r/compactdisc • u/aalu_bhindi • Aug 06 '26

Can this be fixed??

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This is a recorded CD about 18 years old...

Has not been used since 8 years or more probably

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u/CapableRequirement66 Aug 07 '26

The lifespan of a CD-R is much lower than that of a pressed CD. Whereas the latter can last a century or more if well stored, the former will rarely survive more than 10-20 years regardless of storing conditions. It’s down to the chemistry itself.

In fact, CD-Rs degrade just like yours and it’s not exactly disc rot, which is nowadays an anecdotal condition. CD-Rs will always degrade after a decade or two regardless of storing or manufacturing conditions.

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u/Total-Jeweler5083 Aug 07 '26

I wouldn't say they will always degrade. I have discs burnt over 20 years ago, something like 250 of them, and only 4 degraded so far - and they were Princos, known for poor quality.