Region code - the software protection used on DVD discs to prevent unauthorized playback and duplication of the discs made in one country to be played in another country.

Motion picture studios want to control the home release of movies in different countries because theater releases aren't simultaneous. They have required that the DVD standard include codes that can be used to prevent playback of certain discs in certain geographical regions. Each player is given a code for the region in which it's sold. The player will refuse to play discs that are not allowed in that region.

Most DVD-ROM drives let you change the region code a few times, usually between 0 and 5. Once a drive has reached the limit it can't be changed again unless the vendor or manufacturer resets the drive. This limitation cannot be overridden.

There are 6 main regions: (1) Canada, U.S., US Territories; (2) Europe, Japan, South Africa, Middle East (including Egypt); (3) Southeast Asia, East Asia (including Hong Kong); (4) Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Central America, Mexico, South America, Caribbean; (5) Former Soviet Union, Indian Subcontinent, Africa (also North Korea, Mongolia) and (6) China.

Before you can start copying your DVD, you will need to set up your DVD drive region code so that it would coincide with the disc region code. In case they differ the following window will appear that will let you set the drive region:

If you have several DVD drives on your computer, you might try and insert the disc into the other drive that could have the region code matching the region code of the disc. If you still need to change the code of your drive, you should bear in mind, that this will decrease the number of the drive region changes left. When you change the drive region a certain number of times, you will not be able to change it again using any software means, even reinstalling Windows or taking the drive to another computer.

To set the new drive code press Yes, to leave it unchanged select No.

Note: you will not be able to copy the DVD if you choose to leave the drive region unchanged.