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How to Fix a Laser Lens on a PSP

The PSP, Sony's hand-held gaming console, uses a proprietary optical disc system known as UMD. UMD discs are smaller versions of DVDs but operate on the same principle: A laser in the drive reads the data stored on the disc. If your laser or lens goes bad, your PSP essentially becomes an expensive paperweight. Luckily you can fix the problem if you are willing to open up your PSP. The simplest solution is to replace the entire UMD drive mechanism. This way you ensure you have a brand new laser, lens and motor, guaranteeing more hours of enjoyment on your aging PSP.

Things You'll Need

PSP opening tool
Latex gloves
Phillips screwdriver
Tweezers
Replacement UMD drive

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase a PSP opening tool and a replacement UMD drive.
- 2
  Lay your PSP face down on a table. Remove the battery and pull off the warning sticker from the bottom of the battery bay.
- 3
  Remove the seven screws that hold the PSP's faceplate in place. There are four screws on the back casing of the device, with two located on the right side and two in the battery bay. The three remaining screws are located along the bezel running around the sides of the PSP. Two screws are located on the very top of the PSP, on either side of the USB port, and the final screw is located on the bottom of the device.
- 4
  Pry the faceplate off of the back casing by using the PSP opening tool. Start on the right side of the PSP and carefully separate the two halves. Once the faceplate has been removed, set it to the side and place it face down. You will use it later to protect the LCD screen.
- 5
  Remove the button bar, located along the bottom of the LCD screen, by prying up the right and left sides with your opening tool. Once the bar is free, lift it up and disconnect the data cable that runs to the motherboard.
- 6
  Use your opening tool to carefully pry off the LCD screen. Start at the top of the screen and work around the screen until it has come free. Once the screen has come free, tilt it toward you, revealing the LCD cables. Disconnect the cables from the motherboard. Lift the display out of the case and lay it face down inside the faceplate to protect it until you are ready to reinstall it.
- 7
  Locate the orange cable in the center of the motherboard. This is the UMD drive cable. Disconnect the cable from the motherboard. Just beneath the cable is a small, white box with a metal spring attached to it. Use a pair of tweezers to remove the box and spring from the PSP.
- 8
  Turn over the PSP over and position it so the UMD drive is facing you. Open the UMD drive door. Pinch the upper arms of the UMD eject bracket to disengage them from the door. The bracket is the aluminum bracket that pops out your UMD disc when you open the door. Slide the bracket out of the PSP. Use your opening tool to pry up the left side of the door to remove it. This reveals the UMD drive.
- 9
  Remove the four screws holding the UMD drive in place. LIft the drive up and pull it out of its housing. The UMD drive cable will slide out through a hole in the PSP's casing. Open your new UMD drive and route the cable through hole in the PSP's casing. Slide the drive into the socket and replace the four screws. Flip the PSP over and connect the UMD drive cable to the motherboard.
- 10
  Reverse the previous steps to reassemble your PSP.

Sony PSP