Dirty CD (disc) players can cause poor sound quality or errors when reading discs. Do a test with a few discs first to make sure that the problem is with the CD player and not the CD itself. If your Windows computer fails to run the CD, the problem may lie with the software instead of the dirty CD player.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Cleaning the CD Player
Step 1. Make sure there are no discs in the CD player
If the CD drive is a drawer type, open the drawer and unplug the power cord without turning off the power button on the CD player. That way, the drawer stays open and you can access the gap.
Step 2. Blow out the dust with an air bulb
These rubber air bulbs are sold as dust blowers at stock camera or gemist supply stores. Squeeze the ball to gently blow dust from the crevice and/or CD player drawer.
You can use a can of compressed air can be used, but the risks are very high. Blow briefly to prevent overpressure, and make sure your spray is completely dry first. Some spray brands include a small amount of liquid along with the air, which will damage your CD drive
Step 3. Remove the lens cover
If the dust blower doesn't fix the problem, it's time to clean the lens. Unless your portable CD player is a snap-open type, remove the outer case of the device first. Once you have access to the drawer that holds the CD, look for the screw or clip that secures the plastic cover over the lens. Unscrew the screw or press the clamp carefully with a small screwdriver. You can see a small, round lens on one side of the coil, which is about the same size as a cell phone camera lens.
This action will most likely void your warranty
Step 4. Choose a lint-free cleaner
A clean microfiber cloth is ideal for use. You can buy it at an electronics store or an eyeglass store. You can also use a special cotton swab to clean electronic devices.
Use cotton swabs as a last resort. Although wearable, cotton swabs can scratch the lens
Step 5. Apply a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to the lens
Use isopropyl alcohol with a concentration of at least 91% (99.9% ideal). Diluted alcohol casts a shadow on the lens. Wet your cloth, but don't soak it. Gently rub the wet cloth on the lens. Continue wiping until the center of the lens is shiny and has a bluish tinge. Supposedly, slight shadows around the lens shouldn't be a problem.
- You can use lenses with a cleaning solution instead of alcohol. Rarely, you will need to remove the ions in the water (deionized) to get rid of the sugar-based residue.
- Deep scratches will permanently damage the lens. If the scratch is barely visible, it shouldn't be a problem.
Step 6. Allow the lens to dry before replacing the cover
Wait a few minutes so that no alcohol remains inside. While waiting, you can again use the air bulb to blow dust off the CD player's interior mechanics.
Do not over tighten the screws so as not to break the plastic cover
Step 7. Try using a lens cleaning disc
This disc gently cleans dust from the CD drive. In the vast majority of cases, the cleaning disc is no more effective than the above methods, a low quality disc can can even damage the lens. If all else fails to work, or you intend to make a more complex repair, move on to the next step. Cleaning discs usually work automatically when inserted. However, we recommend that you read the product user manual first.
- Do not use cleaning discs for CD/DVD combination players. Cleaning discs specially made for CD players will scratch the DVD drive.
- Check product warning labels before buying. Some discs are not compatible with certain devices.
Step 8. Consider more complex fixes
If the CD player still doesn't work, you disassemble the device and inspect every part. This method is quite difficult and you will need a device manual. If you have patience and experience working with electronic devices, try some of the following:
- Turn the CD player over slowly while looking at the lens. The lens should move up and down smoothly, without snagging or tilting. If the lens doesn't move up and down smoothly, you may need to replace the unit (or buy a new CD player).
- If possible, remove components around the lens. If you have access to a rotating mirror (a small piece of glass), clean it like you would a lens.
- Look for the plastic gears attached to the laser mechanism. Twist gently with a cotton swab and watch for moving parts. If any part seems dirty or sticky, clean it with rubbing alcohol, then apply a thin layer of electronic lubricant.
Method 2 of 2: Troubleshooting Windows CD Drive
Step 1. Update your drive's firmware
Firmware may need to be updated to fix bugs, or allow the computer to play new types of discs. If you know the manufacturer of the CD player, visit their site and download the latest updates.
- Look for the name printed on the front of the drive.
- Look at the number code on the drive, then look it up in the FCC database.
- Open Device Manager and double-click the entry under "DVD/CD-ROM Drives."
Step 2. Use the built-in troubleshooting facility
For Windows 7 and above, you can ask the computer to try to fix the problem automatically:
- Open Control Panel.
- Type " troubleshooting " into the search bar in the Control Panel. Click "Troubleshooting" when it appears in the search results.
- Look under "Hardware and Sound" and click "Configure a device." Select the CD drive and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 3. Reinstall the drive. Open Device Manager and look for the entry under " DVD/CD-ROM Drives
"Right-click the device name and select " Uninstall." But restart the computer to reinstall it. This method usually works if there is an X or an exclamation mark next to the name.
If no drive appears, the drive cable may not be connected or the device is faulty and needs to be replaced
Tips
- If you are using a cotton swab, make sure your hands are clean or wear gloves when twisting the cotton tightly. There should be no cotton thread left on the lens.
- If your CD player still doesn't work, take it to a service center or buy a new one. Don't fiddle with electronics if you don't understand what you're doing.
Warning
- Never touch items that are plugged into an electrical socket! Even skilled technicians won't do it unless forced to.
- Smoke residue can significantly reduce the life of a CD player. Do not smoke when in the room where the CD player is located.
- Although the chances are very low, the laser could fire as a result of a malfunction and shine into your face and damage your eyes. (Nevertheless, eye damage will not occur unless you hold your eye close to the laser and look at it for a long time). If you want to be extra careful, hold a small piece of paper over the lens in a dark room. When the laser is on, you will see a small red dot on the paper that the laser is highlighting.
