Storage

Replace an Xbox DVD drive

By // July 18, 2006, 8:43 AM PST // billdetwiler

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  • After suffering intermittent "dirty disc" errors, sMoRTy71 decided to buy a replacement DVD drive for his Xbox. He bought one on eBay for less than $30 shipped. The whole process, which involved removing eights screws and disconnecting IDE and power cables, took less than 10 minutes.

    Read sMoRTy71's personal blog post about his experience replacing the Xbox DVD drive.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • Opening the case

    To begin, you'll need to remove six #20 Torx screws from the bottom of the case. Four are hidden under the padded feet and two are hidden under stickers.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • Remove the screws

    A close-up view of the #20 Torx screw hidden under the rubber pads.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • Screws hiding under stickers

    Microsoft hides two of the Torx screws under stickers.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • #20 Torx screw

    Another close-up of the screws that hold the Xbox case in place.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • Xbox case top

    With the screws removed you can set the Xbox case's top aside.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • Xbox opened

    With the top removed, the Xbox's DVD drive is easily accessible.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • Removing the DVD drive

    Remove two #10 Torx screws from the plastic bracket attached to the DVD drive. Then, push in the plastic tab and gently pull up to remove the drive.

    Disconnect both the IDE and power cables from the drive.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • The new drive

    You are now ready to install the new Xbox DVD drive.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • Replace the drive's faceplate

    The Xbox DVD drive has a plastic faceplate. You will need to remove the faceplate from the old drive by pulling out slightly then up. The process for adding the faceplate to the new drive is the reverse. Slide the faceplate down from the top of the drive door.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • Install the new DVD drive

    Securely attach the IDE and power cables to the new drive, then slip the drive into place. You should hear a click when the bracket snaps into place.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • Secure the new drive

    Reattach the two #10 Torx screws to secure the drive.

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

  • Replace the Xbox case's top

    Reattach all six Torx screws in the case and the rubber feet. You're all done!

    CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

After suffering intermittent "dirty disc" errors, sMoRTy71 decided to buy a replacement DVD drive for his Xbox. He bought one on eBay for less than $30 shipped. The whole process, which involved removing eights screws and disconnecting IDE and power cables, took less than 10 minutes.

Read sMoRTy71's personal blog post about his experience replacing the Xbox DVD drive.

CNET Networks - sMoRTy71

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By Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Editor in Chief of TechRepublic and Tech Pro Research and the host of Cracking Open, CNET and TechRepublic's popular online show. Prior to joining TechRepublic in 2000, Bill was an IT manager, database administrator, and desktop supp...