Burning large files using free DVD burning software

by Miha Markič 21. April 2007 14:44

I had to burn a ~12GB file today on Vista, not a trivial task unfortunately.

Of course, I opted for burning the file to 3 DVD-Rs. First I made 3 files that matched maximum DVD-R size using WinRAR (if you don't need compression I strongly suggest using Fastest mode which is really fast). Then I had to burn those three files to 3 blank mediums. At this point the problems started. Which burning software should I use? I don't consider Nero anymore because it is bloated and I had an odd experience with it, plus it isn't free. Note, that I don't need fancy features, just burn the selected file(s) or ISO image.

I looked at David's list of free burning software and picked DeepBurner first, I installed it, run it, picked first file (~4.5GB) and started burn process. It was finished in 2 minutes. Wow, that was fast! But the problem was the fact that it burned just ~400MB of file for some odd reason No errors were reported, just the file wasn't there. Entirely at least. Later I discovered in their forums that DeepBurn has problems writing large files. Go figure, bad luck of choice.

Next, I picked InfraRecorder. Amazingly, it has a similar problem. It has written a bigger part of the file though. And again, no errors reported.

At this point I opted for Vista's easy burning feature. This time it won't even try to burn the file. And yes, no errors reported, just the click on Burn Files to Disk button doesn't do a thing. Argh.

Finally, after several ruined DVDs, I tried ImgBurn and it worked. Huraaaa, at last. I had to set UDF mode though.

So, the winner is: ImgBurn! A good choice if you have to burn really large files. The other software mentioned just acts oddly when burning such large files. What is even worse is the fact that no error is reported. OTOH if you need an easy to use burning software for writing not too large files I would recommend InfraRecorder - it is more friendlier than ImgBurn.

Tags:

Hardware

Comments (4) -

David
David
4/25/2007 8:38:28 AM #

Told you so, told you so! Smile

Reply

HSB
HSB
4/26/2007 12:00:27 AM #

I LIKE IT

Reply

G
G
5/2/2007 1:25:26 PM #

Strange, I've burned many DVD size images on DeepBurner with no problems.

Reply

Miha Markic
Miha Markic
5/2/2007 6:26:26 PM #

Hi G,

I was burning a file, not an image, perhaps this explains it.

Reply

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Miha Markic

About me
Righthand
 
Microsoft MVP
 
Developer Express' DXSquad
INETA Country Leader for Slovenia
INETA Country Leader for Slovenia

Slovene Developer Users Group Lead
Friends of Red-Gate
LLBLGenPro Partner

Miha currently works as a free lance consultant and software developer specialized in .net area.
He graduated in Computer and information science at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. He has accumulated experience in various programming languages such as Java, Visual Basic 3-6 (MCP), Visual C++, Delphi, C# and VB.Net through years.
He has experience in practically all (technical) stages of project development, including planning, framework development, user interface, business processes, as well as testing and documenting. He has worked on big and small projects in Slovenia and abroad (e.g. participated in completing level 3 IS for the Nucor steel plant, Hertford, USA).
Currently he enjoys programming in .net environment using C#. Since 2000 he has been active in Developer Express' DX Squad and has been ECDL trainer and tester. He also gives lectures on conferences and other events in Slovenia.

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