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The Daily Insight

Why is my Xbox 360 scratching discs?

Author

James Craig

Updated on February 24, 2026

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Friday to review a lawsuit between Microsoft and Xbox 360 users who allege that a defect in the console caused their game discs to be scratched, making them unplayable. The overall dispute goes back nearly 10 years, to when the Xbox 360 was still the hot new thing.

Similarly, it is asked, how do I get my Xbox 360 to stop scratching discs?

Keeping Your Xbox 360 From Scratching Discs

  1. Step 1: Gathering What You Need. For this mod you have to open your system and your DVD drive.
  2. Step 2: Open Up the Drive. Opening up the DVD drive is pretty straight forward.
  3. Step 3: Cutting the Foam and Placing It. Take your foam and cut 4 pads about 1 inch long.
  4. Step 4: Testing It Out.

Also Know, why is my ps2 scratching my discs? That is something physical coming loose and rubbing against the disc, most likely the adhesive that holds the plastic on the data cable for the laser out of the way. That plastic is hard enough that it will scratch discs.

In this manner, why is the disc unreadable on Xbox 360?

This disc is unreadable error can appear on your Xbox while trying to play Games on Demand game on your console. This issue usually occurs if you're not using the same profile that you purchased the game with to play the game, or if your console can't read the game files from your storage.

Can you fix a scratched game disc?

Surface-level scratches can often be fixed using a substance like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or toothpaste, though deeper scratches are impossible to fix. Keep in mind that any repairs to a scratched disc are usually temporary; you'll most likely have to replace the disc at some point.

Related Question Answers

Does the Xbox one scratch disks?

Xbox consoles use a laser to gather data from the surface of your Xbox game discs. If your disc is scratched, the laser is refracted and will result in skipping or a failure to play.

How do you clean a Xbox 360 disc?

Care for your Xbox console and game discs
  1. Unplug the console before cleaning.
  2. Keep the surface under the console clean by occasionally wiping it with a dry cloth.
  3. Keep objects from falling into the ventilation openings.
  4. Clean the surface of the console only. Use only a DRY, soft cloth. Do NOT use any kind of cleaning product.

How do you get scratches off a disc?

Just smear 'em on, wipe 'em off and get your pristine and playable disc back:
  1. A Banana.
  2. Peanut Butter.
  3. Furniture Polish.
  4. Metal Polish.
  5. Window Cleaner.
  6. Eye Glass Cleaner.
  7. Baking Soda Toothpaste.

Does toothpaste really fix scratches?

Toothpaste (never gel) is reasonably effective on small scratches, but it won't really help with deep scratches. If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, then you should get used to that scratch because it's your new friend.

How does Vaseline remove scratches from CDs?

Simply take a cotton ball and dip it in some alcohol to clean the area near the scratch. Then apply Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly to the disc. The Vaseline will fill in the scratch, hopefully making it readable again.

What to do if the Wii won't read discs?

If your Wii has trouble reading a dual-layer disc, use a lens-cleaning kit to clean the lens in the console. If you cleaned the disc and the game console and the disc still won't play, the disc may be bad. Use the right disc for the console. The Wii and Wii U are different consoles.

How do you fix a disc that won't read?

To polish the CD, household baking soda based toothpaste is most commonly used.
  1. Apply a small amount of toothpaste (paste not gel) to a clean, soft, lint-free cloth.
  2. Gently rub the cloth on the scratch in a radial motion (starting at the center and rubbing out to the edge).

How do you fix a disk that Cannot be read?

Here are a few methods to try to fix your scratched disc at home:
  1. Rubbing Alcohol Method: Get a lint free non scratching cloth.
  2. Toothpaste Method: Use a small dab of the gritty type of toothpaste.
  3. Banana Method: Use a banana that is peeled and cut in half.
  4. Skip Scratch Fixer Method:
  5. Petroleum Jelly Method:

Can you fix a scratched Wii disc?

The only way to repair scratches is with a professional disc repair machine.

How do you fix a scratched disc with toothpaste?

To restore a damaged CD, apply a dot of non-gel formulat toothpaste to a cotton cloth and rub in a straight line from the center of the CD outward, covering any scratches. Rinse off the toothpaste with water.

How do you clean a scratched Xbox 360 disc with toothpaste?

Use a cotton swab to apply a thin layer of toothpaste around the underside of the scratched disc. Spread the toothpaste evenly around the entire surface. Wipe the disc clean with a soft, dry cloth. Begin from the inside center of the disc and wipe outward in a straight line to the outside edge of the disc.

How do you fix a scratched DVD with Windex?

Use a window cleaner, such as Windex, to fix scratched DVDs. Window cleaners are made to be very gentle so that they can clean glass without damaging or scratching its surface. Cleaning DVDs with window cleaner helps smooth over scratched areas and can help fix them.