How to Recover Data from CD-RW and DVD (2024)

Eleanor Reed

Jan 27, 2024 • Filed to: SD Card Solutions • Proven solutions

How do I recover files from a CD-RW?

How to recover data from CD-RW? Or how to recover deleted files from DVD, CD, and DVD-RW? On this page, we will show you the best way to retrieve all data files from CD or DVD. We will introducesome useful tipsfor you, it can easily and effectively to help you get all data or deleted files back.

  • Part 1. Check about Corrupted or Scratched CD/DVD
  • Part 2. How to Recover Saved CD-RW, CD, DVD-RW, DVD Data on PC

Part 1. Check about Corrupted or Scratched CD/DVD

When DVD or CD disc is not playing on a DVD player or computer, there's a method that you can try first. That is to manually check the detail of your CD or DVD. In this way, you are able to figure out the exact problem of your disc, then make it possible to get back data.

First, use a clean and dry cloth to clean the dust of CD or DVD disc.

Second, try to insert the CD or DVD into the DVD player or computer CD-ROM. This aims to check if the disc is accessible. If it's still available, then copy the saved data from your CD or DVD. If not, then check the surface of the unreadable or scratched CD or DVD in detail.

Third, manually repair scratched CD or DVD that is not detected. Cover the CD or DVD with a thin layer of toothpaste, Vaseline. Then wipe the disc inside and outside with a clean and soft cloth. After that, try it again if the CD or DVD is accessible.

Video tutorial: How to Solve CD-ROM or DVD Drive not working in Windows?

How to Recover Data from CD-RW and DVD (2)

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Free Download | Win Windows VersionFree Download | Mac Mac Version

Part 2. How to Recover Saved CD-RW, CD, DVD-RW, DVD Data on PC

NOTICE: Wondershare Recoverit Data Recovery Software can not recover files directly from CD or DVD. It can only help you to recover lost CD or DVD files that are saved in your pc, hard drive, USB or menmory card.

If you have saved the CD or DVD videos, photos on your computer, but lost them in an accident, there's a way to get back your data. That is to use professional data recovery software and scan the storage device where you used to save CD or DVD backup files.

Here, we recommendWondershare Recoverit Data Recovery software for you, it is a powerful data recovery software that can help you recover data or deleted files, it supports to recover any data files from any storage media.

Download and installWondershare Recoverit Data Recovery on your computer. Connect your device that has storage backup files from CD or DVD to the computer. Then follow the next step to perform DVD data recovery on a Windows computer. If you are working on Mac, you will need to download Recoverit Data Recovery for Macand follow similar steps.

Free Download | Win Windows VersionFree Download | Mac Mac Version

Step 1. Select the Location

Launch Wondershare Recoverit on your computer, then select the device to recover CD or DVD backup files. Click the "Start" button to process.

How to Recover Data from CD-RW and DVD (3)

Step 2. Scanning the Storage Devices that Saved CD or DVD Files

Recoverit Data Recovery will start to search your data files. After the first scan, if you cannot find your data, you can go to scan with "Deep Scan" to search for more DVD or CD files.

How to Recover Data from CD-RW and DVD (4)

Step 3. Preview and Recover Lost Data

After the scanning, you can preview some recoverable files like photos. You can select your recovered data and click the "Recover" button to get them back.

How to Recover Data from CD-RW and DVD (5)

With Wondershare Recoverit Data Recoverysoftware, you can easily get your data files back from any device and storage media. What if your DVD or CD got damaged and corrupted, you also should try to get your data files first, or you should take it to the repair service store and fix it. Download Recoverit Data Recovery and try it for now.

Free Download | Win Windows VersionFree Download | Mac Mac Version

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How to Recover Data from CD-RW and DVD (2024)

FAQs

How to recover files from CD-RW? ›

How to Recover Deleted Files from CD-RW and DVD-RW in Windows?
  1. Click open the Recycle Bin and search for the lost file(s).
  2. Locate and select the desired file(s) to open a pop-up menu.
  3. Hit Restore to get your file(s) back.
Dec 25, 2023

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:
  1. Try a Different CD or DVD. Just as discs are getting older, most disc drives are as well. ...
  2. Clean the Disc. ...
  3. Polish the Disc. ...
  4. Try Data Recovery Software. ...
  5. Seek Professional Help.
Oct 23, 2017

How to copy data from old CD? ›

Copy Contents of CD to Folder on Desktop
  1. Put the CD into your drive and cancel installation if it starts.
  2. Go to START > (My) Computer. ...
  3. Right-click the CD/DVD ROM drive and choose Open or Explore. ...
  4. Press CTRL+A on your keyboard to select all the files. ...
  5. Press CTRL+C on your keyboard to copy the files and folders.

Can CD-RW be reused? ›

CD-RWs must be erased or blanked before reuse. Erasure methods include full blanking where the entire surface of the disc is erased and fast blanking where only metadata areas, such as PMA, TOC and pregap, are cleared.

Can all CD drives read CD-RW? ›

Many read-only drives will refuse to read a CD-RW unless they are specifically listed as CD-RW capable. All burners should be able to, though.

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

Yes, its possible to recover data from hard drives that have suffered logical damage, such as data corruption or the effects of a malware attack.

What is the best way to repair a damaged 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.

How do you bring a CD back to life? ›

A simple way to remove scratches from a cd so you can get your data back off the disc again.
  1. Step 1: Gather Required Materials. First gather the following materials. ...
  2. Step 2: Add Brasso and Start Polishing! Take some of the brasso and pour it onto the CD. ...
  3. Step 3: Insert CD Into CD-ROM Drive and Test.

How to copy files from DVD-RW to computer? ›

Step 1: Launch Any DVD Converter and insert the DVD. Step 2: Click the "Add DVD" button to load the DVD and choose the output format. Step 3: Select the output folder where you want the copied DVD to be saved. Step 4: Click on the "Convert Now!" button to begin copying the DVD to your computer.

Is it legal to rip DVDs for personal use? ›

We've talked about this a bit before—in fact, it's one of the ways most of us are breaking the law every day without even knowing it. There are minor exceptions—like for educational purposes—but in general no, ripping a DVD you own is sadly not legal.

How do I burn data from a DVD? ›

If your PC has more than one CD or DVD drive, select the drive you want to use. Search for the items in your Player Library that you want to burn to the disc, and then drag them to the list pane (on the right side of the Player Library) to create a burn list. When you're finished with the list, select Start burn.

Can data be recovered from a CD? ›

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.

Can you just copy files from a CD? ›

You can easily do so by ripping, or copying and importing, the music off a CD onto a computer. It's legal, provided you own the CD and are ripping it for personal use.

Can a CD-RW disc be erased and rewritten? ›

A CD-RW (Compact Disc-Rewritable) is a type of optical disc that allows users to write, erase, and rewrite data multiple times. It uses a special laser to change the reflective properties of the disc, allowing for the rewriting of information.

How many times can a CD-RW be erased? ›

CD-RW and DVD-RW discs are primarily used when you want to burn data or music and at a later time erase the CD or DVD and burn updated or new files to it. CD-RW discs can be erased and burned as many as a thousand times, DVD-RW perhaps a hundred.

How is data stored in CD-RW? ›

Data Is Recorded as Pits on the Inner Face of Discs

Data is recorded on the inner face of the clear plastic layer facing the reflective aluminum layer, in the form of pits that are 0.5 μm ( 1 μm = one millionth of a meter ) in width, and several micrometers in length.

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