
Methods to Recover Data from Scratched or Damaged Optical Drive
- Method 1: Data Recovery Software. A professional data recovery software ensures secure recovery of data from a scratched CD/DVD. ...
- Method 2: Wax Method. Place your CD or DVD in a clean area. ...
- Method 3: Light-bulb Method. Switch on an incandescent filament bulb (60 Watt). Using the Index finger, thread the damaged CD/DVD.
- Method 4: Disc Cleaning Method. Warm the water in a container. Wash the disc using this water. If CD/DVD still features dust on the surface, gently rub it using fingers.
- Method 5: Masking Tape Method. In bright light, hold the disc (make sure to have shiny side up). Check for the holes. Identify the holes and flip the disc.
- Method 6: Polish Method. Apply toothpaste in little amount on a soft cloth. Rub this cloth on damaged or scratched CD in a radial motion (make sure to rub gently).
- Method 7: Data Recovery Service Provider. As a final call, contact a Data Recovery Service Provider to recover data from damaged optical media.
How to erase and restore with CD disk?
Windows XP and 2000
- Insert the Windows XP/2000 installation CD in the CD-ROM drive and restart the computer.
- When you see the message "Press any key to boot from CD," press a key on the keyboard.
- Press the Enter key at the Windows XP Setup welcome screen, then press F8 to accept the Terms and Agreements.
How do I repair a broken DVD?
Try these tips:
- Use a CD/DVD writer rather than a reader. Writers are generally more precise and can see the tracks better.
- Where possible, attempt recovery on the same drive that was used to create the disc. ...
- Unable to read the data with your operating system? It's time to employ some recovery tools.
How do you repair a DVD drive?
What can I do to fix DVD & CD Drivers problems?
- Reinstall the DVD/CD driver via Device Manager. Sometimes, Windows may save the driver files incorrectly. ...
- Let’s take a look at the steps you need to follow to manually reinstall a DVD/CD driver in Windows: If you do not have the required driver disc, locate and ...
- Run a scan on your computer using an efficient driver management tool. ...
How to repair damaged CDs or DVDs and recover data?
Part 2: How to Fix a Scratched CD/DVD
- Solution 1: Wax the scratched CD/DVD. This is a temporary solution. ...
- Solution 2: Clean the scratched CD/DVD. Sometimes, your CD/DVD is not scratched really. ...
- Solution 3: Refinish the scratched CD/DVD. ...
- Solution 4: Change the CD/DVD Player. ...

Can cracked discs be repaired?
Unfortunately, there is no way to permanently repair a CD. Once it's broken, the CD cannot be restored to its original condition and the CD will be at risk of fracturing completely due to the high speed at which the CD spins in the CD player. This can permanently damage the CD player as well.
Can a DVD disc be repaired?
If the scratch is on the top, shiny part of the disc, the disc is not repairable and all the data is lost. If the scratch is on the bottom, plastic part of the disc, you may be able to repair the disc by resurfacing and polishing it. Today, some disc manufacturers are developing scratch-resistant discs.
How do you fix a split DVD?
5 Ways to Repair a CD or DVDClean the disc using a soft lint-free cloth and a dab of warm water and mild detergent. ... Fill scratches with toothpaste. ... Soften scratches with heat from a 60W lightbulb. ... Fill the scratch with a wax-based product. ... Cover holes in the data layer with pen and tape.
Can a cracked CD be played?
Be sure to address the crack before attempting to play or copy the CD, as the intense spinning movement required to play a disc may worsen the crack, eventually shattering the disc inside your computer and causing damage to your CD drive.
How do you resurface a disc at home?
3:275:38DIY CD DVD Resurfacing for Cheap | BeatTheBush - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMoving on to the mm dip it in some water. Keep on going I'd say do about maybe two rounds of sandingMoreMoving on to the mm dip it in some water. Keep on going I'd say do about maybe two rounds of sanding for 1500 2000 and 2500. Okay now we're going to do the last one the 2500. Just put some of that on.
Does toothpaste fix scratched discs?
Toothpaste is just abrasive enough to wear down scratched areas to a smoother surface. Small scratches and scuff marks are much easier to repair than deep gouges. Some CD repair services can repair the disc with a special buffing machine, but these are hard to use without causing damage.
How do you fix a chipped disk?
1:487:25How to Fix a Scratched or Damaged Disc and Unreadable ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the first thing you're going to want to do is take your toothpaste. And just take small amount ofMoreSo the first thing you're going to want to do is take your toothpaste. And just take small amount of it again.
How does Vaseline remove scratches from CDs?
Remove Scratches From a CD/DVD With Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)Step 1: Materials. Before you start removing scratches from your CDs and DVDs, you should grab your materials. ... Step 2: Cleaning Time! Now it's time to apply the petroleum jelly. ... Step 3: Remove the Scratches. ... Step 4: Finished!
