Xbox 360 Ring Of Death - 5 Tips For Dealing With It
Marc Sandford
January 05, 2009
Microsoft's latest Xbox 360 features a new motherboard and a new and "improved" graphics chip that should emit less heat. Whether this new generation of Xboxes has eliminated the ROD error remains to be seen. Only time and plenty of use by the world's consumers under a variety of conditions will tell.
For those of us who still have the older Xboxes, the ring of death has not gone away.
This article will discuss a few troubleshooting tips that you should try before you think about refurbishment, repair, or using your warranty to send your console off to Microsoft.
1.) This first suggestion is pretty obvious but it's here for the sake of being complete: Restart the console.
2.) If this doesn't do anything, then perhaps the trouble may be due to a loose cable or cord. First, disconnect all power cords and cables that you can from your Xbox. Then unplug the power cable from the wall.
Now the cords and cables should be reattached to the console. Plug the power cord back into the wall and start up your Xbox.
3.) If this doesn't help, turn off the console, disconnect the power cord, and remove the hard drive. Plug the power back in and turn on the console. If you don't see any red lights, then turn the console off and unplug the power cord. Finally, put in the hard drive, plug the power cord back in, and power up your console.
4.) The power cord contacts have been known to melt due to heavy usage of the Xbox. This has happened to Xboxes that were played over lengthy time periods (in the neighborhood of 12 hours without a rest). This usually happened when the console had an intercooler attached.
The contacts should be checked for signs of damage. Sometimes the Xbox operates just fine when the power cord is elevated. But the red ring of death error lights turn on when the cable is allowed to droop back down. Get another power cord if you have melted power cord contacts.
5.) If your console has been heating up, then allow your Xbox to cool off by turning it off for a while. Keep the cooling vents clear of obstructions and operate your Xbox in a well ventilated space. Be careful that there are no heat sources nearby.
Vacuum any dust buildup from within the console. Place a small fan near your Xbox to cool it off. Remember that the power brick has to stay cool, so don't place it on soft shaggy carpeting.
It too should be in an open, ventilated area. You may want to try hanging the power brick from a hook, using its cord.
So these are your troubleshooting options for the ring of death that doesn't involve repair or replacement. If your problems were still not solved, then you'll have to return it to Microsoft for replacement (under their warranty) or get it repaired. Remember, the warranty is void if you open your console. This holds regardless of your reasons, intentional or not.
Marc Sandford is a gaming enthusiast and writer. Get more Xbox troubleshooting information about fixing the Red Ring of Death.
For those of us who still have the older Xboxes, the ring of death has not gone away.
This article will discuss a few troubleshooting tips that you should try before you think about refurbishment, repair, or using your warranty to send your console off to Microsoft.
1.) This first suggestion is pretty obvious but it's here for the sake of being complete: Restart the console.
2.) If this doesn't do anything, then perhaps the trouble may be due to a loose cable or cord. First, disconnect all power cords and cables that you can from your Xbox. Then unplug the power cable from the wall.
Now the cords and cables should be reattached to the console. Plug the power cord back into the wall and start up your Xbox.
3.) If this doesn't help, turn off the console, disconnect the power cord, and remove the hard drive. Plug the power back in and turn on the console. If you don't see any red lights, then turn the console off and unplug the power cord. Finally, put in the hard drive, plug the power cord back in, and power up your console.
4.) The power cord contacts have been known to melt due to heavy usage of the Xbox. This has happened to Xboxes that were played over lengthy time periods (in the neighborhood of 12 hours without a rest). This usually happened when the console had an intercooler attached.
The contacts should be checked for signs of damage. Sometimes the Xbox operates just fine when the power cord is elevated. But the red ring of death error lights turn on when the cable is allowed to droop back down. Get another power cord if you have melted power cord contacts.
5.) If your console has been heating up, then allow your Xbox to cool off by turning it off for a while. Keep the cooling vents clear of obstructions and operate your Xbox in a well ventilated space. Be careful that there are no heat sources nearby.
Vacuum any dust buildup from within the console. Place a small fan near your Xbox to cool it off. Remember that the power brick has to stay cool, so don't place it on soft shaggy carpeting.
It too should be in an open, ventilated area. You may want to try hanging the power brick from a hook, using its cord.
So these are your troubleshooting options for the ring of death that doesn't involve repair or replacement. If your problems were still not solved, then you'll have to return it to Microsoft for replacement (under their warranty) or get it repaired. Remember, the warranty is void if you open your console. This holds regardless of your reasons, intentional or not.
Marc Sandford is a gaming enthusiast and writer. Get more Xbox troubleshooting information about fixing the Red Ring of Death.
Print
Email
