Best way to clean an External Burner?

[Diabolique]

I am trying to decide if mine is dirty or on its last legs. What would be the best way to clean an external burner?

Any commercially sold cleaners/CDs that can be used for this?

What has worked for you?


TIA!

[KenseidenXL]

Try a lens cleaner disc first. You should have one anyway for all optical disc player/burners. Alcohol does well on the outside, but I'd avoid chemicals on the inside, unless you know EXACTLY what you're doing, because you'll have to open it up. Chances are, your external is actually an internal with a fitted housing.

[Diabolique]

Try a lens cleaner disc first. You should have one anyway for all optical disc player/burners. Alcohol does well on the outside, but I'd avoid chemicals on the inside, unless you know EXACTLY what you're doing, because you'll have to open it up. Chances are, your external is actually an internal with a fitted housing.

Thanks for the suggestion.

What brand cleaner do you use? I am planning to go to Best Buy tomorrow.

[Shawn]

May sound weird but this has worked for me in the past.I got some air in a can,opened the tray and blew all the dust and dirt away.Dust can get on the lens if opened and shut a lot.I think the cleaners are a joke and don't do what they are suppose to.I really think all they do is stir the dust around inside the drive.
The burner lasted a year or so after that.But I burn a lot of disc so mine was on it's last leg when I replaced it.