The Microsoft XBOX console for many new owners happens to be a reliable system that can go for quite an abusive period. For owners of launch systems and first year systems though this console has proven to be quite troublesome to be the least with the dreaded Thompson Drive. Since this is one of the most common complaints I'm going to run through cleaning proceedure and teardown to remove the old laser assembly and install a new one. Before we go into that I'm required to state the following.

**Warning** This guide will void your warranty completely. If you value your warranty then I suggest that you seek out an authorized service center or get your console fixed by Microsoft. We will not be held responsible for failed repairs using this guide. You perform these actions at your own risk. If you feel uncomfortable doing so then seek out another party to service it for you. Don't come to us waving repair bills because you decided to spill alcohol on the entire laser assembly, broke a part of your tray because you wanted things out faster, went blind because you forgot to unplug the console before doing anything else, took matters into your own hand because you felt something could be substituted or etc. You're doing this on your own power we're not forcing you to do anything.

There so if you nuke your system it's not on us. I've performed numerous cleanings and have swapped out the drive myself by a supplier I'll link up later. Anyway now that I've chased off 99% of the readers lets continue.

The XBOX console isn't friendly to normal DIY people. They use a series of Torx screws which a normal philips head can't handle. As such you need a set similar to this or with a bit more variety, I'm lacking some of the inbetween bits in my little set that I picked up even. Anyway lets do the Breakdown for what you'll need.

1x - Multibit Screwdriver (make sure it has a long extension)
Torx Bit Set - Sizes T10 T15 T18 T20
Philips Head Screwdrivers - #1 2.9 mm (recommended) also #0 1.4mm and #0 2.0 mm
Flat-tip Screwdriver (Sharp edge recommended)
Q-Tips
70% alcohol 91% is acceptable but not recommended, Lens Cleaning Fluid for lasers will work also

This is just about all of it that you'll need in the case of the Thompson drive. I haven't had a chance to work on Philips or Samsung drives yet. I'd like to say that it might be the same but at this point in time I'm unable to state it. If anyone has a busted/spare drive and are willing to donate it to the repair cause then drop a line.