Rip a Video DVD Using DVD Decrypter

Although there are many different ways to copy (or "rip") the contents of a DVD Video disc into a computer hard drive, using DVD Decrypter is still the most simple method in many cases. In fact, many people still consider DVD Decrypter as one of the best tools for DVD ripping.

Note that DVD Decrypter is a (discontinued) freeware, so you can download your own copy from one of the links below. Many prefer to switch to a newer software, calledDVDFab, which is very similar to DVD Decrypter adding some additional features; however, if you just want a simple (and free) method to rip your DVD video, try DVD Decrypter first. In most cases, DVD Decrypter still does a good job.

DVD Decrypter Download:
Mirror 1: DVD Decrypter v3.5.4.0 (Final)
Mirror 2: DVD Decrypter v3.5.4.0 (Final)

1. First, Download and install DVD Decrypter if you haven't done so.
2. Insert the DVD Video disc into your drive and launch DVD Decrypter. (Make sure your disc is clean!)
3. As DVD Decrypter is starting up, it will scan the disc and display its main window similar to this image:
   
   
   - On the first screen, the left-half displays the information about the disc such as, the region settings and the Copyright protection together with the default destination folder (where the disc contents will be copied to), and the "execute" button.
   - The right-haft of this same screen displays the file contents of the disc. By default, all files are selected (highlighted) (You want to rip everything from the disc to retain its structure).
   - The bottom screen ("DVD Decrypter Log") shows the informational messages.
4. If you wish to change the destination folder, click on the yellow folder icon under "Destination", then navigate to the folder you prefer.
5. Click on "Mode" from the top menu, then select the mode you prefer. For the ripping purpose, the two options are:
   - "File" : Rip the DVD contents as files.
   - "ISO/Read": Rip the DVD to hard drive as an ISO image.
   
   
6. Once you're happy with all the settings, click on the button  to start ripping the disc.

Notes:
- If you're having a bad disc, you might end up seeing some read-errors during the process. To adjust the settings for reading errors to the way you like, go to: "Tools" > "Settings" > "I/O", and change the Read Errors settings under Options
- DVD Decrypter copies the DVD disc to computer hard drive "as is", without any compression. If the source disc is larger than 4.37 GB, you might need some extra steps to compress the DVD contents to fit a recordable DVD disc. See related articles below (using DVD Shrink) for details.