How to fix DVD,CD,CD/DVD-ROM Errors and Problems

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:40:44 EST

Though DVD/CDs as a data storage media are more reliable than floppy and Flash disks, they are also prone to errors. Errors reading the DVD/CD can be due to problems with DVD or CD or the computer CD/DVD-ROM drive. Since a blank DVD or CD is cheap, it is recommended that you make multiple copies of your important data. It is not possible to read data from a badlydamaged DVD or CD. A CD/DVD drive problem could cause errors in reading CD/DVD likenot showing any CD in the drive eg "Please insert a CD into CDROMdrive" , "errors copying data from the CD" etc.

How to fix a CD/DVD-ROM drive problem.

1. Check if the IDE cableconnecting the motherboard to the CDROM/DVDROM drive is fixed properly. Also try toconnect the CD/DVD-ROM drive using a different cable.

2. Check for viruses, Trojans andSpyware. First check for and remove all spyware, adware and then run a antivirus program. Third party programs running in the background can also cause an error.

3. There may be a problem with thedrivers. Go to device manager, uninstall the CD/DVD-ROM drive and then install itagain. If this does not work, try getting updated drivers from the CDROM/DVDROM drivemanufacturers website and reinstall them. For older versions of Windows, if theoperating system is corrupted, you may get errors.Update windows.

4. If the CD/DVD-ROM drive tray is notopening

* Power supply cable to the CDROM/DVDROMdrive may be loose or disconnected especially if the computer has been movedrecently.

* The eject button on CDROM/DVDROM drivemay be malfunctioning, you still open the drive using the eject option in MyComputer or other software applications.

* A locking software may have beeninstalled, so reboot the machine.

5. The CD/DVD-ROM drive lens may bedusty or dirty. The lens can be cleaned using a Q-tip moistened with alcohol.Mini Q-tips are also available. If a brush based CDROM drive cleaning system isused, the hair on the brush should be very soft. If the hairs are hard, theycan causes scratches on the the lens. CDs for cleaning may be used, but theyare not always effective. For a DVDROM drive use a lint free optical cloth.

6. The data may not be properlywritten onto the CDs. When data is written to a CD ROM it has to be finalized(closed). All CD/DVD-ROM drives may not be able to read an open CD or DVD. If the CD is burned at the fastest possible rate in the CD/DVD-RW, the quality of the CDwill be poor and it may not work on all CD/DVD-ROM drives. The slower the datatransfer, the lower the chances of data corruption.

7. If you accidentally used amarker pen to mark the wrong side of a CD or DVD the marking can be removed byisopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth to remove the mark. For scratched CD/DVD you can use car polish to minimize scratch effects when playing the dvd. Polish your CD outwards and make a backup copy.

8. Toothpastes, polishes andcleaners will fix scratches to some degree, but you have to be careful usingthem. Cleaners containing bleach can cause damage, while alcohol based cleanersdo not cause much damage.

9. Most CD/DVD-ROM drives availabletoday have a one year warranty, so if it is still under warranty, you canget it replaced from the supplier.

10. check on your Media player,Mp3player or Video game software. they may be corrupt or need settings done.

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How to fix DVD,CD,CD/DVD-ROM Errors and Problems