Disc read errors when installing and / or running a game can occur due to a number of issues ranging from conflicts with third party software to problems with the disc itself!
Follow the steps below and after each step attempt to run the disc to check whether the issue has been resolved:
IMPORTANT: Links to third party sites and resources are provided for your information only. We have no control over the contents of these sites and resources, and accept no responsibility for them or for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of them.
Step 1. Check that the disc is clean and free from defects.
Fingerprints and scratches could cause lockups during installation. Use a soft dry cloth to wipe any smudges or fingerprints from the disk.
Step 2. Check that you are logged in as the Administrator.
Some games will only work properly when installed and played on an account with Administrator level access.
What is an administrator account?
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/14028/windows-7-how-log-on-as-an-administrator
Step 3. Check that the contents of the disc can be viewed.
- Insert the disc into the CD/DVD drive (exit any menus it brings up),
- Open My Computer/Computer and locate your CD/DVD drive,
- Right click on the CD/DVD drive and select Explore/Open in new window.
If you are unable to view the contents of the disc, check the disc (if possible) on another drive or computer to ensure that the problem is not disc related.
Step 4. Scan your computer for viruses.
The disc may not function correctly if your computer is infected with a virus.
If you have an antivirus program installed on your computer, make sure that it is up-to-date before performing a scan.
If you do not have an antivirus program installed on your computer, click on one of the free online antivirus scanners below to scan your computer for viruses:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/uk/
http://www.kaspersky.co.uk/downloads/virusscanner
http://home.mcafee.com/downloads/free-virus-scan
Step 5. Scan your computer for Spyware.
Spyware is software that collects personal information without your knowledge or permission. Spyware may affect the start-up progress of your disc as well as general gameplay.
To learn more about the symptoms of Spyware as well as how to remove it, please refer to the following Microsoft web site:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/safety/pc-security/malware-removal.aspx
Step 6. Disable Emulation software.
Emulation software converts physical hard drive space to mimic a removable storage device, such as a disc drive. This can prevent a disc from being read properly.
Check that emulation software e.g. Clone CD, Alcohol 120%, Nero Image Drive, and Roxio are disabled. If you are unable to disable your emulation software please refer to the manufacturer of the emulation software for further guidance.
Step 7. Disable third party programs from operating in the background.
Third-party programs running in the background may interfere with your disc from read correctly, details on how to disable third party programs from operating within the background can be found here.
Step 8. Download the latest firmware version for your CD-ROM/DVD-ROM drive.
Firmware is a combination of software and hardware, and is used to control the basic functions of a hardware device.
Check with the manufacturer of your computer or with the manufacturer of your disc drive to verify whether you have the latest firmware installed as firmware updates may include the playback compatibility of discs.
To help identify the make and model of your disc drive please follow the steps below:
1. From the Windows desktop, press and hold the Windows Key (Microsoft key) and the R Key together at the same time to open the Run Window,
2. Type devmgmt.msc and click OK:
3. From the Device Manager Window; Click on + or > besides DVD/CD-ROM drives to reveal the make and model of your drive/s:
