Post by: twistedsymphony on March 23, 2006, 08:44:00 PM
MOST of those are due not to faulty consoles but user error, failure to read the product documentation, and failure to use common sense.
WHAT TO DO ON DAY ONE:
When you first get your console throw a disc in there that you don't care about. A Burned CD or DVD, if your console doesn't scratch this disc then you'll probably be good for the life of your console. Based on reports consoles don't just start scratching discs, they either always scratch them, on never scratch them (with the exception of user error). If you're worried your new console might scratch discs out of the box, test it out with some inconsequential backups of CDs or DVD movies (that's what backups are for).
If for some reason your console does scratch your test disc, without you having moved the console at all, then contact MS straight away to get a replacement console. Contact information for your area should be available in the included documentation, in the US they can be contacted at 1-800-4-MY-XBOX
DON'T MOVE YOUR CONSOLE WITH A DISC IN THE DRIVE
This is just plain, old fashioned, common sense. Your Xbox 360 is not a portable or mobile device, it's made for the living room, it was never designed with the intent to be moved. And even if you didn't have the smarts to realize your console should never be moved while a disc is in the drive it was pointed out in the documentation that came with the console (yes it was there on launch day). Apparently people still didn't get the message so MS has started including a warning sticker over the DVD tray that warns you not do move your console with a disc in the drive.
ESPECIALLY DON'T MOVE YOUR CONSOLE WHILE ITS ON
Moving your console while it's on is just plain stupid, again the Xbox 360 is not a portable or mobile device, it's made to be stationary. Not only will any discs in the drive get scratched to complete crap but you also risk damaging your DVD drive, and HDD (if you've got one). With the addition of wireless controllers there should be no reason your console would ever be moved while it's on, you can't even accidentally pull it with the controller cable anymore.
If you move your console while it's on you deserve whatever scratches your disc receives.
WHAT TO DO WHEN SHUTTING DOWN:
Never leave discs in the console, this goes beyond disc scratching issues. If you happen to move your console around your house a lot, or bring it to friends' houses, it's good practice to ALWAYS remove the disc before you shut the console down. If you get in that habit it will reduce your chances of leaving a disc in accidentally while moving it.
In addition to that, some games also have problems with creating corrupted game saves. This happens when auto-sign-in is enabled and the games boot directly from the disc. Both DOA4 and COD2 had issues with this (they have since been fixed with LIVE updates) but it's a good habit to not leave your disc in the the console when you're shutting down.
HOW TO HANDLE DISCS IN GENERAL:
-NEVER touch either flat surface of the disc, it's also good practice to not let anything else touch the flat surface of the disc either. Always handle it by the outer edge and inner ring of the disc, on an Xbox 360 disc these areas contain no data to reduce the risk of damage.
-When you remove your disc from the console it should go directly from your console into it's case, snap cases are designed to keep the disc safe, and they work much better then disc binders, or leaving your discs out in the open.
-If you absolutely MUST set the disc down, ALWAYS set it down on the "shiny side", NEVER set it down on the "label side". The way discs are designed the shiny side has a .6mm thick protective plastic layer, the label side of most discs offers no protection at all. If you scratch the shiny side it is probably repairable, if you scratch the label side, there is no way to repair the disc, you will have to buy a new one.
-If you happen to have dust or smudges/fingerprints on your disc you can remove these with a "Disc Wipe" these can usually be purchased at any store that sells games, DVDs, and/or CDs. Alternatively wipes made for eyeglasses may also be used. Be sure to only touch the surface of the disc with the wipe and not with your fingers or anything else. When wiping the disc it is recommended you start at the center and wipe out toward the outer edge, never wipe in a circular fashion. Wiping from the inner circle out will remove the dust and oils out and off the disc, while wiping in a circular motion will only spread it around and could potentially cause scratches.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DISC DOES GET SCRATCHED:
If your Xbox 360 console scratches a disc while following the advice above there are things you can do.
