This article was taken from the February 2011 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.https://www.magazineboutique.co.uk/store/custompage.asp?customid=349
Your music collection may have a few discs that are too scratched to be played. But wait. Before you consign them to the bin, there are a few hacks that you should consider first.
Duplicate it
Certain CD-burning programs can read enough of the disc to make a duplicate. On Linux, ddrescue is effective with audio CDs. Nero's BackItUp & Burn can slow the drive speed to make multiple reading passes.
Rub it
Using a mild abrasive, such as a baking soda-based toothpaste, can diminish minor scratches. Use a small amount on a soft, lint-free cloth and rub the scratch gently ten or 12 times. Rinse with warm water and leave to dry.
Wax it
Apply a small amount of liquid car wax or Vaseline with, again, a soft, lint-free cloth in a gentle inside-to-outside motion. If it works, burn a new copy immediately as the wax will start to degrade the surface of the CD.
Heat it
Using a desktop lamp or anything with a 60-watt incandescent-filament bulb, hold the disc, recording side up, to the lamp at a distance of 10cm for about 20 seconds. While it's still hot, try using the CD.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
