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How to set up and use the Windows DVD Maker.

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How to Set Up and Use Windows DVD Maker

Windows DVD Maker is a built-in feature in Windows that allows you to create professional-looking DVDs from your personal videos and photos. Whether you want to create a slideshow, burn a video to DVD, or compile multiple videos into one disc, Windows DVD Maker makes the process easy and convenient. This tutorial will guide you through the setup and usage of Windows DVD Maker.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

  • A Windows computer running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10.
  • A DVD burner installed on your computer.
  • Blank DVDs compatible with your DVD burner.

Step 1: Installing Windows DVD Maker

  1. Click on the "Start" button and open the "Control Panel".
  2. Select "Programs" or "Programs and Features" depending on your version of Windows.
  3. Click on "Turn Windows features on or off" from the left-hand side menu.
  4. Scroll down and locate the "Media Features" section.
  5. Check the box next to "Windows DVD Maker".
  6. Click "OK" and wait for the installation process to complete.

Step 2: Launching Windows DVD Maker

  1. Click on the "Start" button and search for "Windows DVD Maker" in the search bar.
  2. Click on the "Windows DVD Maker" icon from the search results to launch the application.

Step 3: Creating a DVD

  1. Once Windows DVD Maker is launched, you will see a simple and intuitive interface divided into three main sections:
    • Menu Settings: Allows you to choose a menu style, customize the menu text, and select background music.
    • Add items: Here, you can import videos and photos to create your DVD.
    • Options: Provides advanced settings like DVD burner speed and video format.
  2. Start by customizing the DVD menu:
    • Select a menu style from the available options by clicking on the "Menu Style" dropdown menu.
    • Customize the menu text by entering your desired text in the "Menu text" field.
    • To add background music, click on the "Add" button next to the "Menu audio" option and browse for the audio file you want to use.
  3. Import videos and photos:
    • Click on the "Add items" button in the middle of the window.
    • Locate and select the videos and photos you want to include in your DVD.
    • Click on the "Add" button to import them into the DVD Maker.
  4. Arrange the content:
    • Use the up and down arrows next to each item to arrange their order.
    • To remove an item, select it and click on the "Remove items" button.
  5. Set DVD options:
    • Click on the "Options" button located on the bottom of the window.
    • Adjust the DVD burner speed if desired.
    • Choose the appropriate aspect ratio (4:3 or 16:9) for your TV or monitor.
    • Select the video format (NTSC or PAL) based on your region.
  6. Preview your DVD:
    • Click on the "Preview" button to see how your DVD will look.
    • Use the preview window to confirm if any modifications are required.
  7. Burn your DVD:
    • Once satisfied, insert a blank DVD into your DVD burner.
    • Click on the "Burn" button to start the burning process.
    • Windows DVD Maker will inform you when the burning process is complete.

Tips and Troubleshooting

  • Make sure to use a high-quality blank DVD to achieve the best results.
  • It's recommended to close any unnecessary applications while burning a DVD to ensure smooth processing.
  • If you encounter any issues with DVD playback, try using a different DVD player or updating the current one.
  • Ensure that your DVD burner is detected by your computer and functioning properly.
  • In case you face an error while burning, try reducing the burning speed or using a different brand of blank DVDs.

Congratulations! You have successfully set up and used Windows DVD Maker to create your own DVDs. Enjoy sharing your memories with friends and family in a multimedia format.