Six Simple Ways to Fix the "Open Tray Error" for XBOX 360's

           PLEASE READ THIS: Before reading this, make sure the problem is your xbox and not the disc simply by putting a different disc into your xbox 360.
           If your like me, you obviously have and xbox 360 that has or has had the "open tray error". This error is when you have a disc in your xbox 360 and it doesn't "see" it and it displays the message "open tray" as if there isn't a disc in your xbox. There is also an error just like this but when you put a disc in the xbox makes two clicks. I call this error the "double click error".
           Anyway, in this instructable I will teach you six simple ways to fix these error that I have tried, and every one of them has worked for me at least once.
           Not all of these will work at one time, and then work at another. So try them all, at least one of them will work. But if your in a hurry try Fix 5 (Step 5) for the open tray error and fix 6 (step 6) for the double click error because they have worked the best for me the most times.
            Sorry about the pictures, they wouldn't really help so I didn't take them. But any way, let's get started

Step 1: Fix 1: Blow some air into the disc drive

This is probably the simplest fix. But has worked for me.
          What you'll want to do is open up your disc drive, (where the disc goes) and blow some air into the space that let's you see into the xbox itself. I think this sometimes works because dust or something gets on the laser that reads the disc, and by blowing some air into the space, you remove that dust.

Comments

[spystealth1]

My friend had this issue with his Xbox 360 Slim (the newer version). I tried realigning the laser rails, calibrating the potentiometer, cleaning the lens, and many of the not so helpful (but occasionally successful) whacking, blowing, shaking methods you suggested. Most of the time, doing all that won't alleviate the problem, but temporarily relieve it. I suggest going to the root of the problem and spend a little time and a few bucks getting a replacement laser (or drive) like I did. After removing the old laser, desoldering the anti-static blob on the new one (very important), and installing it, I was met with fist-pump and DIY point worthy success. :) You can find many tutorials on Youtube detailing installation and taking apart an Xbox.

[Sreyo]

Just got banned from Live the other day until 12/31/9999.

Note to self, don't mod the avatar skin color...

[Julianne fights Dragons!]

I usually throw a fit, yell at the machine, unplug/replug and if that doesn't work I hit the thing and it usually works... Not the right way but it works... for now... hahaha

[Hereditary Gamer]

Friendly tip: The Open Tray Error, Double-Click Error, and Multiple-Click Errors are all a sign of a damaged drive. The problem is that after a while most if not all Xbox 360 Drives tend to get a scratch on the laser. I had my Xbox for two years and then I got this problem. All I did was get my laser replaced and boom! No problems. It's been another 1 and a half years now and still nothing, but I expect to have to replace the laser within the next year. So I recommend only trying to blow air into the drive. If that doesn't work, just get your laser replaced. It cost me only 200 Rand (less than $30) to have it done.

[Sreyo]

I actually just did some of these for like a month and I haven't had a problem for like a year. I've had my XBOX for 2 or maybe 3 years and I haven't had to get a new laser.

I also have never used my xbox in the vertical position so yea, i'd recommend keeping it horizontal.

[rbrookins]

Thank You this method worked for us. I just purchased Saints Row the Third for my son and we had a open tray error. Was about to take it to a computer geek, and I tried this first...THANKS AGAIN!! ROBYN N DYLAN

[Hereditary Gamer]

Oh, another thing: Having your Xbox in the vertical standing position is not the best thing for the drive. If you can, try and keep it in the horizontal lying position.