"Dan" <Dan@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:72ABFF42-4A87-45E0-BD44-908FD1C824DD@microsoft.com...
>I have some major copies to make of all my photo and mail files ..... My
> question is can I do the job on CD or DVD disks ? And what is the
> difference in the procedure ?

Hi Dan,
The other guys have given some nicely detailed and technical replies. But
let me ask some meta-questions that might help you think what you want to do
:-)

0) You didn't mention what kind of computer you're using and what it already
has in the way of a DVD/CD burner (drive) and software.

1) What is the purpose of these "major copies"? Long term archival (for
your grandchildren)? Shorter term backups (in case youre laptop gets
stolen)? To send to Uncle Elmo? (and what do you mean by "major"? "a
lot"?)

2) How much space do the files take on your hard drive? Copying 100 GB or
500 GB of files to CDs would be a pain in the neck, at least.

3) How crucial is it that you always have copies of the files? Will the
IRS audit you, the Mafia break your legs, and your business go under? Or
will you just have to call your friends and contacts for their email addies
and never again see that great picture of Elmo snorting beer at the family
picnic? There's no such thing as absolute security, but if the consequences
are serious enough there are many levels of increasing security and effort,
such as multiple copies on different media, off-site storage, re-copying and
verifying (and possibly migrating to a different file format and/or medium)
on a schedule, etc.

4) Remember, for the photos at least, the best backup may be good qualilty
prints on paper. And whether paper or digital, a great way to "backup" is
to send copies .. on CD/DVD, via email, uploaded to a sharing site, whatever
.... to friends and family, if they'd be interested.