  The latest molecular data - potential energy curves and Rydberg$/$valence
interactions - characterizing the super-excited electronic states of CO are
reviewed, in order to provide inputs for the study of their fragmentation
dynamics. Starting from this input, the main paths and mechanisms for CO$^+$
dissociative recombination are analyzed; its cross sections are computed using
a method based on Multichannel Quantum Defect Theory. Convoluted cross
sections, giving both isotropic and anisotropic Maxwellian rate-coefficients,
are compared with merged-beam and storage-ring experimental results. The
calculated cross sections underestimate the measured ones by a factor of $2$,
but display a very similar resonant shape. These facts confirm the quality of
our approach for the dynamics, and call for more accurate and more extensive
molecular structure calculations.
