Microsoft KB Archive/230438

Links & Access Games: How to Troubleshoot CD-ROM Read Errors

PSS ID Number: Q230438 Article last modified on 07-20-1999

MS-DOS:; WINDOWS:

MS-DOS WINDOWS

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The information in this article applies to:

 Links 386 CD == Tex Murphy: Under A Killing Moon == 

= SUMMARY =

This article contains information about how to troubleshoot CD-ROM read errors in the Access Software programs listed at the beginning of this article.

The following symptoms may indicate that you are experiencing CD-ROM read errors:


 * You may receive an error message stating that the CD-ROM drive cannot read the program CD-ROM.
 * The program may stop responding (hang) when you are prompted to insert a different CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.
 * You may be able to install the program, but you may be unable to start the program after it is installed.

= MORE INFORMATION =

To troubleshoot CD-ROM read errors in the programs listed at the beginning of this article, use the following methods in the order in which they are presented.

Clean the CD-ROM
Clean the CD-ROM. To do this, use a CD-ROM cleaning kit, or gently wipe the silver side of the CD-ROM with a soft, lint-free cotton cloth. Do not use paper cloth which can scratch the plastic and leave streaks. When you clean the CD-ROM, wipe from the center of the disc outward; do not use a circular motion.

If the disc still does not perform properly, clean the disc using a warm water or a CD-ROM cleaning kit. Dry the disc thoroughly and then test the disc again.

If the issue continues to occur, proceed to the next method.

Inspect the CD-ROM
Inspect the CD-ROM for visible deformation or scratches. If the disc is damaged, contact Microsoft Sales at (800) 360-7561 to obtain a replacement CD-ROM.

If the disc does not appear to be damaged, proceed to the next method.

Run the Program in MS-DOS Mode
If you experience any of the symptoms listed in the “Summary” section of this article when you attempt to run the program in Microsoft Windows, restart the computer in MS-DOS mode, and then start the program. To do this:

  Click Start, and then click Shut Down.   Click Restart In MS-DOS Mode, and then click OK.   Type the following line at the command prompt, and then press ENTER : where  is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive.   Start the program you want to run using the /F switch. To do this, type the command listed in the following table for the program you are using, and then press ENTER. </li></ol>

If you are using a Microsoft Windows 98-based computer, and MS-DOS drivers are not installed for your CD-ROM drive, start Windows 98 using a Startup Disk. To create a Windows 98 Startup Disk:


 * 1) Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
 * 2) Double-click Add/Remove Programs.
 * 3) Click the Startup Disk tab, and then click Create Disk.
 * 4) Follow the instructions on the screen to create the Startup Disk.

For additional information about how to create a startup disk, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q233143 How to Create a Startup Disk

If you are using a Microsoft Windows 95-based computer, contact your hardware manufacturer for information about how to obtain the latest MS-DOS drivers for your CD-ROM drive.

For information about how to contact your hardware manufacturer, please query in the Knowledge Base for one or more of the following articles:

Q65416 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, A-K

Q60781 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, L-P

Q60782 Hardware and Software Third-Party Vendor Contact List, Q-Z

For additional information about how to troubleshoot CD-ROM read errors, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q218617 How to Troubleshoot CD-ROM Read Errors

For additional information about how to configure the program for use in MS-DOS mode, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Q134400 General Tips for Using MS-DOS Mode

NOTE: If you own a Creative Labs (Matsushita or Panasonic) or a double-speed Mitsumi CD-ROM drive, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base for additional information about how to configure your CD-ROM drive:

Q131499 CD-ROM Drives Requiring Real-Mode Drivers

The third-party contact information included in this article is provided to help you find the technical support you need. This contact information is subject to change without notice. Microsoft in no way guarantees the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

The third-party products discussed here are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products’ performance or reliability.

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========================================================= Keywords : kb3rdparty kbenv kbhw kbimu kbfaq Version : MS-DOS:; WINDOWS: Platform : MS-DOS WINDOWS Issue type : kbhowto ============================================================================= Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1999.