There are a variety of tools available online and at electronics retailers. One of the most popular products is the SkipDr, though there are several others available as well. Use warm water to rinse any debris and dust off of the disc, then dry it off with a microfiber cloth. Most repair kits come with a soft cloth you can use. Don't spray it onto the label. Apply an even coat across the entire "read" side of the disc. The process for this will vary depending on the tool you are using. Make sure the "read" side is facing the scrubbing pad on the repair tool. Refer to the instructions to make sure you are inserting the disc properly. You may need to turn a crank or press a button to make the disc spin. The repair tool will spin the disc, rubbing the cleaning pad across the "read" side. {{greenbox: Note: You'll likely need to spin it several times in order to buff out scratches. Many repair kits come with a buffing cloth, which you'll use to buff the disc after repairing it. Vigorous buffing will help ensure that the disc can be read. use the cloth and buff in small, concentric circles around the read surface. Insert the repaired disc into your Xbox console and try playing it. If it still doesn't work, you can repeat the repair process again. Some users have reported it taking up to ten tries to get a game to work. Some scratches may be too deep to repair using these tools.

Summary: Purchase a disc scratch repair tool. Rinse and dry the disc before using the disc repair tool. Spray the included cleaner fluid onto the "read" side of the disc. Insert the disc into the repair tool. Press the mechanism to spin the disc in the repair tool. Buff the disc with the included buffing cloth. Try the disc.


The master key will give you an express ride if you have one. Your building's manager should have a key, and if you have enough clout, you may be able to just ask for a copy of the key. Firefighters have master keys that work on most elevators, as they need them in case of emergency. If you know someone in the profession, you may be be able to convince him or her to give you a copy of the elevator's key. However, understand that your firefighter friend is likely to be reluctant. Putting master keys in the hands of the public can be dangerous and possibly even illegal. Check the legality of having such a key in your area. If you fail in your quest, you can also check eBay for master keys. You can look for all-access keys that should work in a variety of elevators. Most of these have four sides to work in multiple types of elevators.  Buying keys is somewhat of a legal gray area. Check to see if it's legal in your state before purchasing one.  However, to make sure the key you buy works on your elevator, you may need to do a little research. Look at the make and model of your elevator, which is usually listed inside the elevator. Use that information to find out what kind of key it takes. To use the key, insert it in the keyhole when you get in the elevator. You may need to try more than one if it's four-sided. Leave the key in. Push the button of your floor to get an express ride.

Summary: Ask for a copy of the master key. Ask your firefighter friends. Check eBay. Use the key.


If you file a restraining order, a judge will decide how you will be protected. She bases this on her understanding of the situation. Abusers or stalkers can be ordered to avoid any contact with you and your children. This is in person, by phone, by email or any other medium. Abusers or stalkers can also be ordered not to come within a certain distance of you and your children. This distance is typically 100 yards (91.4 m), but it can be extended well beyond that.  If you live with the abuser, they can be ordered to move out. The judge can order that a police escort be there during any needed contact with the abuser. This can be when they return to a shared living space to collect their things. There are few requirements that must be fulfilled in order to be eligible for a restraining order. You must be an adult or a minor of a certain age. This age varies by state. You need to show a judge that the person you want the restraining order against is a threat to your physical or mental health. Parents can file restraining orders for minors. Any minor who legally lives on their own can receive a restraining order. The youngest age you can be granted a restraining order is different from state to state. In most states, the minimum age is somewhere between 14 and 18. In California, you can get one by the age of 12. There are many court orders that are commonly called restraining orders. They are all very different. An ex parte restraining order is also known as an emergency restraining order or emergency protective order. It is a temporary order that is issued by the court without the named abuser or stalker there to defend themselves. If you think that someone poses an immediate threat, you can obtain an ex parte restraining order to keep them away.  This order can be signed the same day you apply. This means you will be protected before the date of your hearing. Another hearing is necessary to maintain the restraining order. At this hearing, the accused can defend themselves. There are different types of restraining orders that are used by various states. The difference typically depends on which court files the order. It will also vary depending on the person who you are filing the order against. You can file against someone to whom you are related or have a relationship. This can be a spouse, domestic partner, boyfriend, girlfriend, an ex, or the father or mother of one of your children. You can also file an order against a stranger. Make sure you check your state laws to see what kind of orders you can get and with which court you need to file.  In California, the Civil Court gives two types of orders, the Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) and the Civil Harassment Orders (CHOs). The DVROs are filed against someone you have a relationship with. CHOs are filed against a person you do not know.  In New York state, you can get a civil Order of Protection from civil or family court. You can also get a criminal Order of Protection from the criminal courts. The main difference is that you can only get a criminal order the person you are filing against is charged with a crime. The district attorney can must get the order for you. The civil Order of Protection is filed against someone you know. In Georgia, there are also criminal and civil Protective Orders. Family Protective Orders are used specifically for people with whom you have a relationship. This type of order is obtained in family or civil court. Criminal Protective Orders are used to stop those you don't know. This type of order is obtained through the criminal courts.
Summary: Understand the protections. Know the requirements. Get the ex parte restraining order. Investigate the orders in your state.