How do I copy a data CD

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Level 1

4 points

How do I copy a data CD

I have done this successfully in the past, but not since I've updated to Big Sur.

I have a data CD (imaging files) that I want to duplicate so that I can give a copy to another person. I have a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Mid 2014), running Big Sur 11.6.4. I have an Apple USB SuperDrive.

The most recent instructions I can find are to put the original CD into the drive, use Disk Utility to create a disk image file, then, from Finder, burn that image to a blank disc.

When I take the newly burnt disc, and reinsert it into the SuperDrive, I'm told that it's in a format that can't be read. I have tried creating both a read-only, and a DVD/CD-R Master Image.

(Edited to remove image below the HL-DT-ST DVDRW GX50N Media description. Trying to make an image of that was blocked)

Or, is there a better way altogether?

Posted on Feb 23, 2022 8:00 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

MartinR

Level 7

24,137 points

Feb 25, 2022 7:45 AM in response to Skydaver

If this is a data CD it is not necessary to use Disk Utility, nor to create a disk image. Just copy the files to a folder on your desktop, then insert a blank CD-R in your Superdrive and use the Finder to copy the files to the blank CD-R, then burn the CD.

It's also advisable to not use maximum possible burn speed, which often results in turning a CD-R into a coaster.

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Answer 2

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,084 points

Feb 25, 2022 6:05 AM in response to Skydaver

I have had issues doing similar burns. I now use Toast 19 that makes disc copying very easy

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Answer 3

Feb 25, 2022 10:56 AM in response to Skydaver

> The CD I was trying to reproduce was a medical imaging disk that we want to copy to give to another doctor. I could see all the files on it when I put it into the SuperDrive. The original disk contains Windows executables to display the images.

The doctor might very well use Windows to access the disk so it might be best to use a Windows compatible CD format (as you already have done).

When I still used optical media, I used Toast to burn a cross-platform hybrid data-CDs as well as audio-CDs and video-DVDs. Toast handled all of them OK.

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Answer 4

Rudegar

Level 10

180,192 points

Feb 25, 2022 3:52 PM in response to Skydaver

my first step of troubleshooting would be to test the cd in another computer using another optical drive.

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Answer 5

Feb 24, 2022 4:02 AM in response to Skydaver

The process you describe is correct.

I am puzzled how it is happening that after creating the CD, it then appears unreadable.

Maybe the screenshots will help us understand if there was some misstep, or maybe there is a problem with the discs or the superdrive when writing them.

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Answer 6

Skydaver Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 24, 2022 6:36 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Here's the process with screenshots. The CD I was trying to reproduce was a medical imaging disk that we want to copy to give to another doctor. I could see all the files on it when I put it into the SuperDrive. The original disk contains Windows executables to display the images.

I also checked that the superdrive was burning disks, by using Music to make a music CD. That worked fine.

Starting with Disk Utility:

That's the disk I want to copy.

Make a disk image from that

Ready to start the copy

Copy in progress

Hurrah!

OK, what does the file look like?

Seems reasonable.

Let's go burn a disk with that

When that is done, the disk is ejected.

I put the disk back into the SuperDrive, and phooey

I finally did get the disk copied, using my wife's Windows machine, but I know that I've done this before.

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Answer 7

Feb 25, 2022 1:09 AM in response to Skydaver

Thank you for the very detailed post. I cannot find anything wrong with it. When the burning finished, did you get any message at all, or dif the "Burning disk image: ..." window just go away?

Again, it should have worked.

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