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How to Replace the Tray in the XBox

It's comprised of some of the most advanced consumer-grade technology currently available, but the Xbox is still susceptible to simple mechanical failure in its single largest moving part: the disc tray.

If your disc tray needs to be replaced for whatever reason, dismantling and removing it may seem like an insurmountable burden. Luckily, the design of the Xbox makes this project fairly simple, as long as you have some basic tools and are willing to void the warranty by opening the case.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver
New disc tray

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the Xbox and lay it down so that all the screws holding the case on are pointed upward.
- 2
  Remove all visible screws and set them aside. Lift off the upper side of the plastic case to expose the innards of the game console.
- 3
  Locate the long, white actuator near the tray, and slide it all the way to the left. This will lower the laser array out of your way.
- 4
  Begin sliding the tray out of its slot; depress and hold down the two tabs that impede your progress until the tray slides all the way out of the console. Set it aside.
- 5
  Insert the new tray into the now vacant slot, making sure the disc-holding section is facing the same direction as the original was. New or like-new Xbox disc trays can be purchased for relatively little on websites like eBay.
- 6
  Slide the actuator back into place when the tray is secured to bring the laser array back into position.
- 7
  Replace the plastic outer casing and secure it with the screws your removed earlier.

Xbox 360