Recovering vobs from cracked disk

[Starman*]

I have a double-sided dvd that has a crack about 5mm into the inner edge of the recording surface. The crack is only on one side, the other side of the disk plays fine. I'm trying to recover what I can of the vob files on the cracked side. Unfortunately all my dvd/file recovery applications say there is no disk in the drive so I can't even get started. Are there any utilities that will read the entire disk even though the inside edge cannot be read? Is the problem built into the dvd drive itself which expects to be able to read something?

BTW the crack is beyond repair - deep and the surrounding area is lifted too.

[thecoalman]

Try isobuster

[Starman*]

Thanks coalman, been there, done that! For the record, also used Dvd Diagnostics. I tried a few demo apps (can't remember which) that purport to read entire disk surface but they don't because the inner edge cannot be read. They all say "no disk in drive" so there is no starting point from which to recover files.

[SLK001]

Unfortunately, a DVD is a "file structure", not a "file system". Files have to be in certain places for them to be read. The main "index" for finding them is in the area where the crack is.

Sometimes, DVD-Decryptor can sort through very bad areas on a disc. I had one that had a "bump" in the plastic that rose about 0.020" above the surface. It took it five hours to make it through the DVD (but it did, and with no errors). Set READ ERRORS to not stop until complete and it might make it through.

[fatbloke88]

try "dead disk doctor" and don't be put off by the programs appearance,it worked after i accidentally sat on my copy of tin cup and cracked the disk.

[Starman*]

Thanks for the new suggestions. I'll give them a try. I realize that a dvd is a bit different to data files but the files are still contiguous and it is similar to data recovery without a file allocation table.

My fear is that the firmware of the dvd drive has to be able to pick up certain minimum data to be able to say a disk is present. If not found, assumes foreign object! Anyway, we'll see if the two suggestions work.

[Starman*]

No luck. Both apps failed due to "no disk present". I tried Dead Disk Doctor on the good side of the disk and it worked fine. Looks quite handy for more routine problems.

I'm fairly certain my comment about the firmware holds. The dvd drive (tried both in the pc) is not recognizing the disk and it does not matter what software you throw at it. Probably needs a special drive with forensic firmware that says "yes there is a disk, read it!" Bummer because 95% of the disk is readable. Any further suggestions welcome but I'm not holding my breath.

[cyflyer]

Yeah, I can never understand why they make those dvd case hubs so bloody hard that you have to pry them out to the point of breaking or almost breaking the dvd. I usually throw away the original cases, and replace them with the shop bought blanks. As to your problem, I think you're goosed, not much you can do but bin the dvd, or take it back for a replacement. Tell 'em thats how you found it in the box.