How to Fix Freezing Compact Discs
Compact discs that freeze up will usually exhibit skipping of media or cease playing. There are a number of reasons that can cause compact discs to freeze up; adequate cleaning of the discs generally will resolve any playback issues. According to PCGuide.com, excessive buildup on compact discs will eventually impair operation. Dust, dirt and fingerprints all contribute to the cause of discs freezing when a laser reader cannot read information through the debris. Fortunately, anyone can clean compact discs.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Take a cotton ball and dip it into a small cup of rubbing alcohol. Wring out any excessive fluid from the cotton ball.
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Carefully pick up a compact disc around the edges by using your fingertips. Hold the compact disc with the shiny or non-decorative side facing up. Remove any loose debris or dust by blowing gently across the disc.
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3
Pick up the cotton ball with your free hand and gently begin wiping the CD starting in the center while moving outward to the disc edge. Continue wiping the CD until the entire surface has been wiped down. Remove all smudges by wiping the area from the center to the edge of the disc up to three times.
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Take the terry cloth and wipe the CD dry by wiping from the center to the outside.
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Allow the compact dick to air dry for 20 minutes before putting it back into a sleeve or case by placing it on the terry cloth with the shiny side facing up. Put the disc into the proper container after 20 minutes have passed to prevent dust and dirt from contaminating the surface.
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Repeat the above steps for all freezing compact discs.
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Tips & Warnings
Periodically check all compact discs for dirt and smudge marks before using them. Dirty compact discs may collect debris inside your drive and onto the laser, which can weaken the equipment over time and cause malfunctions.
If cleaning has not solved the issue of freezing compact discs, then the equipment that is used for reading the media may be failing or faulty. Consult the manufacturer of the equipment or replace the item.
Never use household cleaners when cleaning compact discs. According to Iowa State University researchers, using household solvents on compact discs is a sure way to permanently damage them. Household cleaners may penetrate into the disc and make the media unable to be read.
Do not clean in circular motions or around the circumference of compact disc. Doing so may cause long scratches on the disc's surface.