First test out the console with some backups of CDs or DVD movies to see if the console scratches those discs as well, if it scratches your test disc, it's probably not just a one time occurrence and you should contact MS for a replacement console.
If your console has scratched an MS Game Studios brand disc contact MS and request a replacement disc. MS can only replace MS discs. If a different game, DVD or CD is scratched, contact the publisher for that disc. Be forewarned that most will not replace your disc. Most that will replace it will also require you send back your broken disc.
If you are unable to have a new disc sent to you look into a disc resurfacer. The "Spin Doctor" is probably the most well known of these devices. Basically they strip off a very thin layer of that .6mm protective plastic (for example it might reduce it to: .55mm) If the layer removed by the resurfacer is thicker then your scratches are deep then you should end up with a smooth, unscratched surface. Because it removes plastic from the disc, it can only be used on a single disc two or 3 times before it has removed too much of the disc for it to remain readable. If you can't afford to buy a disc resurfacer there are services that will resurface your discs for you. This technique should only be used as a last resort.
VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL?
Which position is less likely to scratch your discs? So far there is no data to suggest the one way or another is better or worse in terms of scratching discs in an Xbox 360. OTHER devices however (such as PS2s, PC drives, etc.) are less prone to scratches while in the horizontal position. If you have a choice I would also recommend the horizontal position over vertical due to the simple fact that the console is more stable in that position, and less likely to topple, or wobble from vibrations (be it from the 360's drives or some other source). The console should function fine in either position though.
BAD ADVICE THAT FLOATS AROUND THE FORUMS:
Keeping your discs scratch free is really a simple process, and it boggles the mind how some simply can't follow common sense. Even still some promote using OTHER methods of disc protection instead of just not being stupid. Here are some things you'll hear people recommend that are just flat out bad advice.
D-Skins
D-Skins are probably one of the worst things you can do to your DVD drive. While they DO protect your discs from scratches, the cure in this case is worse then the disease. Because they're so cheaply made they're typically not very balanced, this causes added vibrations that will not only make your drive more noisy but it will also significantly shorten the lifespan of the servo motor through having to push the extra weight (it DOES make a differences to such delicate electronics). In addition to motor burnout you also risk bearing run-out, which will probably occur before the servo motor burns out, even worse if bearing run out occurs it will make your drive far more likely to scratch discs you put in it. Both of these things can also significantly increase the noise level of your drive.
Past motor issues it also wreaks havoc on the laser. The added vibrations and added thickness of the plastic between the laser and the data, not to mention microscopic dust and other particles that get caught between the skin and the disk (which creates an un-even surface) cause the laser to increase it's power (which can cut it's lifespan in half) as well as risk burning out the focus servo on the laser array. In addition to that you increase the chance of miss reads which can lengthen your load times.
Foam Bumpers and other drive modifications
This is another bad idea. If your drive is scratching discs when treated properly, GET IT REPLACED, MS will replace your console without hassle, DO NOT TRY TO FIX IT YOURSELF. If you open your console you will void your warranty and MS will not fix your console for you. Past that, these "fixes" only supposedly protect you from the stupidity of moving your console with a disc in the drive, which you shouldn't be doing anyway.
This should cover everything you need to know about how to not scratch your discs, if I missed something PM me and let me know and I'll consider adding it.
Any topics that pop up about discs scratching will most likely be closed with a link referring to this topic, so save yourself the effort and don't bother.
Post by: tandylyons on March 31, 2006, 03:56:00 AM
Post by: EliteHost on May 27, 2006, 01:55:00 PM
thanks ^^ ill show this to my brother as he ususally messes up all my discs...
Post by: Peter Gibbons on July 03, 2006, 02:13:00 PM
Post by: MODorDie on September 13, 2006, 01:45:00 AM
Post by: 007craft on November 13, 2006, 11:19:00 AM
So I really dont know where the above PR for microsoft comes from on this original post. Im really angry at MS right now as im out $500 casue i need to go buy a new system.
