[Crankymonky]

Hey,

I'm curious as to whether or not people recommend that I attempt a permanent solution to my Disk Read Error problems. And now to explain my situation.

I have a SCPH-30001 model Playstation 2 that I got very near after launch. A few years ago, my Playstation 2 began to get disk read errors on CD based media-both PS2 and PS1 games, though I never tested an audio CD. I was able to get over this by first vacuuming out the unit and then placing 4 1" long pieces of scotch tape around the center, 1 on each side of the hole. However, I did occassionally get a grinding noise when playing disks, though I am not sure if this happens to all disks or only CD based media. The problem hasn't been consistent enough for me to get an answer to that.

I recently purchased a slimline PStwo when I wanted to add network functionality to my Playstation 2 unit and the black Friday deals were so good.

I'm wondering if people recommend I attempt a laser adjustment on my older "fat" Playstation 2 SCPH-30001. I was curious as to whether or not using tape on the disks could be bad or the grinding noise could possibly permanently damamge disks. (My NCAA 2002 game did recieve a brutal scratch that rendered it unplayable, though I forget where the error happens, I believe at the title screen, I'm not sure if the PS2 gave it the scratch or it may have been from dropping the unit with the game in it) I would like to continue using the older Playstation 2 much of the time, in order to reduce wear on the new one so I have at least one unit working--though I may just be scared due to my past experiences with my PS2 and am not particularly eager to buy another unit in the future.

Also, just last week, the older PS2 wouldn't play disk 2 of Metal Gear Solid (PSX) well, when loading an FMV it would take a rediculous amount of time, though I haven't yet tested this with another disk or another PS2. (This was with the tape method). Also, with the tape attached to the disk, it won't play in another Playstation 2, which is kind of irritating.

Does anyone have any recommendations as to my course of action, i.e. whether or not to repair the PS2 or continue using temporary tape methods and the reasoning behind them.

Thanks a ton and Tweakmonkey you have a great site that has always been helpful.
-Crank'