How to Restore a CD

Series Summary

Computers are complex machines built upon very simple principles. They perform arithmetical operations millions of times over to transform digital information moving at lightning speed into usable human data. A personal computer's job is to help a user create, manipulate, deliver, receive or delete media content. This is a simple, sterile definition that sounds uninteresting on the surface. Nevertheless, these fundamental functions mimic human ability in some surprising ways. Therefore, the computer is increasingly becoming an engine of the imagination, a platform for the digital life.

Video Transcript

"Hi, my name is Eddy Bickford. Today we're going to be looking at how to restore a CD. If a Cd or Cd Rom gets scratched. It often becomes unplayable. Don't write off your favorite album or computer game, yet though. First step, clean the disc. So that you see where the scratches are. Holding the disc by it's edges. Wash it with mild soap and water. And pat it dry. Don't rub it or you'll make more scratches. Some times this is enough to make the disc playable again. Examine the clean disc carefully, under a good light. For minor scratches, carefully clean the clear plastic that protects the aluminum inside the disc. Use a soft damp cloth. And a small amount of very mild abrasive cleaner. Plain white tooth paste, metal cleaner or a plastic cleaner. The key is not to make new scratches. When polishing or cleaning, always rub gently from inside of the disc to the outside. That way, any scratches you make will be the harmless vertical kind. After wiping away a scratch, clean the disc again. Let it dry and try playing it again. If it still skips, repeat the process. It's not the vertical scratches that prevent it playing properly. It's the horizontal scratches. So use a little bit of toothpaste, mild abrasive cleaner or plastic cleaner. And just rub the affected area, where the scratch is. And then clean away. This will hopefully remove the scratch. And allow you to use the CD. And it will then play properly, after having being cleaned."