Cleaning CDROM

[Rick]

I am wondering what the best way is to clean a CDROM. I know the disk
is ok because I read it on another system but, I am getting CDR101
errors. I have check the cables and they seem to be ok. I do not know
how to check the rpm on the drive which would also give that error.
cleaning seems like the next logical choice.

Thanks,
--
Rick
Fargo, ND
N 46°53.251"
W 096°48.279"

Remember the USS Liberty

http://www.ussliberty.org/

 

[M.I.5¾]

I am wondering what the best way is to clean a CDROM. I know the disk is
ok because I read it on another system but, I am getting CDR101 errors. I
have check the cables and they seem to be ok. I do not know how to check
the rpm on the drive which would also give that error. cleaning seems like
the next logical choice.

There are a number of CD cleaning systems on the market, but I am unable to
recommend any particular one as I have never used one prefering the manual
technique of isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth. There are also
systems that are able to polish out scratches on the lower surface
(scratches on the upper surface are more deliterious and unrecoverable).

The actual characteristics of individual disks varies somewhat depending on
a variety of factors. As a result it is not uncommon to find a disk that
won't read on a particular drive but reads OK on other drives. This is
exacerbated because as a particular drive ages, the laser slowly loses power
due to crystaline fracturing of the lasing cavity (the actual rate varying
between samples).

One solution if you wish to read the disk on the machine in question may be
to make a copy of the disk on a machine that can read it.

 

[Rick]

There are a number of CD cleaning systems on the market, but I am unable to
recommend any particular one as I have never used one prefering the manual
technique of isopropyl alcohol and a lint free cloth. There are also
systems that are able to polish out scratches on the lower surface
(scratches on the upper surface are more deliterious and unrecoverable).

The actual characteristics of individual disks varies somewhat depending on
a variety of factors. As a result it is not uncommon to find a disk that
won't read on a particular drive but reads OK on other drives. This is
exacerbated because as a particular drive ages, the laser slowly loses power
due to crystaline fracturing of the lasing cavity (the actual rate varying
between samples).

One solution if you wish to read the disk on the machine in question may be
to make a copy of the disk on a machine that can read it.

I do not have a problem with the disks it is the reader that may be the
problem. Either it is dirty or not spinning fast enough. I would like
to try and clean the read/write head if possible.

Thanks,

--
Rick
Fargo, ND
N 46°53.251"
W 096°48.279"

Remember the USS Liberty

http://www.ussliberty.org/

 

[smlunatick]

I do not have a problem with the disks it is the reader that may be the
problem. Either it is dirty or not spinning fast enough. I would like
to try and clean the read/write head if possible.

Thanks,

--
Rick
Fargo, ND
N 46°53.251"
W 096°48.279"

Remember the USS Liberty

http://www.ussliberty.org/- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Most CD/DVD "lens" cleaner disk seem to work well. However, none are
"garrantied" to work everytime. Some people also recommend those
compressed "air" cans and insert the "straw" thru the tray door to
"blow out" particules. If you user these "air cans" do not point it
at anyone nor breath it.

 

[NoConsequence]

I am wondering what the best way is to clean a CDROM. I know the disk
is ok because I read it on another system but, I am getting CDR101
errors. I have check the cables and they seem to be ok. I do not know
how to check the rpm on the drive which would also give that error.
cleaning seems like the next logical choice.

Thanks,

You would ask in a group that deals with that issue. Your question
has nothing to do with THIS group, which is XP and it's interaction
with hardware.

Ask elsewhere

 

[M.I.5¾]

I do not have a problem with the disks it is the reader that may be the
problem. Either it is dirty or not spinning fast enough. I would like to
try and clean the read/write head if possible.

The drive's lens can be cleaned with any proprietary lens cleaner (usually
designed for audio CD players, but they still work). However, be aware that
if the drive cannot read the tracks on the cleaner, it won't work.

 

[M.I.5¾]

I do not have a problem with the disks it is the reader that may be the
problem. Either it is dirty or not spinning fast enough. I would like
to try and clean the read/write head if possible.

Thanks,

--
Rick
Fargo, ND
N 46°53.251"
W 096°48.279"

Remember the USS Liberty

http://www.ussliberty.org/- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Most CD/DVD "lens" cleaner disk seem to work well. However, none are
"garrantied" to work everytime. Some people also recommend those
compressed "air" cans and insert the "straw" thru the tray door to
"blow out" particules. If you user these "air cans" do not point it
at anyone nor breath it.

--------------------

I would not recommend blowing compressed air anywhere near the lens
assembly. Then lens is mounted on ligaments to allow its movement by a
number of small coils. A shock such as a blast of compressed air can
completely dislodge the lens from its mountings permanently destroying it.