My PS2 just bit the dust, with awful timing

[BoringSupreez]

It died the day I got Chrono Cross in the mail. I ended up having to haul up an old PS1, and play it on that. My PS2 is having the DRE problem, and Sony wants $45 to fix it. I could get a used fatty at Gamestop for $5 less than that. I'm saving up for a PS3, so I don't want to blow up a portion of what I've collected on fixing my PS2, but I want it back so bad.
And what even worse is that my PS2 was the best version, version 7. They're supposed to have the best lasers. Not in my case, though.

[BigTinz]

Why don't you just fix it yourself?

Fixing a DRE takes no more than 20 minutes(that includes the time it takes to find and remove all the screws).

[the7k]

Either pop the top and gentle clean the laser, or buy one of these:

I'm gonna have to buy a new PS2 myself, because it seems my memory card slots are acting up - but I'll get it a proper test before I blow cash.

[BigTinz]

DREs cannot usually be fixed with a lens cleaner(lol ripoff). You actually need to alter the tilt of the gear. It's easy and free to do.

[the7k]

DRE = Disc Read Error, correct?

I had this problem a few times. I used to do the 'clean it manually' method, now I use the lens cleaner. Haven't had the problem resurface since using the lens cleaner for a little over a year now.

Just sayin' what's worked for me.

[Ziggy]

I cleaned the lens in a PS2 once, it's really not hard at all as long as you can follow directions and have a little patience. There's tons of guides to do it online.

[Veno]

What is that lens cleaner disc? Is there a brush on the disc?

As for my PS2, not dead yet, but either my controllers are acting up or the controller port is. I'm pretty sure it's the controller port though, since all of my controllers have problems with Port 1. I think something might be wrong with the contacts.

[LBJeff]

$20 and craigslist is good for what ails you. When my fatty PS2 went TU, I found a kid selling his slim w/6 crappy games and a memory card for $20. After that I decided to educate myself in PS2 repair knowing I had a spare. It was worth it.

[Ziggy]

What is that lens cleaner disc? Is there a brush on the disc?

Yeah, you can see it in the pics if you look close.

[Weekend_Warrior]

I can testify to using a laser lens cleaner disc to rid myself of Disc Read Errors.

I don't know if there's certain brands out there that are better than others. But I just use the Memorex brand that you can find at Wal-Mart. Use it about once every six months. Works great

I've had my fatty since 2002 and she still works like a charm.