Can a CD-R/DVD-R go bad with old age?

WynOSmokeZ

New Member
There aren't a lot of things that last forever in this world, n so I I was wondering if blank cd-r's or dvd-r's go bad after being around for so many years. I'm talking about a cd-r/dvd-r that has been burned on, put in a jewel case, and put up in a dark closet for years and years. I have some older burned disks that have spots that that can be seen through when put up to the light. It almost looks as if it's deteriorating, but I cannot say if its from normal years of use, or just old age. So what do you think, can a disk just get old?
 

voyagerfan99

Master of Turning Things Off and Back On Again
Staff member
There aren't a lot of things that last forever in this world, n so I I was wondering if blank cd-r's or dvd-r's go bad after being around for so many years. I'm talking about a cd-r/dvd-r that has been burned on, put in a jewel case, and put up in a dark closet for years and years. I have some older burned disks that have spots that that can be seen through when put up to the light. It almost looks as if it's deteriorating, but I cannot say if its from normal years of use, or just old age. So what do you think, can a disk just get old?

My first CD-R mix CD (burned around 2002-2003; maybe earlier) got holes in it (The top sticker) and you could wee through it like you mentioned. The data could not be read off it in those spots and the CD would skip.
 

brian

VIP Member
yes, cd's can go bad. however it should be a while (maybe 10+ years) but they do give out.
 
Top