This cleaning process can be somewhat long and tedious, especially the first time. Smear some war paint under your eyes and get ready to wage war on the dirt and dust clogging your Xbox.
When prying with your screwdriver, use your free hand to assist the screwdriver by pressing upwards on the end of the vent.
When lifting the border part of the Xbox, you’ll likely need to continue exerting pressure on it with your hand to keep the release tabs accessible. There are six total release tabs for each side panel, three along each long side. These tabs are positioned similarly for both side panels. [4] X Research source
Disengage the release tabs in sequence. Start with one end, then disengage the middle tab, then finish with the opposite end. Repeat this for the remaining three opposite side release tabs. As more tabs are disengaged, more of the panel should slide free. When all tabs are released, the side panel will pull free of the Xbox. To keep parts from getting lost or accidentally damaged, refasten the vent to the side panel by pressing the vent back into place on it. You should feel it click when it is secured.
The small release tab below the access door may be difficult to disengage with a normal screwdriver. Use a smaller screwdriver to make disengaging this tab easier. [9] X Research source After the second side panel has been removed, much like with the first panel, keep it and its parts together by pressing the vent back into place and reinserting the access door.
When the second tab is released, the case should separate slightly. Do not try to force the case apart at this point. You still need to disengage the second set of inner release tabs.
That was an awful lot of work just to get the case off. It’s a good thing the vent snap fasteners and release tabs, after being disengaged the first time, will be less stiff the next time you clean your Xbox.
There are four screws on the outside of an x-shaped piece of metal bordered by a raised metal box. Do not remove these screws ever. [17] X Research source
You’re almost finished taking apart the Xbox. Soon you’ll be able to give it a thorough cleaning. Don’t worry, it reassembles easier than it comes apart.
Once your drive is disconnected, set it off to the side in a safe place. Never blow air inside your drive, as this can damage it. Your drive should have a black rubber band around it. You may need to slide this off during removal. Pay attention to the band orientation. The hole in the band is always positioned at the top of the drive. [21] X Research source
So you don’t forget the proper placement of the fan shield, you may want to take a picture of its original position with your cell phone camera. [22] X Research source
Unlike your teeth, which should be brushed daily, for your Xbox to run best it should be cleaned with a brush and canned air about three to four times a year.
Spinning the fan will generate electricity. If this happens while your Xbox is disassembled, it could cause damage to motherboard components. [24] X Research source
Double check your cable connections to your silver drive before setting it in place and after replacing the drive. If either of these cords come loose, the drive will not run. Failing to replace the black rubber band of the drive will cause the drive to be loose and slide around inside your Xbox. Over time, the rubber of the drive band may degrade and break or not stay in tightly in place. In this situation, fold a business card several times and tuck it in the front left corner of the drive seating. [25] X Research source
If the black metal casing screws are tight or don’t fall into place easily, it’s likely the case isn’t seated properly. Remove the casing and reattach it, then try to refasten the screws again. [27] X Research source
Whew! That was a pretty involved process, right? Rest assured, after taking apart your Xbox once in this fashion, it’ll come apart more easily next time.
