How do I backup all MP3s on multiple DVDs so I can play them off disc?

[UNCjigga]

I'm trying to make a backup of all my MP3s/WMAs/AACs etc. onto DVDs. The project requires 4-5 separate DVDs so obviously I need a program that can span multiple discs. The problem is that I don't know how to do this with regular Nero Burner--I don't think it allows me to span multiple discs.

Nero Backup does have this feature, but I want to be sure I can view and listen to the files off the discs without having to 'restore' everything to the hard drive. I'm not sure that just by leaving compression off, it will retain the original file/directory structure so I can view it in Windows Explorer--or if it combines everything into one file and if I need the 'Restore' app to view individual files.

Any help appreciated!

 

[MustISO]

Why don't you just create 4-5 folders for the MP3's and burn each folder onto a disc.

 

[UNCjigga]

Originally posted by: MustISO
Why don't you just create 4-5 folders for the MP3's and burn each folder onto a disc.

Because I'm lazy!

I already have all my music categorized and organized by artist, album etc. Figuring out optimal cut-off points for each disc would be time-consuming. And I don't have the disc space to create a zip archive of everything and have that span multiple files based on DVD size.

 

[Gurck]

What do you want to play them in? IMO it's better to mirror your collection on a second hard drive for backup purposes, and take care of playing them away from your PC with a portable mp3 player, hooked up to a car HU or home receiver as needed.

 

[corkyg]

I put all my MP3 files on CDRs by artist and album. Each MP3 CD holds 6-8 music CDs. DVDs would be "never ending." I play my MP3 CDs in the house and in the car - each runs about 6.5 hours. I hate to think how long a DVD would run.

I agree with earlier notes - the best way to back up a collection of MP3s is on an external HDD. That makes for easier use on playable media.

 

[bunnyfubbles]

Originally posted by: corkyg
I put all my MP3 files on CDRs by artist and album. Each MP3 CD holds 6-8 music CDs. DVDs would be "never ending." I play my MP3 CDs in the house and in the car - each runs about 6.5 hours. I hate to think how long a DVD would run.

I agree with earlier notes - the best way to back up a collection of MP3s is on an external HDD. That makes for easier use on playable media.

Considering SL DVDs are only 4.7GB, that's only 6.7 x the space - or about 43 hours and 33 minutes for your average DVD playback

DL DVDs at 8.5GB would last a little longer

I've been actually thinking about picking up a deck for my car that can play mp3 DVDs, it makes more sense than mp3 CDs because I'd still need to change out mp3 CDs quite often depending upon what I want to listen to. With DVDs I wouldn't need more than a 12 disc wallet to keep my entire collection of music.

I guess the major draw back is that there aren't many DVD decks out there than don't include a lame LCD panel that skyrockets the price. I guess there are too many idiots out there that think they need something so "cool" when no driver could possibly take advantage of it safely. mp3 DVDs just makes a world of sense to me, why it hasn't been embraced faster than it has or might be is beyond me. So far I've found only two different models without an LCD that marks up the price, from two different companies. Not as much selection as there is with mp3 CD decks...although it took a LONG time for there to be much of any choice for mp3 CD decks, it seems only until recently that there has been a decent selection.

 

[Leros]

Nero will do this just fine. It has nice backup feature where choose the whole folder and just pop in a dvd every time it needs another. THe files will still be individual MP3s that you can listen to. With the exception of the last file on the disc that is only partially there and partially on the next disc.

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: UNCjigga

Originally posted by: MustISO
Why don't you just create 4-5 folders for the MP3's and burn each folder onto a disc.

Because I'm lazy!

I already have all my music categorized and organized by artist, album etc. Figuring out optimal cut-off points for each disc would be time-consuming. And I don't have the disc space to create a zip archive of everything and have that span multiple files based on DVD size.

WinRAR can split up an archive. And it has a Pause button - pause it after one archive file is created, burn it to disc, delete it, and continue the operation. Even that seems much more tedious than just deciding the optimal cutoff point (really not too tough).
Just select a swath of files in Explorer, right-click, Properties. If it's not at 4,700,000,000 bytes, close the Properties window, select a few more, and repeat. Once you get close, copy and paste those files to Nero or whatever program you're using. Not too tough - believe me, I just did the same thing with my sister's laptop. Backed up lots of stuff using that method.

 

[HN]

Originally posted by: UNCjigga

I already have all my music categorized and organized by artist, album etc. Figuring out optimal cut-off points for each disc would be time-consuming.

Burn to the Brim can help you maximize disc space.