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How to Fix Your XBox 360 When it Says All Discs Are Unplayable

Disc-based media players often become dirty through prolonged usage. The repeated opening and closing of the loading tray can coat the lens reader in dust, thereby preventing the component from reading discs. If an Xbox 360 isn't reading any discs, even those that are without blemish, the lens is almost certainly dirty. Cleaning your lens requires opening the main console case, an action that will void any warranties on your Xbox 360.

Things You'll Need

XCM 360 case opening tool
Can of compressed air
Cotton swabs
Lens cleaner

Instructions

Opening the Xbox 360
- 1
  Remove the hard drive from the console, if applicable. Press down on the gray button with one hand while pulling the hard drive away from the console with the other. Insert your fingertips at the base of the plastic faceplate and pry it away from the main console body.
- 2
  Insert the XCM 360 case opening tool's thin arm through the vent holes on the sides of the console. Unlatch the gray tabs on the upper and lower vent plates. Place the detached vent plates aside.
- 3
  Lay the console flat on the work surface. Insert the console opening tool between the plastic console shells and work your way around with a prying motion until the upper shell comes free.
- 4
  Remove the six screws from the newly exposed metal chassis with the Torx wrench supplied with the opening tool. Place the screws to the side.
- 5
  Loosen the silver or white eject button from the disc tray and pull the metal chassis away from the main console body.
Cleaning the DVD Lens
- 6
  Disconnect any cables or ribbons connecting the disc drive to the main console body, which resembles a large rectangular box. It should have a yellow caution sticker on the top.
- 7
  Remove both screws on the rear face of the disc drive, as well as both screws on the top of the drive. All four screws can be removed with a small Phillips screwdriver.
- 8
  Pull away the bottom metal shell and place it to the side.
- 9
  Pull away the upper metal shell.
- 10
  Spray compressed air into the drive's internal parts to clear any dust.
- 11
  Dampen a cotton swab with lens cleaner and gently wipe the lens and mirror in circular motions. Do not scratch either component.
- 12
  Dry the lens and mirror to a streak-free sheen with dry cotton swabs.
- 13
  Replace both metal shells and all four screws. Reconnect all ribbons and cables. Replace the metal chassis with the six Torx screws and reunite the upper plastic console shell with the lower. Replace the gray vent plates and the plastic faceplate.

Xbox 360