Scratched Discs

Tsiiri · 02-19-2006, 02:24 PM

Does anyone know how to repair a PS2 disk that is scratched enough that my PS2 won't read it? I'm trying to find a method that does not require me to buy anything or take it someplace. Yes, I am cheap like that...

I read in one forum something about using a highlighter and then wiping it off. Or something like that...would a method like that work?

Plastik Assassin · 02-19-2006, 04:06 PM

Try just cleaning the disc with some hot soapy water. Usually helps.

Tsiiri · 02-19-2006, 04:32 PM

Well, I just tried that and that did nothing for my problem.

Any other ideas out there?

**Andromeda** · 02-19-2006, 04:41 PM

I have heard a strange thing about scratched discs that if you rub toothpaste into the scratches it allows it to be read. But I really cannot say if that is true, since the only time I saw someone do that, I do not think that they were still able to make it read. But it is a thought, maybe you can look up on google to see if it actually works or not.

Tsiiri · 02-19-2006, 04:45 PM

Hmm...the forum where I found the highlighter thing also mentioned the toothpaste method...

I'll give that a try.

Crazy Chocobo · 02-19-2006, 05:03 PM

I tried the toothpaste method myself on one of my Playstation 2 games, it didn't work for me. I think it made it even worse! Maybe I did it wrong or something. I heard it from some forum a few years ago and thought I would try it but I thought it seemed to make the disc worse. It is also hard to clean of the disc again too. Hopefully it works for you, good luck.

Blacksmith · 02-19-2006, 05:14 PM

Well toothpaste is a bad idea but basically any legit CD cleaner will make it work less. See, they basically take off the one layer on the disc which also gets rid of some information so basically it's useless. I just say get a new disc. If it's an old game or whatever it should be pretty cheap at your local EBGames or whatever.

Tsiiri · 02-19-2006, 05:46 PM

Well, I tried to toothpaste method once already, but it didn't work...however, I found out after I did it that the toothpaste I was using had some of those polishing crystals...I'm going to try it with toothpaste without that and tell ya how it worked...

If that doesn't work, I guess I'll have to get a new CD...

Edit: nope, it did not work

Crazy Chocobo · 02-19-2006, 06:12 PM

Yeah, I'm not too sure on how you clean scratched discs. I know you can buy actual cleaners that supposedly get rid of the scratches but I have never tried one and I wouldn't be able to tell you if it works or not. I don't think they're very expensive so you could try and look for one of them. If not, you could just buy a new game but I wouldn't want to do that either.

*Mistress Sheena* · 02-19-2006, 06:31 PM

Yeah.. if your disc is scratched.. *gasp* buy a new one!
There's no way to fix it! Unless you get one of those disc repair things...

Plastik Assassin · 02-19-2006, 08:43 PM

Exactly. Spend the money.

Gots to pay 2 play.

Sarah · 03-07-2006, 05:26 PM

The only true way to fix a disc is to use a GOOD resurfacing machine. I used to work with them. However, it will only repair it to a certain degree. If the scratch is too deep, filling it will not work and grinding it down that far will only make it too thin and remove some of the data containing layers.

In order to fill it you need a few special compounds. Toothpaste is far too abrasive. A highlighter will do nothing. I wouldn't try any of those home remedies, except for cleaning, not resurfacing, the disc with rubbing alcohol. Anything else will just scratch your disc more.

Oh, and things like Disc Doctor do not work well at all. Find a place in your area with a resurfacing service and bring it there, or buy a new disc if it is cheaper.

You could also not trash your discs in the first place. =/

Blacksmith · 03-07-2006, 05:31 PM

How much would that cost to get a resurfacing machine? Cause if it's more than 50 bucks I'd rather just buy the game itself. In fact, ebay is probably the best place to find good cheap as hell items. Me and my dad use it all the time and we've probably saved tons of money on good items at lower cost.

Sarah · 03-07-2006, 09:28 PM

A resurfacing machine is about $1000 at the least. I suggested that you go to a place with a resurfacing service. Call up your local rental places, used game stores, and electronics retailers. They're the most likely to have that kind of service available. It's probably in the price range of under $10 to fix it.

Snave · 03-08-2006, 11:14 AM

There is 1 way to extened the life of your disc. I saw this from a mate and a bloody good tip as well. Its a method that is has to be done every 1 or 2 times you play the game. Anyway, to the point. SPIT!! on something like a shirt or pice of bog roll. But make sure its not exceedingly wet just moist. Then rub it around the disc and wipe off with a dry piece of loo roll or a dry part on your shirt

There is another way which will only require you to spend a few quid. Its a little tube with this sustance in it. I got it from HMV. Do the same with that as the "spit" method

Also, as I found out later, it turned out my Ps2 lens was broken meaning I thought it was each and every other disc that was busted.