I recently had a laptop shut down because the power outlet pin was broken and I didn't know it. The shop was able to take out the H.D. and I was able to copy over to an external drive all the important docs, pics, music, video etc.

HOWEVER, now I cannot backup to CD any of the files on the external. They all appear to be "OK" - I have opened pictures, opened excel files etc.

I would just like to get a backup copy of what we put on the external but it fails and says there are "too many errors". Any ideas on how to fix this.

What happens when you copy 1 or a few at a time?
You may be trying to copy too much (Gigs) in one shot, and Windows just runs out of resources

I've noticed running CCleaner helps when this happens

No, if I even try to back up one file with Nero it fails

At one point in the processes - I got the error message

cyclic redundancy error

Copy the files to your Actual running HardDrive first (running Windows)

Then try to burn to disc

If it still fails, it sounds like Nero is at fault
Or the DVD Writer has faulted (hardware wise)

There is the small option that you may have Virus/Malware, you could follow this guide for that:
Have a look at:

Viruses/Spyware/Malware Preliminary Removal Instructions

I did try as a test to move several directories of pictures to my hard drive and then back up from there but I got the same errors.

Do you suggest using something other than nero to back up the files?

Well I like Nero !

Hmm "cyclic redundancy error", refers to the discs themselves (in my view)

I've got another idea

Turn off all things running (including Antivirus/Firewall - And Internet too - ie network cable out)
Have a look at Ctrl + Alt + Del (Task Manager) and end any not needed (known of course) service
You can even run Startup Control Panel and stop everything, and then restart (this is reversible)
Then burn again (new disc again)

I even opened one of the jpgs in Photoshop

Cut out the picture

Put it into a new file

Tried backing up the new file - no go

The Backup is OK :grinthumb

Now to get that burn to work!

Please re-install Nero

You are a godsend!!!!!

That is exactly what it was - the files are fine thank god and everyone else. It was the Nero. Used a different machine with Nero on it and had no problem whatsoever.

Thank you again for helping with this. I thought for sure that when the laptop just "turned off" that it had somehow trashed all the files.