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Burning a CD Using Windows Explorer

Please note: This option is only available on computers with the correct hardware (CD burner).

With Windows XP, it is possible to burn a CD directly from the Window's Explorer window. Follow the steps below to burn a CD.

  1. Open the Windows Explorer by right-clicking over the My Computer icon and choosing Explore from the shortcut menu (Figure 1).

    2. Figure 1
    rick click menu over My Computer

  2. Select the desired files and folders and drag them to the DVD/CD-RW Drive icon (Figure 2). The Copying... dialog box will appear as the folders and files coping over the DVD/CD-RW Drive.

    3. Figure 2
    Window Explorer window

  3. Once the files have been copied, a small balloon window will appear in the lower right hand corner of the desktop (Figure 3). Click the balloon to the see the files that are ready to burn to the CD.

    4. Figure 3
    Taskbar balloon icon

  4. A window for the DVD/CD-RW Drive will appear with dimmed icons representing the data ready to be burned (Figure 4). In the Left Pane, click the link, Write these files to CD.

    5. Figure 4
    CD-RW window

  5. The CD Writing Wizard will appear (Figure 5). Follow the instructions in the Wizard to complete the task of burning the CD. Click Next as prompted.

    6. Figure 5
    CD Writing Wizard screen

  6. The next screen will prompt for a burnable CD to be placed in the CD-RW drive (Figure 6). Click Next when ready.

    7. Figure 6
    CD Writing Wizard screen

  7. The next screen will display progress bar (Figure 7). Click Next when it appears not grayed out.

    8. Figure 7

  8. The next screen will display that the files have been successfully written to the CD (Figure 8). Click the checkbox next to Yes, write these files to another CD to make another copy of previous CD or Click Finish when done.

    9. Figure 8