CD repair question. Can anyone offer advice?

[leftofthedial]

I have a CD-ROM that is cracked from the inside small hole (it came that way). This has software on it that can not be easily replaced. The manufacturer basically tells me to buy another unit, which is impossible.

the crack runs more or less along the radius of the CD about a quarter inch into the data area. The CD ROM works (so far), but frequently spontaneously ejects (not when it's in use, but often when I first insert the disc) It sometimes takes five or six repeat insertions to get my Powerbook to read the CD. This sometimes leads to "device improperly removed" errors.

What can I do to repair the disc? I tried making a copy, but it didn't work (the software would not boot). There apparently is some kind of copy protection scheme on the original.

Any idea how I can repair the disc and keep the crack from getting worse?

[Seabiscuit]

1. Copy it on a friend's computer. Then toss the original.

[leftofthedial]

2. thanks! I'll try it