Funny Clip Broken Disc Game Return

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This wikiHow teaches you how to attempt to repair a video game disc that was scratched. Surface-level scratches can often be fixed using a substance like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or toothpaste, though deeper scratches are impossible to fix. Keep in mind that any repairs to a scratched disc are usually temporary; you'll most likely have to replace the disc at some point.

Steps

1. 1

   Understand which scratches can be fixed. There are two main data surfaces on a game disc: the surface plastic, which is the plastic layer on the bottom of the disc, and the aluminum storage, which is the reflective part. If the plastic is lightly scratched, the aluminum part may not read correctly, thus causing errors; you may be able to fix this issue by filling the scratches with a solid solution.^[1]

   • If the aluminum surface is scratched, you cannot repair the disc. This happens when the disc is deeply scratched.
   • Deep, circular scratches cannot be fixed. You'll either have to return the game or buy a new copy.

2. 2

   Make sure that the game is the problem. If running another disc in your console or computer results in the same error message, the game probably isn't the issue.

   • If the disc is scratched but you haven't encountered any errors while using it, don't attempt to repair it.
   • Disc errors can result due to anything from outdated drivers to incompatible software.
   • Be aware that placing a disc in a console or computer's disc drive which scratched your current disc may also result in the second disc being scratched.

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3. 3

   Gather the necessary equipment. In order to repair your disc while minimizing the potential for damage, you'll need the following items:

   • A towel and a flat surface
   • A microfiber cloth (do not use any other cloth such as a paper towel, tissue, or washcloth)
   • Isopropyl alcohol
   • Petroleum jelly, toothpaste (preferably one with baking soda), or disc scratch repair solution (sold at places like Best Buy)

4. 4

   Rinse your disc with cold water. This will ensure that there is no surface-level dust, girt, or matter that will further scratch your disc when you buff it. Cold water will not damage your disc.

   • Never use hot water, as doing so may damage the disc.

5. 5

   Air-dry the disc. Wave the disc back and forth until it is dry.

   • Don't wipe down the disc, as doing so can add scratches.

6. 6

   Lay your disc on a towel on a flat surface. The disc's bottom (the reflective side) should be face-up.

7. 7

   Lightly spray the surface of the disc with isopropyl alcohol. This will remove tougher obstacles such as stains.

8. 8

   Allow the disc to dry. Isopropyl alcohol will evaporate on its own, so you should only need to wait for 20 to 30 minutes.

9. 9

   Dab some of the petroleum jelly onto the microfiber cloth. This is how you'll apply the petroleum jelly to the disc.

   • If you are using toothpaste, squeeze it onto your cloth.
   • If you're using a disc scratch repair kit, you can apply the solution directly to the disc.

10. 10

    Gently buff the scratched parts of the disc. Using straight (not circular) motions, rub the petroleum jelly or toothpaste from the inside of the disc to the outside, making sure to cover all scratches in the movement.

    • For badly scratched discs, you may have to coat the entire disc in petroleum jelly or toothpaste.

11. 11

    Remove the excess petroleum jelly or toothpaste with the microfiber cloth. If there are any globs of petroleum jelly or toothpaste left, remove them using the microfiber cloth.

    • The disc's surface should be smooth before you put it in your console or computer.

12. 12

    Test out your disc. Place the disc back in your console or computer and try to run the game. If it works, you've successfully repaired the disc.

    • If the disc still doesn't work, try repeating these steps a few more times, making sure to test the game each time.
    • Ultimately, a game which is scratched badly enough to cause your console or computer to fail to read it must be replaced eventually.

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    Game discs have a protective layer that absorbs most scratches. However, if the scratch is deep enough, you might notice some game data is gone. You can try buying a disc resurfacing machine online or checking with your local game seller to see if they provide a repairing service.

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Add New Question

• Question

  Will this method work for the front of the disc too?

  

  Do not use the above methods for the front of the disc, as that side is mostly for decorations.

• Question

  Can I use hand sanitizer to fix a scratched game disc?

  

  Yes you can. If the game is still messed up after that, then take it to your local game shop. They should be able to fix it for you.

• Question

  Will this work for an Xbox 360 disc?

  

  Yes, it is identical and the technique will work fine.

• Question

  What stores can clean disks?

  

  Video game stores and some independent movie stores have disc scratch fixing services.

• Question

  Do these strategies work for GameCube games?

  

  Yes, these methods should work for any and most discs. If these methods fail to work, take it to a game store and get it professionally fixed.

• Question

  Will I ruin my game if I use cold water to fix a scratch on it?

  

  Water will not damage your disk unless it's hot water, in which case it may melt a tiny portion of the disk. You can use cold water to fix scratches on your game, without causing damage to the disk.

• Question

  Could you use baking soda?

  

  No. Baking soda has a coarse, sandy texture that could further damage the disc.

• Question

  What should I do if the toothpaste and peanut butter method did not work?

  

  Clean the disc with detergent or rubbing alcohol, then try the wax or jelly trick.

• Question

  Will scratches cause a game to freeze during downloads?

  

  Yes, especially if you are using a next gen game, like Xbox One or PS4.

• Question

  Will the technique from the article work for all systems?

  

  Yes, and for DVDs and CDs, as they all share the same basic construction.

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• Other DIY solutions to a scratched disc include rubbing the scratches with a banana, using laundry detergent, and using peanut butter. While none of these methods have been proven to work reliably, they may be worth trying if you're prepared to replace the disc should they fail.

• Many stores (e.g., Best Buy) offer a disc-polishing service which can repair discs. This service usually costs a small fee, but is normally cheaper than replacing the game.

• If you haven't had the game for that long and you still have the receipt then you could go to the store you bought (or borrowed) the disc from and get it refunded or replaced as some stores offer a warranty or guarantee.

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• Avoid placing a wet disc in your console or computer.

• None of these steps will work if there is a deep scratch in the disc.

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About This Article

Article Summary X

To fixed a scratched video game, rinse the disc with cold water to remove any surface-level dust or grit, then wave the disc back and forth until it's dry. Once the disc is dry, lightly spray the surface with isopropyl alcohol and allow the alcohol to dry for 20-30 minutes. To coat the scratch, dip a microfiber cloth with petroleum jelly and wipe it onto the disc, working in circular movements from the inside of the disc outwards. Wipe away the excess jelly, then try the disc to see if it works. Read on to learn which types of scratches can't be fixed!

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Scratched-Video-Game

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