Reference number: CH001090

How to test a computer CD-ROM / DVD drive for failures.

Question:

How to test a computer CD-ROM / DVD drive for failures.

Reasoning:

Users may need to test their computer's CD-ROM, DVD, or other disc drives to verify their drives are properly working and are not defective.

Read first:

Before following any of the steps listed below, make sure you're encountering this issue with multiple discs. If it's only one CD or DVD that you're having problems with it's more likely an issue with the disc itself and not the drive. See document CH000212 for troubleshooting this issue.

In addition, many CD and DVD drive errors in Windows are caused by drivers and/or other software running in the background and not bad drives or discs. If you're running Microsoft Windows 95, 98, 2000, and/or XP see document CH000227 first.

Answer:

A bad disc drive can cause an assortment of different issues on your computer. Below are just a few of the possible issues you may encounter. It is important to remember that the issues described below can also be caused by more than just a bad disc drive.

1. Error when reading CD or DVD.
2. CD's or DVD's may not play or play audio / video properly.
3. CD or DVD programs may not install or encounter errors after being installed.

There are several different ways to test your computer's disc drives if it's bad or has flaws that are causing issues with your computer. Below is a listing of these recommendations.

Software / Hardware solutions

Below is a listing of a software programs available that are designed to test your computer's CD and DVD disc drives and discs.

• CDRoller - Great program that is used to test and if needed recover data from CD's and DVD's.
• CDCheck - Another great program used to help check CD drives (no DVD compatibility) and can also be used to help recover data from damaged discs.

In addition to the above solutions there are other fantastic 100% commercial products. Below is a listing of some of these products.

• CD/DVD Diagnostic - Diagnostic program from InfraDyne that is not only capable of testing a drive and disc, but also recovering some or all data from discs that may be bad.

Replace the disc drive

If you have found the disc drive is bad and/or still believe it's bad after trying the above suggestions, we suggest replacing it. Additional information and buying tips on computer disc drives can be found on our buying tips page.

Additional information:

• See document CH001088 for additional information about testing other computer hardware for failures.