CD-ROM error codes: CDR 101, CDR 102, and CDR 103
Below is a listing of what causes CDR 101, 102, and 103 errors when accessing CD-ROM drives. See the CD-ROM help and support page for other questions and answers relating to CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory) drives.
CDR 101
Cause
Driver issue or hardware issue.
Recommendations
Boot to a:
Attempt to boot from a boot disk with CD-ROM support. Test the CD-ROM drive. If the drivers are properly loaded on the diskette, it's a good possibility it's a hardware issue; attempt to reset the cables.
Check cables
If you have moved or installed anything recently into your computer, there may be a loose cable. Open your computer and reseat the cables connected on the back of your CD-ROM drive and connected to your motherboard.
Check drivers
Verify you have the latest CD-ROM drivers.
Booting A: works, however, without diskette it does not work - It's a good possibility that the drivers are not being loaded properly in your autoexec.bat and config.sys.
CDR 102
Cause
Caused by software driver issues.
Recommendations
Remove /e from mscdex.exe line.
Set emm386.exe to auto in the autoexec.bat by adding /auto to the end of the emm386 line in the config.sys.
CDR 103
Cause
CD does not follow the ISO-9660 standard.
Recommendations
Ensure that the CD is clean. Follow steps on cleaning page.
Extra information
If this issue only happens with one disc, it's a good possibility the disc either doesn't follow the above standard or was incorrectly made. We recommend you contact the manufacturer of the CD. However, if this issue occurs with every CD, the CD-ROM drive may physically have issues and we recommend you contact the manufacturer of the CD-ROM drive.