[Ed in Tx]

Before I stick a good tape in an unknown VCR, I put in a modified tape housing (cassette housing with the tape, reels, springs, clear windows removed) I use for testing purposes, put VCR in play, watch the loading mechanism for anything unusual, make sure the capstan and take-up reel turn, go to stop, then rewind, make sure the supply reel turns backwards, then eject making sure the supply reel turns again so it will retract the tape back into the housing, inspect and clean the heads, upper and lower cylinder surfaces, rollers and capstan as needed, THEN I put in an old tape and hit Play. If that goes OK then put in my good tape.