> 1. re-rip affected CDs and see if the problem returns. > > 2. clean the CDs to remove stuff that may affect the laser. > > 3. polish scratched-up CDs. > > 4. use canned air to clear any dust or other interfering particles > that's floating around in your CD/DVD drive. Thanks for the advice Eugene - the problem is occasional, but has affected a wide number of different cds - I've ripped 185 in the past fortnight. I think that your final suggestion will be the one I pin my hopes to though I have a powerbook which will probably make doing this more challenging. Cheers, Colin.