Direct disk access to the drive was denied

Check if you have other programs open

Many programs require direct disc access, such as video and audio rippers, as well as device filters. Examples may include (but not limited to) MakeMKV, various SlySoft, Redfox, and DVDFab software, disc cloning and emulation software, etc.

Usually only one program can have direct disc access at a time, so make sure you do not have anything else running in the background.

When you try to dump discs via a remote connection, such as RDP

By default, Windows is configured to prevent direct access to any storage device, including your optical drive.

To allow direct access to storage devices via remote connection, you need to change the appropriate Group Policy Object (GPO):

1. Open Local Group Policy Editor:

   • Open Run dialog window using Win+R (or Win+X/right-click on Start button in Task Bar, then Run), then type gpedit.msc

     

     

   • Or simply use Start menu to search for gpedit.msc or Edit group policy

2. Using the object tree on the left side, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Removable Storage Access

3. Change All Removable Storage: Allow direct access in remote sessions policy to Enabled

   

Linux-specific issues

Some distributions deny direct device access, and you have to manually add your user account to appropriate group to get it

1. Check permissions on /dev/sr* devices

   myuser@mypc:~$ ls -l /dev/sr*
   brw-rw----+ 1 root cdrom 11, 0 Feb  2 21:54 /dev/sr0
   

   where cdrom group is assigned for optical media access
2. Add your user to the appropriate group, then reboot (logging out may or may not be sufficient)

   myuser@mypc:~$ sudo usermod -a -G cdrom myuser
   

3. Check that your user is in fact present in the group

   myuser@mypc:~$ groups
   myuser wheel cdrom