XP doesn't recognize files on CD

[The Bubba]

I was going through some old Cd's I had burnt trying to see what was on them and label. them. I ran across this one that shows it's full when calling up properties but when opening it, it shows nothing. I've tried unstoppable copier but it shows no files to recover. I've tried to use a burner program (Nero) and it says when trying to copy that the disk isn't empty. BTW, I did a format on my hard drive and a clean reinstall of XP and don't know for sure which burner program I had used on this Cd I can't read. Any ideas?

[Salmon Trout]

Sounds like a coaster. A bad burn, or a disk gone bad. Put it in the trash.

[The Bubba]

I don't think It wasn't a bad burn initially or it would have been erased. I forgot to mention it's a RW.

[Salmon Trout]

All optical disks degrade over time, whether pressed or burned. You can pay more and get "archive quality" CD-Rs, but even then you can't be sure. Ordinary grade CD-Rs are not permanent. Some just plain don't last. This applies double for RW disks. RW disks degrade quicker than R discs. They are not purposed for long term or archival use. They can become unusable. Sounds like this has happened.

Just Google for "CD longevity" and read some of the articles you find. Here's one http://www.cd-info.com/archiving/degradation/index.html

[patio]

It's possible the burn in this case was not finalised...

You can use ISOBuster to check...i believe they still have a Trial version...

[The Bubba]

It's possible the burn in this case was not finalised...

You can use ISOBuster to check...i believe they still have a Trial version...

Thanks Patio.

Salmon Trout: I realize CDs degrade over time but was thinking it was around 15 years. This disk isn't that old, maybe 10 at the most. I'm sure there are exceptions on the length of time and it may indeed have reached its end.

[Salmon Trout]

Salmon Trout: I realize CDs degrade over time but was thinking it was around 15 years. This disk isn't that old, maybe 10 at the most.

In real-world applications, the elements that affect a disc's shelf life include: the manufacturer's materials and quality of assembly, user handling and storage, compatible hardware and other disc equipment as well as exposure to excess heat, light or humidity. The last 3 can cut disc life down a lot.

[rthompson80819]

My experience with Cd's is that most problems come from user handling.  There are some cleaners that are designed to clean Cd's.  Before I tossed the CD I would try one of them first.