How do you properly handle a game disc? : V

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 4:47 am

OK my game disc has scratches on it. Have had it since the game first came out but. I have been sliding it into the game case and disc trey and I really don't want the game to break. There isn't a whole bunch of scratches just a few. I have the game installed but how can I prevent the scratches?

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 6:29 am

if the game is installed it doesn't really matter, and to prevent harm to the disk i'd always keep it in the case, and try not to touch the bottom of it, just common sense stuff

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 3:22 am

Besides regularly cleaning to remove tiny scratches, if you really want to avoid scratches, find a place that will never be touched, has no sunlight, does not collect dust, and is not too moist. Then place a tissue or lint-free cloth on the surface, and lay the disk on top of it. And if you want to ensure it's integrity while in the disk drive, just don't move your xbox while it spins (not a problem if you installed it).

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 1:34 pm

Good thing its installed, but i'd still suggest a disk cleaning kit or something.
Just dont touch the surface any more, and recularly clean it with a soft dry cloth.
And for threads like this, maybe use the http://www.gamesas.com/forum/18-community-discussion/ forums.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 6:02 am

Only handle it by the edges, for starters,. If cleaning it, gently use a clean microfiber cloth and work from the inside out, not rubbing in circles so any debris will be moved to the edges and off the disc. Even better, rinse it with lukewarm water as you're less likely to scratch it (water will not harm optical discs). Optical media is ...delicate, which is bound to be a big part of why it's on its way out. Neither of my rigs even have an optical drive at this point and I just keep a USB DVD-RW handy for the rare event I need it.

Damaged discs can often be fixed with ultralap sandpapaper (8, then 3/10 micron in small figure 8's while running water over the surface).

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 5:51 am

Like right now there is this scratch that goes around the edges of the game. Then a few in the middle going outward of the hole in the middle of the disc.

Edit: would getting the game buffered help remove some or just ruin it?

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 7:05 pm

Good thing its installed, but i'd still suggest a disk cleaning kit or something.
Just dont touch the surface any more, and recularly clean it with a soft dry cloth.
And for threads like this, maybe use the http://www.gamesas.com/forum/18-community-discussion/ forums.

Oh ok will do next time

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 2:33 pm

Like right now there is this scratch that goes around the edges of the game.

If it is a perfect circle, it is probably from moving the Xbox while the game is playing.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 3:57 pm

Nope not a perfect circle only covers half the disc. The game still works fine though works like its still brand new. Just the scratch thats half a circle, scratches going outward from the middle, 2-3 going from the edge straight down, then the rest are in the middle going side ways like 4-5.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 10:00 am

In my experience, discs will pick up minor scratches no matter how careful you are.

So long as the game runs ok, there's no need to worry. I've got a very VERY battered copy of Morrowind that plays perfectly. Honest, when I first saw the state of it I didn't expect it to work at all. However, it doesn't so much as skip, despite the horrendous appearance... *shrug*

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 11:59 am

Clear out all the dust from you hard drive as-well, it interferes with the way laser reads the disk and can increase the risk of scratches.

Just open it up and get a duster.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 12:26 pm

I have a big scratch that goes across the disc for a other game...i miss that game.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 11:22 am

"Sliding" entry disc trays tend to cause scratches no matter what you do.

Now, if you have a tray-load mechanism on whatever you're playing it on (you didn't specify) and you're doing any sliding, well... stop. Just place it in the tray appropriately. You shouldn't have to slide a disc anywhere assuming you're placing it properly.

I can't remember the last time I got a scratch on one of my discs lol.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 1:33 pm

"Sliding" entry disc trays tend to cause scratches no matter what you do.

Now, if you have a tray-load mechanism on whatever you're playing it on (you didn't specify) and you're doing any sliding, well... stop. Just place it in the tray appropriately. You should have have to slide a disc anywhere assuming you're placing it properly.

I can't remember the last time I got a scratch on one of my discs lol.

Oh ok ill try to place it without sliding it.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 7:05 pm

Digital download: I don't handle game discs if I can help it.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 10:45 am

I never ever touch the bottom of my disk at all, I am very OCD about it. I hold it from the sides only.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 10:58 am

Digital download: I don't handle game discs if I can help it.

Same I would rather have the downloaded copy.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 6:22 am

I use sandpaper whenever I can.

Only one game I have that has any damage that is some sort of water stain from being set down on carpet.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 7:53 am

smother it in peanut butter and leave it in an active microwave

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 1:59 pm

I use sandpaper whenever I can.

Only one game I have that has any damage that is some sort of water stain from being set down on carpet.

This is why I store my discs in hydrochloric acid. Never have to worry about water stains.

And I second the cleaning it with sandpaper. Make sure it's fine sandpaper though. :biggrin:

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 6:01 pm

I never take care of mine. I toss them around, spin them on my finger, pick them up like a frisbee, throw them onto a desk, slap them in the system, stack them, you name it, and they still work. :biggrin:

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 9:15 am

My Oblivion Game of the Year for the Xbox got that big circular scratch back in 08. I was F pissed as F.
Good thing i had an Original Oblivion copy also. So .. i stayed with that one.

Then .. i got if for the PC.

.. Best Version ever. Even though i hate the game.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 6:53 am

Also .. i don't know man. I guess search online to see something. Maybe one of those CD repair .. players?

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 3:05 am

OK my game disc has scratches on it. Have had it since the game first came out but. I have been sliding it into the game case and disc trey and I really don't want the game to break. There isn't a whole bunch of scratches just a few. I have the game installed but how can I prevent the scratches?

When you clean it with a cloth don't follow the disc round, go from the inside hole to the outside, this avoid making scratches that follow the data trail round the disc(causing the disc to fail). Scratches going from the inside of the disc to the outer edges aren't that big a problem, only the ones following the disc round are.

» Sat Jun 16, 2012 12:48 pm

Also .. i don't know man. I guess search online to see something. Maybe one of those CD repair .. players?

I did try one of those "disc doctor" resurfacers & it didn't seem to work at all