Contrary to original reports, CD media is easily damaged.

• Scratches and scuffs on the 'read' side (i.e. the mirrored side) can cause problems in reading data, though these tend not to destroy the data which is correctable for minor damage.
• Damage to the label side tends to be terminal, as the structure of the disc is such that the data resides immediately below the printed label. If you hold the disk up to a light source and can see pinpricks, or lines of light through the foil layer, the data at that point in the disc is most likely lost.
• Data on a CD is written from the centre of the disc outwards. If the disc is scratched only on the outside area of the disc, it is possible that the data is intact and may be read without difficulty.
• If the disc shows signs of cracking or splitting, DO NOT USE IT. Fast CD drives can cause damaged CDs to shatter at high speed with potential injury to the user.
• To clean a CD, rinse carefully in warm water, use a mild soap and soft cloth only as necessary. Only wipe the disc from the centre out. If water will not remove surface contaminants, then alcohol may be used. CD cleaning kits should be used as directed in their instructions.
• Store CDs in their original case, standing the discs upright. Ensure that the environment is not dusty or humid, and that room temperature is consistently comfortable. Do not leave CDs in direct sunlight.
• Only write on CDs with a pen specifically marked as being fit for purpose, never with a ballpoint.
• Never affix stickers, or Post-It notes to the surface of a CD. Removing the sticker/note can cause 'lift' damage to the data layer, detachment within the drive can cause terminal damage to the drive itself.
• Avoid using 7cm (or 'half-size'), business-card, or novelty shaped media in your drives, and never insert anything other than a regular CD into slot-loading mechanisms.
• Trapped CDs can often be ejected using a straightened paperclip in the force-eject hole (usually to the bottom right of the CD-drive fascia.)
• Never insert metallic objects into a drive slot to retrieve trapped discs, you should have the drive professionally dismantled if you cannot force-eject a stuck CD.

These notes are for reference only, please satisfy yourself through further research that your actions will not damage either your disc media or your computer equipment. Pearson Education Limited accept no responsibility for loss of data or physical loss, whether consequential or inconsequential to these guidelines.