Home >> Internet Games >> Video Game Accessories

How to Fix Broken Game CDs

For gamers, few things are worse than breaking a CD that cost about $50. Depending on the severity of the damage, the CD could be salvaged using a rather simple fix often used to repair audio CDs. Filling in cracks or scratches might make the CD readable by the game machine. Before you toss your broken game CD, give this fix a try.

Things You'll Need

Dry cloth
CD-sized sticker
Paper towel
Toothpaste (non-gel type)
Cotton swab
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe any excess dust or dirt from the underside of the CD--the data side--with a dry cloth.
- 2
  Make sure that any spot where CD is cracked or broken is a smooth surface without any chips or dirt. Place the CD on a paper towel with the data side face down. Align the CD so that it is even. Apply the CD sticker to the top of the disc and smooth it out.
- 3
  Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a cotton swab. Turn the CD so the data side is face up and rub the swab on the crack or scratches in the disc. Rub the toothpaste in a circular motion until it creates a haze.
- 4
  Apply a bit of water to the cloth and wipe the toothpaste from the CD using straight strokes beginning at the center of the disc and moving outward.
- 5
  Dry the CD with a paper towel and insert the disc into your game system to test that it is working properly.

Video Game Accessories