Post by: msho on November 29, 2006, 09:13:00 AM
QUOTE(007craft @ Nov 13 2006, 07:26 PM) 
recently my 360 started scrathing all my discs. I have had GOW replaced 3 times now and still getting scrathed. The console has been sitting stationary (horizontially) since I bought the thing at launch. I havent moved it once. I phone up microsoft and they did not offer to fix my console without "hassel". In fact, they refused. They reminded me that my system is still under warrenty, But wont fix it. I dont understand.
So I really dont know where the above PR for microsoft comes from on this original post. Im really angry at MS right now as im out $500 casue i need to go buy a new system.
You don't need to buy a new system. I have learned from personal experience that if you complain long enough you'll get your way, especially if you have a valid reason. Keep calling M$ back, write letters to the management, do whatever you can. Just don't give up. Tell them how you've supported M$ through the years by purchasing their products, got your friends to buy Xbox's and this is how they treat a loyal customer? Demand them to replace it!
Best of luck.
Post by: m4oH on December 03, 2006, 12:43:00 PM
Post by: Bullet Pulse on December 22, 2006, 09:05:00 AM
Post by: Boddah on December 22, 2006, 10:40:00 AM
QUOTE(msho @ Nov 29 2006, 10:44 AM)
You don't need to buy a new system. I have learned from personal experience that if you complain long enough you'll get your way, especially if you have a valid reason. Keep calling M$ back, write letters to the management, do whatever you can. Just don't give up. Tell them how you've supported M$ through the years by purchasing their products, got your friends to buy Xbox's and this is how they treat a loyal customer? Demand them to replace it!
Best of luck.
Listen to this advice! My sister's boyfriend got his MODDED launch unit repaired for free after arguing with tech support for a while. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)
Post by: Raven88 on January 15, 2007, 05:11:00 AM
Post by: azrael201 on February 06, 2007, 09:43:00 AM
my first system suffered mechanical drive failure and it wouldn't spin the discs. they sent me a new one and that one started scratching my discs at a consistent location.
i just want to know how i can make myself heard. i don't like how tech support assumes i enjoy going through the hassle of RMA'ing xboxes and destroying my discs. OF COURSE I'M NOT GONNA SHAKE MY XBOX WHEN I'M PLAYING.
they wouldn't accept the xbox for repair until i pointed that simple fact out.
Post by: King_Ownage on March 12, 2007, 02:29:00 AM
Post by: *Ricey* on March 12, 2007, 04:00:00 AM
i learned the hard way 1st day, moved my console slightly and bang it started making big noises wrecked my brand new PGR3 disc
but good old Game Station replaced it so all wasnt lost, like most say just be careful there expensive
i get the odd crash on my system or the disc is dirty message other than that "touch wood" 360 is pretty solid
makes to much noise tho
Post by: hanksemenec on March 13, 2007, 09:41:00 PM
I wander how many people had the same experience.
Hank
Post by: nekkron99 on March 14, 2007, 04:42:00 PM
QUOTE(hanksemenec @ Mar 13 2007, 08:48 PM) 
I just put in a new Crack Down disc. As soon as xbox started, noise came out of the DVD drive and the disc was scratched. The unit is upright and it was not moved or bumped.
I wander how many people had the same experience.
Hank
Many. Hope you bought that 3-dollar insurance from Gamestop!
Post by: Deekstar on March 15, 2007, 07:07:00 AM
Post by: teflon067 on April 23, 2007, 03:17:00 PM
First a little background, if you aren't interested, skip this paragraph. I bought my original 360 on launch day (xbox #1), and was oh so lucky enough to get one with a faulty power brick (though I didn't realize it at the time). So within a week my 360 gives me the red lights. Of course I called MS and got a replacement, BUT they sent me a box only big enough to hold the console, not the brick as well (since at that time I didn't know it was the brick that screwed me, I didn't think about it). No hassle at all and I got a new replacement console (xbox #2). Later I started reading some of the forums and discovered the power brick issue, and at about the same time my replacement 360 gives me the red lights. So I call MS to tell them I'm getting red lights, and that my power brick is one of the defective ones. They appologize for not catching it earlier and I get another replacement (xbox #3), this time with a new power brick.
