(Disc 3) After the Alexandria is destroyed and Zidane wakes up in Lindblum, whenever I try to go to the lift area, the screen turns black like it's supposed to, but never transitions to the next screen. So the screen just stays black and the music keeps going while nothing happens. I've tried 3 or 4 times, but with no luck. It's probably some sort of disc problem, so do you guys have any tips for getting it to work? (You could argue that this thread does and doesn't belong here)

try clean the disc or just buy another disc

RTFM

try clean the disc

But how...?

Just a few questions: Do you have the original game, or is this a burned copy or something like that? I just ask because I tend to hear this happening more with emulated FF9 games or burned copies.

Clean the disc with a soft cloth (the ones that are made for electronics) and hold the disc from the edge, and wipe it from the center outwards. You can use ethyl alcohol to clean it or a commercial CD cleaner to clean any stubborn smudges.

You can also try cleaning the lens of your machine. Dunno what machine you've got, but just google something like, "cleaning PS2/PS lens" with whatever system you're using.

If you have a bum burned copy, then I guess your other choice is to buy another (real) copy of the game.

It's the real thing. I'll try that, thanks.

Still doesn't work. Since I have the real thing, I could legally burn a copy of disc 3 so I can get past this part, right? What do I need to burn a game?

Burning software. Alcohol 120% should do the trick.

If all else fails, eBay usually have something to help you out with (aka. new discs).

Yeah I had that problem with FF IV PSX version. The first time I got it, it wouldn't let me out of that save room under Baron's castle before you fight Baigan and Cagnazzo. That pissed me off, I had to start all over again on another copy of the game. I hope your problem was solved more easily than that.