Page 1 of 1

[Tesdisk_win] Prevent CDROM spindown

Posted: 05 Feb 2023, 17:26
by otofoto
Is it possible to prevent CDROM spindown while using testdisk?
Problem is I am trying to recover fading CD-R media and it takes very long for CDROM to recognize the CD. Tried multiple drives until found one that is able to read TOC.
Testdisk is unresposible until disc is read so after each step the CD spins down and takes long time to move to next operation.
Need an option to prevent CDROM spindown.

The registry entry DriveSpindown timeout no longer works in latest Windows version.

Re: [Tesdisk_win] Prevent CDROM spindown

Posted: 05 Feb 2023, 19:33
by recuperation
otofoto wrote: 05 Feb 2023, 17:26 Is it possible to prevent CDROM spindown while using testdisk?
No.
Problem is I am trying to recover fading CD-R media and it takes very long for CDROM to recognize the CD. Tried multiple drives until found one that is able to read TOC.
Testdisk is unresposible until disc is read so after each step the CD spins down and takes long time to move to next operation.
Need an option to prevent CDROM spindown.

The registry entry DriveSpindown timeout no longer works in latest Windows version.
Logical consequence: Build your recovery computer with a legacy operating system!

Anyway, when dealing with defective media you should always try to duplicate defective media to healthy media.
When dealing with disks (HDDs and SSDs) using ddrescue is recommended.
I have no experience running ddrescue with CDs. Maybe the following program is helpful.

https://www.roadkil.net/program.php?ProgramID=29

You should apply recovery software, including Testdisk, after successful duplication of the recoverable content of your CD.