CD possible virus

[Jacob]

Hello,

I have two CDs that cause my computer to slowdown/freeze when opened. The content is very important and I do not have back-up. I scanned with Kaspersky and Malwarebites but nothing shows up? Please can you provide any advise on what I can do. I was considering taking them into a computer technician shop - they say they will try and remove the content to another CD?

I have also posted my problem at techguy.com with a computer report a week ago but had not reply as yet.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Jacob

[Alan2273]

How old are the CD's

[Jacob]

5 & 6 years old

[MANEMAN]

Hi Jacob. - And

The reason that Alan asked you how old the CD's are, is because data stored in that format is not lasting as long as originally thought. That could be the problem in your case. (The dyes and / or crystals used start to fail)

There are other possibilities so dont give up yet. What you are experiencing is a read error. Whilst the computer is trying very hard to read what is coming from the CD drive, it is also using a lot of processor cycles ( CPU = 100%) and that is why the computer freezes.

The read errors may also be due to the way that the original CD's were burnt. You may never be able to get them to read in your particular DVD/CD drive or they may read but with some difficulty, that does not mean that they cannot be read in another drive. Therefore your idea of, - "I was considering taking them into a computer technician shop"

could well be the fastest way of solving the problem because you are increasing the odds of them being read by the number of drives the guy has in the shop.

If you want to go it alone try taking your disc to a friends home and see if you can get the files off of the CD onto their computer. If you can get it to read, the best way to copy is to use "Roadkil's Unstoppable Copier" ( http://www.roadkil.n...=9&Installer=NO )

Many of the questions that you may have Jacob, are answered by this Microsoft article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321640

We hope that has been of some help to you.

John.

[Jacob]

Hello John,

Thanks for your welcome, I have been a member of this forum for a while though, perhaps it is in regard to the new look/form?

Your advice makes sense. I tried 'Roadkil' and it got stuck on the 15th image (I should say that windows own file transfer did the same). I have tried it on two PCs and will try my partner's laptop, all failing I will head down to Queensway computer fair London.

Thanks so much for making things clear.

Jacob

[MANEMAN]

I have been a member of this forum for a while

Sorry Jacob. My bad.

perhaps it is in regard to the new look/form?

Nah ! - That's just what happens when men try to multi-task after midnight.

(Laptop on lap, Watching T.V., Drinking tea, Letting the dog out, Posting on forum. You get the picture. :) )

I've got some old 3m reel-to reel tapes in the loft that still play o.k. - Some modern CD's I burnt over the past few years that wont.

Magnetism is still the way forward for storage I think. ( http://spectrum.ieee...density-barrier )

Hope all works out well for you my friend

John.

[-pops-]

It is sometimes possible to see CD deterioration (CD rot) on older disks. Have a look near the centre hole for signs of corrosion/discoloration/disappearance of the metallic film.

Note - this doesn't mean that if it's not there that the CD has not "rotted".