7 Tricks to Recover Data From Scratched CD

CDs and DVDs are quite robust storage media however, with time they’ve lost their significance to flash drives, external hard discs and USBs. Nevertheless, there are a lot of tasks where CDs still play a vital role; typically installations or specific music or movies.

But it is common knowledge that with continued use, CDs/DVDs tend to get scratched and they increase every time a scratched CD is accessed. So much so, that after a point, a scratched CD/DVD becomes unreadable. And a scratched CD could mean bad news – data loss!

While a lot of CD recovery software and tools are available for purchase, it isn’t always necessary to invest money in them. There are a lot of things you can do at home to fix a scratched CD and recover your data.

This article lists down 7 super tricks to recover data from scratched/damaged CD/DVD to help you reclaim your data.

Important Note: Before using any of the below listed methods, carefully read the associated precautions and warnings.

Trick 1: Masking tape method

Before proceeding you should come to terms with the fact that holes in the foil layer of a CD are NOT repairable, not even by professionals. The best way to move past them is to skip them altogether so that at least the remaining data can be accessed and saved elsewhere.

Note: The CD might make a noise while running but you’ll be able to access at least 70% of the data on it.

Trick 2: Wax method

Trick 3: Clean the disc

A disc can appear to be scratched even if it not owing to dust, oil or other contaminants on the surface. They might prevent it from playing properly and hence give you the idea that it is probably scuffed. Thus, attempt to simply clean the disc properly in order to fix scratched disc.

Trick 4: Light bulb method

This method might not work every time, but it is worth a try. Plus it is simple.

Trick 5: Polishing Method

Warning: This method should be used only as a last resort since it can further damage the disc. Read the instructions carefully before going ahead.

The logic behind this step is that polishing a scratched CD removes some of the outer plastic coating thus making the scratched shallower. To polish the CD, household baking soda based toothpaste is most commonly used.

Trick 6: Use Data Recovery Software

Quite a few automated applications can achieve data recovery from damaged optical media including CD/DVD/Blu Ray Discs etc. One such quite efficient program is Stellar Data Recovery Professional. Through advanced algorithms, this software attempts to read bad sectors on the disc by reading at very slow speed multiple times.

Trick 7: Professional Refinishing

If the CD still doesn’t play, take it to a music or DVD rental store and have it professionally refinished. Consider this option only after cleaning the disc so that it can be made sure that the CD is not damaged any further.

Final Word

So the next time you try to play an old CD/DVD and it doesn’t budge, try out one of our handy tips above to fix a scratched CD/DVD and get your data back. If you know any other then we are happy to hear from you.

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