Fixing Disc Read Issues

Disc read issues are quite common, but can often be resolved easily. These issues are typically caused by either a dirty or failing lens, or by a dirty or damaged disc. Follow the guide below to resolve your disc read issues.

Clean and Inspect the Disc

1. Start from the center of the disk and clean straight out toward the edge. This will help prevent scratches that will affect performance. NOTE: Never clean by rubbing in a circle around the disc.
2. Use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe it off. If it is just dust on the disc, a soft cloth can often remove it without cleaning solutions. Microfiber cloths work well because they have a very tight weave of cloth that attracts dust and helps keep it from scratching the surface of the disc.
3. Mix isopropyl alcohol and water in a one-to-one ratio and use it to clean the disc to remove fingerprints or other oily residue. Isopropyl alcohol works well because it is mild and evaporates quickly without leaving a residue. Rub the disk with a little of the solution and let it dry.
4. Clean the disc with a glass cleaner. Spray the window cleaner on to a cloth and apply it with the cloth instead of spraying it directly on the disc. This is good for difficult cleaning situations such as cleaning soda off of a disc.

If the disc is in good condition, and you are still receiving disc read issues, see below. If the disc has significant scratches, the disc may need to be resurfaced by a professional.

Clean or Replace the Lens

1.  Mix isopropyl alcohol and water in a one-to-one ratio on a q-tip and use it to clean the lens to remove dust or other residue. Isopropyl alcohol works well because it is mild and evaporates quickly without leaving a residue. Gently rub the lens with a little of the solution and let it dry.

If the disc is known to work, and you are still receiving disc read issues, you will likely need to replace the lens. We offer quality replacement PS2 Slim lenses.