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How to Fix Corrupted or Scratched CD or DVD?

Wondershare Recoverit Authors

Sep 23, 2024 • Filed to: Answer Hard Drive Problems • Proven solutions

I have the habit of saving my data on CD/DVD. But today, while I try to play it, it becomes unreadable. I can see a scratch on it. Has it become corrupt? How to read an unreadable DVD now?

Are these questions also rounding up your mind? You will get your answers in this post. Here we will discuss how to repair corrupted CD/DVD and fix the scratch.

Go through it to learn about the different solutions.

Part 1: How to Repair Corrupted CD or DVD?

Users use CD/DVD to save their data in it. But there are certain reasons that cause corruption in CD or DVD. Here are the common problems that you can usually experience with CD/DVD:

Read More: How to Fix CD-Rom Not Working in Windows

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:

Step 1: Select location

Connect the corrupted CD/DVD to the system and select it. After selecting the connected device, click on “Start.” It will begin a scan to look for all the saved data on DVD.

location selection

Step 2: Scan location

Recoverit starts with the all-around scan. The total time that the software takes to complete the scan depends on the file size. You can even pinpoint files or stop it anytime while it’s running.

scan running

Step 3: Preview and perform recovery

When the scan finishes, Recoverit allows you to view files and assure the required files are recovered. Only then recover them.

file preview

Now you can allocate the path where you wish to save the recovered file.

Solution 2: Mask the tape

Sipping the tape altogether can save any of the remaining data that you can save and access somewhere else.

Step 1: Take the CD and place its shiny side in the clear, bright light. Look for any holes.

Step 2: Flip the CD or DVD and mark on the holes that are visible to you.

Step 3: From the masking tape, take strips and paste them on the holes that you have marked.

Running it can cause huge noise, but it can save near about 70% of data from data loss.

Solution 3: Light bulb method

When you are thinking of how to read unreadable DVD, you can try this method.

Step 1: Take a 60 Watt filament bulb, hold the CD/DVD in your finger and place the shiny side at a distance of 10 cm from the lamp.

Step 2: Rotate the disc around the finger and keep it like this for 20 sec. But do not exceed this time as it may melt the CD/DVD with heat.

Step 3: Trying playing CD/DVD, when it’s hot. If you are successful in playing it, save the data on some other location.


Part 2: How to Fix a Scratched CD/DVD?

If you see any scratches developed on the CD/DVD, it is advisable to copy your data to avoid any loss of data. You can fix the scratches with the solutions discussed here:

Solution 1: Try applying wax

Before trying this solution, we advise you to take the backup of the data first and then apply any type of wax like Vaseline, lip balm, shoe polish etc., to the scratch. When it dries, wipe off the excess wax with a very soft hand. Now try running it and see if it’s readable.

Solution 2: Clean the CD/DVD

Sometimes the CD/DVD fails to play because of the dust settled on it. Try cleaning it and fixing the issue. You can clean it with warm water by rubbing the surface gently with your finger. However, a mild detergent can also work. You can even use alcohol on a cotton swab to clean it.

But remember, after cleaning, let it air-dry, do not place it in the sun or dry it with any towel or cloth.

Solution 3: Refinish the CD/DVD

You can take professional help if the scratched CD/DVD is not fixed with the above two solutions. The professionals can mend it and can even help in taking backup of the data.

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.

Recoverit author

Amy Dennis

staff Editor

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