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Roxio Compact Disc Creation

Creating a CD Compatible with Windows & Macintosh

While the majority of campus computer users use Windows, there are many people using Macintosh computers. For this reason, sharing files can be a bit of a problem because of the different formats. However, it is possible to burn a CD so that it is readable on both Windows and Macintosh.

The main difference between a CD created for Macintosh and one created for Windows is how the files on the CD are named. Files named for use on a Windows machine are not readable on a Macintosh and vice versa. However, there is one file naming convention that is readable on both Windows and Macintosh, called ISO9660. The Easy CD Creator software on campus is compatible with, and can record discs in, ISO9660 format. In order to create discs in ISO9660 format, the files to be recorded must meet the 8+3 file name convention. For more information, see the Naming Requirements section.

The following instructions detail how to create a CD that is readable on both Windows and Macintosh computers.

return to topNaming Requirements

In order for a disc to be read on both Windows and Macintosh operating systems, the directories/folders and files must follow a special naming convention called 8+3. This means that the file name can be up to eight characters long with a three-letter program extension (e.g., .doc, .ppt, .txt, .xls). If the files or folders you wish to copy do not currently meet this requirement, you may want to rename them before recording the CD. If you try to record a file with a name longer than eight characters, the software will automatically shorten the name to the first six characters, a tilde, and a number (e.g., SubmissionReport.doc becomes Submis~1.doc). 

Or, you can rename the files directly in the Easy CD Creator. When you rename files in the Easy CD Creator, the files on the CD will have a new name, but the original files (e.g., files on your H: drive) will not be renamed. Instructions for renaming files in the Easy CD Creator are included in the Adding Files and Folders to the CD Layout section.

If you rename the files, please keep these rules in mind:

return to topOpening the Easy CD Creator

The Easy CD Creator is part of the CD burning software installed on campus computers with a CD burner. True to its name, it is a user-friendly program that makes burning CDs easy.

  1. Log on to a computer

  2. Insert your CD-R or CD-RW into the CD Burner
    On computers with two CD drives, this is the drive bearing this logo:
    CDRW logo
    NOTE: The logo on some computers may read Compact Disc Recordable/Rewriteable.

  3. General Access labs: From the Start menu, select Programs » CD Creation » Create CD
     CITI lab: From the Start menu, select Programs » MultiMedia  » Roxio Easy CD Creator 5 » Applications » Easy CD Creation
     NOTE: These instructions may differ slightly depending on how the particular computer you are using is set up.
    The Easy CD Creator program appears.

  4. From the File menu, select New CD Project » Data CD or Music CD as appropriate
    The Easy CD Creator page appears.

return to topSelecting ISO9660 Format

There are a few simple instructions that must be followed to set up the CD to be readable on both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Please be aware that long file names may be automatically renamed by the software when you record the CD. See the Naming Requirements for more information.

  1. In Easy CD Creator, from the File menu, select CD Layout Properties
    The CD Layout Properties dialog box appears.
    CD Layout Properties dialog box

  2. Select the General tab

  3. From the File System pull-down menu, select ISO9660

  4. Click OK

  5. Continue with Adding Files and Folders to the CD Layout

return to topAdding Files and Folders to the CD Layout

The Easy CD Creator software program is split into two parts:

The top half of the program is the Explorer, which functions much like Windows Explorer. It allows you to navigate to the drive and folder that contain the files you wish to record onto the CD and also select these files.

The bottom half of the program is the CD Layout. The CD Layout allows you to quickly see all of the folders or individual files that will be recorded onto the CD. It also allows you to make changes to the folders or individual files you have selected to be recorded onto the CD (e.g., you may add to or remove from your selection).

  1. Open the Easy CD Creator
         The Easy CD Creator Welcome dialog box appears with Music CD selected as the default.

  2. From the File menu, select New CD Project » Data CD or Music CD as appropriate
    The CD Layout changes to Data CD.
    data CD project

  3. From the Explorer menu at the top half of the screen, select the drive that contains the files or folders you wish to record 
    The contents of the drive appear in the upper right window of Explorer.
    NOTE: To view the contents of folders, double click the folder name.
    Explorer area

  4. From the right window of Explorer, click each file or folder once to select the files or folders you want to record onto the CD
    The file or folder name will appear highlighted.
    HINT:
    To select multiple non-contiguous files, press and hold [Ctrl] as you select the files
    To select multiple contiguous files, press and hold [Shift] while using the up or down arrow key to select the files
    Folder contents with highlighted file

  5. On the toolbar at the middle of the screen, click ADD  Add button
    OR
    Click on and drag the selected files or folders to the CD Layout
     The file(s) or folder(s) appears in the CD Layout. 
    NOTE: If you add a file with a name longer than eight characters, the software will automatically shorten the name to the first six characters, a tilde, and a number. 

  6. OPTIONAL: Rename the files in the CD Layout
     When you rename files in the CD Layout, the files on the CD will have a new name, but the original files (e.g., files on your H: drive) will not be renamed. You must follow the 8+3 naming convention when renaming your files. See the Naming Requirements section for more information. 
    1. In the CD Layout, right click the file name(s) you wish to rename
    2. From the Quick menu that appears, select Rename
    3. Type the new name

    4. Press [Enter]

  7. Repeat steps 3-5 until the CD Layout contains all of the files you want to burn onto the CD

return to topRemoving Files and Folders from the CD Layout

These instructions assume you have already added files and/or folders to the CD Layout. For information on how to do this, see Adding Files and Folders to the CD Layout. If you determine you do not want to burn a particular file onto the CD, you may easily remove the file. 
NOTE: You can add or remove files from the CD Layout only if you have not started the recording process.

  1. From the CD Layout, select the files or folders you do not wish to burn onto the CD by clicking the file or folder name
    The file or folder name will appear highlighted.
    HINT:
    To select multiple non-contiguous files, press and hold [Ctrl] as you select the files
    To select multiple contiguous files, press and hold [Shift] while using the up or down arrow key to select the files

  2. On the toolbar at the middle of the screen, click REMOVE   Remove button
    OR
    Press [Delete]
     A confirmation dialog box appears.

  3. Click YES
    The file or folder is removed from the CD Layout.

return to top Creating the CD

These instructions assume you have already added files and/or folders to the CD Layout. For information on how to do this, see Adding Files and Folders to the CD Layout. 

  1. On the toolbar at the middle of the screen, click RECORD  rECORD CD button 
    The CD Creation Setup dialog box appears.
     CD Creation Setup dialog box

  2. In the dialog box, click START RECORDING
    NOTE: The default settings are appropriate for most recordings. For more information on the options available, see CD Creation Setup Options.
    The Record CD Process dialog box appears and the CD begins recording.
    When the CD is finished recording, a dialog box appears informing you the recording process is complete.

  3. In the dialog box, click OK
    The Easy CD Creator dialog box reappears.

  4. To create a new CD Layout so you can record a different set of files on the same CD, click the NEW button
    OR
    Continue working with the files currently in the CD Layout (e.g., leave them as-is to record a second copy on a different CD)
    OR
    If you are finished, close the Easy CD Creator and eject your disc

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