How to Replace an Xbox DVD Laser
Usually, when an Xbox's laser starts to go out, it's easiest to replace the entire DVD drive rather than just the laser. However, if you feel attached to you DVD drive and are determined to replace the laser alone, this article can help.
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Instructions
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Opening the Xbox
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1
Turn the Xbox upside down while it's still plugged in. Push the button to open the drives tray, then disconnect the power cord from the outlet.
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2
Remove the six torx 20 screws. One is under each of the four rubber feet on the outside corners, and two are under the stickers.
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3
Flip the Xbox back over. Wiggle the top of the case a bit and pull it off (pull one side up first--the other side comes off easily after that).
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4
Locate the flat gray cable, then disconnect it from the DVD drive and the hard disk. Then, find the yellow wires and disconnect them as well.
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5
Unhook the colored power cables attached to the hard disk, leaving them plugged in, just unhooked from the cradle.
Separating the Parts
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6
Find the torx 10 screw between the DVD drive and the hard disk and remove it. Now you can remove the hard disk cradle and set it off to the side.
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7
Remove the two torx 10 screws on the front left and front right of the DVD drive. Lift the DVD drive and its cradle out and set to the side.
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8
Locate the two small plastic clips holding the DVD drive to the cradle. Unclip the drive and separate it from its cradle. If you're only replacing the DVD drive, this is all you have to do. Just reassemble with the new drive and follow these steps in reverse.
The Laser Assembly
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9
Find the two small diamond-head screws countersunk on both sides of the DVD drive. Remove these, then pull the top cover of the DVD drive off.
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10
Unplug the flat white cable that attaches to the laser assembly. First, pull out the bottom portion of the black plug that the cable goes in to, which unlocks the cable and lets you pull it out.
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11
Unscrew the four small diamond head screws that are on the two guide rails, then lift the laser assembly and guard rails out.
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12
Remove the guard rails from the old laser assembly and attach them to the new laser assembly.
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13
Reassemble the parts by following these steps in reverse.
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Tips & Warnings
Look for replacement laser assemblies at online auction sites (like eBay) when comparing prices.
When putting the Xbox lid back on, line up the "teeth" at the front of the lid so that they fit inside the Xbox frame. Apply gentle pressure evenly to both sides when putting the lid on; if only one side goes down, it can be difficult to pull it back up and straighten it out.
Check the expiration date on your Xbox's warranty. If it's still in effect, don't try to replace the laser. Opening your Xbox voids the manufacturer's whole warranty and isn't worth it.
Buying a new laser may be much more expensive than just replacing the DVD drive. Do your research before committing to replacing the laser alone.
A DVD drive's laser is very delicate, so take great care while handling it.
Before inserting your white cable into your new laser assembly, make sure the catch is open on the new assembly.
Be very careful when putting the cradles of the DVD drive and hard disk back into the Xbox. Make sure that the cradles' legs rest directly over their plastic mounts.
