What causes a game disc to scratch?

Circle Scratch / “Laser Burn”

This is normally caused by the disc coming into contact with the internal mechanisms within the disc drive. This can happen if the unit playing the disc is bumped or moved while spinning. This type of damage is mostly seen in Xbox 360 games, or discs used in laptops.

How do you fix scratches on a game disc?

Start with a basic toothpaste, something natural without any fancy gels, swirls or flavors. Squeeze a small amount onto the CD starting at the middle radius and rub it in using a sweeping motion until the entire CD is covered in a light layer of toothpaste. Let it dry, then rinse it off using tepid water.

What causes scratches on discs?

If the DVD disc is inserted to the drive improperly, DVD drive won't read discs, and may scratch DVDs. The optical drive vibrates by a force or is placed in a tilt angle when reading discs. It will get the focusing lens in the laser head contacts the disk surface, leading to circular scratches on DVDs.

Are scratches on discs permanent?

This type of damage cannot be repaired. As with scratches on the laser-reading side, optical disc drives are usually able to read through minor damage easily, even if the damage is caused from the label side. The difference is that this damage is permanent.

Does a scratched disc affect gameplay?

It may slow down or prevent installation, but once it's installed there will not be any differences. Unless the disc is totally unrecognisable, then you won't be able to start the game. Was this worth your time?

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How do you prevent a disc from getting scratched?

Does Gamestop replace scratched discs?

Yes. And no. Games with really deep scratches have a damage fee and are sent to the company as defective while games with a few scratches to even big scratches or a million little ones are accepted and put out for sale.

Does Vaseline fix scratched discs?

Vaseline Method

Simply apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to a soft cloth, and gently rub it into the scratch in a circular motion. The oils from the petroleum jelly will help to fill in the scratch and restore the disc's reflectivity. Make sure to rinse the disc thoroughly with water when you're done.

Can rubbing alcohol remove scratches from a disc?

Remove fingerprints and grease with rubbing alcohol.

This method will not repair scratches, but should remove grease stains. Apply a dab of isopropyl alcohol to a clean cloth, and rub the disc from the center to the rim.

Does putting a disc in the freezer work?

A small ice layer forms in the scratch, when the laser reader goes over the ice, the light waves pass through the ice so the reader can then read the bits below, rather than the light waves being scattered by the scratch, basically the laser does not see the scratch anymore.

Does peanut butter help scratched discs?

Peanut butter might not be the first thing you think of to clean or fix scratched CDs and DVDs. But the oils in peanut butter help to gently polish the disc while the peanut butter itself fills in any scratches.

Can a scratched disk be repaired?

If the scratch is on the top, shiny part of the disc, the disc is not repairable and all the data is lost. If the scratch is on the bottom, plastic part of the disc, you may be able to repair the disc by resurfacing and polishing it. Today, some disc manufacturers are developing scratch-resistant discs.

Does isopropyl alcohol damage discs?

Harsher solvents (acetone, benzene) will dissolve the polycarbonate and damage the disc beyond repair. Mild solvents (isopropyl alcohol, methanol), however, may be used. These mild solvents evaporate quickly and will not dissolve the polycarbonate.

What is the best cleaner for scratched CDs?

Is rubbing alcohol bad for discs?

Rubbing alcohol works well because it is mild and evaporates quickly without leaving a residue. Rub the disk with a little of the solution and let it dry.

Can a banana fix a scratched disc?

To fix, gently rub the flesh of a banana into the disk, and then lightly buff with the banana peel, which fills scratches with its natural waxiness. Once finished, rub with a clean soft cloth in circular movements, and then give a final shine with window cleaner. It's that simple.

What toothpaste cleans discs?

Use a white toothpaste, not a gel. Gels containing little beads may cause more damage to the CD.

Can you use a magic eraser on a DVD?

Although you typically wet the magic eraser, lightly rubbing a dry eraser over the reflective surface of the disc — again, always in straight lines from the center of the disc outward — may smooth out some of the scratches on the reflective surface without affecting the data underneath.

How much does it cost to repair a game discs?

Repairs cost as little as $5.00 to $7.50 depending on the severity of damage to the disc.

How do you clean game discs?

What is a home remedy for scratched disc?

Apply a small dab of white toothpaste or metal polish to a clean, lint-free (ie fluff-free) cloth and rub very gently along the scratch from the disc's centre outwards. Cover the full length of the scratch, then repeat twice for good measure.

What does disc rot look like?

Signs of disc rot

On CDs, the rot becomes visually noticeable in two ways: When the CD is held up to a strong light, light shines through several pin-prick-sized holes. Discoloration of the disc, which looks like a coffee stain on the disc. See also CD bronzing.

Is CD rot real?

Disc rot is a process that CD, DVD or other optical discs get unreadable through a long period of time. Even if the for-life DVD and durable CD will deteriorate due to disc rot. However, the disc rot will happen in various degrees on CDs and DVDs depending on the manufacturing process utilized.

How does toothpaste remove scratches?

Paste-based toothpaste acts as a mild abrasive that levels out the scratch, removing it or making it less noticeable. It's important, however, to proceed with caution: Use the wrong technique, and you could dull the finish or create more scratches, worsening the problem.