[Solved]: How to Recover Data from Unreadable CDs or DVDs?

Struggling with unreadable CDs or DVDs?

CDs and DVDs are excellent for storing all kinds of data, from music and videos to important files. But if they’re not handled or stored properly, they can easily get scratched or damaged, making it difficult to access the data. Can the data saved on damaged CDs be recovered? The good news is you often can. In this post, we will show you how to recover data from unreadable CDs or DVDs while keeping your data intact.

How to Recover Data from Unreadable CDs or DVDs?

If you fail to recover data from a CD that isn't being recognized or read properly, don't worry. There are several methods you can try. In this section, we'll go over four recovery solutions to help you retrieve data stored on unreadable CDs.

Solution 1. Manually Clean Your CD

Before diving into more complex recovery methods, start with a simple step: cleaning the disc. Dust, fingerprints, or smudges on the surface can easily interfere with the drive’s ability to read the data. Here’s how you can clean your CD the right way:

Step 1. Prepare a clean, soft cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol or water.

Step 2. Wet the cloth with the liquid and use it to gently clean your CD to remove any dust or fingerprints.

Step 3. Wait for the CD to dry for a few seconds.

Step 4. Insert the CD into your computer or player and check if it is now readable.

Solution 2. Use Unstoppable Copier to Recover Data from CD

After manually cleaning your CD, if it still cannot be read correctly, think about utilizing the right tools to recover the data on it. A free data recovery tool called Roadkil's Unstoppable Copier can retrieve files from CDs and DVDs that have been scratched, damaged, or rendered partially unreadable. This tool effectively scans damaged sections on your CD and employs special techniques to attempt data recovery. Here’s how to recover data from a scratched CD or damaged CD:

Step 1. Download the Unstoppable Copier from the Roadkil's website.

Step 2. Insert the CD into your PC and launch this tool.

Step 3. Select the unreadable CD or DVD.

Step 4. Then choose a destination folder on your computer where the recovered files will be saved.

Step 5. Click the Start button to begin the recovery.

Solution 3. Recover Data Using CD Recovery Toolbox

Another great recovery software is CD Recovery Toolbox, which can recover data from damaged or corrupted CDs, DVDs, and other optical discs. Similarly, this tool attempts to read errors in the disc’s sectors and restore as much data as possible. Here’s how to recover data from unreadable CDs/DVDs using the CD Recovery Toolbox:

Step 1. Download CD Recovery Toolbox from its official website.

Step 2. Start this utility after inserting the CD into your computer.

Step 3. From the list, select the CD/DVD drive that contains the unreadable CD.

Step 4. Click the Browse button to select a folder where you want to save the recovered data.

Step 5. Click Recover to start the recovery process.

Solution 4. Consult with Expert Recovery Services

If the methods mentioned above fail to recover data from severely damaged CDs, it may be time to turn to professional data recovery services. Software tools and ways done by hand can fix a lot of different kinds of damage, but they aren't perfect. Severe physical damage, such as deep scratches, warping, or a broken disc, usually needs special tools and knowledge that can only be provided by professionals. Pick a dependable recovery service right now to get your data back!

Bonus Tip: Recover Data Downloaded from CDs/DVDs

If you've previously transferred data from a CD/DVD to your PC but now find the files missing, recovery is still possible. Often, the data remains on your system even if it’s no longer visible or retrievable through the Recycle Bin.

Don’t worry—professional recovery software, like AOMEI FastRecovery, can help you restore lost data from various devices on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and servers. Whether your data was lost due to system errors, accidental deletion, or disk failures, you can get it back with ease.

Key Features of AOMEI FastRecovery:

Comprehensive Data Recovery: It can handle a wide range of data loss situations and even can recover permanently deleted files.

File Preview: You can preview files before recovery, ensuring you only restore the ones you need.

Real-Time Recovery: Start recovering files while the scan is still in progress, saving you valuable time.

User-Friendly Interface: It features an easy-to-use interface, making it accessible even for those with little experience.

Let’s use AOMEI FastRecovery to recover lost data:

Step 1: Install and launch AOMEI FastRecovery first, and then choose the exact partition or drive where the deleted files were originally located.

Step 2: Scan the selected drive. It will execute a Quick Scan first to find your data fast, followed by a Deep Scan to search for additional lost data comprehensively.

Step 3: Once the scan is complete, all recoverable files will be listed. Please pick out the files you want to recover, then click Recover.

Step 4: Choose a destination folder where you want to save the recovered files and wait for the recovery process to finish.

Tips for Long-Term CD/DVD Data Preservation

While CDs and DVDs are still commonly used for storing data, they can be easily damaged by mishandling, poor storage conditions, exposure to heat, and other environmental factors. To ensure your data stays safe, it's important to follow the below tips:

  ► Store your CD or DVD in a protective case to prevent scratches, dust, and other physical damage.

  ► Put them in a cool and dry place and keep them away from direct sunlight or heat sources. 

  ► When using your disc, always hold it by the edges and avoid touching the surface directly.

  ► Regularly backup essential data to other storage devices, such as external hard drives or cloud storage, avoiding unexpected data loss.

FAQs

Q1: What causes CDs and DVDs to become unreadable?

CDs and DVDs can become unreadable due to physical damage such as warping, scratches, or cracks. Additionally, exposure to environmental factors like dust, heat, humidity, or UV light can harm your disc and make it difficult to read.

Q2: Can scratched CDs or DVDs be repaired to recover data?

Light scratches can typically be smoothed out using Vaseline or shoe polish, which helps the laser read the data by improving surface clarity. Deep scratches, however, may require professional resurfacing or repair tools. Even if physical repair isn’t fully successful, data recovery software can sometimes retrieve data by bypassing damaged sectors and extracting readable portions.

Q3: What steps should I take before attempting data recovery on a damaged disc?

Before attempting data recovery, first clean the disc’s surface to remove dust, smudges, or fingerprints that may obstruct reading. Additionally, you can test your CD on different devices or players to check if the issue is with the disc itself or the hardware.

Bottom Line

In this post, we show you how to recover data from unreadable CDs/DVDs effectively. To ensure your data lasts, it's crucial to follow proper practices for preserving your CDs and DVDs. If you've downloaded data from a CD/DVD to your PC and later realize that it is missing, consider using professional recovery software like AOMEI FastRecovery to get it back.