This is my first post in this community.
Whenever I try to copy any '.dat'(i.e.,the video file) from a vcd, I get the following error-
'Error reading from file: Input/output error'

And the result is a zero-byte file. So please help me with how to copy the files from the vcd.

the .dat file ?
and not a *.vob,*.bup,*.ifo
what happens if you copy the whole "VIDEO_TS" folder ?

dose the same thing happen if you copy them as root ?

Try using vobcopy. Is the DVD in your region code ?

Hi.. Guys thanks for the replies, but let me tell you that i'm talking about a VCD and not a DVD, i'll try with a DVD and let you know. And there are no '.ifo', '.vob', etc.. files in a VCD.

Oh I see. I haven't really used any VCDs, but try it on a different drive if you have one. Or the disk may just be damaged.

Easiest option is to install k3b and use the "Rip Video Cd" option under "Tools" menu. or else you can use the command line tool vcdxrip. Google "vcdxrip howto" and that should answer your questions.

I have the same problem and tried this already and it doesn't work. Somehow, these VCDs have a weird copy-protection that make the DAT files unreadable in LINUX.

I managed to copy the VCD using a CD copying program in Windows, which presumably did a bit-by-bit copy. But even in Windows, I cannot access the DAT files directly.

I actually wanted to rip the shows as movie files onto my hard disk of the PC I have attached to my TV, so that my children can watch the cartoon from the hard disk, just like I have done so with many other cartoons I've bought for them on DVD or VCD.

I managed to find a solution:

Install vcdxrip then type "vcdxrip -C --no-ext-psd"

or "vcdxrip -C /your/cdrom/device --no-ext-psd" if your cdrom device isn't in the standard place.

I found this solution by starting from http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/new...files-vcd.html and figuring out the correct arguments to use.

Thanks for posting this solution! It worked very well!

You're welcome!