How to Copy a Scratched CD
If you've scratched a CD, chances are good that the quality of the CD will deteriorate quickly, so you will need to make a backup as soon as possible to preserve your content. However, depending on the size and position of the scratch, copying the contents of the CD can be difficult. Still, by taking some precautionary steps and using some free software, you can make a backup copy of your scratched CD so you won't lose your data.
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Instructions
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Clean the disc thoroughly. Run it under warm water, and take care not to scrub the data side of the disc. If there are any particulates in the scratches, they will become worse if you scrub them.
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Fill in deep scratches with toothpaste. Apply a small amount of white toothpaste to deep scratches with a toothpick. Wait 10 minutes for the toothpaste to dry. This will prevent the disc from stalling when it detects the scratch.
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Download free CD copying software. If the CD is an audio CD, you can use Windows Media Player or iTunes, which are standard on the Windows and Macintosh platforms. If you are copying a data CD, see the Resource section for some freeware choices.
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Put the CD you want to copy in your computer's rewritable disc tray. Then load your software of choice and rip the contents to the program. The exact process for this will vary by program, so check the program's "Help" area if you are confused.
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Remove your CD and then insert a blank CD-R. Burn the contents of the first CD onto the blank CD. You should now have a perfect copy of your CD and can dispose of the scratched one.
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Tips & Warnings
Unfortunately, this process may not always work if the scratches are too many or run too deep.
Make sure the toothpaste is completely dry before inserting your CD into the computer, as wet toothpaste will damage your drive. Also be sure not to use the gel style of toothpaste on your CD as it will not dry properly.
References
Resources
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