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How to Fix Your Laser on a PSP

The PlayStation Portable (PSP) is different from other portable game consoles because it has a DVD drive called a ̶0;Universal Media Drive̶1; (UMD) built in. Dirt and debris can get into the UMD drive and foul the lens so the laser can̵7;t ̶0;see̶1; the inserted game disc. You can fix the laser inside of the PSP by cleaning off the lens. You will not have to take the UMD drive apart, so the Sony warranty is not voided. You will need a few household supplies and a disc to test the drive.

Things You'll Need

Soft cloth
Compressed air
Flashlight
Flat-head jeweler̵7;s screwdriver
Cotton swabs
Distilled alcohol

Instructions

- 1
  Put the PSP face down on a soft cloth with the UMD compartment facing you.
- 2
  Slide the UMD release latch to open the UMD door.
- 3
  Blow out the insides of the UMD compartment with compressed air.
- 4
  Aim the flashlight into the UMD compartment so the lens riding above the laser diode reflects the light. Note the position of the lens.
- 5
  Insert the tip of the flat-edged jeweler̵7;s screwdriver carefully into the seam next to the lens inside of the UMD compartment
- 6
  Lift the tip of the flat-edged jeweler̵7;s screwdriver to raise the laser assembly to its secondary position.
- 7
  Moisten an end of the cotton swab with distilled alcohol. Rub the swab gently against the lens inside of the UMD compartment. Let the lens dry for 5 minutes.
- 8
  Repeat this entire procedure with another moistened cotton swab. Blow out the UMD compartment with compressed air.
- 9
  Insert a UMD game disc into the UMD compartment and turn on the PSP. Let the UMD game disc spin inside of the UMD compartment. Wait for the game disc̵7;s logo to appear on the PSP̵7;s LCD screen. The laser has now been fixed.

Sony PSP