How to Rip a DVD with DVD Decrypter & Best Alternative

Step 1. Download and install DVD Decrypter on your Windows PC. The original project is no longer maintained, and version 3.5.4.0 from 2005 was the final release. If you download it from a mirror such as http://www.dvddecrypter.org.uk/, use caution with third-party installers and scan the downloaded file before running it.

Step 2. Insert the DVD into your computer optical disc drive and launch DVD Decrypter. It should select the DVD drive as the source automatically. If there are multiple drives on your device, make sure the correct DVD drive is selected.

Step 3. On the top menu bar, open "Mode" and choose the mode that matches your task. "File" copies selected DVD files to a folder, "IFO" lets you focus on a title/PGC and selected chapters, and "ISO" can read a disc to an image file or write an image to disc. For a full file-based backup in this example, choose "File" mode.

Step 4. DVD Decrypter will list the DVD files. Keep all required files selected if you want the complete VIDEO_TS file structure, or select only the files you need.

Step 5. Click the folder icon under the "Destination" section and choose where to save the copied files. Make sure the destination drive has enough free space for the DVD content.

Step 6. Click the "DVD to hard drive" icon to start reading and copying the selected DVD data.

DVD Decrypter has three function modes: File, IFO, and ISO.

File: File mode copies selected files from the DVD to a folder on your drive. A complete DVD-Video structure normally includes VOB, IFO, and BUP files inside a VIDEO_TS folder. This mode copies the files; it does not transcode the movie to a new video format.

IFO: IFO mode works at the title/Program Chain (PGC) level, so it is useful when you want the main movie, an episode, or selected chapters rather than every file on the disc. DVD Decrypter often selects the longest PGC by default, but you can review the available PGCs and chapters before starting.

ISO: ISO mode includes Read and Write. "Read" creates a disc image from a DVD, while "Write" writes a supported disc image to recordable media. Use Read when you want a single image file for storage or later mounting, and see this guide if you need to burn an ISO to DVD.

DVD Decrypter also includes advanced options for file splitting, I/O behavior, drive settings, and mode-specific processing. These controls can be useful for experienced users, but the defaults are usually safer if you only need a basic backup. To review them, go to Tools > Settings.

DVD Decrypter was discontinued in 2005, with version 3.5.4.0 as its final release. It can still run on some Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers, but there is no official support for these operating systems. Whether it works depends on the drive, system permissions, drivers, and the DVD itself.

For an older homemade or lightly protected disc, DVD Decrypter may still complete the job. With newer commercial DVDs, however, it can fail to identify the correct title, stop with read/access errors such as "Failed to Set Data for", or be unable to handle newer protection methods.

In that situation, repeatedly changing advanced settings is often less practical than switching to a maintained DVD ripping tool.

WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro is a Windows DVD ripping and backup tool with a simpler workflow. It can load a DVD disc, ISO image, or Video_TS/DVD folder; save a disc as an ISO image or DVD folder for backup; make a fast MPG copy; or convert the main movie and selected titles to common video and device profiles. You can also choose audio tracks, keep or add subtitles, and use hardware acceleration for supported conversions.

This makes it more practical when you need a playable MP4/MKV-style file instead of raw VOB files, want to process an ISO or DVD folder as the source, or need a tool that is still maintained for newer Windows systems and newer discs.

Free downloadFree download WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro and follow the steps below.

Q1: Is DVD Decrypter free?

Yes. DVD Decrypter was released as freeware. However, the original project is discontinued, so current downloads generally come from third-party archives or mirror sites rather than an actively maintained official download page.

Q2: Does DVD Decrypter still work on Windows 10 or Windows 11?

It may still install and run on some Windows 10/11 PCs, especially for older or unprotected DVDs, but results vary by hardware, drivers, disc structure, and protection. Since the program has not been updated since 2005, errors and compatibility problems are more likely than with a maintained tool.

Q3: What copy protection can DVD Decrypter handle?

DVD Decrypter was built to handle protections common in its era, including CSS and region restrictions. It may not correctly process newer or more complex DVD protection schemes released after development stopped.

Q4: Can DVD Decrypter convert a DVD directly to MP4 or MKV?

No. DVD Decrypter primarily copies DVD files, extracts selected title data, or creates disc images. To get a common standalone video file such as MP4 or MKV, you need an additional converter or a modern DVD ripper that performs decryption and conversion in one workflow.

DVD Decrypter remains useful for learning how classic DVD file, IFO, and ISO workflows work, and it can still be enough for some older discs. But its 2005 codebase, discontinued development, and lack of support for newer disc protections make it less dependable for a modern DVD collection. If you need a simpler Windows tool that can load DVD discs, ISO images, and DVD folders and then back them up or convert them to common video formats, WonderFox DVD Ripper Pro is a more practical alternative.