It is at this point I'd like to tell you how well I take care of my 360. I keep it laying horizontal, on top of a secure desk (no shaking), nothing ever bumps into or hits the console or desk, I dust all I can with a Dust-Off spray on a monthly basis, I never travel with it, I always take my discs out of the console when not in use, and I always store the discs in their original cases.
The next problem came up pretty soon after getting the new replacement, I just didn't think it was caused by the 360 at the time. I'd been playing Oblivion for a little while, and occasionally noticed an increased amount of noise coming from the disc drive. I didn't really think anything of it and continued playing. A short while later and I was presented with a disc read error. I opened the tray and lo and behold my disc had one or two little radial nicks on it. For some reason at the time I thought I must have scratched it myself somehow and decided to repair the disc and not think anything of it. Then there was a period of time when I didn't really use my 360, though I still maintained it. After a while I started playing games again. I played Amped 3 for a little while and it was scratched by the console, though was still playable so I ignored it. I played Oblivion somewhat frequently; every once in a while it would have a new scratch on it untill it eventually became unplayable. Dead Rising came out around that same time; on the first day I had it my 360 scratched it, and it was no longer playable. Of course by this point I'd realized my 360 was the cause of the scratches. So I call MS, they tell me the whole deal like "Oh, it's user error" blah blah blah, and they tell me I need to check with the store I bought the games from to get replacements. I give them the benefit of the doubt and make doubly sure I'm doing everything I can to prevent the disc scratches. Some guys I know over at Gamestop were nice enough to get me replacement copys of Oblivion and Dead Rising.
I go another two or three months without too much of a problem; the only game that gets scratched often is Oblivion, so I just decide not to play it. Then Gears of War gets released, but is rendered unuseable by my 360. Again, I call MS, I tell them I've been following their instructions to the letter. After and hour or two on the phone a manager OKs the repair. So I get what I think is xbox #4 (more about that in a minute). I decide to get another copy of Oblivion, this being what I think is a new console and all. After a few months, same thing happens, it is scratched to the point of unuseability. Guitar Hero II just came out as well. First day, it gets a minor scratch in just the wrong spot; I could no longer play at a certain venue without it producing a disc read error. I immediately got a replacement of course. As soon as I got home I called MS again, and as I was writing down the console's serial number to give to the support agent, I noticed the number was the same as my previous one; even though all others before it were different. The MS agent told me simply, "We have done extensive testing on this problem, and have found it's only cause to be user error. If you send us your console with this problem, we will send it back." They would refuse to repair the console, and basically told me that last time I sent it in, they merely sent it right back.
Microsoft is lucky I enjoy my 360 so much, otherwise I'd just get rid of it and never deal with it again. So instead I've decided I'm going to trade-in my current console at Gamestop toward the Elite for $250, and get a 2 year warrantee through them, bypassing MS support all together.
Post by: sk84life290 on May 07, 2007, 08:27:00 PM
Post by: TonySev on May 11, 2007, 04:28:00 PM
the drive makes a loud sound like the spinning is coming to an abrupt halt during some load times while playing. now I can't play the saved game (it infinitely spins the Crackdown logo during loading). before that the Demolition training video just wouldn't play. both situations, no errors, just infinite loading or hanging.
I saw multiple tiny radial scratches or nicks on the disc. I've never had this problem before or with any other games. thought it odd that the original poster mentioned Crackdown too. fyi - my console is horizontal and wasn't bumped at all.
btw, it is a backup copy of Crackdown on a Verbatim DL 2.4x +R. I have a Tosh-Sam M28 5.2A firmware. I'm wondering if it is due to the high read speed set for backups.
