DVD Shrink: Installation, Usage, and Troubleshooting

DVD Shrink is a widely recognized and free DVD copying software that enables users to copy, compress, and edit DVDs. This article provides an in-depth guide on downloading, installing, configuring, and using DVD Shrink. It also offers troubleshooting tips for common issues encountered during its usage. Furthermore, alternative software to DVD Shrink is introduced for users seeking additional options.

Understanding DVD Shrink

DVD Shrink is a versatile freeware designed for Windows, offering capabilities such as DVD backup, compression, and editing. It allows users to copy content from DVDs, whether they are commercially produced or homemade (please note that copying commercial DVDs with copy protection removed is illegal). Below, we’ll delve into its specific features and functions.

Features of DVD Shrink:

1. Ripping: DVD Shrink enables users to extract the contents of a DVD.
2. Authoring: This software supports authoring, allowing the combination of text, audio, video, and other elements to create media works, complementing DVD backup.
3. Editing Disc Images: Users can manipulate and edit disc image files.
4. Compressing Disc Images: DVD Shrink can compress disc image files, conserving storage space.
5. Burning Disc Images: While DVD Shrink lacks built-in disc burning capabilities, it can be integrated with other software like Nero Burning ROM for DVD burning.

While DVD Shrink does feature copy protection removal, it’s essential to acknowledge that development for the software has been discontinued. Consequently, it may not effectively counter the latest copy protection methods.

DVD Shrink’s Reputation:

Let’s assess DVD Shrink’s reputation from both positive and negative perspectives.

What’s Good About DVD Shrink:

• Lightweight and swift operation.
• Comprehensive functionality.
• Ability to compress dual-layer DVDs into single-layer.

What’s Not So Great About DVD Shrink:

• Encoding speed can be sluggish.
• Some DVDs may be unrippable.
• DVD Shrink requires supplementary software for burning.

Downloading and Installing DVD Shrink

Typically, the English version of DVD Shrink is most commonly used. If you cannot find the Japanese patch for DVD Shrink, opt for the Japanese version. While you could initially download the latest version of DVD Shrink from the official website, please note that the Japanese version has been discontinued as of 2021. Instead, the Japanese version of DVD Shrink is distributed by Softarou.

To download and install DVD Shrink:

1. Double-click on “dvdshrink32016_jp_setup.zip” in your downloads to extract it.
2. Click on the “dvdshrink32_jp_setup.exe” file.
3. When it opens, click “Next.”
4. Confirm the license agreement, check “Agree” if you agree, and then click “Next.”
5. Review the software information and click “Next” if there are no issues.
6. Set the installation location and click “Next.”
7. Leave “Select Start Menu Folder” as it is and click “Next.”
8. Choose additional tasks based on your preferences.
9. Review the settings and click “Install.”
10. When “DVD Shrink Setup Wizard Completed” appears, click “Finish.”

These steps will guide you through downloading and installing DVD Shrink.

Setting Up and Using DVD Shrink

Let’s delve into setting up and using DVD Shrink effectively.

Setting Up DVD Shrink:

1. Open “Various Settings” from the Edit tab.
2. Configure the following five settings:

• Various Settings
• Preview
• Output Files (defaults are usually sufficient)
• Stream Selection
• File I/O

1. In the “Various Settings” tab, select the compression size from DVD-5 (4.7GB), DVD-9 (8.5GB), or Custom according to your preference.
2. For those wishing to use the preview feature, check “Enable video and audio preview” in the Preview tab. Adjust audio preview mode and select DirectX Video Renderer based on your environment.
3. In the “Stream Selection” tab, set the stream options when opening a DVD. Choose “All Languages” for both Audio Language and Audio Format. For Subtitle Language, select “All Languages.” Generally, it’s advisable to uncheck “Disable all subtitles except for menu and forced subs.”
4. File I/O settings are primarily a matter of personal preference.

