Xbox 360 S Optical Drive Replacement

Written By: Matthew Newsom

Comments: 50

Difficulty

Difficult

Steps

Time Required

40 minutes - 1 hour

Introduction

Replace that drive that ate your favorite copy of Call of Duty.

Note: The optical drive and motherboard are paired and must be replaced together. If you try to replace the optical drive but not the motherboard, game disks may not read, and you may have issues with online play.

Tools

Parts

Step 1

In the following steps, you will remove the top vent, secured to the top panel by the thirteen clips shown.
Take care when removing the fan vent not to break any of the plastic clips.

Step 2

Orient the console so that the words "XBOX 360" on the sides are right-side up, and the faceplate is facing to the left.
Insert a metal spudger between the top vent and the top bezel near the rear of the Xbox.
Rotate the spudger away from the console, prying the edge of the fan vent up until the two plastic clips come free.
Be sure to rotate the spudger far enough so that the plastic clips clear the silver rim of the top bezel.

Whoever gave that tool the name “spudger” needs to be shot in the face.

Richard - 25/11/17

This step is and the others following are to rough and not needed, simply put smth in between the lamellar and push it up with littlebit pressure thats better for the plastic parts.

TheSupport - 11/09/18

Step 3

Insert a metal spudger between the fan vent and top bezel along the left side of the console.
In the same manner described above, begin prying the left side of the top vent away from the top bezel.
Continue prying along the left side of the device, freeing all the clips on that side.

Step 4

Lift the fan vent up from the freed left side to disengage the clips along the right side.
Remove the entire fan vent.

Step 5

In the following steps, you will be releasing the six clips highlighted in red.
Each clip can be undone by inserting a metal spudger underneath the bottom edge of the clip. Once underneath the bottom edge, simply prying away from the console will free the clip.

see the red boxes specially in image

Restrict -

Step 6

Orient the console so that the left case is facing toward you and the faceplate is facing toward the right.
Insert a metal spudger through the front-most slit on the left edge of the top bezel and between the bottom edge of the clip and the left case, as described above.
Simultaneously rotate the spudger away from the console and pull up on the top bezel to free the clip.
You will hear a "pop" signifying that the clip cleared its catch.

So I got the fan filter thing off, but the black edge plate thing isn't coming off. All I did was warp my flathead screwdriver and scratch the console.

HumidTater -

Step 7

Using the same method described above, free the two remaining clips along the left edge of the top bezel.

Step 8

Grab the entire top panel with your hands, lift up the entire left edge high enough to rest the separated clips on top of the left case.
You may have to go back with a spudger and undo any clips that have re-attached.
The top panel will not come free of the console yet.

Step 9

Rotate the console so that the rear of the Xbox 360 S is facing to the right, and the right case is facing you.
Insert a metal spudger through the rear-most slit on the right edge of the top bezel and between the bottom edge of the clip and the right case.
While lifting up on the top bezel with your fingers, rotate the spudger away from the console to free the clip.

Step 10

In the same manner as described in the previous steps, release the middle and front clips along the right edge of the top panel.

Step 11

Lift the top panel off the device.
You may have to go back with a spudger and undo any clips that have re-attached to the console.

Step 12

Orient the Xbox 360 S so that the bottom of the console is facing toward you.
Push the latch holding down the hard drive cover to the left.
Pull the hard drive cover away from the console.

Step 13

Firmly grasp the fabric tab labeled with the size of the hard drive (e.g. "250 GB") attached to the hard drive.
Pull the hard drive straight out of the console.
The fabric tab is attached to a catch further inside the hard drive housing. It will take some force to pull the hard drive out.

If i buy a new xbox 360 and replace the hardrive inside with my own, will i have my account and saves? or will i have to recover my account and start over?

yamboboy - 26/07/14

You will still have your saves and account if you replace your hard drive in the new xbox

Robert Miller - 15/03/16

hola tengo un disco de laptop y quiero ponerle 100 juegos como puedo hacer la xbox me reconose el disco y todo lo configuro pero cuando conecto a mi pc para pasar los juejosel emulador no me deja

Cesar Tourreilles - 24/08/17

My fabric was accidentally ripped off years ago. What do I do?

org 2026 - 15/09/19

Stick another bit on there

Josh Cool - 22/01/21

Step 14

In the following steps, you will remove the bottom vent.
It is attached to the bottom panel by the seven clips shown.