Post by: daunte on July 12, 2007, 10:16:00 AM
The disc scratching issue is widespread and well documented. Some intersting articles and even some video journalism done on it. There's a large number of Xbox's out there that come with a particular DVD drive that didn't have the little buffers inside to support the disc. Apparently also the consoles with drives that do have the buffers have been known to consistently leave these radial scratch marks after extended play. 5 hours or so I think.
Post by: Alex_S_61 on August 14, 2007, 02:44:00 PM
Post by: deilzfcjk on August 14, 2007, 03:23:00 PM
QUOTE(Alex_S_61 @ Aug 14 2007, 10:20 PM)
i cant play my gears of war campaign because my little brother picked up my xbox when i was playing and it scratched the hell out of it
sorry but you should've made a copy of it. Should slap your brother around next time he does it. Haha!
Post by: onlyking on August 25, 2007, 07:09:00 AM
Post by: chimichong on September 21, 2007, 02:32:00 AM
QUOTE(twistedsymphony @ Mar 24 2006, 02:20 PM)
-If you absolutely MUST set the disc down, ALWAYS set it down on the "shiny side", NEVER set it down on the "label side". The way discs are designed the shiny side has a .6mm thick protective plastic layer, the label side of most discs offers no protection at all. If you scratch the shiny side it is probably repairable, if you scratch the label side, there is no way to repair the disc, you will have to buy a new one.
what is wrong with you? who in there right mind puts a disk down on the shiny side? I've completely scratched a label off a cd before and it didn't evn effected it.
Post by: Heet on September 21, 2007, 03:25:00 AM
You just learned something new.
Post by: Boiker on September 24, 2007, 04:35:00 PM
QUOTE(Heet @ Sep 21 2007, 11:01 AM)
Nothing's wrong with him, he's right.
You just learned something new.
I'm confused. So when I take my disc out and place it with the label making contact with my desk I am actually taking a bigger risk in scratching the disc than I would be taking it out and placing it with the data side in contact with the desk? That is some very interesting information
Post by: SlickBrick on September 28, 2007, 12:16:00 PM
Keep up the boss-hoss work!
Post by: Polto on January 28, 2008, 11:05:00 AM
Post by: Millerboy3 on February 03, 2008, 04:47:00 AM
Post by: Bubbalynch on February 11, 2008, 01:32:00 AM
QUOTE(Polto @ Jan 28 2008, 07:41 PM)
I do not sudgest that you use that.
Heres why:
1) What if it comes off with prolonged usage of the disc? Sounds lovely to have some material like that getting spun around in your 360's drive. Yeah, thats just what it needs.......
2) As if the laser doesn't have enough crap to go through to read a disc with a few scratchs hear and there, lets put a film of whatever the hell that crap is over the disc and make the laser work harder to read it! Awesome!
3) How about just taking better care of your discs? I use mine all the time and have no need what so ever for a product like that. There is no sure way to not damage a disc, its going to happen. Just don't let it get too bad and if it does, make a backup.
Post by: sammytomjohn on February 13, 2008, 01:36:00 PM
BUBBA UR THE MAN IVE HAD MY ELITE SINCE RELEASE I DONT GET SCRATCHES TRUE THE PROTECTIVE FILM COULD GET STUCK IN THE DRIVE AND THEN U GONNA HAVE TO TAKE IT ALL APART
MAKING BACKUPS IS THE BEST WAY USE THE BACK UPS ALL THE TIME AND PUT UR ORIGINALS AWAY IN A SCRATCH FREE INVIROMENT
ITS GONNA COST U OTHERWISE
Post by: mafiafan123 on February 13, 2008, 08:23:00 PM
Post by: thief on February 18, 2008, 07:36:00 PM
The biggest problem here is not the hardware but the human-ware. Everyone is having so many problems just talking nicely to MS/XBox support. Can't we complain to consumer affairs about them? I get better customer service from Mohammed at the local milk bar- even after I've jokingly given him sh*t over the Iraq wars.
If we could get MS support to take more care of its customers, then we will all have a win-win situation. But at the moment, all they are doing is alienating themselves from the Human Race. Hey MS, wake up!!
