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How to Swap Out DVD Drives in an XBox

The Xbox continues to be used by gamers looking for an inexpensive, but dependable video game console. A defective DVD drive cripples the capabilities of the console and must be replaced. Remove a working DVD drive from a broken Xbox and "swap" it for the defective one in your own Xbox. A broken Xbox with a functional DVD drive can be acquired inexpensively from a computer or video game store, and the working DVD drive will already have all the needed software for integrating with your own Xbox. The procedure requires a few tools, but does not require any special electronic skills.

Things You'll Need

Flat-edged screwdriver
#8 Torx screwdriver
Phillips jeweler's screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Place a bath towel on a table. Place the broken Xbox with the working DVD drive face down on the table. Remove the rubber feet from the bottom of the Xbox with the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver. Remove the screws from beneath the rubber feet and rubber nubs with the Torx screwdriver.
- 2
  Scratch off the stickers on the bottom of the Xbox with the tip of the flat-edged screwdriver. Remove the screws from beneath the stickers with the Torx screwdriver.
- 3
  Turn the Xbox over. Grip the top of the Xbox. Pull the outer case off the Xbox. Place the outer case aside.
- 4
  Remove the screws from around the hard drive with the Phillips jeweler's screwdriver. Lift the hard drive up. Remove the two cables from the connectors on the back of the hard drive by pulling them out.
- 5
  Place the hard drive on the bath towel. Dispose of the broken Xbox properly. Repeat the entire disassembly procedure, only this time with your own Xbox. Discard the broken DVD drive taken out of your Xbox properly.
- 6
  Place the working hard drive from the broken Xbox into your Xbox in the position that was formerly occupied by the broken hard drive. Plug the two cables into the back in the appropriate connections. Attach the screws to secure the hard drive to the Xbox.
- 7
  Reverse the disassembly process to reassemble the Xbox. Return the Xbox to its original location. Reattach the cables.

Xbox 360