Monday 21 October 2013

Xbox 360 Repair Guide - Is it Right For You?

If you have found this article you are probably searching for an Xbox 360 repair guide. If this is the case I have to assume that your Xbox 360 has recently broken and is displaying what experienced gamers have come to know as the red ring of death (RROD for short). This is an extremely common occurrence for owners of the famous Microsoft console. The good thing is because it is so common, the online community has come together and found some easy, and cheap methods to fix your gaming system by yourself. By reading this entire article you should have a good understanding of your available options, and be able to determine if an Xbox 360 repair guide is right for you. I still remember when my Xbox 360 first malfunctioned. I was sitting around with my friends, Mountain Dews, and pizza in hand. Halo 3 had just been released that weekend and we had just started putting some serious hours into team death match. And then it just happened. Three red lights. I sat there awestruck, not knowing what to do. Devastation would have been an understatement.

I decided to place a call to tech-support. The Microsoft agent made it clear that my only option was to send in my console for repair. This sounded great at first until the next bit of information I was given. For one thing, the repair was going to cost me $150 since my console was not under warranty anymore. I had only recently paid $400 for my Xbox 360 and now I had to pay nearly a third of that for a repair, when I didn't cause the problem.

I got over that, and then he hit me with the next bit of info. The repairs could take as long as 2 months. Seriously. The agent tried to hurry the order along but I decided to politely decline his offer. There was no way on earth I was paying $150, and losing my system for 2 months. I started to look for other options online when I finally came across an Xbox 360 repair guide.

The first thing you have to know about me is, I've never fixed anything in my life. I can't even upgrade my computer by myself, so I was pretty skeptical as to whether or not an Xbox 360 repair guide was right for me. It turns out I had no reason to be skeptical.

I ordered a very detailed Xbox 360 repair guide online. Since it was digital it was delivered to me instantly. The guide came with step by step instructions, and videos that I could follow along with. The materials required were easy to find at any store. With the help of the guide, I was able to fix my console in under 2 hours.

Quick Xbox 360 Error Code E74 Repair Tips

One of the most frequent problems affecting Microsoft's latest gaming console is the Xbox 360 error code e74. This problem contains a few characteristics such as white writings upon a plain black backdrop while turning on your Xbox 360 and a red ring on the front of the console in the power switch.

Xbox 360 error code E74 Information is provided below.
  • Retailers report a failure of consoles that amounts to over 40%.
  • Investigations confess that one in every three console is bound to fail due to few errors like the "red ring of death" or the e74 code.
  • No such warning is there for this problem. All that you can see one fine day is "e74" in bold white writing on the screen when your turn on the Xbox 360.
  • Since 2006, it is believed that more than 12 million consoles have been affected.

The causes of the e74 error are-
  • Due to improper heat sinks and insufficient air circulation heat builds within Xbox 360's case.
  • The thermal glue that holds the video scaler (HANA/ANA) gets slightly out of place due to the increase in heat.
  • The e74 code is displayed as the scaler chip does not function properly and your Xbox 360 will not work.

The following procedure is followed to set the Xbox 360 error.
  • To fix the red ring e74 problem, video repair instructions is required as written series of instructions are not always satisfactory. The only way to get these instructions is through a repair guide.
  • Follow the step-by-step video repair instructions given in the repair guide.
  • All that you need to fix back the error is a screwdriver and a metal toothpick and 90 minutes of your time.

Xbox 360 E71 Error Repair Tips

One of the errors that you can experience on your Xbox console is the Xbox 360 e71 error. Quite often this problem may be accompanied with a ring of red lights on the front of your console. In this article you are going to learn what causes the Xbox e71 code, as well as whether there is anything you can do to fix the problem.

Unlike the more common "red ring of death" and e74 problems, the Xbox 360 e71 error is not caused by overheating damaging the graphics processor unit (GPU) or video scaler (HANA/ANA) chip. However, the problem is that nobody is 100% sure what actually causes the e71 in the first place.

Most likely the problem relates to dashboard and console updates, such as the fall update of 2006. Also, the problem appears to arise from gamers incorrectly flashing their hardware or doing botched firmware hacks which then prevent the system from functioning correctly.

Have you recently updated your Xbox 360 in anyway, or have you (or anyone else) attempted some form of firmware hack or flash? If so, this is probably the cause of the e71 code on your Xbox, however, it could also be completely random.

Fixing the Xbox e71 is quite tricky. Firstly, you could try completely resetting your Xbox 360. To do this, enter the dashboard, go to the right-most column, go and press "Initial Set Up" then follow the instructions on screen.

If you cannot access this screen due to the e71 error on your Xbox 360, you can try holding the "Y" button on your controller as you switch the console on. This will enter the same process, and restore default factory settings. However, there is still a chance that this might not work, and that you could be stranded with the e71 code.

