The Xbox 360 open tray error seems to be fast becoming the number one complaint from owners of the console coming second only to the dreaded 3 red lights problem that as plagued many a Xbox. A quick search on any of the search engines will show you just how many Xbox 360 owners are looking for information on how to fix the open tray error.

What sets the Xbox 360 open tray error apart from the 3 red lights error is that were as the red lights error requires paying Microsoft up to $150 to fix or task the very risky chance of doing the work yourself. The open tray error can usually be resolved through very simple means, which will be explained as follows.

The first thing to think of is whether or not your Xbox 360 is still under warranty. This can be determined by knowing if your console is still within its first year since purchase, or whether or not extended warranty as been purchased. If the answer is yes your Xbox 360 is under warranty then your in luck, simply give Microsoft a call and they will pick up and fix your console for free. If your extra lucky it as been known for Microsoft to give away a game as a sort of apology when returning your Xbox 360 to you.

If like sods law states your Xbox 360 warranty had just run out when the error started then you could try the following:

Try cleaning away excess dust from on the lasers lens the best way of doing this is with an hair dryer set to cool and holding it up to the open tray. This in itself is sometimes enough to get the games loading up.

With the Xbox on and the tray open, disconnect its power lead. After waiting 60 seconds insert a game into the open tray and reinsert the power cord. Upon starting the console the tray will close and hopefully load the disk. Many people who have the Xbox 360 open tray error rate this as their number one tip.