Rendering a Compact Disk (CD) useless is unfortunately very easy to do. A tiny scratch on your favorite game’s play-CD could ultimately cause the disk to stop functioning correctly and force you to buy the game again. Similarly, a scratch on a music CD can be equally detrimental. To avoid ruining your CDs (music, game, movie, etc.), here are a few things you should consider doing:

- Handle your CDs from the edges and/or central hole.

- Store your CDs in a location where they will not come into contact with liquids, sharp objects, or dust.

- Purchase and safeguard your CDs in plastic CD cases. While some cases can be bought for next to nothing, it is sometimes a good idea to splurge and buy top of the line cases as the replacement of a ruined CD is more costly than a quality case.