Xbox 360 4 Red Lights - Cause and Repair

The Xbox 360 4 red lights problem is quite a complicated one as it can mean more than one thing- you could be lucky, and your console is just suffering from a very minor problem that can be fixed by plugging the AV cable back in. However, if this does not fix the problem, then your Xbox 360 is suffering from a much worse problem- those 4 red lights are coding for the red ring of death, which means that something quite serious has gone wrong with your console, due to overheating and hardware error. This problem can be quite expensive to repair unless you choose to fix it yourself- today you will learn the basic steps to doing so.

A loose AV cable can cause the Xbox 360 4 red lights problem. What you need to do now is leave this article open, go to your Xbox 360 console, unplug the AV cable from the back, and then re-insert it so that a click is heard. Turn your console back on- if the lights are gone then the problem has been fixed and you have been very lucky. If not, then you will need to continue reading to find out more about the red ring of death problem and what it means for your console.

This worrying 4 red lights error on the Xbox 360 is caused by excessive heat in the console due to a lack of cooling devices such as fans and heat sinks, as well as powerful components which put out large amounts of heat as a waste product. This overheating issue then wreaks havoc with the components, and forces the console to shut itself down to prevent further damage from occurring.

There are a number of fixes that are often recommended for the red lights error. One such fix is the "towel wrap trick", which involves wrapping your console in a bath towel and turning it on and off. All I can say is do not try this- the extra insulation produced by the towel will serve to only worsen the overheating problem and cause even more damage to your Xbox 360,

The only way you can fix the 4 red lights error on your Xbox 360 is to invest in a repair guide. This is a collection of video files that will show you how to determine the exact fault in the hardware of your console, then fix it in such a way that it will never come back again. Xbox 360 repair guides have got much better in recent months- many of the best ones now feature true HD video files, free updates, 24/7 customer service centres and far easier repair methods that will have you gaming far quicker.

Wednesday 9 October 2013

Xbox 360 Repair - Three Thermal Paste Application Tips

Bad thermal paste is one of the most common reasons for Xbox overheating and the red ring of death. This can happen if the paste is improperly applied during manufacture of the console. Bad paste can also result from exposure to heat over long time periods. As the paste slowly breaks down, you will start to experience an overheating problem that gradually worsens over time. If the paste fails quickly, this will cause an almost instant two red light error within seconds of turning on your Xbox.

Whether you should attempt to replace the thermal paste on your own depends on whether or not you wish to make use of your warranty. If you've never opened your console before, then using your warranty to get the problem fixed by Microsoft is your best option. Just remember that once you do open the console, your warranty will be voided.

It always helps when you understand why you are doing something, so little bit of theory will be discussed. Thermal paste acts like a bridge allowing heat to move across the contact area between the heat sink and the CPU or GPU. When the paste breaks down, it acts as a barrier to heat rather than a bridge. This means the heat sink will not be able to do its job of drawing heat from the GPU.

When applying thermal paste, try the following tips:

1.) After the heat sink has been removed from the motherboard, always clean off the old paste. Applying new paste on top of the old doesn't do anything because the old paste will still block proper heat transfer. The old paste can be removed by applying rubbing alcohol using a clean cloth. The surface should be shiny when you are finished. Remember to clean both the heat sink and the CPU or GPU. It is pointless to clean only one of the two mating surfaces. After cleaning, never touch the surfaces with your fingers because this will leave oil in the form of a finger print.

2.) Always apply the paste in a thin layer. The thinner it is, the better it will work. Just make sure the entire surface is covered. You will know this when you can't see any of the shiny metal. A good rule of thumb is to apply a dab of paste about the size of a BB.

3.) By covering your finger tip with a small plastic bag, you can then use your finger to apply the paste without leaving oils from your skin. This also gives you greater control than trying to do this with a stick.

4.) Arctic silver 5, a high quality thermal paste, is recommended.

5.) Before you open the console, disconnect it from its power source. Keep all liquids away from the work area and never do your work on a carpet. Carpeting can cause static electricity which will damage the motherboard components.

Xbox Repair - How To Fix A Stuck DVD Drive That Won't Open

I bought two Xbox consoles from a thrift store to fix and sell. They seemed to work fine until I noticed something was wrong. When the DVD Tray was empty it would open and close without any problems but when I placed a DVD inside it wouldn't open very often, maybe one out of five tries would be successful. Don't worry this is one of the easy Xbox fixes. Here's how you do it:

Step #1 Get The DVD Tray Open

If your Xbox is like mine you can try opening it a few times until it finally works. At this point don't hit the power button on the Xbox this may cause the tray to close instead simply unplug the Power Cord with the tray still open. (Don't worry your Xbox will be fine). Now let's say your tray never opens not even sporadically, no problem you can still open it with the manual release. Get a paper clip and look for a small button within Xbox logo on the front of the tray press it with the paper clip and pull out the tray.

Step #2 Opening Up Your Xbox

Turn your Xbox over and unscrew the screws holding it together four screws are underneath the rubber pads so gently peel them a little bit off so you can get to the screws. I wouldn't peel them all the way off they may not stick back on. They also have some screws under the stickers so unscrew those too. You will need a Torx head screw driver you can get a set from most tool shops. Now turn the Xbox right side up and pull the top off it may take some wiggling and wrangling because it is on there pretty tight.

