So, what are your options? Well, it depends on your operating system. Where holes have perforated the data layer, cover these with tape and a dark pen to ensure the disc can be read.

Cover holes in the data layer with pen and tape. Not all discs are damaged by scratches.

Fill the scratch with a wax-based product. Lip balm, shoe polish, and other wax-based products can fill the scratch in much the same way as toothpaste.

If you have access to an incandescent 60W bulb, exposing the scratched disc to the heat can soften the plastic a little, potentially enabling the data to be read.

Soften scratches with heat from a 60W lightbulb.

Certain substances can fill the gaps caused by scratching and when polished enable the laser to read the data from the disc. You wouldn't believe how much trouble greasy hands and food residue can cause! This is the most reliable fix, as it is the most common.

Clean the disc using a soft lint-free cloth and a dab of warm water and mild detergent.

Similarly, if you should have success, it is advisable to close the disc immediately.

Note that these fixes are not guaranteed. Some hands-on methods have been discovered to help repair scratched CDs and DVDs.

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