Xbox Repair

Topic

New Reply

I know this is not a computer question per se, but it’s similar and it is hardware, so I’ll take a chance that you’ll tolerate my asking. My grandson’s one year old Xbox evidently went down this morning and my son tells me it’s an “E74” problem. Googling on “xbox e74” yields 104,000 hits, many of which seem to lead to a sales pitch for Xbox DIY repair books and YouTube videos of little or no help! (One was even a rap video!)

From the many hits I’ve read, it seems to be heat related and one guy recommended putting six 2p coins wrapped in electric tape under … Well, you get the idea. Does any Lounger have Xbox experience and maybe know of a decent DIY instructional site I can visit that doesn’t involve buying a book? I might recommend they DO buy a repair book, but even that seems like a risky proposition (getting a quality product that is). Thanks.

Reply | Quote

Replies

I’d check to see if it is still under warranty. That’ll probably require interacting with Microsoft (which we all know can be challenging) but it may end up being a free repair.

Joe

--Joe

Reply | Quote

Do *NOT* DIY this repair…MS is actually helpful in this case.

One thing I’ve done when not getting the RROD (Red Ring Of Death – the only warranteed repair) but still getting an error is wrapping the machine in towels, and intentionally overheating it, causing the RROD, and putting the box under warranty. Microsoft extended the 1 year warranty to 3 years back in 06; if the machine is under a year old, you’re well within your rights to put in the call to MS. They’re actually not too bad with this issue, I’ve sent 2 back, and had the xbox back in under 2 weeks. One was the same console, another was a brand new one. Luck ‘o the draw, I suppose.

Reply | Quote

Thanks for the comments, Jeremy, as usual. And thanks too to Joe and Doc.

I just came in and my son called to tell me that his wife has been in contact with MS and they have started the process of WARRANTY repair “send it in.” I had told them that from some of the stuff I read this morning, I too was nervous about a DIY in this case.

Anyway, depending on how smooth it goes and how long it takes, the wheels are in motion and I thank you all for the comments and encouragement. The funny and coincidental thing is that I just bought the grandson a new game for the Xbox for THIS Christmas and now he’ll have to wait awhile to play it (see attachment).

Reply | Quote

At least he’ll get to stretch out the Christmas season a little longer.

Joe

--Joe

Reply | Quote

I don’t think his grandson’s going to be as optimistic about it

Reply | Quote

You may be correct, if this is any indication: Knowing that a parent KNOWS the “intensity level” of his child, I had to smile yesterday afternoon when I said something about the gift to my son. He told me he’s gonna check on the availability of renting a temporary one for a week or two! I don’t imagine that will really happen, but we’ll see…

Reply | Quote

They’ve got the arcade version for under $200…could look at getting it just to take it back, or maybe dad needs a new toy!

Reply | Quote

From the horse’s mouth. It’s a hardware issue and MS should stand behind their product. The Xbox 360 has a reputation for hardware failures. Call customer support and get an RTM# to send it back. They’ll replace it with one they have already refurbished.

Reply | Quote

I had our 360 crash (RROD) at just about 11 months of use. I submitted a repair order thru the XBox site, was sent a box to return it in, shipped it back for repairs – no issues at all. Was a very smooth process.

The only issue I have had is with the UPS driver. Was left a delivery notice on my porch, laying on the concrete. Not stuck to the door, the mailbox, the wall – on the ground. I signed the slip and stuck it to my mailbox. Came home and found another slip on the ground not two feet from the signed slip stuck on my mailbox. I have placed both SIGNED slips on my door at eye level. Hopefully this will work.

Reply | Quote