Step #3 Taking Out The DVD Player

Next unscrew the middle plastic divider that holds the Hard Drive. We aren't going to do anything with it but you can't get to the DVD with it there. You could disconnect the Hard Drive and get it out of the way but I just kind of leave it connected but hang it outside the Xbox case. This makes it easier to put back together later. Now that that's out of the way look for two screws connecting the plastic DVD holder to the Xbox casing, unscrew them. Take out the whole thing.

Step #4 Opening the DVD Drive

Pull the DVD Drive out of it's plastic holder and turn it upside down unscrew all the screws. Holding it together turn it upside up again (we don't want to lose any parts). Now take the top off look for a small rubber belt this is more than likely the culprit. As the DVD Drive gets older the rubber belt gets looser and more dirty so it doesn't work so good anymore.

Step #5 Take Out The Belt

Depending on what DVD drive your Xbox uses this could be very easy or could require some skill. If you a can get to it with your finger try to pull it out gently. We don't want break any gears inside. If you can't get to it with your fingers try some tweezers to pull it out.

Step #6 Cleaning and Tightening The Belt

These rubber belts get loose and dirty over time. To fix it try the following. Get out a coffee cup and fill it with water put it in the microwave for one to two minutes. Take it out of the microwave and put the rubber belt in the water this will clean the belt and seems to also make it shrink back a little. Let the water cool a bit and dry off the belt and place it back in the DVD drive. Now screw the DVD drive back together and put the Xbox back together again and test it.

If it still doesn't work you may have to buy a new rubber belt take the broken one to an electronics store and ask them to find you a match. Replace it and try again.

Game Console Repair - Xbox Repair Service

The Xbox 360 has many errors that lead to the unfortunate situation of not being able to play games or even turn on your system. Since production the Xbox 360 has been produced with the fate of the general hardware error or most commonly known as the Red Ring Of Death (RROD). This common system error occurs usually between two and a half two four years in the Xbox's life. Unfortunately when this happens the console is rendered unusable and will not power up or starts up to show you a error such as E74.

At this time you need to consider sending your console to Microsoft for repair; having your console sent to a third party professional Game Console Repair company or repairing the system yourself. Microsoft repairs Red Ring for free on consoles still under warranty and the issue for many gamers is that frequently the console is second hand and may not have a warranty sticker intact. If this is the case then the only two choices left remaining are to send the console to a professional Xbox repair service or to fix the console yourself.

Sending your console to Microsoft has problems. Firstly the repair times can and usually are around a month and for serious gamers this option will certainly not aid the time for you to get back on Xbox live gaming again, secondly the warranty is only valid for three years and the gamers' who bought their consoles early most likely will not be covered; and finally postage is around Ten Pounds plus!! To send the parcel and be insured and have it recorded can be extremely expensive and when there are solutions which can only cost half the postage, it may be more convenient to sway from this option. On the upside the repair will be to a massively high standard.

When your console goes wrong it can cause a great deal of frustration for you, your family and your friends. This article explains your options and what ways you can go to repair you broken Xbox 360, for more information feel free to visit my website at the links below, keep viewing to check out all the latest posts

Xbox 360 Error Code E74 Repair Tips

The Xbox 360 error code e74 is one of a series of common problems to affect Microsoft's latest generation gaming console. Characterized by ominous white writing on a plain black background when you turn your Xbox 360 on, as well as possibly being accompanied by a glowing red ring in the power button on the front of your console. In this article you are going to learn what causes the Xbox 360 e74 error code, as well as what you can do to fix it.

Here's some crazy information about the Xbox 360 error code e74 -

o There have been retailers which have reported console failure rates of over 40%

o Most investigations accept that around one in three Xbox 360 consoles will fail due to an error such as the e74 code, or other related problems such as the "red ring of death".

o There is no warning of the problem- one day you turn on your Xbox 360 to find "e74" in bold white type on your screen.

o Over 12 million consoles are believed to have been affected since 2006.

The cause of the e74 error is quite simple -

o Heat builds up inside your Xbox 360's case due to poor heat sinks and a lack of air circulation.

o The video scaler (HANA/ANA) chip has thermal glue which holds it in place, and this comes slightly unseated due to expanding because of the heat.

o Because the scaler chip isn't functioning properly, your Xbox 360 cannot work and the e74 error code is displayed to warn you of the problem.

In order to fix the Xbox 360 error code e74, you need to do the following -

o Purchase an Xbox 360 repair guide which will provide you with the instructions necessary to fix your console. The process is actually quite simple when you see it carried out in front of your eyes, and only involves one minor tweak. However, it is very difficult to explain in writing, but easy in video.

o Look for video repair instructions in your repair guide, so that you can follow along step-by-step.

o You will also need screwdrivers, as well as an object such as a metal toothpick. You can be gaming again in under 90 minutes generally if you follow the instructions correctly. The e74 error on your Xbox 360 will be gone for good.