XBox 360 DVD-ROM Problems
The Xbox 360 video game console uses a DVD drive that is similar to that found in stand-alone DVD players. But it is also geared for use with the proprietary discs that the games come on. There are circumstances that can cause the DVD-ROM drive not to work, making gameplay problematic or impossible. Some common problems are easily addressed.
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DVD-ROM Drive Freezes Up
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High demand for the Xbox 360 led Microsoft to use a number of companies to supply the DVD-ROM drive. One of the companies was found to have manufactured a defective drive mechanism for the DVD-ROM drive that caused it to freeze up and cease working after a couple of hours of continuous use. The only solution for this is to return the Xbox 360 for repair or replacement under warranty.
DVD-ROM Drive Skips Playing Game Disc
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If the game disc makes ripping sounds after being inserted into the DVD-ROM drive, remove it immediately because the drive mechanism has slipped out of position and is damaging the disc. This will scratch the disc at the least, or gouge it at the worst. The only solution is to return the Xbox 360 for a replacement or repair of the DVD-ROM drive. The game disc will have to be replaced.
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DVD-ROM Drive Plays Erratically
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A "dirty disc" error message means that the lens assembly has gotten dirty and so the laser reading the disc in the DVD-ROM drive is not able to perform at its best. A commercial disc solution kit can be used to play inside of the DVD-ROM drive to clean off the lens.
To avoid this problem in the future, make sure any disc inserted into the DVD-ROM drive is clean and free of dirt by removing any dirt from the silver bottom of the disc using a camel's hair brush. Keep the disc in its box when not being used.
DVD-ROM Gives Error Message About Disc
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The DVD-ROM drive starts to slow down during use and gives a "This disc is unreadable" error message when it is reaching the end of its life. This will continue to happen on and off over time until the drive completely fails. The user can take out the disc when the error message is given, turn off the console, turn it back on and put the disc back in to see if it now runs. The only complete solution is to return the console or replace the drive.
DVD-ROM Drive Has Problems Playing Discs
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There are known issues with some makes of the DVD-ROM drives. The Samsung drive has infrequent issues playing discs where it sometimes will work and sometimes will not. The only solution is to return the Xbox 360 for a replacement DVD-ROM drive that does not have this problem.
DVD-ROM Drive Will Not Play Game Disc
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A drive that will play DVD movies but not Xbox 360 game discs has been set up incorrectly at the factory. The only solution is to return the Xbox 360 and specifically note the problem so the drive can be repaired or replaced.
Warning
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Doing any repairs yourself will void the warranty. Microsoft will refuse to repair machines whose warranties are void.
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References
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- Photo Credit Microsoft
