How to Repair & Clean a DVD Drive
If a DVD drive is acting up, most of the time a quick cleaning will solve the problem. This can be done in several ways and will allow you to repair your drive with minimal expense. If these cleaning methods do not work, the problem with your drive is likely mechanical and you will need to take your computer to a professional.
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Instructions
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Restart your computer. This may seem like a simple step, but often a drive problem is caused by your computer being on for too long.
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Use a can of compressed air to blow air into the drive. Do not stick the nozzle inside the drive itself, however, as this could damage the lens. Blow the air in from outside.
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Insert a cleaner disc into the drive. Some of these discs have little brushes on them, and others come with a liquid cleaning solution. You can purchase these at office supply stores.
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Restart the computer again. A restart never hurts and will often make your computer recognize a cleaned or repaired drive.
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Take your computer or DVD drive to a repair shop. Because of the delicacy of the internal workings of a DVD drive, the average user can do no more to clean or repair the drive without risking permanent damage.
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Tips & Warnings
A technique exists of shoving a cloth-covered stick, perhaps with a little cleaning solution on it, into the drive to try to get at the lens directly. This is not recommended, though, as the risk of scratching the lens is too great.
References
- Photo Credit dvd drive image by Astroid from Fotolia.com
