The reflective layer of CDs and DVDs can oxidize over time, causing data loss visible as holes when held up to the light. Professional recovery uses protective layer polishing techniques and variable power laser readers to attempt to read through the optical degradation.
“Disc rot” primarily affects low-quality recorded discs (CD-R/DVD-R) manufactured in the 90s and 2000s, where the organic dye or aluminum layer degrades due to oxidation or manufacturing defects. Symptoms include progressive reading errors and visible spots. Labs apply controlled polishing to eliminate superficial scratches, use professional readers with adjustable lasers and software like IsoBuster to extract data sector by sector, even skipping errors. In extreme cases, the reflective layer is transferred to a new substrate. Acting fast is key: the sooner the intervention, the higher the recovery rate.
