One can also not go around buying as many pen-drives as CDs, thus storing information on various media is possible only with compact discs. Compact discs are also the only way to store ?away? information that you might not want to use very frequently. But, how many times have you inserted an old movie CD to find it unreadable because it is scratched?

This problem is quite common. No matter how much care you take, CDs are bound to get damaged over time. Storing in cases or envelopes does not really help, especially if you keep traveling with them. And all CDs are going to slip from your fingers at least once. All these actions are enough to scratch the CD, rendering it useless. Although you might have a back up of the information on your PC, there is a good chance of this happening to a movie CD or movie DVD, where you don't have a back-up.

But hold on. Don't discard it yet. Ever heard of CD repairing? CDs can be repaired too. There is a way to actually fix the scratches on your CD just like fixing a broken piece of furniture. Imagine how much money it would save you if you could get each scratched disc you have, repaired, each time it scratches ? instead of buying boxfuls of new ones. And it's pretty easy too.

All you have to do is take the help of any one of the various disc repair services that are available online. You could visit a hardware shop or ask a computer mechanic to do it as well, but that would mean shelling out a few extra bucks and most importantly a lot of waiting and repeated calling and traveling to get your disc cleaned. Online repairing is much fast and completely hassle-free. Most of these websites only require you to register and then mail them the scratched CDs. In a few days time ? you will have your CDs back ? as good as new.

However, you need to exercise some preliminary caution before you send your discs to the cleaners. There is a limit to the damage that can be fixed. A CD has three layers

-The top layer on which usually graphics or labels are printed. You can even write on this layer.

-The bottom plastic layer. This acts as a protective shield against any scratching or falling or any corrosion.

-The middle ? inner foil layer ? this is where all the information is stored. If this layer's been damaged, there's nothing you can do to save your CD.

Any damage to the bottom layer or top layer can be corrected by disc repair services.

Most of the times, data becomes unreadable due to dirt that has accumulated on the CD and not scratches ? thus it makes sense to clean the CD once with a soft cloth before you decide to send it to the cleaners. However if you're not sure of how to go about cleaning the disc, you might end up causing more damage. IT will thus be better to seek professional help once you find out that your disc's been scratched.

You could try any of the hundreds of the websites offering such services. Upon registering your name and address on the website you're sent a three way disc mailer. Just pack up your discs and send. The best part is that most websites offer a money back guarantee AND they will not charge you if they can't fix your disc.