2022 Tips | Recover Deleted Files from CD, CD-RW, DVD & DVD-RW - Qiling  

How to Recover Deleted Files from CD, CD-RW, DVD & DVD-RW


You can try using a CD/DVD recovery software to attempt to recover deleted files from your CD-RW. These programs scan the CD for recoverable data and can sometimes retrieve lost files, but success is not guaranteed and depends on the condition of the CD and the type of files that were deleted.

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Repair the Damaged CDs

Step 1. Clean the surface.

Step 2. Apply some toothpaste...Full steps

Bonus Tip - Recover Data

Step 1. Select a location and start scanning.

Step 2. Preview and select the files.

Step 3. Recover lost data...Full steps

Top 3 Free CD DVD Data Recovery Software

CD-RW and DVD-If you've accidentally deleted files from a CD-RW or DVD-RW disc, you know how frustrating it can be to try and recover them. Fortunately, there are efficient CD/DVD data recovery solutions that can help, including recovering deleted files from CD, CD-RW, DVD, or DVD-RW discs, as well as recovering lost or inaccessible data from formatted, damaged, or scratched CDs/DVDs. To help you get your data back, we've identified three top-rated free CD/DVD data recovery software options.

1. CD Recovery Toolbox 

Scan any CD or DVD disks to find and restore the possible maximum amount of data, files or information, considered as lost, with the help of this software.

Disadvantage: N/A 

recover cd data using cd recovery toolbox

2. CDCheck

Advantage: Scan CD's, recover CD's, salvage fragments. 

You have to register, activate your account, log in, and request a free license through CDCheck online.

recover cd data with cd check

3. Unstoppable Copier

Advantage: Small program. Easy to use. 

The program may not restore all missing data from damaged media, but it's still worth trying.

recover cd data using unstoppable copier

A comparison of the three free CD/DVD data recovery software reveals their respective advantages and disadvantages, ultimately helping you choose the best option for your specific case and effectively recover deleted files from CD-RW or DVD-RW discs.

How to Repair the Damaged CDs

If your CDs have been damaged, you can try manual repair to make the disc playable again. A simple and easy method is to clean the disc with toothpaste or some polish. This can help remove minor scratches and scuffs, making the disc playable once more. Just be sure to apply a small amount of the cleaning agent to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the affected area, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.

Step 1: Clean the surface of the disc with a soft lint-free cloth, and use rubbing alcohol to remove any grease spots.

Wipe the surface gently with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any fingerprints or dust particles, taking care not to scrub too hard.

Step 2: Apply toothpaste to the scratched surface and gently rub it in with a cloth, starting from the center and moving outwards.

repair damaged cd manually

If you successfully remove the scratch, you should notice an improvement over time, but the effectiveness can be highly variable.

Extra Tip: Recover Lost Files with Deep Data Recovery

Qiling Data Recovery Wizard Free Version is a software that can recover lost files from various storage devices, including HDD, SSD, SD cards, memory cards, and USB flash drives, but it cannot recover data from CDs or DVDs. Despite this limitation, it can still help in most data loss situations, making it a useful tool for computer users of all levels due to its ease of use and simplicity.

Step 1. Launch Qiling file recovery software on your Windows computer. Select file types and click "Next" to start the file recovery process.

Select file types that you want to recover

Step 2.  Click on the location where you lost the files and click the "Scan" button. This will start the recovery process.

select a location to scan

Step 3. The software will immediately start scanning the drive, displaying deleted files soon. If you find the target files during the scan, you can stop the scan. To find the desired file quickly, you can use the file format filter.

Recover lost data

Step 4. To recover lost files, select the desired files, such as Word, Excel, PDF, photos, videos, or emails, and click the "Recover" button. Alternatively, you can choose a different location to store the recovered files.

Related Articles


Is this information helpful?     

What can we do to improve this information? (Optional)
Refresh Please enter the verification code!


QilingTech uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.  Learn more  Got it