What Is CD-ROM Extraction?

CD-ROMs were widely used for software, databases, encyclopaedias, photographs and business records. Their value may depend on both the files and the original disc structure.

CD-ROM filesystems

CD-ROM extraction can recover files for modern use while a disc image can retain information about the original medium and filesystem.

Legacy software

Legacy CD-ROMs should be handled carefully because the software needed to interpret the content may no longer be readily available.

Preserving original structure

For preservation work, retain the original files, directory structure and relevant filesystem information. Where necessary, create a sector-level or filesystem image.

Disk images

Modern access copies may require emulation, virtualisation or conversion, but these should remain separate from the preserved source representation.

Accessing obsolete content

Record disc identifiers, volume labels, file counts, checksums and any software dependencies.

Reference guidance: This article is informed by optical-media preservation guidance from the U.S. National Archives and the Library of Congress Recommended Formats Statement. Where appropriate, the article distinguishes preservation guidance from practical extraction procedures.