What's Sony support like? Tell you now, if it's better than MS then I'm considering getting a PS3 instead and use my 2 week old 360 as a trade! That'll shake MS' cart (and maybe scratch it too I hope!)
Post by: rakanboiboik on February 25, 2008, 04:26:00 AM
Post by: bdawg8527 on February 28, 2008, 07:52:00 PM
Post by: RGS on March 02, 2008, 07:06:00 PM
Post by: b0b33 on April 23, 2008, 03:45:00 AM
QUOTE(twistedsymphony @ Mar 24 2006, 12:20 PM)
There have been many reports of discs getting scratched, or cracked from the Xbox 360 DVD drives.
MOST of those are due not to faulty consoles but user error, failure to read the product documentation, and failure to use common sense.
WHAT TO DO ON DAY ONE:
When you first get your console throw a disc in there that you don't care about. A Burned CD or DVD, if your console doesn't scratch this disc then you'll probably be good for the life of your console. Based on reports consoles don't just start scratching discs, they either always scratch them, on never scratch them (with the exception of user error). If you're worried your new console might scratch discs out of the box, test it out with some inconsequential backups of CDs or DVD movies (that's what backups are for).
If for some reason your console does scratch your test disc, without you having moved the console at all, then contact MS straight away to get a replacement console. Contact information for your area should be available in the included documentation, in the US they can be contacted at 1-800-4-MY-XBOX
DON'T MOVE YOUR CONSOLE WITH A DISC IN THE DRIVE
This is just plain, old fashioned, common sense. Your Xbox 360 is not a portable or mobile device, it's made for the living room, it was never designed with the intent to be moved. And even if you didn't have the smarts to realize your console should never be moved while a disc is in the drive it was pointed out in the documentation that came with the console (yes it was there on launch day). Apparently people still didn't get the message so MS has started including a warning sticker over the DVD tray that warns you not do move your console with a disc in the drive.
ESPECIALLY DON'T MOVE YOUR CONSOLE WHILE ITS ON
Moving your console while it's on is just plain stupid, again the Xbox 360 is not a portable or mobile device, it's made to be stationary. Not only will any discs in the drive get scratched to complete crap but you also risk damaging your DVD drive, and HDD (if you've got one). With the addition of wireless controllers there should be no reason your console would ever be moved while it's on, you can't even accidentally pull it with the controller cable anymore.
If you move your console while it's on you deserve whatever scratches your disc receives.
WHAT TO DO WHEN SHUTTING DOWN:
Never leave discs in the console, this goes beyond disc scratching issues. If you happen to move your console around your house a lot, or bring it to friends' houses, it's good practice to ALWAYS remove the disc before you shut the console down. If you get in that habit it will reduce your chances of leaving a disc in accidentally while moving it.
In addition to that, some games also have problems with creating corrupted game saves. This happens when auto-sign-in is enabled and the games boot directly from the disc. Both DOA4 and COD2 had issues with this (they have since been fixed with LIVE updates) but it's a good habit to not leave your disc in the the console when you're shutting down.
HOW TO HANDLE DISCS IN GENERAL:
-NEVER touch either flat surface of the disc, it's also good practice to not let anything else touch the flat surface of the disc either. Always handle it by the outer edge and inner ring of the disc, on an Xbox 360 disc these areas contain no data to reduce the risk of damage.
-When you remove your disc from the console it should go directly from your console into it's case, snap cases are designed to keep the disc safe, and they work much better then disc binders, or leaving your discs out in the open.
-If you absolutely MUST set the disc down, ALWAYS set it down on the "shiny side", NEVER set it down on the "label side". The way discs are designed the shiny side has a .6mm thick protective plastic layer, the label side of most discs offers no protection at all. If you scratch the shiny side it is probably repairable, if you scratch the label side, there is no way to repair the disc, you will have to buy a new one.
