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Question

Windows Can't Read Disk

Oct 20, 2014 5:28AM PDT

I keep getting this message: Windows Can't Read Disk in Drive E:\. This applies to both CD and DVD drives.

I was transferring pictures to a DVD until it had no more room. When I changed discs, the machine said it couldn't "read " the disc. Same situation for both drives. I've changed discs and ran a system restore to no avail.

Outside of waiting for Windows 10, what is the solution for this?

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
Tell more about these "transfers"
Oct 20, 2014 5:30AM PDT

Because moving files can fail, you would copy them so you have a second chance.

I can't tell how you created said DVD so recovery is too much guesswork. It's not a Windows issue IMO so let's here more and I'll note ISOBUSTER for you to read about.
Bob

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Answer
Re: Windows can't read disk
Oct 20, 2014 6:14AM PDT

- Did you reboot after the "disk full" error (assuming it gave an error)?
- Is that DVD closed, so you can read it on another PC?
- Any problem for the drive in Device Manager?
- Did you try to delete that Device from Device Manager in Safe Mode, and reboot to let Windows re-detect it?
- Why do you think Windows 10 would help here?

Kees

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Still Can't Read Disks
Oct 25, 2014 1:43AM PDT

I did not reboot after the error, but I have many times since.

The disk can be read on another machine.

Device manager says both drives are working properly.

I tried uninstalling the drives. They re-installed OK but the same problem persists.

It happened on both drives simultaneously.

Burning works if I use Cyberlink's Power 2 Go program, but I still want the computer's system to work.

The recording tab disappeared.

Why can't MS make something that WORKS!!!!????

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Re: disks
Oct 25, 2014 1:55AM PDT

Your original problem was: Windows can't read a disk in drive e: And it applies to both CD and DVD drives. That's strange, of course. I mean: drive e: is a CD drive, or drive e: is a DVD drive, but it can't be both. Maybe you meant "My e:-drive (a DVD-burner) can't read disk (no CD's and no DVD's)"? Or: my e:-drive [??] and my f-drive [what's that?] can't read any disk", since in your reply you're talking about 2 drves.

Now you tell:
1. I can burn with a burning program. That's nice, but not necessary relevant for reading.
2. The recording tab disappeared. What recording tab in what program?

Now try if those drives work (both reading and burning) if you boot from a Linux Live disk (or USB-stick). If they don't, it's not a Microsoft issue, but a hardware issue. If they do, better see if re-installing Windows helps (that's better than waiting half a year for Windows 10).

Kees

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Answer
If it can't read the media
Oct 26, 2014 9:52PM PDT

It's a prblem with the media. Your optical drive is both a CD & DVD reader and writer. MS doesn't make the CD & DVD reader,the drivers for that device or the media your attempting to read. .

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Here's how it happened.
Oct 27, 2014 12:49AM PDT

I tried to transfer pictures to the DVD and there wasn't enough room.

I changed the DVD and attempted to transfer pictures again. That's when I got the message "Windows can't read the disc in Drive E:\" This happened on both drives.

I also looked at movie maker and there's no longer a way for me to transfer movies to DVD.