Our cds and dvds usually get scratched irrespective of the care that we give to avoid them being scratched. A scratched cd may not be read by  cd or dvd readers. Spend a few seconds on this article to avoid throwing away your scratched cds and dvds. How is it possible to fix a scratched cd? The answer is simple. Data is written not on the surface of a cd or dvd, but it is burned into a surface residing a bit lower from the surface of the cd or dvd that come in direct contact with the reading lens of the cd or dvd reader.

As shown in the figure data is written on the surface below the polycarbonate outer surface. The laser bean traverses the outer surface to read or write data to and from the cd or dvd. What happens when a scratch appears on the outer polycarbonate surface.

The laser beam that is used for reading data will undergo refraction due to the scratch. Now we come to know the idea that if the scratch can be levelled by applying some sort of solvents the laser beam can easily traverse the outer polycarbonate surface to read the stored data.

Step 1:

Pour a small amount of metal polisher on to a paper tape and spread it over the surface of the CD. Use ample amount of force, so that the scratches are filled by the metal polish.

Step 2:

Allow it to dry. At this time the scratches on the surface of the cd will get filled.

Step 3:

Now rub off the excess metal polish. After this has been done the scratches on the surface of the cd will no longer be a reason for the laser to get refracted. So the cd or dvd will work normally. Simple no? Just give a try.

Tags: cd, reuse, scratched cds