My cd is so scratched up that its basically damaged I need to know the best most effective software to recover my damaged cd?

It needs to be physically polished. FInd You should be able to find a place locally that can do it for you.

My son fixed a badly damaged CD using peanut butter.
Rub it well into the scratch and then clean off with warm water.Dry with clean cloth.

Hi,
There are actually four links there, xome with duplicated info. Guess I should have used a pair of linefeeds. Hold your cursor over the links and move it while watching the Status Bar at the bottom of the screen for the address (changes.)
I try many different tools to see which I like best, and which works best. I think there are a number of tools on some of those links with some not being free, but having a free evaluation period. Should be about twenty tools in those four links.
Peace,
Clarke

It needs to be physically polished....You should be able to find a place locally that can do it for you.

Try the local library. Many will have a CD/DVD polishing machine that will remove the least amount of plastic needed to eliminate the scratch. A bribe may be needed, or ask to speak to the IT guy.

Other do-it-yourself options:

Fill scratches with vaseline or vehicular clearcoat repair pen and then lightly buff.
Fine grit sandpaper (http://www.amazon.com/3M-Imperial-Wetordry-Sheet-Sheets/dp/B0002MSY90/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1255745715&sr=8-3) (600-2000, found at auto body or paint store), a small surface plate (http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=640-0100&PMPXNO=947969&PARTPG=INLMK3), water, and lots of elbow grease.

Scleros: Interesting. I would imagine that the Permatex plastic headlamp lens polishing system will work too. Does go to 2000 grit + liquid polish.

CD-check has worked for myself in past

Hi,
I am amazed that no one states the obvious. CDs have no protection on the printed side. DVDs are layered; CDs are not.
No one has said the "toothpaste" solution yet. If you really think scratches on the "clear" side are the problem; a towel locked in the covers of a book and smeared with toothpaste at the spine is a fine polishing agent.
My experience is the damage is on the other side.
Peace,
Clarke

No one has said the "toothpaste" solution yet.
I said toothpaste (as a greenie) on artlady's answer about peanut butter.

Scleros: Interesting.

KISS: Very interesting. I wasn't aware of this product. Looks to be an affordable, readily available all-in-one kit applicable to many uses.