Step 15

Orient the Xbox 360 S so that the hard drive port is facing up and the faceplate is facing to the left.
Insert a metal spudger between the black bottom vent and the silver rim of the bottom bezel, in the rear right corner of the vent.
Rotate the spudger away from the console, prying the vent up from the bottom bezel.
Be sure to rotate the spudger far enough so that the clips on the vent are lifted past the silver rim of the bottom bezel.

Step 16

In the same manner as described above, pry the two remaining clips on the bottom right edge.
All of the clips along both the right and front edge should now be free. If other clips have come undone as well, that is fine.

Step 17

Remove the bottom vent by lifting it away from the bottom bezel.

Step 18

In the following steps, you will remove the bottom bezel, which is attached to the rest of the console by the six clips shown.
The clips shown in red can be detached by inserting a metal spudger underneath the bottom edge of the clip. Once underneath the bottom edge, simply prying away from the console will free the clip.

Step 19

Insert a metal spudger through the slit near the rear left corner of the bottom bezel.
Rotate the spudger away from the device while lifting the rear bezel up with the other hand.
You may hear a "pop" signifying the clip has cleared its catch.

These are pretty awkward to remove, but once you understand how they work its easy enough. The goal here is to slot the spudger THROUGH the gap of the silver tabs (visible in previous steps image, circled) and then pry. Put pressure against the wall of the Xbox case and push downwards, once you feel the spudger slot in, then apply force away from the Xbox and pull up a little with your free hand.

Spaced Invader - 28/11/19

Step 20

Insert a metal spudger through the left middle slit of the bottom bezel, and between the bottom edge of the clip and the left case.
Simultaneously pull the bottom bezel up and rotate the spudger away from the console to free the clip.
In a similar fashion, free the clip at the front of the bottom bezel's left edge.
The entire left side of the bottom bezel should now be free.

Step 21

Turn the console around so that the faceplate is facing to the right and the right case is facing toward you.
Insert the spudger into the rear-most slit on the right edge of the bottom bezel, and wedge it behind the clip by pushing the spudger down while pushing the tip of the spudger against the right case.
Simultaneously release the clip and pull the bottom bezel up.
This clip is especially hard to remove. Some force will be required to insert the spudger correctly.

Step 22

This clip does not have a slit in the bezel to guide you. You can locate the clip by looking under the bezel near the hard drive slot.
Insert a spudger between the silver rim and bottom bezel directly above the clip shown.
Release the clip while pulling up on the bottom bezel.

Step 23

This clip is smaller than the others and should not be removed from above like the others.
Lift the left edge of the bottom bezel up enough to gain clearance.
Insert a metal spudger behind the left edge of the last clip, and push the clip away from the right case.

Step 24

Opening your Xbox 360 any further will require breaking or removing the warranty sticker on the outer case. Your Microsoft warranty for any components not directly attached to the logic board will likely be voided by removing this seal.

Does not void the warranty in the United States according to the FTC that sent a cease and desist letter directly to Microsoft about this exact issue.

Jeff - 02/08/18

https://www.techdirt.com/articles/201804...

Jeff - 02/08/18

Step 25

Orient the console right-side up, with the faceplate facing toward you.
Locate the two clips connecting the right and left case along the top edge of the console, behind the Wi-Fi card.
While pushing the left and right case away from each other with one hand, pry the clips away from the case with a metal spudger.

Retiring the WiFi module, this task gets a lot easier

Luismi Carmona -

Step 26

Continue to hold the two cases apart to prevent the clips reattaching.
Insert a spudger between the right and left cases to hold them separate while you work elsewhere.

Step 27

Flip the Xbox over so the faceplate is facing left, and the left case is facing toward you.
While pushing the left and right cases apart with one hand, free one clip located beside the hard drive slot.

Step 28

Continue to hold the cases apart to prevent the clips from reattaching.
Place another spudger between the left and right cases directly below the clip.

Step 29

Insert the flat edge of a metal spudger between the left and right cases where the warranty sticker used to be.
Pry the left case upwards to form a gap between the two cases, and slide the spudger in toward the left case.
Rotate the spudger upward to release the last clip.
The spudgers holding the top and bottom clips apart may be removed.

if you make a hole right here like the link`s picture you can boot the lock

https://scontent-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hphoto...

