What does "Data Error (cyclic redundancy check)" mean?

[ShadowArmy]

Let me explain

I'm trying to install some software (not a game). But it always freezes at a certain point in the install.

So then I try copying the whole disc contents onto my hard drive and installing from that. But I get this error message when the copying is about 90% complete:

Cannot copy XXXX: Data error (cyclic redundancy check)

I only get that error message when I try to copy certain files from the disc to the drive. Most of the disc contents copies over just fine. Is this because certain files are write/copy protected, or could the disc be damaged? There ARE a few marks on the disc that look like scratches.

 

[VirusType2]

The disc is dirty or damaged, and your DVD/CD drive is having trouble reading it.

CRC means it keeps going over the same information (redundancy), trying again to read the same information that it couldn't. After a while it will give up and give you the error.

Because the DVD Rom is the one having trouble reading it, copying it to the HDD won't change anything.

You can try cleaning the disc, resurfacing the disc (not recommended unless all else fails, because it can make it unreadable by some drives) or try a different DVD drive.

Clean the disc. If it still fails, try a different DVD drive.

 

[Pi Mu Rho]

CRC is a checksum system to verify the integrity of the data. If it's failing, then there's usually an issue with the media (assuming a legitimate, bought installation disk)

 

[StarBob]

CRC is a checksum system to verify the integrity of the data. If it's failing, then there's usually an issue with the media (assuming a legitimate, bought installation disk)

This.

Not the other.

CRC fails when files get corrupted or are part of a disk on a bad sector. I've personally never seen it happen on a CD but if it's a burnt CD it would be easy to understand. I also don't have any solutions for you other than find a new way to get whatever you're trying to get.

 

[VirusType2]

Like I was saying, I've had the CRC error due to the fact that the drive sucked as well. Cheap drives that come with computers. Put it in another drive and it was fine.

The disc surface is protected by plastic, but when the plastic is scratched, it's hard to be read. The actual information on the disc could be fine, or it could have been recorded with errors.