What causes a DVD to stop working?
Playback problems with a DVD typically are caused by one of four factors: The DVD is dirty and smudged; the laser lens in the DVD player's disc drive needs cleaning; the DVD player no longer is tracking properly; or the disc is scratched.
How do you fix a scratched DVD with baking soda?
0:252:09How to Remove Scratches From Any DVD - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd open up your container and place the CD inside your container then pour the soda on it theMoreAnd open up your container and place the CD inside your container then pour the soda on it the baking soda on top of it seal it up give it a little shake I'm set it aside.
How to fix a scratched DVD?
Sometimes you can save a scratched DVD with a little effort. You can use wax and polish and sometimes glue and tape to repair a scratched or broken DVD. Deep scratches may not be repairable, and may require professional help. Discs broken into two or more pieces are generally not repairable.
How to buff a disc?
Hold the disc firmly and use a polishing cloth (not a paper towel, napkin or tissue paper) to buff gently in a back-and-forth motion. Avoid using a circular motion or you may make the damage worse.
How to hold a disc together?
Apply light pressure with your fingers to make sure the pieces are contacting each other, and then apply Scotch tape to the label side of the disc to hold the pieces together.
What do professional disc cleaners do?
Professionals use a disc cleaner/polisher that spins the disc, cleans it and polishes it . You can purchase one of these devices from a variety of sources. Professional services can be found that offer disc resurfacing, for a fee. Send them the scratched disc and they will resurface it.
Can you glue a DVD to a CD?
Success, again, depends on the damage to the disc. When applying glue to a disc, do so sparingly. Excess glue must be removed carefully, following manufacturer's instructions. Discs rotate at high speeds inside the DVD/CD drive, and if they are unbalanced they may not play properly or might damage the drive.
How to fix a cracked CD?
A: If the crack is large enough, you can glue a CD back together. Apply an even layer of clear packing tape to seal up the edges before applying any glue. Make sure that your hands are clean and dry for this process since dirt or oils on your skin will cause it to not bond properly with the broken disc’s surface.
Can a cracked DVD play on a DVD player?
A: Yes, a cracked DVD will still play as long as the crack is on the top or bottom of the disc and it does not go all around. If you have an older DVD player that doesn’t support dual-layer DVDs, broken discs are often worth repairing to get more life out of them rather than throwing them away.
How to fix a crack in a disc?
You only hope that the crack is small and is in the non-data outer, or non-data absolute inner-circumference of the disc. Apply a tiny amount of plastic glue to the crack, using a pin or toothpick. Try to work the glue into the crack, if possible. Wipe away excess glue.
What happens if a DVD is cracked?
If the crack exists in a part of the disc where data is written to, the dvd will not be playable or repairable.
Where are DVDs read?
DVD’s and all compact discs are (almost always) read from the center going out , unlike a vinyl record which is read or played from the outside going in. (below; a dvd with its data layer written only to half of the physical disc) (CD’s and DVD’s are read from the center going out)
Can you wash a DVD that doesn't work?
Before attempting these, note that they could permanently damage the DVD but if the DVD doesn’t work then it might be the only option. Always wash the DVD with warm (not hot) soapy water and dab it with a dry cloth (do not rub it with the cloth) and allow it to dry before trying these:
Can you restore a disc that cracked?
Using a poly-carbonate glue (found from an acrylic distributor) you can restore the disc sufficiently to prevent that crack turning into a complete split, but you are not going to restore it to a playable condition. It is solely a keepsake. If it was a commercial pressing, you can purchase a duplicate.
Why is my DVD not scratching?
Sometimes, your CD/DVD is not scratched really. Perhaps, it can’t play properly due to dust, oil, or other contaminants on its surface. In this situation, you can just clean the CD/DVD disc to fix it. You can wash your CD/DVD with warm water to remove dust from its surface.
How to clean dust off a CD?
If water can’t wash off the dust effectively, you can choose to use a mild detergent or soap water.
What to do if you forget the name of a file?
If you forget the name of the file you want to recover, you can try Filter function to find your wanted files. After clicking this function, this software will pop out an Advanced Filter interface
Do CDs get scratched?
In real life, these CDs/DVDs are expensive and meaningful for you. However, as time goes on, CDs/DVDs tend to be corrupted or scratched seriously.
Solution 1: Use Data Recovery Software
Wondershare Recoverit is the best software that can help you on how to restore files from backup DVD. You can recover it with these steps:
Solution 2: Mask the tape
Sipping the tape altogether can save any of the remaining data that you can save and access somewhere else.
Conclusion
CD/DVD is a great storage media. However, if it becomes corrupted and you think about how to read an unreadable DVD, then the above article will surely help you. Try following these methods to fix the issue. Wondershare Recoverit is the best of all to perform recovery of the important data.
