Skip-skip-ing ing ing-g-g-g CD Drive me crazy! Just want to rock out to my favorite CD and I get the digital b-b-beat around the bush, Gaarr!
Ok not all is lost, the CD could be scratched or the CD could just be dirty, if the ladder then we can fix it real quick with the following steps.
1. Prepare your CD Cleaning Tools
Get your isopropyl (rubbing alcohol), it can be found in most household medicine cabinets, but if you need to buy some go to your local pharmacy.
A Lint free 100% cotton cloth will do the wiping.
A small dish, something not to deep; like a cereal or desert bowl will hold the iso.
2. Clean the Surface in Strait Lines
Hold your CD or DVD (what have you) with the shiny (data side) side up, your index finger in the hole and your thumb pressing up against the labeled surface. This position will give you the most grip.
Pour some isopropyl into the dish so that it covers the bottom and is accessible for refreshing your cloth.
Dampen the 100% cotton cloth with the isopropyl.
Wipe the surface of the CD with the dampened cloth in a radial direction (from the center to the edge and back again in straight lines) avoid polishing the disk in circles, as this could lead to severe scratching if you're using anything less than a clean cloth; Stay radial.
Work your way around the CD in this wiping pattern, refreshing your cloth with iso when needed.
3. Dry and Test
Now with the CD cleaned, lay it flat on a clean table or any flat area away from excessive dust. Let the disk dry for 30 seconds (rubbing alcohol will dry quickly). Now pop that CD in your player and see if that did the trick.
If all goes well you'll have a CD free from dust, grime and debris that plays brilliantly. You can use this technique to clean rental DVD's to ensure you get a good playback without interrupting your movie. Give it a shot and tell me how it goes.
