Xbox disc read error

[theclaw]

I found an Xbox with trouble reading discs. Really tries its hardest too, sometimes gets moments into a game's attract mode. Is there an easy fix? A lens cleaner might be worth trying, except I don't own one.

I haven't opened Xbox before. So I'm not sure about disassembly or replacing parts.

[Logicdustbin]

original xbox?

if so, the disk read error is pretty common.

as for opening it up, except for needing 2 standard Torx screwdrivers, its as easy as opening a computer..

[todesengel]

If it's an original Xbox you should still be able to find brand new DVD drives online. Shouldn't cost too much to get one if that would fix the disc read problem.

[megasdkirby]

Clean the lens.

If not, tweak potentiometer.

If not, replace lens according to drive.

If not, replace entire drive.

[theclaw]

OK. One step at a time then. Suggestions for lens cleaners, or are they usually all the same?

[megasdkirby]

OK. One step at a time then. Suggestions for lens cleaners, or are they usually all the same?

In my experience, commercial ones are pretty much the same.

I usually open the console and using a slightly damped qtip with alcohol on one side, I clean the lens in a circular motion without applying force to the lens. After I do that, I take the dry side of the qtip and in circular motions, I clean/dry the lens. I let it sit for a few minutes and I test to see if that works.

On the PS2, I've had a few consoles in which the lens were insanely dirty, and thus had DRE issues. After just cleaning it, they work, and continue to do so perfectly.

[todesengel]

When going to clean the lens remember that the Xbox has a regular PC style DVD drive in it, so you'll have to take that apart to get to the lens.

[rimsky82]

When you open the xbox, you'll notice it resembles a computer, making it one of the easiest consoles to repair.