-If you happen to have dust or smudges/fingerprints on your disc you can remove these with a "Disc Wipe" these can usually be purchased at any store that sells games, DVDs, and/or CDs. Alternatively wipes made for eyeglasses may also be used. Be sure to only touch the surface of the disc with the wipe and not with your fingers or anything else. When wiping the disc it is recommended you start at the center and wipe out toward the outer edge, never wipe in a circular fashion. Wiping from the inner circle out will remove the dust and oils out and off the disc, while wiping in a circular motion will only spread it around and could potentially cause scratches.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DISC DOES GET SCRATCHED:
If your Xbox 360 console scratches a disc while following the advice above there are things you can do.
First test out the console with some backups of CDs or DVD movies to see if the console scratches those discs as well, if it scratches your test disc, it's probably not just a one time occurrence and you should contact MS for a replacement console.
If your console has scratched an MS Game Studios brand disc contact MS and request a replacement disc. MS can only replace MS discs. If a different game, DVD or CD is scratched, contact the publisher for that disc. Be forewarned that most will not replace your disc. Most that will replace it will also require you send back your broken disc.
If you are unable to have a new disc sent to you look into a disc resurfacer. The "Spin Doctor" is probably the most well known of these devices. Basically they strip off a very thin layer of that .6mm protective plastic (for example it might reduce it to: .55mm) If the layer removed by the resurfacer is thicker then your scratches are deep then you should end up with a smooth, unscratched surface. Because it removes plastic from the disc, it can only be used on a single disc two or 3 times before it has removed too much of the disc for it to remain readable. If you can't afford to buy a disc resurfacer there are services that will resurface your discs for you. This technique should only be used as a last resort.
VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL?
Which position is less likely to scratch your discs? So far there is no data to suggest the one way or another is better or worse in terms of scratching discs in an Xbox 360. OTHER devices however (such as PS2s, PC drives, etc.) are less prone to scratches while in the horizontal position. If you have a choice I would also recommend the horizontal position over vertical due to the simple fact that the console is more stable in that position, and less likely to topple, or wobble from vibrations (be it from the 360's drives or some other source). The console should function fine in either position though.
BAD ADVICE THAT FLOATS AROUND THE FORUMS:
Keeping your discs scratch free is really a simple process, and it boggles the mind how some simply can't follow common sense. Even still some promote using OTHER methods of disc protection instead of just not being stupid. Here are some things you'll hear people recommend that are just flat out bad advice.
D-Skins
D-Skins are probably one of the worst things you can do to your DVD drive. While they DO protect your discs from scratches, the cure in this case is worse then the disease. Because they're so cheaply made they're typically not very balanced, this causes added vibrations that will not only make your drive more noisy but it will also significantly shorten the lifespan of the servo motor through having to push the extra weight (it DOES make a differences to such delicate electronics). In addition to motor burnout you also risk bearing run-out, which will probably occur before the servo motor burns out, even worse if bearing run out occurs it will make your drive far more likely to scratch discs you put in it. Both of these things can also significantly increase the noise level of your drive.
Past motor issues it also wreaks havoc on the laser. The added vibrations and added thickness of the plastic between the laser and the data, not to mention microscopic dust and other particles that get caught between the skin and the disk (which creates an un-even surface) cause the laser to increase it's power (which can cut it's lifespan in half) as well as risk burning out the focus servo on the laser array. In addition to that you increase the chance of miss reads which can lengthen your load times.
Foam Bumpers and other drive modifications
This is another bad idea. If your drive is scratching discs when treated properly, GET IT REPLACED, MS will replace your console without hassle, DO NOT TRY TO FIX IT YOURSELF. If you open your console you will void your warranty and MS will not fix your console for you. Past that, these "fixes" only supposedly protect you from the stupidity of moving your console with a disc in the drive, which you shouldn't be doing anyway.
This should cover everything you need to know about how to not scratch your discs, if I missed something PM me and let me know and I'll consider adding it.
Any topics that pop up about discs scratching will most likely be closed with a link referring to this topic, so save yourself the effort and don't bother.
