Scratched CD

[aweg76]

The other day I was trying to install something, when at 99%, it told me that it couldn't move the file and it quit the installation. I also tried copying the cd to my hard drive and that didn't work. I then pull out the cd and I noticed a scratch. I was wondering if anyone out there knows of a good program to recover this cd.

[Twinhead]

You can try to polish the data side of that disk (The area with the scratch) with a plastic refurbishing solution who is commonly used for topping up displays from GSM phones.  (Called Displex here in Holland)
If none available, get Silver polish or even Brass polish to do this task.

If done, copy that CD-Rom dis ASAP to a good quality CD-Recordable and use the recordable to install your program.

Victor.

[ogryzek]

321 Studios used to sell DVD X Rescue (now banned) and are still marketing CD X Rescue (web and Best Buy stores).  They actually work quire well.  I still use DVD X Rescue on some badly damaged DVDs (was able to patch / recover the movie), and I tried it on (very poorly pressed) Audio CD (somewhat successful).

My other suggestion would be trying several different CD-ROM (and better yet CD-R as those have more precise mechanisms).  I have some two dozens drives, all different models and manufacturers.  Out of those a really cheap unit marketed by KHypermedia KHCRW482448 (OEM Benq drive)can read disks other will not touch.  I do not even use it in a working computer - is nicely packed in a box for emergencies only...

[ogryzek]

Also, I heard that some people use a toothpaste to polish out the scratches.  Since I never tried that, do not blame me if that makes the problem even worse (you can always try it first on AOL disk...)

[aweg76]

I will try your suggestions.. but if worse comes to worse.. my only solution.. Buy the software again.
Twinhead - have you tried the silver polish on a scratched cd before?

[giantpeople7]

Also, I heard that some people use a toothpaste to polish out the scratches.  Since I never tried that, do not blame me if that makes the problem even worse (you can always try it first on AOL disk...)

I think this only applies to white paste tooth paste I have not tried that b4 though..

I have used  RainX (winshield treatment) severl times before for CD's.  DVD's shouldn't be any different.
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Remember use a soft cloth and wipe from the center to the edge.

[Navy-ATCS]

The white toothpaste will also work.  It has very small particles for polishing.  
Make sure to wipe all of it off when done.  Make sure there is no water left on the cd either before putting it back into you cd-rom drive.

Navy-ATC
HAFND

[Larry]

>but if worse comes to worse.. my only solution.. Buy the software again.

Many software companies will replace damaged CDs for a nominal fee.  Larry

[warrior_007]

there are other solutions that actaully get rid of the scratch as if it were never there at all. I would recommend that to fix your problem aswell.

[aweg76]

I tried the white toothpaste, but it didn't work.. or maybe I didn't do it correctly. I'll give the silver polish a try next

[martinphill00]

What about those CD-scratch fixer things you see in stores - anyone have experience with those?

[rreif]

What about those CD-scratch fixer things you see in stores - anyone have experience with those?

I bought a CD-R DR a couple of months ago.  I have only had to use it once but it worked fine.  All it does is run a real fine type of sandpaper over the entire disc to buff out the scratches.

[aweg76]

Thanks for all your ideas. I find a cd recovery program and was able to recovery the files. Everything works now, but I will still give the silver polish a try later