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Tech Tips / Windows XP / Storage

XP's integrated CD-burning engine

To burn a CD, it's usually necessary to install third-party software. But Microsoft has finally made it possible to bypass the need for special software by including an integrated burning engine in Windows XP.

This engine allows files to be saved on a CD from any application
with the Save As option and Windows Explorer to be used to burn files to a CD using drag
and drop.

If you have a CD burner or CD-R/RW device, Windows XP should automatically detect it.
Verify this by right-clicking in Windows Explorer on the burning device's drive and selecting Properties. In the dialog box that appears, you should see the Recording tab. This tab
includes the settings you can configure for your CD burner or CD-R/RW device.

To burn a CD, select the desired files in Windows Explorer and drag them to the burning device's drive. These files are first saved in a temporary location on your hard drive. When
you are ready to burn them on a CD, right-click on the CD burner or CD-R/RW device in Windows Explorer and select Write These Files To CD. A wizard appears that guides you through the process.