thanks, I downloaded DVD Decrypter. Here's my problem: when I put a disk in to rip on DVD Shrink it says "no disk" or "the request can not be performed because of I/O error".
What movie are you trying to rip to your computer? DVD Shrink and DVD Decrypter can not handle the protections on the newer movies. Neither receive updates anymore. If you try using DVD Fab Decrypter you should have much more success. If you provide with more info, we can help out better.
I usually rip with DVD Shrink and burn with DVD Decrypter. For some reason, decrypter is not burning so I downloaded Nero for the 1 month trial. Works fine but I want to either use Decrypter again or possibly DVDFab to burn. Does DVDFab rip AND burn?? If Shrink and Decrypter are no longer updating and therefore becoming obsolete, what can I use to rip and burn that is free software. Thanks
imgburn is the updated burning portion of dvddecrypter (which is no longer updated). you can download it and learn about it here:
http://www.imgburn.com/
dvdfabdecrypter does not burn, only decrypts. VobBlanker removes junk and authoring problems and can be used to remove unwanted stuff (extras, etc.) and only takes 5 minutes so is a good idea post-fab pre-shrink.
ripit4me (also free) can handle any current encryptions as well, and incorporates shrink. you can create an iso and have either dvddecrypter or imgburn burn it. imgburn can create ("build") an iso from VOB files and burn.
if you are near the early stages of learning what all the options are for all the free backing up software, it can be a bit overwhelming. but if you read a few of the guides (either on this site or doing google search for "software-name guide") it will start to make sense, and once you get them set up and run them a few times it will become simple (with the exception of the more advanced features of VobBlanker!). hang in there and know that it won't be long before you will have mastered multiple tools at your disposal to overcome any backing up problem.
i should mention that the fairly low cost option is AnyDVD and dvdclone2... or just AnyDVD working with shrink. there is lots written about it in these forums, and it is definitely the easiest solution. just something to keep in mind, if not for yourself, for others who might ask you about backing up their own dvds.