Xbox: The Xbox console disc tray will not open (817396)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Xbox Console
  • Xbox Video Game System

SYMPTOMS

You may find that you can turn on your Xbox console, but you cannot open the disc tray. Sometimes this problem may occur if a game disc, a DVD, or a CD is stuck in the disc tray. However, this problem may also occur if a disc is not stuck in the disc tray.

THINGS TO TRY

To remove a disc from the disc tray:
You cannot open the disc tray You can open the disc tray, but the disc remains in the console
  1. Determine whether the Xbox console is functioning correctly. To do this, verify that a picture appears when you turn on the console. If a picture does not appear and the disc tray eject button does not function, this indicates a problem that requires you to have your Xbox console serviced by Microsoft.
  2. Press the eject button on the console to open the disc tray.
  3. If the tray does not open when you press the eject button, try to manually open it. To do this:
    1. Unplug your Xbox console from the power source.
    2. Locate the manual release button on your Xbox console.

      For most Xbox consoles, the manual release button is located in a small pinhole to the left of the eject button under the disc tray.

      For some Xbox consoles, the manual release button is located under the disc tray. It can be under the "O" or the "B" in the word "XBOX" that appears on the tray.
    3. Insert a straightened paper clip or other small tool in the hole at an angle to the left. Gently push the paper clip to try to press the manual release button and partially open the disc tray. This may take several tries. Typically, a thin paper clip works better than a thick paper clip.

      If you insert the paperclip in the hole and find an obstacle, this indicates that your Xbox console's manual release button is located in a different area of the console. Look under the "O" or the "B" in the word "XBOX" that appears on the tray. If this is the case, insert the paperclip under the "O" as outlined in step C. If you find an obstacle, insert the paperclip under the letter "B". The manual release button is located in one of these three locations.
    4. After the disc tray partially opens, pull the tray with your fingers to fully open the tray.
  4. If you cannot dislodge the disc after you use these methods, or if you continue to experience problems with a jammed disc tray, Microsoft may have to service the console.
Note Typically, this issue occurs when a sticky substance is present on the top side of a disc.
  1. Press the eject button on the console to open the tray. After the tray opens press the button again to close the tray. Repeat this procedure two more times to see if this action dislodges the disc and lets you to remove it.
  2. If you cannot dislodge the disc when you use this method, Microsoft may have to service the console.

    Note If service is recommended, make sure you document the title of the disc that is stuck in the console.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/25/2005
Keywords:kbXboxConsole kberrmsg kbxboxext kbHardware kbXboxPacRim kbXboxEurope kbXboxAmericas kbPubTypeKC kbtshoot KB817396
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