DVD Data Extraction

A data DVD is a storage medium, not necessarily a DVD-Video. It may contain photographs, documents, backups, databases, video files or other computer data.

Data DVD versus DVD-Video

Data DVDs can contain ordinary files rather than the VOB/IFO/BUP structure associated with authored DVD-Video.

Directory structure and metadata

Identify the filesystem and directory structure before extraction. Preserve folders and filenames and avoid changing the original content during recovery.

Large files and multi-session discs

A complete image may be retained when the disc structure itself has archival significance or when future recovery may require the original filesystem representation.

Disc imaging

Extracted files should be kept in a controlled directory and checked for readability and completeness.

Verification

File counts, sizes, checksums and any unreadable areas should be documented as part of QA.

Reference guidance: This article is informed by optical-media preservation guidance from the U.S. National Archives and the Library of Congress Recommended Formats Statement. Where appropriate, the article distinguishes preservation guidance from practical extraction procedures.