How to Clean DVD Drives
Over time, your computer's DVD drive can accumulate dust and dirt from the environment you work in. Excessive dust can cause DVD drives to malfunction. The lens may not be able to read DVD disks and may produce errors. There are several methods you can use to clean and solve problems when your DVD drive is malfunctioning. Purchase a special lens-cleaning kit to help remove dust and dirt buildup from the drive.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- CD/DVD lens cleaning kit
- Anti-ESD (Electrical Static Discharge) wrist strap
- Cotton cloth
- Cotton swabs
- Water or rubbing alcohol
- Can of compressed air
- Phillips screwdriver
Instructions
-
-
1
Use a can of compressed air to clean inside the DVD drive. Open the drive and spray compressed air into the the front of the DVD drive tray. Next, use a cotton cloth with water or rubbing alcohol to clean any remaining particles from the drive tray. Make sure the cloth is damp and not dripping. Then, wait for the drive tray to dry completely.
-
2
Place the CD/DVD cleaning disc into the DVD drive. Depending on the type of cleaning disc you are using, you may need to add a drop or two of cleaning solution to the disc before you insert it into the DVD drive.
-
-
3
Follow the CD/DVD cleaning disc instructions to help guide you through the cleaning process. After the lens cleaning process has finished, remove the disc from your DVD drive.
-
4
Test the DVD drive to see whether it is working properly. Insert a DVD into the drive. Make certain that the DVD is clean because dust from the disc can transfer to the drive's tray. If your DVD drive is unable to read the DVD, you may need to remove the drive from your computer to further clean the lens.
-
5
Unplug your computer's power cables from the electrical outlet. Wear an anti-ESD wrist strap and locate an area to work that is uncarpeted.
-
6
Use a Phillips screw driver to remove the screws from the cover of your computer case. Next, pull or slide the cover off the case.
-
7
Locate the DVD drive inside your computer case. Pull out the cables from the DVD drive. Use the Phillips screwdriver to untighten the screws that are holding it in place on the drive bay. Remove the DVD drive by pushing it towards the front of your computer case.
-
8
Pull the DVD drive out of your computer. Untighten the screws from the drive and take the cover off. You should see the lens. Next, dip a cotton swab into rubbing alcohol and gently clean the surface of the lens using a circular motion.
-
9
Reassemble the DVD drive and re-tighten the screws you previously removed from the cover. Install the drive back into your computer. Reconnect the cables to the DVD drive.
-
10
Replace the cover on your computer case. Use the Phillips screwdriver to re-tighten all the screws that you removed. Plug your computer's power cables back into an electrical outlet.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit dvd drive image by Astroid from Fotolia.com
