If they are blank, CDs and DVDs can look a lot alike.It is easy to identify the type of media you have on your hands if you know what you are looking for.If not, your computer's disc drive holds the answer, because distinguishing features may be found on the disc itself.
Step 1: The media type is indicated by the symbol on the label.
If you want to identify a commercial disc that has been printed with a label or sticker, you need to know what it is.Scan the bottom part of the label.There is a small symbol that reads "Compact Disc" or "DVD" and it is accompanied by a simplified image of a disc.The cheapest discs have a media symbol on them.There are clearly marked blank CDs and DVDs.
Step 2: The media symbol can be used to determine the format.
Some CDs and DVDs are better than others.There are 3 different types of discs and 7 different DVD formats on the market, each with a slightly different function.It is a good idea to say what is in or underneath the media symbol on your disc.In other words, ordinary, commercially-produced music CDs, CDs-R, and CD-RW are the main CD formats.The last two types are used to burn music from other devices.A DVD may be a DVD-ROM, a movie or video game, or a combination of the two.
Step 3: The text is near the hole.
Every now and then, you will find a disc that has one or two lines of text printed around the hole in the middle.This string of characters might include the letters "CD" or "DVD." This should leave no doubt as to the disc's purpose.You will have no choice but to try out another method if you don't see any text around the hole or if the disc does not state what type of media it contains.
Step 4: The tell-tale line can be found on the outer edges of DVDs.
You can zoom in on therim section furthest away from the spindle hole if you turn the disc sideways.Chances are good that it's a DVD if you can make out a thin "trench" running through it.It is most likely a CD if not.A key difference between CDs and DVDs can provide a clue.On a DVD, the information is nestled in between two layers of plastic, which can result in a "sandwiched" appearance.If you don't have any other markings, the presence or absence of this feature is as close to a sure bet as you can get.
Step 5: The computer has a disc drive.
The drive tray can be pushed by pressing the button on the port.Make sure the outer edges of the tray are aligned with the center hole by pushing it down around the spindle.Press the tray back in.If you can't open your disc drive, you should put the end of a paperclip into the emergency hole on the side of the drive tray.All you have to do is slide the disc halfway in and let the rollers take it the rest of the way.You might have to wait a bit for the drive to read the data on the disc.
Step 6: If you have Autoplay on, wait for your computer to load the disc.
Many computers are programmed to instantly pull up a program capable of decoding the information stored on a disc as soon as it is entered.You should be able to figure out what kind of media it contains if this happens.If PowerDVD shows you the main menu for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, you will know it is a DVD-ROM.
Step 7: You can access your disc drive folder to find out what it is.
To navigate to the folder on your disc drive, use your computer's file explorer feature.The one on most laptops and PCs is called D: or E:.The icon will tell you if it is a CD or DVD, but it will also show any specific suffixes it has.Depending on the number of drives your computer has, disc-related functions may be assigned to drive "F:" or "G:".It is possible to view what is in your disc drive through any media player.