and paid. Some popular options include DVDFab, Handbrake, and WinX DVD Ripper. Choose a program that suits your needs and download it from a reliable source.
2. Install and open the DVD ripping program: Once you have downloaded the program, install it on your computer and open it. The interface may vary depending on the program you choose, but the basic steps are usually similar.
3. Start the DVD ripping process: In the DVD ripping program, look for an option that allows you to convert the DVD to a specific file format. Common formats include AVI, MP4, and MKV. Choose the format that is compatible with your external hard drive and click on the corresponding button or menu.
4. Insert the DVD: Insert the DVD you want to copy into your computer’s DVD drive. The DVD ripping program should automatically detect the disc and display its contents.
5. Select the DVD movie: In the DVD ripping program, browse through the contents of the DVD and select the movie or movies you want to copy. You may need to check a box or use a specific command to select the desired content.
6. Choose the output location: Before starting the ripping process, specify the output location where the ripped files will be saved. Connect your external hard drive to your computer and choose it as the destination folder for the ripped files. Make sure you have enough free space on the external hard drive to accommodate the movie files.
7. Start the ripping process: Once you have selected the movie and chosen the output location, click on the “Start” or “Rip” button to begin the ripping process. This may take some time, depending on the length and size of the movie.
8. Transfer the ripped files to the external hard drive: Once the ripping process is complete, you will have a digital copy of the DVD movie in the selected file format on your computer. Locate the ripped files on your computer and transfer them to the external hard drive. This can be done by simply dragging and dropping the files from your computer’s file manager to the external hard drive’s folder.
9. Safely eject the external hard drive: After transferring the files, make sure to safely eject the external hard drive from your computer to avoid any data loss or corruption. Follow the appropriate steps for your operating system to safely remove the external hard drive.
That’s it! You have successfully copied a DVD movie to your external hard drive. You can now disconnect the external hard drive from your computer and use it to play the movie on other devices or as a backup for your DVD collection.