How do I import a CD to save to file on my PC + transfer it onto blank disc later?

redmandarin

Despite searches, I'm unable to find the answer to this - sorry.

I need to import one of my CD's onto my PC (Windows XP). I haven't any blank CDs, so I want to find out how to save it to file now to play on my PC and how to transfer it from there onto a CD later. Sonic Record Now, Windows Media Player, Dell Media Experience and itunes are installed on my PC (I haven't got an ipod - the itunes software is my partner's and he doesn't know the answer to my question either)!

Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks.

Mr_Squiddy

If this is an audio CD then you need to 'rip' it. There are lots of free applications which will do this - Audiograbber is one I have used in the past. This will save the songs as a series of .wav files. Later when you have some blank CD-Rs you can burn those .wav files back to the new CD.

If you want a decent free CD burner application then try CDBurnerXP.

OK_Sauce

I guess you could use Windows Media Player. If you change the 'Rip' settings to 'WMA lossless', theoretically the audio should remain uncompressed. Insert the CD select 'Rip' and the disc should start to copy to your music library. If you are online then you should get track listings too.

Phantom_Flan_Flinger

So all you really want to do is copy a CD? You don't want or need it in MP3 format for any MP3 players?

You haven't stated the versions of media players you have.

For WMP 11, you go to Tools/Options/Rip Music and change the Rip Format setting to WAV.
You should then insert the CD you wish to rip and click on the main Rip tab and away you go.
You use the Burn tab next to it to write to the blank CD.

On Itunes 7.0.2.16 you go to Edit/Preferences/Advanced/Importing and change the 'Import Using' option to WAV. I think the burn option appears once you've imported the tracks, but as I've never used ITunes to burn I can't be sure.

If you click on the Help menu in both programs, they explain the ripping and burning process quite well.

I can't help you on the other 2 programs as I've never used them.

crox

Or from your cd writing software set the recorder to image file to create an iso

redmandarin

Thanks a lot, Squiddy, OK, PFF and crox for your excellent and speedy replies. Problem sorted - I've installed Audiograbber and CDburnerXP and I can now rip and burn CD's using Windows Media Player with ease! I just spoke to my partner and he told me he'd bought some blank CD's and they're in our spare room! I said why didn't you tell me that this morning when I asked if you knew how to transfer the contents of a CD on to PC because I had no CD's?:rotfl:It's turned out well though because I've learned a lot from you guys - so cheers! :beer: