How to Easily Rip and Burn DVDs with DVD Shrink

DVD Shrink is a popular, free software for Windows that allows users to rip and compress DVDs for backup purposes. While it hasn't been updated for a while, it remains a favorite among users due to its simplicity and effectiveness in shrinking DVDs to fit on standard 4.7GB discs. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to easily rip and burn DVDs using DVD Shrink.

What is DVD Shrink

DVD Shrink is a powerful software tool that allows users to easily rip and burn DVDs with just a few simple steps. This innovative program is designed to help you make backup copies of your favorite DVDs, saving you from the hassle of dealing with scratched or damaged discs.

With DVD Shrink, you can easily compress large DVD files into smaller, more manageable sizes without sacrificing quality. This makes it easier to store your DVD collection on your computer or portable device. Additionally, the software offers a range of customization options, allowing you to tailor the compression settings to suit your specific needs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Ripping and Burning DVDs with DVD Shrink

Step 1: Download and Install DVD Shrink

1. Download DVD Shrink: Visit a trusted software repository (such as Softpedia or FileHippo) to download DVD Shrink. Be cautious, as the software is no longer officially maintained.
2. Install the Software: Follow the installation instructions to set up DVD Shrink on your Windows computer.

Step 2: Insert the DVD You Want to Rip

1. Insert DVD: Place the DVD you want to rip into your computer's DVD drive.
2. Check for Encryption: DVD Shrink can handle most DVD encryptions, but for some newer DVDs, you might need additional decryption software like AnyDVD or DVDFab Passkey to remove encryption.

Step 3: Open the DVD in DVD Shrink

1. Launch DVD Shrink: Open DVD Shrink from your desktop or Start menu.
2. Click “Open Disc”: In the main menu, click on “Open Disc” and select your DVD drive from the list.
3. Analyze the DVD: DVD Shrink will analyze the DVD and display its contents, including the main movie, menus, and extras.

Step 4: Select Compression Settings

1. Choose “Full Disc” or “Re-author” Mode:
   Full Disc: Backs up the entire DVD, including menus and extras.
   Re-author: Allows you to choose specific titles (e.g., the main movie) and exclude extras to save space.
2. Set Compression Level: In the “Compression Settings” panel, choose "Automatic" to let DVD Shrink decide the best compression level or select "Custom Ratio" to manually adjust the compression level.
3. Remove Unwanted Audio and Subtitles: Uncheck any unnecessary audio tracks and subtitles to save space and improve video quality.

Step 5: Backup and Rip the DVD

1. Click “Backup!”: Once you're satisfied with the settings, click the “Backup!” button.
2. Choose a Backup Target:
   Hard Disk Folder: Saves the ripped DVD content to a folder on your computer.
   ISO Image File: Creates a single ISO file of the DVD, which can be burned later.
3. Set Backup Options: Choose the destination folder and set any additional options, such as region code removal.
4. Start the Rip: Click “OK” to begin the ripping process. DVD Shrink will start copying the DVD to your hard drive, compressing the content as needed.

Step 6: Burn the Ripped DVD to a Blank Disc

DVD Shrink does not have built-in burning capabilities, so you will need a separate DVD burning software. A common choice is ImgBurn (also free).

1. Download and Install ImgBurn: Download ImgBurn from its official website and install it on your computer.
2. Open ImgBurn: Launch ImgBurn after installation.
3. Select “Write Image File to Disc”:
   If you create an ISO file with DVD Shrink, select "Write Image File to Disc."
   If you saved the DVD files in a folder, choose “Write Files/Folders to Disc.”
4. Select the Source and Destination:
   For ISO files, click the folder icon and select the ISO file created by DVD Shrink.
   For VIDEO_TS folders, select the folder containing the ripped DVD files.
5. Insert a Blank DVD: Place a blank DVD into your DVD burner.
6. Start Burning: Click the “Write” button to begin burning the DVD. ImgBurn will copy the ripped content onto the blank DVD.

Step 7: Verify the Burned DVD

Once the burn is complete, check the DVD on a standard DVD player or computer to ensure that it plays correctly and all features (menus, subtitles, etc.) work as expected.

Additional Tips:

Use Quality Media: For best results, use high-quality blank DVDs to ensure longevity and reliability.

Check for Updates: While DVD Shrink is no longer updated, ensure any additional software like ImgBurn is up to date for compatibility and performance.

Consider Legal Restrictions: Remember to check the legal regulations in your country regarding ripping and copying DVDs, especially for commercial content.

By following these steps, you can easily rip and burn DVDs using DVD Shrink and other free tools. This allows you to back up your media collection or create custom DVDs for personal use.