Back Up a Bootable CD or DVD

Without the word bootable, the answer would be a no-brainer. You'd simply copy all of the files and folders on the disc into a .zip archive file. Then, when you needed them on disc, you'd copy them back.

The problem, of course, is that the new disc wouldn't be bootable. Not good with a Windows or Linux disc.

So instead, create an .iso file. This is basically an image backup of an optical disc--a compressed record of every bit on the CD or DVD. When you restore it, you make an exact copy of the original, including its ability to boot a PC.

Windows 7 can natively read an .iso file and burn a disc from it. Older Windows versions need third-party software. Active@ ISO Burner is quite good and free.

But to create an .iso file, I recommend another free program: ISO Recorder. Note, when you download it, that there are separate versions for 32- and 64-bit Windows.