Thanks. Lots of information and tips. I experienced a scratched disc myself when my box was accidentally bumped and tipped from a vertical position while being used. The disc was scratched a bit and was still read by my box but after awhile the game started to freeze. I had to stop to lessen the damage.
Post by: ncoop23 on June 20, 2008, 10:38:00 AM
Post by: Lazeyd on July 08, 2008, 04:31:00 AM
QUOTE(hanksemenec @ Mar 14 2007, 12:17 AM)
I just put in a new Crack Down disc. As soon as xbox started, noise came out of the DVD drive and the disc was scratched. The unit is upright and it was not moved or bumped.
I wander how many people had the same experience.
Hank
Yeah Same Happened With Me But I Realize It Was My Firmware
Post by: 360 Flashing-UK on May 08, 2009, 12:04:00 PM
It is also found to be more beneficial to have your 360 set up to be on it's side.
Hope this helps.
Post by: run187 on May 12, 2009, 09:31:00 AM
also triping over xbox well disk is spining will scratch games
and as mentioned install to hd does help even if disk becomes scracthed after that then it will still work
due to only needing 3 second verify thingum (unless your dog eats it or kids think frisbe )..
Post by: 40_ounce on May 22, 2009, 10:18:00 PM
Post by: Doctrine Dark on January 03, 2010, 11:01:00 AM
Post by: Machine15825 on January 16, 2010, 12:21:00 AM
If I recall correctly I think they run around 3.99 a pair... My daughter knocked over my XBOX and damn near ruined my Halo 3 disk.. Good think I have a disk DR.
They have good reviews. Check them out.
Post by: NineLime on March 04, 2010, 04:19:00 AM
QUOTE(40_ounce @ May 22 2009, 11:18 PM)
I use the D-Skins and love them. Now that we can download the full game to our harddrive the dvd drive doesn't have to access the disc as much anymore. I know you are going to say,"weel I have 50 games and I cant download them all to my harddrive" What I do is just download the games that I play the most. Also It wouldn't hurt to gt a 120gig hdd from ebay or fry's or whereever you shop then just "hack" it to use on the xbox 360. Thats what I did....
I can fit 38 games on my 250gb jtagged 360, total cost of the hard drive plus shell $60
But yeah, if you don't want to scratch your discs just put the console sideways and put the game(s) you play the most on the hard drive. I wouldn't bother with those pads from llama, but just be careful.
If you keep your console vertical it is more prone to scratching and it's also more prone to crack the center of the disc. Same things happen when you carry your xbox from it's place when it's off when there's still a disc inside, this is how my second halo 3 disc cracked, because I always carried my console on the train in my backpack weekly with the disc inside for months and months haha. The first one was cracked by the case it came in as it had a metal spindle.
Post by: GSCOMPS on April 14, 2010, 07:09:00 PM
Post by: harrisralph86 on July 08, 2010, 10:23:00 AM
DON'T put any liquids on it save the CD cleaning stuff. Though I really don't trust those. Most of the time people have the habit of wetting the thing then wiping, turning the dirt which could have been dry wiped into something short of dust mud. X_x Sorry for the lack of a better term there.
Post by: asics shoes on September 13, 2010, 03:07:00 AM
Post by: IDSKoT on January 29, 2011, 10:05:00 AM
Post by: EcBronx on June 01, 2011, 12:09:00 PM
QUOTE(twistedsymphony @ Mar 23 2006, 08:44 PM)
There have been many reports of discs getting scratched, or cracked from the Xbox 360 DVD drives.
MOST of those are due not to faulty consoles but user error, failure to read the product documentation, and failure to use common sense.
Aside from making sure you put each game back in its case you can get a Xbox 360 case like this, http://www.facebook....4...e=1 and that should protect the xbox from tip overs, shacking or bumping.
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Post by: nightmareZz on August 20, 2011, 05:37:00 AM
Post by: Darkslipstream on September 07, 2011, 07:42:00 PM
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