If you are accessing a computer using Remote Desktop (RDP) and try ripping an optical media (DVD, BD) using MakeMKV (or any other similar software for that matter), it will fail to access the disk. With MakeMKV, the error message will be as followed :
The program can’t find any usable optical drive.
This error is due to a Windows security policy (that is locally enforced by default, and could be enforced by GPO if within an Active Directory domain).
To work around this issue, you need to disable the security policy that prevent optical disk access. Here is the procedure to apply on a standalone computer :
1. Open the local policy editor with elevated privileges :
Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Local Security Policy
2. Browse to the following :
Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options
3. Locate the following policy, double-click on it and set to “Disable” :
Devices: Restrict CD-ROM access to locally logged-on user only
You now need to reboot your computer (or run “gpupdate /force”, logoff and login again to your session
Procedure to apply to Group Policy Object in Active Directory :
1. Open the GPO editor :
gpedit.msc
2. Browse to the following :
Computer Configuration \ Windows Settings \ Security Settings \ Local Policies \ Security Options
3. Locate the following policy and set to disable :
Devices: Restrict CD-ROM access to locally logged-on user only
4. Force policy update if needed :
gpupdate /force