1.

Collect all of your files in one folder. We recommend collecting all of your audio files in a folder named (Audio Folder) because it will allow you to add all of your files to the queue in one step, saving you time.

2.

Purchase CD-Rs. These can be found at most stores where electronics are sold, the Pierpont Commons Bookstore, or the Reserve Desk on the second floor of the Media Union. CD-Rs, once written, cannot be reused. We recommend against using CD-RWs to create audio CDs, as many CD players will not be able to read this type of CD. More information on CD quality can be found in the Related Documents section at the end of this how-to.

3.

Check your audio file formats. All files must be in .wav format.

1.

The audio files you plan on using. Transfer your files to one of the GroundWorks PC computers with a CD-writer. It is absolutely necessary that you transfer your files into the temp directory on the computer you are using before burning a CD. You can access your files from a GroundWorks computer if you have them on an Iomega Zip disk, on a CD-ROM disc, or on a file server such as IFS, AFS, etc. If you need help transferring your files, ask a GroundWorks consultant for assistance.

2.

Blank CD-Rs. Make sure to purchase CD-Rs ahead of time. GroundWorks does not provide them, although they are available for purchase from the Reserve Desk on the 2nd floor of the Media Union.

1.

Find and open the Nero- Burning Rom application.

The Nero- Burning Rom will immediately open the Nero Wizard application. This is program will guide you quickly through the steps of burning an audio CD.

In the Nero Wizard window, select CD to indicate that you would like to create a CD, and click Next.

Select Compile a new CD, and click Next.

Finally, select Audio CD, and click Next.

The last window of the Nero Wizard gives you brief directions about compiling an audio CD. When you are finished reading these instructions click Finish.

1.

Insert a blank CD-R into the CD Drive of the computer you are using. Make sure the recordable side of the disc faces down.

The area on the right of the Nero application is your File Browser. Use this area to browse the contents of your computer to find your audio files in the Temp directory.

Select your files and drag them into the Audio CD queue window on the left side of the Nero application. You can add your files one at a time, or to select a group of files, click the first file press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard, and then click the last file. You can then drag this group of files to the window on your left. To delete a track from the queue, select that track and select Delete from the Edit menu. You can also change the order of your audio tracks by simply selecting them and dragging them up or down.

The blue bar at the bottom of your screen indicates how much time the tracks you have added to your queue will take up. The case of your CD will indicate how much time is available on your particular CD-R. You will be unable to write your CD if your queue contains more audio than your CD can hold.

When you are finished, click the Write CD icon.

1.

In the Nero Wizard window that appears make sure that 32x from the Write Speed menu. Then select Burn to begin writing your CD.

2.

The Write CD window will allow you to monitor the progress of your disc.

A window will appear indicating when your disc has finished being written. Click OK.

3.

Your disc is finished, click Discard in the Nero - Burning Rom window and exit the Nero - Burning Rom application. Your new CD will automatically eject from the computer. If you copied files from a CD-ROM disc, eject it as well. If you copied files from a Zip disk, retrieve it from the Zip Depot.

1.

We recommend that you test the disc in the CD-player of your stereo or discman. You can also use a computer with a CD-ROM drive and audio-playing applications such as Quicktime or Real Player.

2.

The way you choose to label your disc may affect the quality of playback. Research the best method to suit your needs by referring to the link in the Related documents section below.

This document was written by Heather Campbell.

Last modified July, 2003