[sanfranciscoe]

I have a new computer with Vista. I have files from my old computer (from XP) on a CD, but I cannot open this CD on this new computer with Vista on it. I have tried and tried. The CD will work on a friends XP computer. Can somebody help me ? I am no expert, can just do normal things on a computer, but am having a hard time on Vista. Thanks for your help.

[kama64]

What error are you getting when you open it?

[sanfranciscoe]

I don't get any error messages. When I install the CD with my pictures and files, a window pops up called "AutoPlay" There is a green moving that bar that is "Searching for content". This bar doesn't stop, like it is endlessly searching for content.

There are "picture options" below, like Import Pictures, View Pictures, Copy pictures, and then there are General Options to open folder to view files., which is the one I want the most.

But when I click on all of these options, nothing happens.

Its like it cannot read the CD.

This is what it does, and it doesn't change.

It's a new computer. Thanks for advice.

[Bob Cerelli]

What if you just cancel out of AutoPlay and use the Windows Explorer to look at what is on the CD.

[sanfranciscoe]

The windows explorer window is blank. but there are definite files on the CD. ??

[Bob Cerelli]

From your first post, it does appear that there are files on the CD since other computers can access them - "The CD will work on a friends XP computer."

Can you read any CD or is the problem with just this particular one?

[sanfranciscoe]

Good question. There are some CDs I have (other back up CDs) that show up, and the files are there on the Windows Explorer page. Some other CDs have the same problem "can't read the contents".

The CD I most want to open was also tested in front of me when I picked it up. Don't understand why my particular computer won't read this. Any suggestions? Thank you.

[Bob Cerelli]

If some CD's don't work on that particular CD ROM drive but work on other's, it may be the CD ROM drive itself.

[Rich-M]

Bob is right it sounds like the cd drive is either dirty or defective. If you have a cleaner cd you could try running it through it, but it is almost the same price to buy a new drive as a cd cleaner so if you don't I would replace the drive...though before doing that re seat the cables and if you can, try another cable on it as well to rule out anything else.

[kiwiguy]

Unless packet writing software was used on "the XP computer" that created the CD, and not the native XP burning program?

[Bob Cerelli]

Are there any significant details for how the CD was made on the XP computer?

[JohnWill]

Try IsoBuster on the disk. If it was written using packet-writing software, it can probably read it.

[sanfranciscoe]

Hello,
The CD was made in attempt to save my old computer, they didn't but they gave me a CD of all the files on my computer.

Am wondering if there is possibly one thing on the CD that prevents it from opening up.... I could never know what that thing is....

[sanfranciscoe]

Also, as I said, my computer is brand new, and does read some CDS. with this one it "can't read content"

[DoubleHelix]

Stop the Autoplay feature. Click Cancel or whatever. Then open My Computer, and instead of double-clicking on the drive, right-click and choose Open.

How was this CD burned? Using what software or what method? That's kind of important information here. There are no "XP" files that other operating systems can't read. Data is data. All that's needed is the correct application. The fact that you're able to view the files on another computer indicates something else is involved here that you're not telling us about.