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Xbox 360 Troubleshooting: Some Simple Tips To Try Out

January 31, 2008

If you or a friend have used an Xbox 360 for any length of time, you’ve most likely experienced or heard of the red ring of death. Ever since it’s introduction to the market, problems have been no stranger to this machine. This problem is indicated by 3 flashing red lights around the power button. Repair work is not out of the question if you wish to eliminate this problem.

Before considering any repair work, try out the following suggestions:

Restart the console.

A loose cord or cable may be the problem if your Xbox still does not work. First, remove from the Xbox all power cords and cables that can be disconnected. Disconnect the power cable from the wall plug. All cords and cables should be reconnected firmly back into the Xbox. Turn the console back on after the power cord is plugged into the wall.

If the above step didn’t work, then turn off the console, unplug the power and then disconnect the hard drive. Switch on the console after plugging the power back in. If there isn’t a “three red lights error”, then turn the Xbox off and disconnect the power cord. Finally, reattach the hard drive, plug the power back in and turn on the console.

If this didn’t work, you may have a heat related problem. If the internal chips get too much heat exposure, they will shut off. Sometimes the thermal shutdown will be accompanied by the three red light error. This can definitely happen if you’ve had several thermal related shutdowns before.

Switch your Xbox off and give it some time to cool down if you believe that it is experiencing too much heat. Clear the cooling vents of all obstructions and place your Xbox in an area that is open with lots of ventilation. Keep it away from all sources of heat. Clean out dust and debris from the inside of the console. Cool off your console with a small fan. Remember to keep the power brick cool, so do not place it on shaggy carpeting.

This article covered various measures for dealing with the red ring of death. If your problems were still not resolved, getting your machine repaired remains your only option. All Xboxes with the ring of death fault have had their warranty extended for three years after the purchase date. However, if your console was opened for any reason the warranty is void. It will probably take several weeks or more to get your Xbox repaired by Microsoft. An expensive but quicker option is to send your console to a repair shop. Another option is to use one of the guides that are currently available to do the repair job yourself.

Marc Sandford is a gaming enthusiast and author. Get more Xbox 360 troubleshooting information about repairing the Red Ring of Death.

Posted by Marc Sandford · Filed Under Computer Games 

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