copying a DVD film?

[Grandpappy]

How can I tell if my system is capable of copying a DVD film,either onto my hard disk or onto a DVD disk?

[pug100]

Hi,
You'll need to tell us wht your system is first. CPU speed HDD & Memory size and if you have a DVD recorder.
In the meantime you'll need some software tools to help you.
DVD Decrypter will decode commercial films
http://www.dvddecrypter.org.uk/

DVD Shrink 3.2 wll fit most films onto a single layer DVD with or without extras.This is on the Doom9 website

Then Nero will burn the DVD for you, or you could use any of the freeware progams available.

This site has all you need to know on DVDs, their structure and how to use the tools I mentioned above.
http://www.doom9.org/

[Grandpappy]

Hello pug100,
Many thanks for your reply.
I shall try & answer you questions in order!
1st. My system: XP Home edition Service Pack 2 (build 2600)
2nd.CPU speed:2.80gigahertz Intel Pentium D.
3rd. HDD :160Gb. (127Gb. free)
4th. Memory: 2560 Megabytes Installed Memory
and finally, the D drive that came with the machine is:
HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GWA4164B [CD-ROM drive]
I am the only one who uses the machine and I don't intend to infringe any copyright llaws; I only want to copy some films that have been bought for me as presents and avoid any dame to the originals.

Any help you offer will be much appreciated and worked on methodically.

Not sure about my spelling but, thank you.