Check your CD and CD drive (Windows)

by TurboTax•10• Updated 10 months ago

After inserting your TurboTax Desktop CD, it can take up to 4 minutes for the first screen to appear. Please wait for those 4 minutes before checking your CD and CD/DVD drive.

If the software still doesn't load after 4 minutes, follow these steps to make sure your TurboTax CD and CD/DVD drive work properly:

Clean your TurboTax CD

Use a clean, lint-free cloth, moistened with plain water or rubbing alcohol.
Wipe the shiny surface of the CD, straight from the center to the edge (Never use a circular motion!)
Check that your CD is dry before reinserting it into the drive.

Test your CD/DVD drive

Insert a different, non-blank CD into your CD/DVD drive.
Select the Start menu and select Computer.
Select the CD/DVD drive (usually D).
- If an error occurs, the drive may be dirty or malfunctioning. You may need to clean the drive with a commercial CD/DVD drive cleaning kit. (You can also try compressed air, but make sure you hold the can upright to prevent liquid from entering the CD drive).
  - After cleaning, repeat steps 2 and 3.
    - If the error occurs again, your CD/DVD drive may be faulty. Consult your computer manual or vendor for steps to repair or replace the drive.
    - If no error occurs, try copying files from the CD to your hard drive. If you can't browse or copy files from the CD, your CD/DVD drive may be faulty. Consult your computer manual or vendor for steps to repair or replace the drive.

Verify that Windows can read your TurboTax Desktop CD

Re-insert the TurboTax Desktop CD into your CD/DVD drive.
Select the Start menu and select Computer.
Select your CD/DVD drive (usually D).

If an error occurs, Windows can't read the TurboTax CD. Your TurboTax CD may be defective or damaged. You can request a replacement here.