Can I replace the 'Copy Protection Tab' on a VHS tape so that I can copy the contents to DVD disc?

Question

I have a VHS tape of a party that I want to convert to a DVD disc. The contents are not subject to any form of copywrite, as they were recorded using a camera. Unfortuneatly the tab was removed to prevent it being overwritten, and when I try to copy to disc I get a message saying the tape is protected. What can I use safely to plug the recess? The recorder is new so I dont want the plug falling out while in the machine. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Use tape, it works for me.

Answer 2

Just stick some sellotape over the hole, works a treat!

Answer 3

If you're using an all-in-one unit with a DVD recorder and VHS built in, then it probably detects that a tape is inside with the tab removed and it thinks it's pre-recorded so it won't let you. Just do what the others suggest and cover it with selotape. Pull the selotape as tight as possible though, and make sure it's wide enough to comfortably cover the hole. There's a switch inside the machine that is pressed when the tab is there so it needs to be tight enough to press the switch in and also not loose enough for the switch to pierce through the selotape.

Answer 4

The copy protection tab has nothing to do with it you need to play the VHS to you computer using a TV in card, put it into a file  then change the format of the video into an AVI file to put onto disc..

Answer 5

You can generally put some sellotape tightly over the hole. It usually works. But make sure it'sgood quality, strong tape.

Then again, you shouldn't need to replace the tab to convert data FROM a VHS tape - only if you need to write data TO the tape.

Answer 6

If you cover the hole be careful not to record over the VHS.

Answer 7

I use sellotape

Answer 8

Hi, I'm from the 1970's. What we used to do to get round this, is put a piece of insulating tape over the square hole where the write protect tab was.

Surprised you need to do that though. I transferred all our family VHS tapes last year and they were all write protected?

Answer 9

fill the hole with folded paper and cellotape over