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How do you want to use this disc with a CD/DVD player?

7 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Even though flash memory took over, there are more than a few solid reasons why one would still useCD or DVDto store and access one’sdata. They’re far from being extinct, to say the least.

Now, mostDVD driveswill work seamlessly on any given Windows configuration and the issues are quite rare.

One rare problem affecting users who try to open the CD/DVD via the optical drive is “How do you want to use this disc with a CD/DVD player?” prompt. It seems that the system reads the non-rewritable CD or DVD as a rewritable one.

We have some steps you could try and resolve what it seems to be a system issue, as Windows is unable to recognize and properly utilize an optical drive.

How to get rid of How do you want to use this disc with a CD/DVD player message?

1. Run Hardware troubleshooter

Let’s start by running a built-in hardware troubleshooter. This tool should identify issues with system resources failing to recognize a DVD ROM. If it doesn’t resolve it on its own, you’ll at least get a better insight into the cause of the problem.

The procedure to run the tool is the same applies only to Windows 7/8.

Here’s how to run Hardware troubleshooter onWindows 10:

2. Check the DVD ROM driver and BIOS presence

In order for any piece of hardware to function properly, you’ll need a proper driver. Now, even thoughDVD-ROMdrive usually works with the set of generic drivers provided by Windows Update.

However, that’s not a rule of thumb, so we suggest reinstalling the driver or, even better, going for an official driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Here’s how to reinstall the CD/DVD drive’s driver:

In addition, we encourage you to navigate to BIOS/UEFI settings and confirming that the drive is recognized. If that’s not the case, consider accessing yourPCcomponent and unplug and then plug in again the CD/DVD into the motherboard and PSU.

AutoPlay doesn’t work on your PC? Fix it now with this simple guide!

3. Reinstall IDE/ATAPI drivers

While we’re at drivers, another option is reinstalling or even removing the IDE/ATAPI drivers from the Device Manager. Of course, this is only until the next restart and the whole procedure focuses on re-acquiring a new set of drivers.

They seem to cause issues from time to time, making the drive completely invisible by the system. Which will, of course, lead to the “How do you want to use this disc with a CD/DVD player” error on some occasions.

Here’s what you need to do:

4. Fix registry

Another possible reason for the error at hand might lie in the corrupted registry entry. All kinds of third-party applications tend to change the values of the registry and this might lead to a plethora of errors.

A casual user will rarely look into the Registry as it’s known fact that meddling there might bring a lot of problems. However, in this case, we encourage you to check drive-related registry entries and fix them.

Here’s where to look and what to do:

Can’t access Registry Editor? Don’t worry, we got a fix for it!

5. Disable Clone Drives/Virtual Drives

If you’ve recently installed a Clone virtual drive tool which allows you to mount ISO files, it’s advised to uninstall it. A possible mix-up between the hardware and software-based drives seems to cause issues like this all the times.

Even though your Virtual Drive is inactive (no files are mounted), it still might interfere with the hardware optical drive.

That’s why we recommend navigating toControl Panel > Uninstall a program, and removing all and any third-party applications used to simulate hardware optical drive. After that, reboot yourPCand give it another go. If the issue persists, continue with the steps below.

6. Scan for malware

Whenever a strange system issue occurs, there should be a hefty dose of suspicion concerning a malicious software. We can’t stress enough how much danger a virus brings so make sure you have proper protection.

You can either use one of many third-party antivirus solutions or stick with the built-in Windows Defender. Nonetheless, performing a deep system scan is paramount and, in this case, it might resolve the problem with the optical drive.

Here’s how to perform a deep scan with Windows Defender:

If you’re not sure how to perform the same procedure on a third-party antivirus, check the support site or navigate to Help menu.

Want better protection for your PC? Try one of these antivirus applications!

7. Uninstall recent Windows Updates

Even though you shouldn’t avoid Windows Updates for a prolonged period of time, some of them can certainly break the system. A bit strange thing considering that they supposedly improve the system, both security-wise and feature-wise.

However, it is what it is and there are only two things you can do if you suspect an update broke CD/DVDROM optical drive. You can either uninstall a recent update or wait for the next update to patch up the issue.

The latter option may take some time until the problem is acknowledged and dealt with. On the other hand, the first option (uninstalling updates) should help you right away.

Of course, if the update caused the “How do you want to use this disc with a CD/DVD player” error in the first place.

Here’s how to uninstall updates inWindows 10:

8. Check hardware

Finally, if none of the previous steps worked for you, we suggest disconnecting the optical drive from the current configuration and connecting it to anotherPC. This might seem like a too much, but the only thing you need is a fitting screwdriver and a few minutes of your time.

If the optical drive works on an alternativePC, then consider reinstalling your system and starting from a scratch. Of course, double check all connections, both to a motherboard and PSU.

On the other hand, if it behaves similarly on an alternativePC, consider replacing the optical drive. And, on that note, we can wrap up this article.

If you know of an alternative way to tackle this, make sure to tell us in the comments section below. We look forward to different insight into this issue.

How do you want to use this disc with a CD/DVD player?#

How to get rid of How do you want to use this disc with a CD/DVD player message?#

1. Run Hardware troubleshooter#

2. Check the DVD ROM driver and BIOS presence#

3. Reinstall IDE/ATAPI drivers#

4. Fix registry#

5. Disable Clone Drives/Virtual Drives#

6. Scan for malware#

7. Uninstall recent Windows Updates#

8. Check hardware#