Data Recovery

How to Recover Data from Scratched Unreadable CD DVDs on Windows/Mac?

by Sophie Green   Updated on 2021-08-24 / Update for  Data Recovery

CD/DVDs are considered one of the most powerful and portable drives. The storage devices may get corrupted due to scratches on its upper surface, making DVD or CD unreadable. The problem occurs when data on these discs get corrupted due to any reason. Are you looking for a solution to recover data from scratched unreadable CD DVDs on Windows and Mac? You might be having several other questions in your mind if you've lost your important data on CD or DVD. However, you can use different recovery software to recover or fix your affected CD/DVDs.

Part 1: Recover Data from Scratched Unreadable CD DVDs with 4DDiG

The straightest way to recover data from scratched unreadable CD DVDs is using a professinal data recovery tool. Tenorshare 4DDiG Which supports both Windows and Mac is the best DVD recovery software with various features over other third-party applications. You can recover all types of data files from the crashed computer or any other storage. Let's see how it works:

  • Download and install Tenorshare 4DDiG on your computer and run it. Connect your scratched unreadable CD or DVD to PC and 4DDiG should detect it instantly. Now you can select the device and then click Scan to proceed.

    recover data from scratched unreadable CD or DVD- select location
  • After you click on Scan, 4DDiG will do an all-round scanning on the selected device and there is a progress bar showing how much has been accomplished. When scanning completes, you can now preview to find target files.

    scratched unreadable CD or DVD-preview
  • Finally, you can now select target files and then click Recover to saved them to a safe location.

    recover data from scratched unreadable CD or DVD
  • Pros:

    • Easy to recover data
    • Recover data from crashed computer
    • Recover data from image disc.
    • Supports recovery of different file types.

    Cons:

    • It takes time to recover data

Part 2: Recover Data from Scratched Unreadable CD DVDs Using CD Recovery Toolbox

The Recovery Toolbox can easily read corrupted CDs and recover important data as well. With this free app, you can easily recover data that is corrupted during creating.

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Pros:

  • Recover data from damaged CD
  • Free application to use for recovery

Cons:

  • Supports limited files type

Part 3: Recover Data from Scratched Unreadable CD DVDs Using IsoBuster

The IsoBuster makes it easy for you to run a "light" or "full" scan. You must note that the full scan takes a bit more time than usual. The full scan comprehensively and thoroughly scans the CD and recovers the damaged data. The app is free, but the paid version can cost you nearly $30.

how to recover data from  scratched unreadable cd DVDs mac

Pros:

  • Offers full and light scan
  • Thorough recovery process
  • Supports MacBinary Files and UDF file systems

Cons:

  • The free version has limited features.

Part 4: How to Fix A Scratched CD?

If your storage disc has scratches on its upper surface, then the following methods will help you fix it.

1. Wax method

Apply Vaseline, liquid car wax, furniture wax, lip balm, or neutral shoe polish on CD/DVD playing surface. If you have applied any wax, let it dry and use a soft, clean, and link free cloth to clean the disc in a circular motion.

how to recover data from  unreadable cd DVDs mac

2. Clean the disc

Cleaning the CD/DVD with warm water is yet another best method to restore your disc. Remove dust or dirt gently by washing it with your finger. You can use detergent or liquid soap along with clean cotton to clean the disc.

how to recover data from damaged DVD

3. Light bulb method

This method may not work, but it's worth giving it a try. Turn on a 60-watt incandescent filament bulb and make sure to rotate the disc slowly in front of the bulb for a maximum of 20 seconds. Make sure to test the disc while it's hot.

4. Taking to the Record shop

If all the above-mentioned methods fail, you need to consult the nearest CD/DVD specialist record shop. The record shops have a machine that can refinish the CD's coating and make it readable again.

Summary

If you're wondering, "how to copy corrupted files from DVD? Or how to fix a scratched CD?" then this guide is specially crafted for you. In this guide, we have discussed several methods to restore the damaged CD/DVD. If none of them works, you can use Tenorshare 4DDiG to recover data from scratched unreadable CD/DVDs.