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Xbox 360: "Can't play this game" error message

Article ID:908225
Last Review:April 25, 2007
Revision:3.5

SYMPTOMS

When you try to play an original Xbox game on the Xbox 360 console, you receive the following error message:
Can’t play this game

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CAUSE

This issue may occur if the Xbox 360 console does not successfully load the original Xbox game because a runtime error occurs. A runtime error can occur for many reasons. Sometimes the issue is just that the disk is dirty, smudged, scratched, or otherwise damaged.

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THINGS TO TRY

1.Verify that the game is on the approved backward compatibility list. To do this, visit the following Xbox Web site:
http://www.xbox.com/games (http://www.xbox.com/games)
2. Examine the disc for physical defects, smudges, or scratches.
3.Clean the disc, and then try again:
Hold disk by the edges without touching the surface with your fingers.
Clean the disk by using a soft, clean cloth, lightly wiping from the center outwards.
Do not use solvents or chemicals to clean the disk.
4.If you have an original Xbox console, try to play the game in the original Xbox console.
If the issue persists, contact Xbox technical support.

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APPLIES TO
Microsoft XBox 360 Video Game System
Microsoft Xbox

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Keywords: 
kbxboxext kbxboxgames kbxboxperipherals kbxbox360pacrimportal kbxbox360europeportal kbxbox360americasportal kbpubtypekc kbtshoot kbxboxconsole KB908225

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