To backup/encode a DVD to .avi you can also use
Gordian Knot a freeware all inn one solution, but i can asure you that you will also get the headaches for free to get familiar with it. When you want to give it a go here are some usefull links:
Sytem Requirements:
Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003
minimum 1 GHz Processor 512 MB RAM (you will also need +5/10 GB of free diskspace for the encoding)
Auto Gordian Knot (the most user friendly)
http://www.doom9.org/autogk.htm
+: high quality, designed specifically for beginners
-: If you want to play with every switch XviD has to offer, this tool is obviously not for you
second tutorial Auto Gordian Knot:
http://www.autogk.me.uk/modules.php?name=TutorialEN
Gordian Knot - XviD 1.xhttp://www.doom9.org/gknot-main4.htm
+: High quality, rather easy to use unless you want to configure every parameter
-: Not quite a one click solution as AutoGK
Gordian Knot / Virtualdub (the one i use, includes a.o. Virtual Dub (VirtualDubMod1.5.10.2))
http://www.doom9.org/xvid.htm
+: High quality, detailed explanation of each codec setting
-: relatively complicated
You can find more related info, free programs and tools here:
http://www.videohelp.com/tools/secti...-avi-divx-xvid