A dirty CD player can lead to poor sound quality or reading errors. Try inserting multiple discs to make sure the problem is the optical drive and not a faulty CD. If your Windows computer cannot read CDs, it may be a software problem rather than a dirty drive.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Clean the CD Player
Step 1. Make sure the CD player doesn't contain a disc
If the drive has a pull-out tray, open it and unplug the power cord without turning off the computer. This will keep the drawer open, allowing you to access the inside of the reader.
Step 2. Blow out the dust with a portable air blower
You can find these rubber tools at stores that sell cameras and jeweler equipment. Gently press the blower to blow the dust off the player.
You can use a can of compressed air, but this is a risky alternative. Use short puffs to avoid applying excessive force and check that the spray is completely dry. Some brand products spray small drops of liquid together with the air, which can damage the player
Step 3. Remove the lens cover
If air hasn't solved the problem, you need to access the lens. Unless you have a portable player with a flip opening, you need to unscrew the external case of the device. Once you have access to the drawer that houses the CD, look for the small screws holding the plastic cover over the lens and remove them with a small screwdriver. You should notice a small circular lens on one side of the spindle, similar in size to a cell phone camera lens.
This operation voids the warranty
Step 4. Get a lint-free cloth
A clean microfiber cloth is the ideal choice. You can find them in stores that sell electronic devices or glasses. Special sticks for cleaning electronic components are also fine.
Use cotton swabs as a last resort. While they often don't cause problems, there is a risk that they will scratch the lens
Step 5. Rub a small amount of concentrated isopropyl alcohol into the lens
Use a product with at least 91% concentration (preferably 99.9%), because more diluted alcohols can leave a streak. Lightly dampen the cloth, without getting it too wet, then rub it gently on the lens. Keep scrubbing until the center of the lens is shiny and has a blue tint. Usually, a slight halo around the perimeter of the glass is not a problem.
- Alternatively, you can use a lens cleaning solution. In rare cases, you will need deionized water to remove the sugar residue.
- Deep scratches on the lens can render it unusable. If the scratches are barely visible, they shouldn't be a problem.
Step 6. Let the lens dry before replacing the cover
Wait a few minutes to avoid trapping liquid inside the device. While waiting, you can use the air blower to blow the dust off the internal mechanism.
Avoid overtightening the screws or you risk breaking the plastic holder
Step 7. Try a lens cleaning disc
These discs brush the optical drive lightly, removing dust. In most cases, a cleaning disc is less effective than the methods described above, and a poor quality product can even cause worse damage. Try this solution only if the others didn't work, or skip to the next step if you plan to try more complex repairs. Cleaning discs usually do their job automatically when you insert them into the player, but always check the product instructions before using it.
- Do not use a cleaning CD in a CD / DVD player. Products designed for CD players scratch DVD players.
- Before purchasing a product, check the packaging for any warnings. Some discs are not compatible with certain devices.
Step 8. Consider more complex repairs
If your CD player still doesn't work, you can try taking it apart and examining the other parts. This is quite difficult and requires you to read the device manual. If you have patience and good mechanical skills, try the following steps:
- Slowly turn the unit over while looking at the lens. The latter should move up and down, without tilting or locking. If the lens is misbehaving, the only solution may be to replace the entire optical drive (or buy a new CD player).
- If possible, carefully remove the components around the lens. If you can access the rotating mirror (a small piece of glass), clean it like you did with the lens.
- Look for a plastic gear attached to the laser mechanism. Rotate it slowly with a cotton swab and observe the moving parts. If they seem dirty or sticky, wipe them off with alcohol, then apply a thin coat of light lubricant suitable for electronic devices.
Method 2 of 2: Troubleshoot CD Player Issues on Windows
Step 1. Update the CD drive firmware
By doing this, you can correct any errors or allow your computer to play other types of discs. If you know the manufacturer of the unit, visit the website and download the latest update. If you don't know the manufacturer, you can find it thanks to one of the following methods:
- Look for the name printed on the front of the player.
- Search for the unit's numeric code, then enter it on the FCC database.
- Open Device Manager and double click on the entry under "DVD / CD-ROM drives".
Step 2. Use the Windows Troubleshooter
On Windows 7 and later, you can try to have your computer fix the problem automatically:
- Open the Control Panel;
- Type "troubleshooting" in the search bar. Click on "Troubleshoot" when that item appears in the results;
- Search under "Hardware and Sound" and click on "Configure a device". Select your CD drive and follow the onscreen instructions.
Step 3. Reinstall the drive
Open Device Manager and look at the entries under "DVD / CD-ROM drives". Right click on the device names and select "Uninstall". Restart your computer to reinstall them. This solution may work if you see an X or an exclamation point next to the drive name.
If you don't see any reported drives, the cables connecting it to the motherboard are not seated properly or the drive is broken and needs to be replaced
Advice
- If you decide to use a cotton swab, roll it very tightly with clean hands or while wearing gloves. You must not leave any cotton streaks on the lens.
- If the player does not work even after all the methods described in the article, take it to a repair shop or buy another one. Don't try to repair an electrical device yourself if you don't have the skills to do so.
Warnings
- Never touch anything that is plugged into the power outlet! Even the most experienced technicians avoid doing this if possible.
- Smoke residues can greatly reduce the life of your CD player. If possible, do not smoke in the room where you keep your computer.
- There is a very small chance that a failure could cause the laser to turn on with the reader open and damage your eyes from direct exposure. Even then, it is rare for you to suffer serious damage if you don't get your eye close to the laser and stare at it for long. If you don't want to take any chances, keep a piece of paper directly over the lens in a dark room. If the laser is on, you will see a small red dot where it hits the card.
