Data Recovery · LanCologne

Can data still be read from a scratched CD, DVD or Blu-ray disc?

With optical media, it depends on where the damage is: on a CD, the data layer lies directly beneath the label – so scratches on the top side are more serious than those on the side that is read. On DVDs and Blu-ray discs, the data layer is better protected.

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Technical background

As well as scratches, aged recordable discs (CD-R, DVD±R) are a common problem: the organic dye degrades, rendering the discs unreadable even though they appear undamaged („disc rot“). Error correction on the disc can compensate for minor errors; larger gaps remain.

What you should – and shouldn’t – do now

  • Do not polish the disc with abrasive materials or „home remedies“.
  • Do not clean using circular movements – if at all, clean in a radial motion from the centre outwards.
  • Store the media in a cool, dark place in an upright position.

Here’s how we do it

  • Visual inspection and classification of the damage (painted side, reading side, colour fading).
  • Reading from multiple drives with repeated read attempts; combining the best sectors.
  • If required, gentle surface treatment of the reading side.

Borders

  • If the reflective layer is damaged or has come away, the data in question will be lost.
  • Dye that has deteriorated cannot be restored.

Possible results

Recovered files or an image of the storage medium, indicating any unreadable sections.

How we carry out data recovery

Every data storage device is first diagnosed in our own laboratory in Cologne; the diagnosis is free of charge. You will then receive a written quote and can decide whether to accept it. If you decline, you can collect the data storage device from the laboratory by appointment – there are no postage costs involved – or we will post it back to you; in which case postage and packaging costs may apply. Data is recovered from copies, not from the original – using professional data recovery hardware such as the PC-3000. If a drive needs to be opened, this is carried out on a HEPA H14-filtered clean bench. We do not offer a guarantee of success prior to diagnosis, as this is simply not possible in a professional context. Your storage device and your data will remain confidential and will not be passed on to third parties.

1Enquiries and submission by post or in person at the laboratory by prior appointment
2Free diagnosis of the cause of the damage
3Written quotation – we will only proceed once you have approved it; if you decline, you may collect the item from the laboratory or we will return it to you (postage and packaging costs may apply)
4Recovery, data verification and confidential handover

Request a diagnosis   Find out more about the process, costs and confidentiality →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does toothpaste help with scratches?+
We advise against this. Uncontrolled polishing can impair legibility.
Why is my burnt DVD unreadable, even though it looks fine?+
In most cases, the dye has deteriorated. However, several attempts to read the data using different drives may still yield results.
Can audio CDs and video DVDs be recovered?+
Yes, audio and video structures are also read out.

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