How to Clean an XBox 360 DVD
If your Xbox 360 console has trouble reading and playing DVDs, its DVD drive likely has dust or other particles inside it, probably around the lens and/or mirror. It's best to leave this cleaning to a repair or service center that is approved by Microsoft to work on these devices, especially if the console is still under warranty. Disassembling the Xbox console and removing the DVD drive to clean it is a very risky task and should not be done unless you're experienced in cleaning the optics of DVD players and similar devices.
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Things You'll Need
- Small Flathead Screwdriver
- Torx Number 10 Screwdriver
- Philips Number 1 Screwdriver
- Cotton Swabs
- Air Compressor
- Lens Cleaner
Instructions
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1
Remove the DVD drive from the console. Squeeze and pull off the front faceplate, remove the hard drive by pushing its release button, and remove the gray pieces on both sides by pushing a long thin object into the white holes beside them. Remove both parts of the white outer shell by using a small, thin, flathead screwdriver to release the clip holding them together.
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2
Place the console upside down and remove the screws holding its top plastic shell in place. Only remove the five black screws along the edges and the one black screw near the center in a depressed hole. Turn the console right-side up and remove the shell. Lift the DVD drive out of the console and disconnect all its cables.
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3
Open the DVD drive by removing the two screws in back (they will require the Torx screwdriver) and the two along the middle edges on top of the drive (the will require the Phillips screwdriver). A screw grabber or magnetic screwdriver will help remove the top screws.
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4
Blow compressed air into the drive to remove any dust. Focus the air around the lens and the mirror first, then move to the rest of the drive, making sure the air blows away from those two optics.
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5
Clean off the lens and mirror with a cotton swap dipped in a high-quality lens cleaner (an antistatic version works best). Make sure you leave no streaks as you wipe the optics, then dry them with the dry end of the cotton swab. Be sure not to scratch the mirror.
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6
Place the DVD back into the Xbox console and reassemble the console in exact reverse order of disassembly.
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Tips & Warnings
Disassembling the console and removing the drive will void the warranty.
