Data recovery from CD

Also if you've seen this sort of thing before, do you know what exactly is this problem?"

Yes and no... I don't know the exact problem with your disk, but the problem is CDs really aren't proper media for data backup. Their real benefit is to make data portable, sharing pictures, music, etc...

Tape archives are what you should be looking at if your data has a value to you. If the cost is too high for this user, then the data should be stored on a file server that does have tape archive, or they need to realize data loss is a possibility with cd backup. Ways to minimize this would include spending more money on higher grade cds, and testing backups after they are created.

Anyways, the advice I have now that you are in this situation, is to try and copy the cd from a newer drive, which might have better luck reading it. You could break down and try a cd buffer too, if there are scratches, but this is really pushing it.

Matt J.

Please always take the time to backup any and all data before performing any actions suggested for ANY problem, regardless of how minor a change it might seem. Also test the backup to make sure it is intact.

would just echo Matt - try reading in another drive - they're all different, and I've often had problems reading 'home burned' CDs - but generally find using another machine/drive (sometimes have to try several) allows me to copy said disk.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Well this one's a homeburned drive & the data is not available on the hard drive anymore. Plus I am reading it from a diff drive that the one it was burned on .. will keep trying. if i find a recovery software that can get the data back, i'll be sure to pass u the info.

Tks.

Greta Isac
G I Consulting
Vancouver Canada

Greta,
Did the creator mention if compression or encryption were used when the disk was made? I have seen cases where encryption will cause only a small white square with a red "x" in the middle to appear when the file is double-clicked. Also, in one case where the files were compressed the file would open, but the only things displayed were strings of odd charachters.
Bob W