robinadr

Note: This post is regarding getting 64-bit HandBrake to rip DVDs on 64-bit Windows 7. The instructions in here may work on other operating systems, adjusting for paths and library versions, but no guarantees.

VLC 2.0 was recently released, but with that release it broke HandBrake for ripping DVDs. This happened because HandBrake relies on VLC to provide the libdvdcss library to break the copy encryption on DVDs. I’m not sure about the details, but VLC 2.0 does not give HandBrake the ability to rip encrypted DVDs.

The solution to this: download a copy of libdvdcss just for HandBrake. This sounds simple, but it required a lot of research and trial and error. Luckily, I’ve done all that for you.

1. Download and install the latest version of HandBrake. Make sure to select the 64-bit version. If you already have HandBrake, make sure it isn’t the 32-bit version (if it is, uninstall and install the 64-bit version).

2. Download the latest version of libdvdcss for 64-bit Windows.

3. Rename libdvdcss-2.dll to libdvdcss.dll and copy it to the HandBrake folder in your Program Files folder (for me, C:\Program Files\HandBrake\).

4. Right-click the HandBrake shortcut on your desktop, and select “Run as administrator.” Accept the security elevation dialog.

5. Open Tools > Preferences and go to the Advanced tab. Check “Disable LibDVDNav.”¹

You should be able to rip DVDs no problem now. For instructions on how to do that, refer to the guide in the HandBrake user manual or search for a how-to on Google.

If you are confused about quality settings for ripping your DVDs, here’s a thread on the HandBrake forums with users chiming in about their preferences.