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How to Get a Playstation 2 Game to Work

The Sony Playstation 2 was the market leader for its generation of consoles. As well as playing the full library of Playstation 1 titles, the console was host to classic games such as Ico, Final Fantasy X, Metal Gear Solid 2 and Tekken Tag Tournament. If you are still playing these or other games on your Playstation 2, you may notice that games do not always play as easily as they used to. Playstation 2's optical media can degrade with wear and tear, and troubleshooting your games may be necessary to get them working.

Things You'll Need

CD/DVD cleaning cloth
New toothbrush

Instructions

- 1
  Check that the disc is an original Playstation 2 disc and not a copy. Make sure that the disc is manufactured for the region where your Playstation 2 was purchased. Only games and DVD movies manufactured for "Region 1" or "All" will work in a North American Playstation 2.
- 2
  Remove all third-party attachments and cheating devices from your Playstation 2 and try your game again. Some attachments such as Gameshark, Action Replay and unlicensed control pads can cause the system to run incorrectly, preventing games from running.
- 3
  Insert a different game, CD or DVD into your Playstation 2 to check whether the problem lies with the disc or your Playstation's optical reader. If a majority of discs will not work in your Playstation, the console may need to be moved to a new location (see Step 6).
- 4
  Remove the disc from your Playstation 2 and clean it. Use a dry, lint-free CD or DVD cleaning cloth (these can be purchased from computer or music stores). Wipe the disc clean in straight strokes, starting from the middle of the disc and working outward. Do not use circular motions to clean the disc; this can create more scratches.
- 5
  Power cycle the Playstation 2 to discharge static electricity by flicking the switch at the back of the console until all glowing lights on the machine become dim. Turn the machine on and try your game again.
- 6
  Check the environment where the Playstation 2 is running. Operating your Playstation 2 in dusty, smoky, moist or sunlit areas will have a negative effect on the console and its ability to play games. If necessary, move your Playstation 2 to a better location, use a toothbrush to clean the fan intakes on the back of the console and try running your game again.
- 7
  Try your game in a different Playstation 2. If all the above steps have failed to provide you with working software, try the game in a Playstation you know to work. If the game runs on a second Playstation 2, then your original machine needs to be repaired or replaced.
- 8
  Resurface your disc. If you have determined that the problem definitely lies with your game, not the machine, a final option is to have the disc professionally repaired in dedicated resurfacing equipment (See Resources for more information).

PS2 Games