Consumer Affairs Editor David Derbyshire answers your questions I have got a couple of scratched CDs. Is it possible to repair them? Back in the mid-1980s, when CDs were first introduced and every player seemed to come with a free copy of Dire Straits' Brothers in Arms (the nastier models came with two), we all fell for the promise that these new shiny discs couldn't be scratched. It was, of course, nonsense. They don't scratch as easily as vinyl LPs, but I've damaged half a dozen CDs over the years.If a CD is skipping, first give it good clean using a CD wipe or mild soap and water. Dry carefully with a lint-free cloth in a straight line from the centre to the edge. Rubbing in circles can cause more damage.If that doesn't do the trick, look for a scratch. The information on a CD is written in a series of bumps on a layer of metal foil which is protected by a layer of clear plastic. If the plastic is scratched, the CD player's laser won't be able to read the information and will jump. If the scratch isn't too deep, then it can usually be repaired.

There are several CD-repair kits on the market, available from larger electrical or computer stores, which will polish away a scratch. There's also a cranking device called Skipdoctor for about £25, which removes the top layer of clear plastic from the disc.If the disc is important, you should consider getting it repaired by a professional. air innovations air purifierGoogle "CD repairs" or try the Yellow Pages. clean air solutions virginia beachThe firms Scratch Doctor and Happy Discs offer to repair CDs, but I've no idea how good they are.tips for buying air purifierIf you're happy to take a risk, it is possible to repair a CD at home using a mild abrasive that smooths away the edges of the scratch. It's risky because you might do more harm than good, but I've managed to restore a couple of CDs this way.

First, find your scratch. Unlike an LP, a CD plays from the centre outwards. Skipping near the start of the album means a scratch near the centre. Thick scratches and those running parallel to the edge are the most likely to cause problems.I've used Brasso before. Other people recommend a plastic cleaner, wood polish or even toothpaste.Rub it on, working in a straight line from the centre to the edge. The idea is to remove the top layer of plastic around the scratch and polish away the sharp edges.Do it gently and slowly, and periodically remove the abrasive, dry the CD and play it. If it still skips, try again. I've managed to get a scratched CD working again with six or seven applications of metal polish. Remember, it's essential to remove any abrasive from the surface to prevent further damage. Is there any advantage to keeping CDs and DVDs in bulky plastic cases, rather than in cardboard or plastic sleeves? A proper plastic "jewel" case reduces the risk of scratching, while sliding your CD or DVD into a plastic or cardboard case risks damage from pieces of hidden grit.

You can also store them safely in cases with soft, protective backings.CDs and DVDs are less vulnerable to warping than vinyl, but you should avoid leaving them in sunlight - particularly in cars. If you've got a computer, it's sometimes worth making a copy for your own use in case of damage. Further to last week's item on DVD players, can you tell me if DVDs available in the UK will work on DVD players used in Australia? As long as they are multi-region players (which most are in Australia), they will work fine. Write to David Derbyshire at Buyer Beware, The Daily telegraph, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DT or buyer.beware@telegraph.co.ukSkip To Main Content Skip To Primary Navigation The NexxTech Laser Lens Cleaner uses six super-soft brushes to ensure thorough and reliable cleaning, without harming the delicate optical components of your disks. Enjoy your DVDs more and improve your music archive by cleaning your optics in your CD or DVD ROM. The easy-to-use audio instructions walk you through the cleaning process from start to finish.

This laser lens cleaner process will prolong the life of your disc player, improve visual clarity and sound quality. Features Works on CD, DVD, Blu-ray - all optical drivesThe six brush system cleans off the entire laser lensWill not damage sensitive optical componentsIncludes easy-to-use audio instructions 3401 Dufferin Unit #401A Toronto, M6A2T9 700 LAWRENCE AVE W UNIT #120 - PO BOX 99 NORTH YORK, M6A3B4 526 LAWRENCE AVENUE WEST UNIT 16D NORTH YORK, M6A1A1 Find In Other StoresAre CD/DVD cleaning discs worth using? Most of these cleaning discs consist of a brush mounted to a CD-sized disc;... Sign in for existing members By submitting your email address, you agree to receive emails regarding relevant topic offers from TechTarget and its partners. You can withdraw your consent at any time. Contact TechTarget at 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA. You also agree that your personal information may be transferred and processed in the United States, and that you have read and agree to the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy.

you insert the disc into the player, let it spin, then remove it. The idea is that the brush will remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the drive's laser lens, which can indeed cause problems if enough accumulates. But do CD/DVD cleaning discs work? Web site cites some of the reasons why these cleaning discs may do nothing, or more harm than good. Here are three of them: The best ways to keep CD/DVD drives in proper order are to maintain proper environmental protections, with little dust, pollen, smoke or dander in the air. Also, the drive should be properly mounted and the cables neither crimped nor folded. Remember, CD/DVD drives are also commodity items, like mice or keyboards. If they fail, they can be replaced without incurring much of a cost. About the author: Serdar Yegulalp is editor of the Windows Insight, (formerly the Windows Power Users Newsletter), a blog site devoted to hints, tips, tricks and news for users and administrators of Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Vista.