How to Fix PSP Analog Stick and UMD drive

Fixing and even replacing the analog stick (or joystick) on a Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP) is a simple procedure. You can use the same procedures for cleaning around the area as well, which can increase performance. Because of the common problems with joystick performance, cleaning and replacing the analog stick is an effective way to maintain your PSP.

What you'll need: Small Phillips screwdriver, Soft clean cloth, Replacement analog stick (optional) Needle-nose tweezers (optional)

1. Remove the faceplate from your PSP by unscrewing the five screws that hold it in place. Four are on the back of the PSP, but the fifth is underneath the screen on the bottom edge. (Make sure you do not lose the screws)
2. Gently pull off the top of the analog stick. (It should pop off after a small amount of pressure.) Wipe the exposed area with the cloth, removing any dust and debris. (If you are going to replace the analog stick with a new one, place the new analog stick onto the small nub of plastic sticking up by pressing down until it clicks into place.)
3. Remove the small plastic rectangle just to the right of the analog stick's contact with tweezers, if you have them, or carefully with your fingers. Notice the four gold squares on each side of the rectangle. These contacts often become dirty, so using a small cloth, clean all sides of the rectangle. Now replace the piece of plastic, making sure that the gold contacts touch the contacts on the PSP. Use the cloth to wipe the contacts on the PSP faceplate as well.
4. Replace the faceplate and screws, and test your PSP's analog stick.
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The PSP has a mechanical drive that rotates an optical disc which is inserted into it. This drive can be affected by the operating system during normal use and then fail to start up the next time the PSP is turned on and a disc is inserted into it. Fixing the UMD drive so that it will once again work takes just a couple of hours and will not affect the warranty or damage the PSP in any way.
What you'll need: Clean cloth, PSP battery supply, Camel's hair brush, Lint free cloth

1. Go to the Settings menu from the Home screen and select System Settings> UMD AutoStart> On. Turn off the PSP using the power switch.
2. Pick up the PSP open the UMD drive. Hold the PSP upside down to release any loose dirt from inside of the drive. Take the camel's hair brush and blow any dust or debris from inside of the UMD drive. Take the lint free cloth and gently wipe around the edges of the lid of the UMD drive to remove any loose dirt. Do the same on the PSP where the lid meets the back of the console's case.
3. Close the lid of the UMD drive and put the PSP face down on the clean cloth. Open the battery compartment and remove the battery. Clean out the battery compartment with the lint free cloth, and also the battery contacts on the battery.
4. Pick up the PSP and release the latch so that the lid of the UMD drive opens. Insert a UMD disc into the UMD drive and close the lid by pressing gently on the back of the lid so that it closes. Put the PSP face down on the clean cloth and insert the battery back into the battery compartment. Close the battery compartment. Then, turn the PSP over so that it is face up on the clean cloth. Insert the power supply into the PSP and charge the PSP for at least an hour. Remove the power supply and pick up the PSP. Turn the PSP on. Access the UMD disc from the "Home" menu and play the disc.

If you are looking for an all-in-one guide to help you fix ANY problems you may have with your PSP handheld console I strongly recommend the PSP Repair Guide . This guide has step-by-step written and video instructions on how to diagnose and fix any problems with your PSP. CLICK HERE for more info.