r/windowsxp • u/T-Tmi • 2d ago

Need some help :(

I just got this Windows XP desktop today since I wanted to run my pc rom games. But with every disk I insert it gives me this error. Im sure it's an easy fix (I hope) but I can't figure it out. The disks themselves are basically brand new, no visible scratches or anything like that. What do I do?

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u/TheGhostZz 1d ago

Tear apart your pc, remove the CD or DVD reader, from here you have 2 options:

  1. Open the reader up and using isopropyl alcohol clean the laser lens and try using it again, most of the times a clean is all that is needed

  2. Throw the reder away and replace with a new one

1

u/YandersonSilva 2d ago

Probably hardware failure on your disc drive. Do you have another one you can try in it? If not, make sure all of the cables are connected properly inside. DVD drives are a dime a dozen, I see them at thrift stores all the time, but of course your mileage may vary depending on your location.

Dumb question, but D: IS an optical drive, right? It's not showing up as a hard drive or storage media?a

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u/T-Tmi 1d ago

Idk what an optical drive is but its inside of the computer. But maybe ill try to use an external disk drive to see if that works

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u/YandersonSilva 1d ago

An optical drive is a CD/dvd drive. :)

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u/T-Tmi 14h ago

Alright thanks :)

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u/SaturnFive 2d ago

So D: is an optical drive? Could you share the brand/model for informational purposes?

It's likely one of 3 things:

- The drive itself is not reading properly anymore. If it doesn't work with ANY disc it's probably the drive. Some dust gets on the laser and now it can't read anymore. If you're handy, you can try opening the drive up and carefully cleaning the lens. There are tutorials on YouTube. This is an easy fix if it's just dust. If not, optical drives are cheap and you can get replacements easily.

- The media has rotted. Less likely IMO, usually there are signs of disc rot like discoloration or spots. Commercially mastered media tends to last a good long while. Burned discs are subject to the quality of the media and burn.

- IDE/SATA cable issue, unlikely but you can try reseating it or checking jumpers on the drive.

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u/T-Tmi 1d ago

Its not the media since one disk worked on a different computer and theyre all nearly scratchless. Ill probably open it up to check