well my 3rd xbox,benq, has been running good for the past 5 to 6 months then decided to start giving me the open tray error .it got to where i could get the backups to play now and then but now they won't.after looking around and even trying the stupid rubber band trick looks like replacing the laser is an inexpensive thing to troubleshoot.i though i read that backups do put extra strain on the laser but the rrod always got me first.
Originally posted by guessswho: 2. It's because of the media, not any firmware update. Crappier the media you use, the more of a strain it will put on the laser.
interesting. here's a couple more q's if ya don't mind...
1)this is probably impossible to pinpoint but is there an "average life" of a laser if you're only playing backups?
2)can you replace the laser or is it easier to replace the entire disc tray? (cost of either?)
laser life is unpredictable i have had some for three years ,one for 12 months and one for less than 6 months....back ups will decrease the life of a laser but they are that cheap and easy to change i would not let it deter me ......
What makes you think it is the laser? Is it disc disc is unreadable?
As for the other questions
1. Yes, backups cause more of a strain than originals do
2. It's because of the media, not any firmware update. Crappier the media you use, the more of a strain it will put on the laser.
well,i haven't did anything to the firmware since i got it about 6months ago,as for media i buy the 25 pack of verbatim,got about 10 left so i've been using them for awhile and my older games is doing it to.what happens is when i put it in it just sounds like it has trouble reading then goes to the dashboard and says open tray.i opened it and cleaned it with alchohol and it read a couple times then did it again.i seen a laser for @$30 so i ordered one to try it first.
Ok. I've been able to repair a couple of DVD drives.
One was a Hitachi, it displayed the unreadable disk message. The problem was that the spindle was lacking lubrication. It was pretty easy to fix, you'll need a 5 mm torch screwdriver. It cost me like 7 buks at wal mart. There is a tutorial on google on how to disassemble the drive. Once reach the spindle you just need to clean it up with alcohol, then apply any high quality lubticant. I used 3d and it worked just fine. There is also a nice tutorial on you tube.
The second, also a Hitachi drive, it was making a grinding noise and giving me the error. I opened up and there is magnetized washer that was loose. I glue it back in place with Kola glue for wood and plastic, and it is working fine now. The washer helps to keep the DVD in place and helps the Disc to catch up enough speed to RPM, otherwise the laser won't read it.
I also have a sammy that is not reading discs at all. I think is the laser len. I have never tried to replace a laser len but I found a cool tutorial at 360mods and it didn't look too hard.
Hitachis seem to be a real piece of zhit.
I wouldn't recommend cleaning the laser len. Whathever you use to clean it, it may leave a film that will permanently damage the laser. Then you'll have to replace it for sure, which will require soldering.
thanks, i'll try to lube it up.i already checked on the magnetized washer but i don't think the benq is like that?on the benq it looks like the only mag. place is on the spinner on top of the casing and its not a washer.
