how can i make a dvd-r movie disc copy?

[LT. Columbo]

i have several video files on a dvd-r disc i made with nero a while ago with nero express 6, what is the best method for doing this?
also the same for a VCD?

i looked at the nero help section and was confused with the mention of "image recorder". In the past i have tried to simply load a VCD and right click "copy" to my HD and it came out as .DAT files.

so here is the real question: How can i copy the material to my Hard drive, from my dvd-r's and VCD's so i can burn them right away and make exact copies?

anyone's help is always appreciated.

[reboot]

Why copy to the hard drive first? Just do a direct disk copy.

[sfheath]

Making copies on-the-fly is a little risky. Hence, most tutorials will put files to be burned into a hard drive folder first.

The Image Recorder is for making images for later retrieval. If simply making a copy without keeping the hard drive version, then select your burner. Nero will make a temporary image during the Copy routine. This will only work for data or unencrypted discs - not backups of commercial DVD.

[LT. Columbo]

ty for your response sfheath, i figured on the fly would be risky. improper copies are unacceptable for me.

so your saying to use this image recorder, can you please be a little more descriptive on how to do it? (nero express 6)

i appreciate it, ty

[LT. Columbo]

forget that last question, i figured it out.

ty for your answer it helped. one last question: Can i use this image recording to copy only certain files on these VCD"S and dvd-r's? or can you only copy the entire disc contents?

[sfheath]

You can compile your own combination of folders and files for construction into an image but I stress this is data mode I'm talking about. VCD/DVD requires their full file structure for standalone player compatibility.

[LT. Columbo]

ty , thats what i figured. good work sfheath