Midguet Garcia - 06/04/15

As the user above me said, please avoid doing it like shown in the guide. It just didn’t work on my Xbox (unless your goal is to destroy the plastic case). Instead, pick some small needle like object (the spudger was too short for this, I used the SIM bit of my iFixit driver kit) and find the right spot on the big sticker which is on the left in the pictures shown in the guide. That spot is just between the text and the column of logos (Dolby Digital, etc.) (https://team-xecuter.com/slim/slim_secre..., picture not mine). Poke it (don’t be too gentle, you have to apply some force) and you will hear the clip release.

Davide Volta - 26/07/19

Both the above links are dead, i used this YouTube video which shows you the process of getting the hidden clip

https://youtu.be/dFD94d6mDFE

Kenny Montgomery -

I was able to open it by pushing on the sticker to unclamp the clip while another person helped me pull open the case.

StellularWolf51 -

Here is a Video that shows the small hole behind the sticker, ist in german but ist good to see how to open that hidden clip easiely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bsy5IUVg...

Michael Buß -

Step 30

Release one clip in the front left corner of the top edge securing the left case to the faceplate.

Step 31

Flip the console over so the bottom is facing upward.
Release one clip in the front left corner of the bottom edge securing the left case to the faceplate.
Rotate the left case away from the device to release the last two inner clips.
Remove the left case.

Step 32

Orient the console right-side-up, with the faceplate facing forward.
Release the clip near the front right corner of the top edge securing the right case to the faceplate.

There are 4 black screw that has to be removed before you can detach the other cover. Please note

emmoski4real - 30/01/17

Sorry, there 5screws, one in the middle and 4 at the edges

emmoski4real - 30/01/17

Step 33

Turn the console over, so that the bottom is facing upward, and the faceplate is facing forward.
Release the clip in the bottom right corner of the top edge securing the right case to the front case.

Step 34

Lift the left edge of the faceplate upward to release the last two clips securing the faceplate to the right case.
Detach the faceplate from the rest of the device.
The faceplate is still attached to the console by a thin ribbon cable. Do not attempt to completely remove the faceplate yet.

It is easier to perform step 40 before 34 (unscrew the long torx screws to make the right case flexible)

Peter - 29/12/14

There isn’t 2 clips there is 4 clips

Daniel Mattes -

Step 35

Using a spudger or fingernail, lift the clear blue tab away from the connector.
Slide the locking tab on the power switch board cable connector toward the top of the console.
The locking tab will only move about 2 mm.
Pull the power switch cable straight out of the connector.
The faceplate is now free of the rest of the console.

Step 36

Remove the two 5.6 mm T8 Torx screws securing the RF module to the metal case.

On my disassembly during this part, I found the T9 Torx to be too big and had to use the T8 Torx instead.

weitmeyerj -

The correct size is T8!

thomasforster -

I guess you need to check for your own size : I used the TR9 as the TR8 was a little too loose.

sirmyself - 19/11/17

Step 37

The RF module is still connected to the Xbox by a large USB-type connector.
Pull the board directly away from the Xbox to remove it.

This step is not needed.

Wade - 24/06/14

It may not be required but recommended. As you move the xbox around you could break this part. Removing it and placing it in a safe place keeps that from happening.

junkyardjojo - 16/07/14

Is the rf module married to the mother board? Im trying to replace the piece but dont want to start if it is not compatible.

jake - 21/01/16

Step 38

Remove the single T10 Torx screw holding in the wireless card.
Pull the Wi-Fi Board out of the console.

Step 39

This is the terminal point if you ever want to send your Xbox back to Microsoft for repair.
Remove the large white warranty sticker from the metal frame to expose a screw.

Step 40

Remove the five 55.5 mm T10 Torx screws securing the right case to the metal frame.

Step 41

Turn the Xbox over so the right case is facing up.
Lift the right case off by its metal framework.

Step 42

Disconnect the optical drive data cable from the back of the optical drive.
Disconnect the power cable from the back of the optical drive.

Step 43

Lift the optical drive out of the Xbox.

Is there a specific Optical Drive that Microsoft uses in these or can I upgrade my drive?

whitemare0 -

i took my drive out but when installed my replacement it would not work

davidgardner301 -

WAS thinking of possibly trying to repair my son's Xbox 360S, by replacing the optical drive, but after looking at all the spudger steps to get to the drive and then your comment that the replacement might not actually work... forget about it! I ain't going to all that work for possibly nothing... t'ain't worth it!

