Frequently Asked Questions

Copying a DVD movie to a DVD disc is actually a complex process dependent on both the quality of the drive and the quality of the media. A problem with either could affect the quality of the disc - and the integrity of your data. Here you can find some tips and advise.

• Do you have the latest firmware for your hardware (DVD writer)?
  
  If you are not sure, check the information on this page: http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/Firmware/Home.aspx

• Did you turn off any anti-virus and other burning applications which might access the CD/DVD units at the same time?
  
  Note 1: A lot of users reported problems with NAV on some configurations. If you have MMC errors or more, please disable the anti-virus software during the writing process.
  Note 2: A lot of users reported problems with VIA and nVidia low level drivers (i.e. IDE drivers). Sometimes Microsoft certified drivers work better, and sometimes a new version of the drivers from VIA/nVidia can help. Please contact us if you are unsure.

• Are you using appropriate media for your operation?
  
  (DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM) Each format is different and can have a different behavior depending on your system. The key to a good backup is to use good media. Check if the media you are using is highly compatible with your hardware. Check this link http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdwriters and http://www.dvdrhelp.com/dvdplayers to see what users think about the hardware and media you are using. If you suddenly have problems with MMC errors, please try various media before contacting us.

• Did you check the surface of the media?
  
  It is a widespread mistake. Check if the media to read and/or write is clean, scratch-less, not too transparent or damaged. The quality of the surface can greatly influence the overall backup process.

• Ensure you have sufficient hard-disk space (at least 4.3 GB).

• Did you use external USB DVD drive?
  If you are using external USB DVD drive, please make sure it is connected to the computer directly without using USB hub.

• Did you let the system work quietly during the process?
  If you don't have problems, you can interact with your computer of course, but if you have any faulty behaviour, please do not use your system during a read/write operation!

• Try a different unit.
  Even if you have a reader and a writer, the backup quality highly depends on the hardware. There are no rules about which is the best to use, you will have to try for yourself. If you have a playback problem, try to use your writer for reading first. Some units can be damn slow compared to others. The best manufacturers depending on our experience are Plextor, Lite-on (writers), LG (recent units), and Sony (DVD writers). The most problematic drives are Toshiba, old LG, Pioneer, TDK, and MSI. Of course it doesn't mean it will not work if you are using an unlisted manufacturer or model. It just means we don't know all the models and it depends on your own use of our products.

Q1. What's the limitation in the trial version of 123 DVD Clone?

3-day and 7 uses. The functionality is exactly the same in the trial version and full version.

Q2. Is 123 DVD Clone able to copy protected DVD?

Yes. 123 DVD Clone will auto remove all protections (CSS, RC, RCE and UOPs) while copying. You can freely backup copyright-protected (CSS-encrypted or ARccOS protected) DVD movie and all regions DVD movie.

Q3. The program can't detect my inserted DVD movie, what's wrong with it?

Reload your DVD movie. If it still can't detect your DVD, please try to restart the program after you inserted the DVD disc.

Q4. Why can't I play my DVD+/-RW in my DVD player?

For DVD videos, you'll want to work with DVD+/-R rather than DVD+/-RW because you may not be able to play DVD+/-RW discs in normal DVD players. If you insist to burn to DVD+/-RW, DVD+RW is recommended as DVD-RW is less stable.

For more infomation about DVD media, you may visit http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia.

Q5. What are the difference between DVD5 and DVD9?

DVD5: Cheap and popular. Single side, single layer. 4.7 gigabyte capacity, 2 hours and 15 minutes MPEG-2 viewing time.
DVD9: Expensive. Single side, dual layer. 8.5 gigabyte capacity, 4 hours MPEG-2 viewing time.

Q6. After a clone process is completed, why can't I start it over again?

Some burning drivers do not come back to the "Ready" status after they processed large amounts of data (DVD). In such cases, your computer needs to be restarted before you can start it over.

Q7. Windows hanged while burning DVD, what's wrong?

Make sure that no other program that accesses CD/DVDs uses the AIN (Auto-Insert Notification) function during the burning process. If this function is activated, the DVD in burning process may not be finalized correctly. In the worst case, the operating system will hang. We strongly recommend that you de-activate AIN:

Windows 98/ME:

1) Open the 'Control Panel' and click on 'System'.
2) Select 'Device Manager' tab.
3) Click on the CD-Rom icon.
4) For every CD/DVD device in the list, do the following:

• Select the Device.
• Select 'Settings'.
• Enable 'Disconnect'.
• Enable 'Sync Data Transfer'.
• Disable 'Auto Insert Notification'.
• Enable 'DMA' (if available).
• Click on 'OK'.

5) Repeat #4 for each device.
6) Reboot the system for settings to take effect.

Windows NT4/2000/XP/2003 Settings:

Windows NT4 must have Service Pack 6 installed.

Set the following registry value to disable Auto-Insert Notification with RegEdit.exe (Open the windows Start menu > select Run > enter regedit > click OK): HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Services/Cdrom/Autorun=0

Q8. Why can't I use the DVD drives installed in the computer?

You may not have security rights to use the DVD drives. To give access rights to a non-administrative user, please follow the instructions.

1. Open 'Control Panel' and click on 'Administrative Tools'.
2. Double click on 'Local Security Policy'.
3. Double click on 'Security Options'.
4. Double click on 'Restrict CD-ROM access to locally logged-on users only'.
5. Click on Enabled.

Note: Currently DVD access is not possible for users with Non-Administrative rights for Windows XP Home Edition. This limitation does not apply to the Windows XP Professional Edition.

Q9. Would other software conflict with 123 DVD Clone?

- Some packet writing software will constantly talk to your CD/DVD writer, and can cause a number of issues while our program try to burn a DVD. Please disable these software if you experience problems. Well known packet writing software includes: InCD,Veritas Record Now, DLA, B's Clip, DirectCD, and InstantRead/InstantWrite.

- Some anti-virus software can cause errors while burning. If you experience problems while burning, you can disable the software temporarily by right clicking on the icon in the lower right side of the task bar. When the burn is complete, the software can be reactivated. Well known anti-virus software includes: McAfee virusscan and Norton AntiVirus.