How to Fix a CD Door
CD drives that are built into computers protect the disc that is playing by sealing a door flush with the computer's outer casing. A stuck CD door makes it impossible for the disc tray to exit the CD drive and locks any CD that might be on it from being removed. Pulling the CD door can damage not only the door but the disc tray residing behind it. Fixing the CD door without damaging it requires a few household tools and the patience.
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Things You'll Need
- Paper clip
- Flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton swabs
- Lint-free cloth
- Duct tape
Instructions
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1
Turn on the computer and wait for the desktop to appear on the monitor screen. Straighten out the paper clip. Insert one end of the paper clip into the small hole that is to the side or beneath the CD door. Push the paper clip into the hole until you encounter some tension. Push against the tension until you hear a click and the tension is relieved. There will now be a slight opening at the top of the CD door where it meets the computer's casing.
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2
Hold the lint-free cloth against the computer casing just above the CD door. Use the hammer to give a sudden and moderate rap to the lint free cloth. Carefully insert the flat-edged screwdriver into the crack between the top of the CD door where it meets the computer's casing. Push down on the CD door with the flat-edged screwdriver until you can insert your finger and push the CD door the rest of the way down into the depression inside of the computer' casing.
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3
Use duct tape to hold the CD door down in the depression.
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4
Moisten a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol. Rub the cotton swab against the sides of the open slot where the CD door was before it had been pushed down. Let the alcohol dry.
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5
Moisten another cotton swab in household oil. Rub the cotton swab against the sides of the open slot where the CD door was before it had been pushed down.
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6
Remove the duct tape and let the CD door go back up about three-fourths of the way. Rub the cotton swab against the sides and the top of the CD door. Moisten another cotton swab in household oil and rub it against the sides and the top of the CD door. Let the CD door close.
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7
Press the "Disc Eject" button on the front of the computer or drag a CD from the desktop to the "Trash" if one was stuck inside of the CD drive. The CD door that has been fixed will now open so that the disc tray can eject from the CD drive.
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Tips & Warnings
Put the cotton swabs that have been dipped in rubbing alcohol and household oil into a trash bag and tie it securely before throwing it into the trash.
Forcing the CD door will damage its springs.
