How to Recover Data from Corrupted or Scratched CD/DVD (2024)

How to Recover Data from Corrupted or Scratched CD/DVD Disc

With more portable and powerful storage drives coming out, the number of CD/DVD disc users is decreasing.However, a certain number of people are still using the CD or DVD disc to store favorite music, videos, recordings, or other audio files.

Since the CDs or DVDs are vulnerable get scratched, corrupted, or damaged.In the end, you can no longer access the saved data.

Therefore, is it possible to rescue data on a scratched or corrupted CD or DVD? Given that your CD or DVD is corrupted or scratched, we have found several reliable bad CD/DVDrecovery solutions to help repair corrupted or scratched disc and recover files as soon as possible. Read on to get the details.

Manually Check Corrupted or Scratched CD/DVD

Before you start repairing the DVD or CD disc which is not working in a DVD player or computer, here is a manual check process that we need you to follow through first. By doing so, you'll learn the exact problem of your disc and you may even possibly get the data back:

Step 1:Clear covered dust on the CD or DVD disc with a jewelry cloth.
Step 2:Re-insert the CD or DVD to the DVD player or computer CD-ROM, check if the disc is accessible.
If yes, congratulations. And we suggest you create a folder on PC and copy the saved data from CD/DVD to the folder.
If not, move on the next step.
Step 3:Check the surface of unreadable or scratched CD or DVD, determine the repair method that you'll need.
If the surface of your CD or DVD is as smooth as the first image, you can turn to professional CD recovery software for help.
If your CD or DVD disc is covered by scratches as shown in image 2 and 3, you'll need to use a manual method to repair the scratches and then restore the data.
Note that if your disc is fully covered by deep scratches as shown in image 3, you are at a high risk of being unable to restore the saved data.

Solution 1. Apply Best CD/DVD Data Recovery Software for Help

Applies to: corrupted or lightly scratched CD/DVD that can be detected but not accessible on PC

When CD or DVD discs becomes inaccessible or unreadable, usually, professional CD or DVD data recovery software can scan and restore the disk data with ease.

Here is a list of CD/DVD recovery software that you can apply to restore the inaccessible CD/DVD data:

1. CD Recovery Toolbox

This software has a free version which enables you to scan CD or DVD to find and restore data and files. You can simply search it online and download if for help.

2. Roadkil's Unstoppable Copier

This is a similar software as CD Recovery Toolbox, which supports to scan and restore data from corrupted or scratched discs.

You can also search for CD or DVD recovery software online to find a better solution.

Solution 2. Manually Repair Scratched CD or DVD

Applies to: corrupted CD or DVD that is covered by light or deep scratches

There is a widely used manual way for repairing scratches on CD or DVD disc, which is to wax or polish the discs. And here is how to do it:

Step 1:Prepare a tube of toothpaste, Vaseline or liquid car wax or Scratch Out.
Step 2:Cover a thin layer of toothpaste, Vaseline or Scratch Out on the scratched CD/DVD.
Step 3:Wipe disc in a radial motion: inside - outside with a clean and soft lint-free cloth.
Step 4: Test the disc, inserting it back into your computer to see if it's accessible.
If yes, congratulations. To protect the valuable data, we suggest you create a new folder on your PC and copy data to the folder immediately.
If not, don't worry. Go back to Solution 1 and apply the recommended software to recover data from the CD or DVD.

Extra Tip: 3-Step Recovery of Saved CD/DVD Videos, Images

If you have saved the CD or DVD videos, and images on a PC but lost them by careless operation, the last chance to get back your data is to use professional data recovery software and scan the same drive where you used to save CD or DVD copies. And all you need is to download EaseUS EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to recover files in 3 steps.

FAQs

How to recover data from damaged CD or DVD? ›

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. ...
Clean the Disc. ...
Polish the Disc. ...
Try Data Recovery Software. ...
Seek Professional Help.

Oct 23, 2017

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Can a scratched DVD be restored? ›

Disc Repair Machine

Repair machines are devices that use a series of gentle polishing process to remove the scratch and restore the disc's reflectivity. These machines can be a lifesaver for CDs and DVDs with deep or multiple scratches.

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Can a corrupted CD be fixed? ›

Solution 1: Use Data Recovery Software

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. Recoverit starts with the all-around scan.

Can scratched CDs be saved? ›

Apply a very thin coat of Vaseline, chap-stick, liquid car wax, neutral shoe polish, or furniture wax to the CD's playing surface. Let the wax sit in the scratches for a few minutes—remember, the idea is for the wax to fill in the scratch so it can be read again.

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Is it even possible to recover data from damaged disks? ›

If the failure is logical, such as due to corrupted files or a damaged file system, you can potentially recover files at home using data recovery software. However, if the failure is physical, such as from a damaged disk or mechanical failure, home recovery is not feasible.

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How to restore a scratched CD? ›

Simply apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to a soft cloth, and gently rub it into the scratch in a circular motion. The oils from the petroleum jelly will help to fill in the scratch and restore the disc's reflectivity. Make sure to rinse the disc thoroughly with water when you're done.

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Can you uncorrupt a disk? ›

CHKDSK is a built-in Windows tool that can help repair corrupted hard drives. Open Command Prompt and type "chkdsk /f X:" (replace X with the drive letter of the corrupted hard drive) and press Enter. CHKDSK will scan and attempt to fix any errors it finds on the drive.

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How to clean a CD that won't read? ›

In most instances water will suffice as a cleaning agent. If water does not remove everything then a more powerful cleaner such as isopropyl alcohol can be used, but this should only be used in the most extreme of cases.

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How does toothpaste remove scratches from CDs? ›

Fortunately, scratches are more common on the reflected side, and that's where toothpaste comes in handy. The laser that reads the CD needs to bounce evenly off the smooth, reflective surface. Toothpaste is just abrasive enough to wear down scratched areas to a smoother surface.

Will magic eraser remove DVD scratches? ›

Way 6: Use Magic Eraser

You can wet the magic eraser, and then rub over the reflective surface with the dry magic eraser lightly. Some disc scratches can be smoothed without affecting the underneath data. What's more, you can use magic eraser to clean the surface of your phone, computer and other objects.

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How to fix a DVD that skips and freezes? ›

The picture from the DVD player skips or freezes during playback.

Remove the disc from the DVD player.
Clean the disc.
Reinsert the disc into the DVD player.
Play the disc.
If the issue is still unresolved, remove the disc from the DVD player.
Insert another disc into the DVD player.
Play the disc.

Dec 20, 2020

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How do I recover data from a bad disk? ›

Follow next steps to recover your files from a dead hard drive:

Attach the non-functional hard drive to a working computer.
Make sure the system recognizes the drive.
Install Disk Drill on the computer.
Create a byte-to-byte backup image of the dead hard drive.
Scan the backup image using Disk Drill.

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Feb 7, 2024

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Can you recover data from a CD broken in half? ›

CDS and DVDs broken into four or more pieces. The only sure fire way to destroy data on a drive is to melt it down. Just destroying the device into pieces won't do unless you use a special shredder and end up turning it into dust. Even broken into pieces, a DVD/CD can be recovered (at least parts of it anyhow).

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How do you fix a CD that won't read? ›

Swap out the disc – if cleaning fails, your disc might be far too damaged to allow it to play properly. Try swapping out the disc to make sure that it wasn't a hardware issue. Check for compatibility – Most CD drives can play recordable(R) and rewritable(RW) discs.

Is it possible to fix a cracked CD? ›

Apply a piece of clear packing tape over the crack on the disc's non-recordable side. Run a single strip of tape straight across the entire CD, covering not only the crack but also the opposite portion of the disc as well.