Using DVD Shrink for Copying and Compression:

1. Insert the DVD you want to copy into your drive and launch DVD Shrink.
2. Click “Open Disc” in the menu bar and select the DVD drive where you inserted the disc.
3. Once the analysis is complete, select the files you want from the “DVD Structure” on the left side of the screen. In the “Compression Settings” on the right, uncheck any items you don’t need.
4. Click “Backup” in the menu bar and choose “ISO Image File” in the Output Device tab.
5. In the DVD Region tab, select “Region Free” or “2 (Japan)” as per your preference.
6. Click “OK” to initiate the compression.

These steps will guide you through setting up and using DVD Shrink for copying and compressing DVDs. However, DVD Shrink lacks built-in DVD writing capabilities, so you’ll need to use another tool for burning DVDs.

Using DVD Shrink for Writing DVDs

DVD Shrink doesn’t offer DVD writing capabilities. However, Windows provides built-in DVD burning functionality, which you can use.

To use Windows for DVD writing:

1. Open your DVD RW drive.
2. Click “Like a USB flash drive.”
3. Start formatting.
4. Open the DVD RW drive again and drag the files you want to write onto the disc.
5. Initiate the writing process.

By following these steps, you can utilize Windows’ built-in DVD writing capabilities to burn your DVD with the content you’ve prepared using DVD Shrink.

Troubleshooting When DVD Shrink Doesn’t Open, Errors Occur, or Compression Fails

Troubleshooting common issues when using DVD Shrink:

1. Disabling DEP for DVD Shrink:

• DEP (Data Execution Prevention) is a security feature that helps protect your computer from security threats. Sometimes, it can interfere with DVD Shrink and cause errors. To exclude DVD Shrink from DEP, follow these steps:
• Open the Control Panel in Windows.
• Click “System” under “System and Security.”
• In the System Properties window, go to the “Advanced” tab.
• Under the Performance section, click “Settings.”
• In the Performance Options window, go to the Data Execution Prevention tab.
• Select “Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select” and click “Add.”
• Browse for the DVD Shrink executable file and select it.
• Click “Open” to add DVD Shrink to the list of exceptions.
• Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

2. Adjusting Compression Settings:

• If you encounter compression issues, it’s possible that the compression settings need adjustment. Open the “Compression Settings” and select “Custom” from the first dropdown menu. You can then adjust the compression ratio to your preference.

3. Checking for Disc or Drive Issues:

• Sometimes, the problem may be due to damaged or deteriorating discs. Examine the condition of your DVD disc for scratches or damage. If you find any issues, consider replacing the disc with a new one. You can also try cleaning the disc and the DVD drive to ensure they are free from dust or debris.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to address common issues that may arise when using DVD Shrink.

Alternative to DVD Shrink: DVDFab DVD Copy

If you seek an alternative to DVD Shrink, consider DVDFab DVD Copy. While DVD Shrink boasts several features, its lack of updates and limitations, such as bitrate-based compression, may result in reduced video quality. In contrast, DVDFab DVD Copy excels in bypassing a variety of copy protections, including CSS, UOPs, and region codes.

DVDFab Blu-ray Copy offers a seamless DVD copying experience with no loss in quality. It grants you the flexibility to compress DVD9 to DVD5 or rip DVDs to ISO files or folders. With six copy modes at your disposal, you can tailor your DVD copying process to your specific requirements, whether it involves copying the entire DVD, splitting it, or focusing on the primary content.

Using DVDFab DVD Copy for DVD Backup:

1. After installing DVDFab, open the main interface.
2. Click on the “Copy” tab in the menu bar.
3. Insert the DVD disc or add an ISO file or folder.
4. Configure settings and choose the desired copy mode.
5. Start the copying process.

In summary, DVD Shrink remains a valuable tool for DVD backup, but its discontinued development may lead to compatibility issues. In case you encounter problems, consider exploring the alternative software, DVDFab DVD Copy, which offers a 30-day free trial, allowing you to copy up to three DVDs—a worthwhile option for enhanced DVD copying capabilities.