Is there software that can repair bad DVDs?

[peggypwr1]

Hello, I recorded a program off my DVD recorder, but my Laptop and desktop dvd drives cannot read the disc. Is there any software (free,would be nice) that can repair the disc. I am trying to rip the tv program to my HDD. This is the 1st time it would not work.

[guns1inger]

Sounds like it isn't finalised. Try putting it back into your DVDR and finalising. Otherwise ISOBuster is your best bet, but it isn't free.

[peggypwr1]

Thanks for the reply. Actually, I used a DVD+RW disc. Sony Brand.

[BJ_M]

doesnt mater what brand of disk -- do as guns suggested

[qpskfec]

+RW discs do not need to be finalized

maybe the pcs don't like that brand of disc

[hech54]

I need to either "protect" or "finalize" my +RW discs in order for them to be readable from my recorder to my computer.

[Seeker47]

Sounds like it isn't finalised. Try putting it back into your DVDR and finalising. Otherwise ISOBuster is your best bet, but it isn't free.

You just reminded me of a question I'd had in mind for awhile. Let's say you come across an unfinalized dvd (not a rewriteable), but just aren't sure which dvr or software made it. Is ISOBuster able to function as a "universal finalizer" ? And what about for CDs ?

[theewizard]

I write Tv shows to +RW all the time with imgbrn, and at the end it says finalising

put the disc back in the DVR and choose finalize/finsih/close/protect/DONE

and then your PC should read it. the DVR din't close the disc, it thinks you want to write more to the disc, it has to be told you are done transfering files

[lordsmurf]

I've never had a DVD+RW finalized, it does not need it, it's one of the advantages of the format.

I suspect the computer drives are just not cooperating.

Also remember DVD+RW die pretty quickly. SONY DVD+RW are one I've had some issues with too.

[BJ_M]

learn something everyday ---i dont use +RW , never did

[boldego]

I use Memorex DVD+RW and never have to finalize them. I use TMPGenc DVD Author to transfer the video to my hard drive. Mine have lasted for a very long time. I do all the Simpsons for my son and all the WWE for him. They have to have been used over a hundred times and no problem.

[GeorgeW]

I use +RW discs in my LiteOn DVD Recorder, and never have to finalize them. In fact, if you try to go to the FINALIZE step, it tells you to put in a different disc that needs finalizing (i.e. it won't even try to finalize a +RW disc). But as others mentioned, they seem to die pretty quickly -- after about 3 uses, they stop working properly. ISOBuster will sometimes extract the mpeg file from the discs...