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How to Fix a UMD Port

The Sony PSP uses Universal Media Disc (UMD) technology as the main media for PSP games. These discs are similar to a small CD or DVD. The back of the Sony PSP has a UMD port that reads the UMD disc and allows game play. Like their larger CD/DVD drives counterparts, these ports can malfunction and not be able to read the discs properly. The cause of the "disc read error" will turn out to be a cosmetic problem most of the time and there are several easy fixes to attempt, before replacing the entire UMD port.

Things You'll Need

Lint free cloth
Compressed Air
UMD cleaning solution
Rubbing alcohol
Cotton swab

Instructions

Checking the UMD Port
- 1
  Remove the UMD disc from the PSP.
- 2
  Open the UMD port and look at the laser assembly.
- 3
  Press down on the small black tab to the left of the laser assembly. This tells the PSP that there is a UMD inserted. The laser will light up red and the center disc spinner will spin. If the laser light does not light up or the motor does not spin, the problem is mechanical failure and you will need to either replace the parts that are not working or replace the entire UMD port.
Cleaning the UMD Laser
- 4
  Dip a cotton swab in alcohol.
- 5
  Clean the laser eye with the cotton swab gently.
- 6
  Allow to dry completely and try to run the UMD disc again.
Cleaning the UMD Disc
- 7
  Check disc for dust, fingerprints, scratches or lint.
- 8
  Blow excess dust off the UMD with a can of compressed air.
- 9
  Spray disc with cleaning solution and gently wipe off in an outward direction with a lint free cloth.
Reset the UMD Settings and Perform a Hard Reboot
- 10
  Turn on the PSP and navigate to "Settings" menu.
- 11
  Scroll down to "System" and press the "X" button.
- 12
  Scroll down to "UMD Auto-Start" and press the "X" button. Select "On" from the menu and press "X."
- 13
  Remove the PSP battery. Wait two minutes.
- 14
  Insert the UMD disc and replace the battery.

Sony PSP