Encrypted CD and DVD Creator for Windows

Burning ordinary files to a disc does not make them private. For offline distribution, author the data disc so the sensitive files go into an encrypted area and the reader can still find any open instructions.

Quick answer

Use GiliSoft Secure Disc Creator to select a compatible burner, add files to public and secure areas, set the secure-area password, burn the data CD or DVD, and read-test the finished disc.

Choose the Right Disc Workflow

Direct burning is the shorter route when one approved file set and a working optical burner are ready. Make an ISO first when review, archiving, or later duplication matters.

Output	Best use	Validation
Protected CD or DVD	Physical offline handoff	Reinsert and read-test on a recipient-like PC
Encrypted ISO image	Review, archive, or later burning	Mount and test public and secure areas
Approved ISO burned to disc	Repeatable copies of one reviewed release	Test the actual burned media as well as the ISO

Direct disc burning: Step-by-Step

Check the media and burner
Insert a supported blank CD or DVD, select the physical burner, and check that the approved files fit the chosen media. Do not assume a DVD project fits a CD.
Add the files to the right area
Put instructions intended for everyone in the public area. Put sensitive files in the secure area; do not leave unprotected duplicates in the public area.
Set a secure-area password and burn
Review the file list, enter and confirm a strong password, and keep the disc inserted until the burn finishes. Store the password separately.
Verify the completed disc
Reinsert and open the disc on a second Windows PC when possible. Read a sample from each area and verify that protected files do not open before the password is supplied.

See the full Secure Disc Creator user guide for the product's controls and the complete disc or ISO workflow.

GiliSoft Secure Disc Creator Interface

These product screenshots show the actual file-area, password, burn, image, or recipient controls used in this workflow.

Select the optical burner for a new encrypted CD or DVD.

Place open instructions in the public area and private files in the secure area.

Set the secure-area password before creating the finished output.

Verify Before Distribution

Confirm the final file list, version, and media capacity.
Open public files without a password and protected files only after entering it.
Test the intended Windows computer, optical drive, and recipient instructions.
Record the publisher copy and give the password through a separate channel.

Important: This creates a protected data disc, not a DVD-Video playback disc for a living-room player. Playback and access depend on the recipient computer and optical drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a movie DVD with this workflow?

No. This page covers a protected data CD or DVD. Video-DVD authoring is a different workflow.

Should I test only the burning status?

No. A completed burn is not the same as a recipient read test; open the actual disc and check the password path.

Create password-protected data discs and encrypted ISO images