Minor damage caused by improper handling can be seen in fingerprints that may bloc a disc reading from reading the surface of the disc. If you’re having trouble gaining access to a scratched or damaged CD, here are 5 ways to try to recover your data:
Try a different CD or DVD.
Just as discs are getting older, most disc drives are as well. Many of the leading laptops no longer even come with a disc drive. Make sure the problem is with your disc and not your drive by training one or a few other discs in the drive. If these other discs work, you’ve confirmed there is a problem with your damaged disc.
Clean the disc.
Dirt, dust, and oil build-up on a disc can sometimes give the misleading appearance of a scratch. Gently wash the disc under warm water as you softly rub it with your finger while washing. If you’d rather avoid water, you can use alcohol with a cotton swab to clean your disc. Always rub the disc in a radial motion. Let it air dry.
Polish the disc.
Be careful with this and all strategies that involve touching your disc. They should only be used in a last resort and carried out with caution. Some people have reported success in using a small amount of toothpaste and a soft cloth to polish a disc. No need to scrub the CD. Just rub it gently in a radial motion until you wipe it off completely.
Try a free recovery tool.
CD Recovery Toolbox is a free application that walks users through recovery with an easy-to-understand interface. Run the application, view what files are on your CD (even if they are not readable), and copy them to another location. CDCheck is another free option if you request a license for personal use on their registration page. It allows you to check whether files are valid prior to recovery.
Seek professional help.
If you’ve tried DIY recovery strategies and/or your data is too important to risk further loss, let the professionals at Secure Data Recovery lend a hand. Our team is skilled at recovering media, even after it has incurred physical damage. Fill out an Online Help form today for a free quote, a media analysis, and an estimate of how long it will take to recover your data.