How to Repair a Playstation Disc

When the original PlayStation was released in the early '90s, it was a revolution in gaming technology. Its disc-based format soon became a standard. However, CD and DVD-ROMs can be easily scratched, causing games to freeze or even stop working completely. Fortunately, PlayStation games, just like CDs and DVDs, can be repaired if the damage is minimal.

Hold the disc up to the light to check for damage to its top layer. If you see light shining through holes in the disc, odds are it's beyond repair. This is because the information on the disc is actually stored in the top layer. If you don't see any holes and the disc itself is intact, there's still hope.

Clean the disc using a soft, lint-free and non-abrasive cloth, wiping from the center outward in a straight line. Sometimes dust, dirt and other debris can prevent the game from playing properly. You also can use a mild dish detergent and warm water to clean the disc. Make sure it is completely dry before putting it back into your PlayStation. You can use a hairdryer on a low setting to help speed up the drying process. Test the game after cleaning, and if you can, test it on a different console to make sure it's not a problem with your PlayStation.

Use a disc repair kit on your game. These kits all work differently, so you must follow the included instructions. Some have you rub a paste on the disc and wipe it off. Others have you put the disc into a machine run by a crank or small motor while it buffs the disc. Remember that using these could possibly further damage your game, so practice caution.

Search locally for a store specializing in games sales and rentals. Many of these places have a buffing machine used to rub out scratches on the disc (call first to find out if they offer this service). It works by removing the top layer of plastic on the disc, taking away any scratches. Usually these places only charge a few dollars to buff each disc, and while there will be micro-scratches on the disc, they won't affect how the game works. This is typically the best choice when fixing scratched discs.

Test the disc after buffing to see if it works. If it's still not functioning, you'll have to buy a new game.