How to Tell if a CD is Damaged

Damaged, scratched CD

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The time to check if a CD is damaged and may possibly be repaired is before you go to play it or insert it into your computer. Here are some questions to help you discover if it is damaged or just incompatible, even though it may have worked before.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Flip the CD over to see if there are any visible signs of damage such as scratches, grooves where they shouldn't be, distressed rings or dents. Has it been dropped, handled improperly or placed against other CDs without cases or sleeves? Hold it under the light for extra help. Be aware that sometimes the damage is not always immediately visible.

Step2

Listen to hear if the CD skips or only plays over certain parts.

Step3

Check if the CD fail to start even when you start it manually in the CD player or computer.

Step4

Look for an error message in the computer or in your CD player when you insert it into the drive.

Step5

Verify the CD format for compatibility with your computer. Is the CD compatible with your computer system or CD player? Some will not play "home made" CDs. Double-check your manual to be sure.

Step6

Check for a "full" message from your CD though you know you have not used all 720 MB or it could hold some more songs.

Tips & Warnings

Many CDs in off brands sold in spindles will have to be tossed away before they are even used as you will not be able to get them to function. Consider buying name brands even if you have to pay more.
<br>Pay attention to whether or not you have a specific type of CD such as music, data, CD-recordable and write (CD-RW) or just CD-recordable (CD-R).
DVDs will not play in CD players. Be aware of this.