How to Repair a CD

Saving important data or video files to a CD is a convenient way of backing it up. Instead of crowding your computer hard drive space with all of this data, you'll be able to move files onto a CD and then archive them until needed. One of the most common issues that many users experience is having to deal with a scratched CD. It only takes one little scratch to turn your CD into an unwanted coaster. With a few tips, you'll be able to quickly and easily learn how to repair a CD.

Things You'll Need

• CD
• Lint free cloth
• Mild soap
• Toothpaste (non gel)
• CD player
• CD drive

Instructions

1. Wipe your CD on a regular basis. Even if you do not see anything on it, there may be other unseen contaminants that can render it useless. Use a very gentle and mild liquid soap or detergent in water to remove any extra particles. Start the rubbing motion near the center of the CD and then rub outward toward the edges. Doing this will help to stop further scratching onto the surface of your CD. Shake off excess water and then allow your newly cleaned CD to air dry.

2. Insert the CD into a player and test it. Sometimes the only requirement for repairing a non playing CD is to clean it well. Try to play the CD in several different CD players to make sure that it is properly working. Some external CD players are extremely sensitive and cannot handle playing a scratched CD. However, computers with CD drives can play a scratched CD more easily.

3. Burn an entirely new CD, if possible. Once your CD is able to play, consider creating another copy of your important files on another CD that is unscratched. This will give you another valuable back up copy and you won't have any issues playing this new CD. Sometimes a computer will give you the chance to burn a copy, even if the CD does not play properly.

4. Find the scratch or scratches on your CD. Depending on the amount of scratches and how deep they are, you may still be able to repair your CD by polishing it. If you are able to successfully polish your CD, it will make the scratches shallower and therefore able to successfully play on a CD player. There are many items that can be used to polish a CD, such as a non gel toothpaste and a lint free cloth. Rubbing your CD with these items from the center towards the outer regions can help remove these unwanted scratches. Just remember to take your time instead of rushing.

5. Remove the toothpaste from the CD by thoroughly rinsing it with warm water and then let it air dry. Inspect your CD carefully and make sure that all toothpaste residue has been removed. The last thing you would want is to play your CD and then discover that there's still toothpaste on it. Not only will this destroy your CD, but it may even damage your CD player as well.

6. Place your CD into a CD drive or player and test it out. If for some reason it still will not play properly, try the cleaning process one more time. A successfully repaired CD will be shiny and have less or virtually no scratches on it. Although your CD may have many scratches, there may be only one scratch that is affecting its playing capability. Choosing the right one is extremely important in repairing your CD.