Windows Server 2008: How to Burn a CD/DVD on Windows Server 2008 R2
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This topic is a how to. Please keep it as clear and simple as possible. Avoid speculative discussions as well as a deep dive into underlying mechanisms or related technologies. |
Windows Server 2008 R2 machines allow only the localsystem\administrator account permission to burn a CD/DVD on the local machine. All other accounts are treated per the [[“remote desktop” security restrictions]]. Therefore, unless you are logged in as localsystem\administrator you won't even see a Burn CD/DVD tab.
How to burn a CD/DVD:
Choice A: Desktop Experience Pack
- Install the [[Desktop Experience feature]] to add the Burn CD/DVD tab and several other tools from the Windows 7 client.
To install the Desktop Experience pack:
- Open Server Manager: click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and click Server Manager.
- NOTE: You can also open Server Manager by typing the following at a command prompt: servermanager.msc
- In the Features Summary section, click Add features.
- Select the Desktop Experience check box, and then click Next.
- Complete the wizard by clicking Install.
The Desktop Experience pack includes:
- Windows Media Player
- Desktop themes
- Video for Windows (AVI support)
- Windows SideShow
- Windows Defender
- Disk Cleanup
- Sync Center
- Sound Recorder
- Character Map
- Snipping Tool
Choice B: Command line tools
There are two command-line Microsoft tools you can download. However, installing and using these require local administrator privileges, once you do that, you can go ahead and use the built-in tools. They are:
- oscdimg.exe — use it to create and ISO image from your files. Install this tool from [[Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK)]].
- cdburn.exe / dvdburn.exe — use it to burn your ISO image to CD/DVD (respectively). Install these tools from these Windows Server 2003 Resource Kit Tools. NOTE: even though the resource kit version is Windows Server 2003, these tools work if you have the required permissions on Windows Server 2008 R2*.*
Choice C: Third Party Tools
Use a third-party tool.* Example: ImgBurn (http://www.imgburn.com/)
Choice D: Use Flash Drive Instead
Use a USB flash drive instead. You can even boot and [[Install OS from USB Flash]]!
Choice E: Change Security Settings
Change the security defaults (e.g. security restrictions for “remote desktop” users or treat locally looged users in a different way).
* (please add links to a couple of examples you have used successfully).