Anyone want a perfectly working Xbox 360S with a drive the spins game discs upon ejection? We've already bought a replacement, so this unit is for sale... name your price.

Luposian -

In regards to davidgardner301 comment there is a extra step they. Didn't show on this replacement guide in order for your new disk drive to work you will need to remove the origional board connected to thje origional drive that came with the system and soler that onto the new one its a tricky process however its a step most people over look

Without the origional board the xbox will not accept the replacement drive only because each disk drive is coded to work with tat soecific xbox only so your out of luck if you already. Tossed out your old disk drive

Eric Liu - 05/05/14

So I installed the drive but the thing keeps reading the games as dvds, hence; wont play them, why?

BigD29853 - 02/12/15

The DVD drives are coded to the Motherboard. If you buy the same exact drive to replace the broken one. You will still need to either 1) transfer the DVD circuit board OR 2) get the Firmware from the old DVD drive using a PC and then transfer it to the New DVD. There are website regarding this procedure if you want to look it up.

Lawrence - 16/10/16

Conclusion

To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order.

Author

Matthew Newsom

Member since: 06/01/10

39452 Reputation

16 comments

I have to admit that i used this exact guide step by step and managed to fix a stuck DVD tray. I had to use another guide to disassemble the DVD drive but this guide is top notch.

JimRx7 -

How did you get it unstuck? I’m having the same problem?

Hyrum Tripp - 07/04/18

Used this guide to remove the optical drive from my sons Xbox to remove a piece of paper put there by his little sister! The guide is relatively easy to follow and the hardest part is getting the casing off, beyond that you just need patience.

Chris Boyd - 19/04/14

I agree. Especially near the back where the warranty sticker is. I think they made it hard on purpose so you wouldn’t break it

Hyrum Tripp - 07/04/18

Hi Fixit, I work pretty much exclusively with Apple products, but was bullied into replacing the optical drive in a 360S.

Having never opened an XBox, I followed your guide to the letter. I completed the job in 1 hour with no problems, broken parts or skinned knuckles.

Keep up the good work guys.

A grateful Ian Younie

ianyounie - 28/09/14

How do I find out what drive to purchase?

jaequonsummers - 23/02/15

I recommend you try y ok get a xbox 360 slim that's broken, then take both apart and swap the drives.

Blue Snake Minecraft - 23/03/15

Thank you for this guide. It worked perfectly! However, you should really put at the top, in big letters, that fact that following this guide will result in Microsoft banning the console, so you will never be able to play online games on it again. This is exactly what happened to me. If I had known this ahead of time, I would have sent the Xbox back to Microsoft for repair rather than fixing it myself.

docbob77 - 03/06/15

So I installed the drive but the thing keeps reading the games as dvds, hence; wont play them, why?

BigD29853 - 02/12/15

Did you ever figure this out? I am having the same problem

Shedrick Cooper - 09/12/18

Won't read Games because you didn't swap the motherboard over as well. Its possible to flash it over but you'll still need original motherboard that was with the disk drive.

Brandi Ivey - 08/03/16

In case noone figured it out you can also swap the system board from the old drive into the new one but it may require some soldiering

chris wyatt - 09/03/17

I followed this to try to fix my DVD Drive. The tray is stuck and it thinks it either ejecting or closing. I’ve opened the drive up and it appears to be in fine condition. Nothing is blocking anything. Anyone have any idea why this is happening?

Hyrum Tripp - 07/04/18

Steps are a littlebit to rough and offensive for the plastic parts, please check the Xbox 360 Opening (X-Tools) Tutorial on YouTube and fix your guide.

TheSupport - 11/09/18

Hi my sister has two Xbox 360s’s one with the red ring of death and another that won't read discs. So I found this guide to swap the drives but nowhere do you show how to swap the mother board as well. Is that pretty straight forward once you have it gutted or did I miss something?

Josh Daigneault - 26/12/18

Best guide i’ve found. Followed the steps and had it apart in 20 minutes. My friends xbox stopped reading discs so I dissembled the xbox and opened the disc drive and sprayed the electric motors with PB blaster and cleaned the laser lens. Works as good as new.

KLF220 - 01/04/19