Troubleshooting CD-ROM/DVD Issues

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CD-ROM Troubleshooting

Top 10 CD-ROM Troubleshooting Tips
Taking care of your CD/DVD
CD/DVD quit reading disks

Use the information below at your own risk. See "Terms of use"

Top 10 CD-ROM Troubleshooting Tips

If the CD-ROM will boot from a recovery CD, then this would indicate a Windows software problem instead of a CD-ROM issue. It can usually be attributed to a corrupt driver. To reinstall the drivers:

1. Go to Start>> Right click My Computer>> Properties>> Hardware>> Device Manager.

2. Expand DVD/CD-ROM Drives line item.

3. Right click on the items below and select Uninstall drive on the resulting menu.

4. Re-boot the system and Windows will automatically detect the CD-ROM drive and re-install the drivers for you.
Try a different media - some brands will just not work correctly with a given CD-ROM drive. Watch out for compatibility problems with Maxell, Memorex and Macromedia CDs.
Check for unusual noises, maybe a ticking type noise. This could indicate a cracked disk. Or, the media may not be seated correctly on the spindle.
Is the access light on?
Is the CD Clean?
Check error messages in Event Viewer. Here's how:

Go to Start>> Settings>> Control Panel>> Administrative Tools>> Computer Management (or Event Viewer)
Check your manufacturer's web site for software updates and drive updates. Check for QSI firmware updates.
For DVD - Are you trying to write to a DVD that is READ ONLY?
If all has failed, you may be faced with performing a complete Operating System Recovery or Repair (preferred).
If nothing above has worked for you, then you may need to take the drive in to a service facility for repair or replace the drive.

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Taking care of your CD/DVD

CD/DVD's are effected by scratches, bending or twisting. When removing a disk from its protective case, push down on the center hub, then remove the disk from the case handling only the outer edges of the disk. Never remove a disk by prying upward on the outer edges.

Make sure that when you place the disk in to the player, that it is properly seated. If it is not seated properly, when the players carriage is closed, it will bind up on the disk and possibly scratch or gouge the disk.

The single-sided disk is inserted into the player with the Title/Artwork facing upward.

Keep it away from extreme heat. Never store a disk in direct sunlight such as on the dashboard or your car.

Clean the disk with a soft damp cloth. Do not use any abrasive materials on the disk. I recommend using only water. When wiping, use straight-line strokes and avoid wiping in a circular motion. Be sure that the CD/DVD disc is completely dry before returning it to your jewel case or inserting it in to your CD/DVD drive.

Do not stack your disks one on top of the other. Store them in their protective case. Properly caring for your disk will give you years and years of problem free playback!

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CD/DVD quit reading disks

Question:

All of the sudden, my drive no longer reads CDs or DVDs. I've tried reinstalling the driver but that didn't work. Is there anything else I can do?

Answer:

Try this:

1. Go to Start>> Right click My Computer>> Properties>> Hardware tab>> Device Manager>> DVD / CD-ROM Drives
2. Right click on the drive and select Uninstall from the resulting menu.
3. Restart your computer.

On restart, Windows will reinstall the device.

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