sunshines- I presume you're talking about videotape, not just audiotape? There are many companies that do this for a reasonable price and you can find them in your Yellow Pages under listings like "Video Transfer," etc. If I had a whole bunch of tapes it would be most economical to invest in a hardware and software package to do this, but the last time I looked the package cost about $100 and they're not always easy to use. If you've just got a few, it's a lot less hassle to let the professionals do that. I had an old VCR tape converted to a DVD last month. I did it at the Costco Photo Finishing counter: they charge $20 for the transfer, and that includes two DVD copies. Local camera stores can do this, and you can also send your tapes off to online companies. Just Google the phrase "transfer videotape to DVD" and you'll get quite a few hits.

I would do it myself. Open the cassette(four screws) and carefully wipe the tape with a clean cloth and water. Let it dry before you wind it back together. DON'T let the unclean part dry before you clean it. You could throw the case away and install the tape into another old case that you removed the tape from. Best to use the same make of case for replacement.

If only one tape was giving the "skip" problem, reason would indicate the problem was the "tape" and not the player. To verify that the tape IS the problem, play it on another player. If the problem was the player, all tapes would skip. pw

I had a techy co-worker transfer cassettes to CDs (also family stuff), so there are certainly ways to do it. What I've seen on the Web involves using a regular stereo and special cords/plugs and using your computer as the transfer device (and hopefully you have a CD/DVD burner in it). Here's one link that describes one process. (Also, you might consider checking any photo/video stores or services in your area to see if they'll do this for you. Although I have to admit I'd want to copy the cassette onto ANOTHER cassette to have a backup in case they--or you--mess up!) Here is a link that might be useful: wikihow