How to Retrieve Data DVDs

Any data disc can be damaged.

As far as data storage goes, DVDs are highly reliable, because the discs are difficult to physically damage in comparison to older storage types, such as floppy discs. However, excessive abuse of the discs can cause DVDs to stop working. If you have a data DVD that won't play due to scratches or other damage to the disc's surface, you may be able to recover the information stored on the disc. Several applications provide tools that can help aid in the DVD file recovery process.

Instructions

1. Place the damaged data DVD disc into the DVD drive of different computers, if you have additional computers available. If possible, insert the DVD into the DVD drive of newer computers, which generally have newer technology and may be able to read damaged discs that older computers cannot. If the computer doesn't recognize the disc automatically, attempt to open it by going to "Start," "My computer" and double-clicking the disc drive.

2. Download and install a DVD-ripping program, like DVDShrink, DVD Decrypter or Handbrake to your computer if you don't already have a ripping program installed. Launch the ripping program after installation by clicking "Start," "All Programs" and the name of the program in the program list on a Windows system, or by clicking the "Finder" on a Mac's dock, clicking the "Applications" folder and clicking "Handbrake" from the "Applications" list.

3. Open the disc tray of your DVD drive and close it again to force the computer to recognize the DVD, or eject and reinsert the DVD on a Mac. If the ripping program recognizes the DVD in the drive, the DVD information populates in the window of the ripping program. Go to the "Mode" menu and choose "ISO" in Decrypter, click "Full Backup" in DVDShrink or select the longest file in the "Title" list on Handbrake to rip all the contents off the data disc if the DVD-ripping application recognizes the DVD in the drive.

4. Download and install a disc-recovery program, like CDCheck, Recovery Toolbox or Recover My Files, if the DVD-ripping program fails to recognize the DVD or fails to retrieve the information due to errors on the disc. Once installed, go to "Start," "All Programs" and click on the program name to open the recovery program in Windows or go to the "Finder," "Applications" and click the program name on a Mac.

5. Open the DVD drive tray and close it again to force the computer to recognize the disc, or eject and reinsert the disc, and give the recovery program the chance to read it. Click the "All" option to select all the files on the disc, click "Browse" to choose a folder in which to save the files and click the "OK" button to retrieve the files from the disc that are able to be retrieved.

References

• TechnoBuzz: Recover Files from Damaged or Corrupted CD and DVD
• New Free Downloads: CDCheck Screenshot

Resources

• DVD Shrink: Homepage
• DVD Decrypter: Homepage
• Handbrake: Homepage
• KVIPU: CDCheck Download
• Recovery Toolbox: Download
• Recover My Files: Homepage