Computers let you not only create video masterpieces using photographs or video, but also burn them to DVD and share them with others who may not have access to a computer. Nero is one tool you can use to copy these video DVDs to share with family and friends. This program comes pre-installed on many computers. It also comes packaged with some brands of optical drives, and can be purchased separately as well.

Requirements

To copy a video DVD using Nero, you need a computer with at a DVD burner and Nero installed. If you have more than one DVD drive, you can place the original in one drive and the blank in the other. Use the same type of media (DVD+/-R) as the original, because the software and hardware cannot copy from one format to another. You can only copy unencrypted video DVDs--commercial DVDs are encrypted and Nero cannot copy those. It is also illegal in some countries to copy commercial DVDs, so check your local laws before copying any discs.

Copying

Open Nero and choose "Copy entire disc." Choose your source and destination drives, burn speed and other desired settings before starting the copy. Also choose whether you want Nero to copy the disc to the hard drive first for faster burning (applicable if you have multiple drives) If you have a single drive you must switch discs in the middle of the copy process. When Nero has completed, the copy a message will appear indicating the success of the copy.

Tips

If you receive an error during burning, there are several things to try. Reduce burn speed on the next copy, check the disc to be copied for dirt and scratches, and turn off any unnecessary programs while running Nero. Regardless of the speed and resources of your computer, you may not want to multitask while the computer is copying or burning any type of DVD--the burn process is sensitive and small things can cause the computer to create coasters instead of usable Video DVDs. If you are using Nero on a laptop, have the laptop plugged into an AC outlet before beginning the copy process. A low battery during the copy process will result in a defective DVD. You can also have Nero check the disc for errors to ensure an accurate copy, or do a simulation run, which simulates the actual copy process without actually burning anything to disc. This is an excellent way to test scratched DVDs to see whether they will copy correctly without taking the chance of wasting a disc.

Source:

HP: How to Copy DVD to DVD Using Nero Express 6

Wellesley College: Burning DVDs with Nero Express 6