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How to Fix an Unresponsive PSP

The PlayStation Portable -- PSP -- has a series of top-mounted buttons that are used to control game play. Dust and dirt can get into the PSP's case and cause the buttons to stick. This makes the PSP unresponsive and must be fixed if you're to resume normal game play. No special tools are needed, but you need supplies from a hardware store. You'll also need tools commonly found in the home.

Things You'll Need

Bath towel
Phillips jeweler's screwdriver
Flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver
Electrical cleaning spray
Toothpicks
Business cards
Compressed air

Instructions

- 1
  Place a bath towel on a table. Place the PSP face-down on the towel with the battery compartment facing left.
- 2
  Slide off the battery compartment lid. Pull out the battery. Scratch the sticker inside the battery compartment with the tip of a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Remove the screw hidden beneath the sticker. Remove the rest of the screws in the battery compartment.
- 3
  Remove the screws from the top corners of the PSP, from the bottom edge and from the right side, with the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Turn the PSP over so that the buttons are closest to you.
- 4
  Insert the tip of a flat-edged jeweler's screwdriver into the seam beneath the rubber direction pad. Pull up on the tip to raise the pad. Pull the pad off and place it aside.
- 5
  Lift the PSP's top plate off the bottom case, slowly. Place the plate aside. Shake the can of electrical cleaning spray for five seconds. Spray a 1-second burst on the end of the toothpick.
- 6
  Insert the end of the toothpick into the seam at the base of one of the buttons lying inside the case. Run the end of the toothpick around the seam clockwise. Repeat this procedure with the other buttons and a toothpick for each.
- 7
  Insert the edge of a business card into the seam at the base of one of the buttons. Run the edge of the card around the seam, clockwise. Repeat this procedure with the other buttons and a clean edge of the business card and another business card as needed.
- 8
  Press in on each of the buttons twice. Blow off the buttons with bursts of compressed air. Blow around the base of each button with bursts of compressed air.
- 9
  Place the plate back on the PSP's case. Place the pad back on the plate. Turn over the PSP. Reattach the screws. Return the battery to the battery compartment. Place the battery compartment lid back on.

Sony PSP