Read damaged disks with Windows Media Player

If you have CD or DVD files that are slightly damaged with scratches then you might find it difficult to play with your Windows Media Player. If they are not “too damaged” then here is a solution that you can try.

Firstly start Windows Media Player, and go to its settings. With Windows Media Player 11 (Note that this also works with Windows Media Player 10), you will need to right click on the border, select “Tools” and then “options…” from the drop down menu that appears.

Once the options window is open, click on the “Mobile Devices” tab. From here, select the CD or DVD drive and click on the “Properties” button that is just below.

In the new window, under “Read”, you simply need to select the check box for “Use error correction”.

This option will improve the quality of the sound and make it easier to play damaged media. You should note though that this doesn’t guarantee that your disk will work in the event that it has significant physical damage.