TIPS: Recover Scratched CDs

Don't you feel like crying every time you add another disc to

your pile of scratched discs. Trashing that disc which contained

your favorite songs, pics, files, games or videos is not easy.

Read-on, if you find yourself wishing for a miracle every time

your fav CD is scratched:

Home Remedy :

Here's an easy home remedy, which might give you

the desired results. Rub a small amount of toothpaste on the scratch

and polish the CD with a soft cloth and any petroleum-based

polishing solution (like clear shoe polish). Squirt a drop of

Brasso and wipe it with a clean cloth.

Technology to the rescue:

There are many softwares available on the

net, which enable the recovery of the CD data. BadCopy Pro is one

such software, which can be used to recover destroyed data and

files from a range of media.

Just a few clicks is all it requires to recover the disc from almost all

kind of damage situation; be it corrupted, lost data, unreadable

or defective.

DiskDoctors is another popular company, which offers both software

and solutions to recover data from a scratched CDs and DVDs 

General Tips:

* Always wipe the CD from the center outward with straight spoke-like

strokes. Wiping CDs in circles will create more scratches.

* Do not scratch the graphics layer as you cannot repair the disc.

HINT: Hold the disc up to a light with the graphics layer facing

the light source. If you can see light thru the scratches at any

point then the disc may be irreparable and or exhibit loading

or playing errors.

* Clean your Disc players lens regularly with a suitable product to

ensure optimal viewing pleasure.

* Make sure to use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean both sides of the

disc. Wipe in a straight line from the centre of the disc to the

outer edge.

* If wiping with a cloth does not remove a fingerprint or smudge,

use a specialized DVD disc polishing spray to clean the disc.

* Only handle the disc by its outer edge and the empty hole in the

middle. This will help prevent fingerprints, smudges or scratches.

Statistics:

*Finger marks/ prints cause 43% of disc problems.

* General wear & tear causes 25% of disc problems.

* Player-related issues cause 15% of disc problems.

* User-related issues cause 12% of disc problems.

* PlayStation 2 machine scratches cause 3% of disc problems.

* Laser rot (a manufacturer error) causes 2% of disc problems.