Written by Vasilis Zafiridis
Imagine the following scenario: You've just picked your favorite videogame, for which you've waited very long time and you have preordered it. You remove the disc from its case and place it on the console. But suddenly, instead of starting to run the game, you get an error message telling you that your disk has problems. So before you rush to the store to buy another copy, I suggest, you try the following seven methods to repair it:
Method 1: Cleaning with Detergent
1. First of all make sure the disc has no significant scratches. A CD with large scratches probably will not be repaired, especially at home.
2. Apply a small amount of water on the disc and wash with the detergent.
3. Using warm water and a soft, microfiber cloth, wipe the disc from the center to the periphery, but not in a circular motion. If you wipe in a circular orbit, you'll create rotary scratches which are a much bigger problem.
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove the detergent and any surface contamination. Shake the water and dry with a soft lint-free cloth.
5. Put the disc in the console and see if it works.
Method 2: Clean with alcohol
1. Apply a small amount of alcohol in the gray side of the disc (data side).
2. Clean the CD, with a soft microfiber cloth, from the center out, gently. Repeat that a few times.
3. Do not rub too tough. Just let the alcohol evaporate. Fortunately it evaporates quickly.
4. Try the CD in your game console. If this does not work, continue to the next method suggested.
Method 3: Toothpaste
1. Put some toothpaste, the size of a pencil eraser, on the disc. Be sure to choose toothpaste that does not contain microgranules.
2. Wet your finger and gently apply toothpaste on scratched area with a straight, outward motion. Do not rub the toothpaste circular because it will create more scratches.
3. After about one minute of rubbing, gently wash the toothpaste.
4. Then check for scratches. If you do not see other scratches, put the disc into the console. If still the disc appears scratched, it may have to repeat this process several times until the scratches are more like mere shadows on the disc.
Method 4: Peanut butter
1. Apply a thin layer across the shiny side of the disc.
2. Leave for approximately 5-10 minutes.
3. Wipe the butter with a wet cloth.
Method 5: Vaseline
1. Rub a little Vaseline on the data side of the CD. Try this method only if you have failed with the previous methods.
2. Wipe the Vaseline with a paper towel with a straight, outward motion. Do not rub circularly. Be sure to remove the entire amount of vaseline from the disk, before putting it into the console.
3. Try to run the game on your console. Repeat if necessary.
Method 6: Professional Help
1. Ask nearby video stores if they can clean the disc. This may cost you about 5 to 10 € per disc (maybe less), but it is better than to give 60 € for the purchase of a new one.
2. Additionally, you can purchase a CD repair machine. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. After use, place the game disc in the console. If you see an error, then it is suggested that you return the game to the store.
Method 7: Use a banana!
(This method is recommended for discs that are slightly scratched).
1. Peel and cut the banana in half.
2. Rub over the surface of your disc. Do not rub in circles but straight.
3. Gently wash with warm water.
4. Repeat two to three times if the scratches are still on the surface of your disc.
So,I hope I gave solutions to your problems with all my suggestions.
Enjoy your repairs!!
