Scratched Disks

[Superman]

There some items, including some game disks with some scratches that I might go to look at. The person says that some of the games stop working (likely because of the scratches).

I'm trying to figure out if there is anything to look for as far as telling if the disks are repairable or not. Obviously, if the film on the disk is scratched, that area is gone and you can't get the data back. So, besides the obvious...

Any experiences regarding this would be appreciated!

[APE992]

The only thing I've been able to use to polish discs back to functionality is Brasso. It leaves a bit of a cloudy look to the disc so I can't reccomend it for anything but getting the disc back to rippability. I wouldn't dare use it on anything but as a last resort either.

A thread I made on the topic a while ago:
http://www.assemblergames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31812&highlight=brasso

Not sure if I stated it in the thread but doing this is likely to cause the laser to have to work very hard to read the disc. I pray you don't use this on Radiant Silvergun and plan to have it run 8 hours a day inside a video arcade.

[Superman]

Thanks for the information, APE!

The pictures give me some idea.

I was thinking about resurfacing. I've heard, however, if the scratches are deep, you would have to scrape a couple of layers off and that makes it less likely to work.

Regarding the games themselves, they are just Xbox games and nothing really of value, except maybe GTA San Andreas. I just figured if I could get them cheap enough (for around a half dollar a piece or less) and I resurface them for $1 (or do it myself cheaper) a piece, cost wise, it works out.

You did mention the laser straining to read the disk. That could be a problem using your method, since I was intending on playing the games. I'm pretty sure I don't have a modded system and besides, my Xbox has enough problems as it is! :)