This Xbox 360 troubleshoot guide should resolve most commonly encountered errors when using your Xbox, however, alternatives are offered if you can’t find a satisfactory solution here.

The majority of errors are either displayed on your console usually represented by an E and a number (E74 – the most common) of by a series of flashing red lights, known “fondly” as the Red Rings Of Death (RRoD). In this article, we will be going over the RRoD.

Before discussing this scenario you should switch off your console, remove all wiring from the Xbox and your TV, re-attach all cables and switch your console back on. I assume you’ve already tried this as you’re still reading!

Red Rings Of Death:

1 Flashing Red Light: Hardware Failure.

Usual Solution: return to Microsoft

2 Red Lights: Overheating

Usual Solution: switch off console for several hours, allow to cool. Do not force to cool: eg. the towel myth or putting Xbox in the freezer! Make sure your Xbox is properly ventilated and dust-free from now on.

3 Red Lights: General Hardware Failure

Usual Solution: return to Microsoft. Try restarting your console again, you should check to see that the rings on the front of your Xbox turn green before they turn red. If they go straight to red, the fault is with your PSU (power supply).

4 Red Lights: The AV cable cannot be detected

Usual Solution: check your cables over again. If using alternative AV cables, make sure they are from another Xbox that works.

In most cases, people end up sending their console back to Microsoft, this usually takes up to 4-8 weeks and can cost well over $100 if you warranty has ended. If this Xbox 360 troubleshoot guide has not helped you solve your problem, do not lose hope just yet.