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The “RED RING OF DEATH”, no it’s not a new horror movie title but if you own an Xbox 360 you still might cringe when you see this appear on your 360. But before you go into panic mode here are a few simple explanations of the error codes that are most common.

ONE RED LIGHT:

E64, 65, 66 – DVD Drive Error http://support.microsoft.com/kb/927746

This error usually means that the DVD drive has gone bad or the software that runs it got corrupted. Not good news either way. If you tried to replace the disk drive yourself (and void your warranty) and didn’t use an Xbox 360 OEM disk drive you get this error. If you did use an original OEM disk drive chance are good your software is corrupted and you need to call tech support and they maybe able to advise you on what do to next.

E67, E68, E69 Hard Drive Error

http://support.microsoft.com/kb917874

Turn off your power and remove the hard drive and restart the 360 again. If that works you know the problem is in the hard drive and maybe able to send it in for repair. Chances are you will lose all your saved games but while its being repaired you should be able to play the 360 with a memory unit.

E71 – Hardware Failure

http://support.microsoft.com/kb927747

Often times this error shows a hardware failure but it could be a software issue. Corrupt temporary data could be the cause. Your 360 stores downloaded data such as backward compatibility and software updates in a special cache. If that goes bad you need to clean it out. Here is how to do it. Reboot the 360. On the dashboard go to the System file section, then memory and highlight your hard drive. Press the Y button. Then enter secret six button code on your controller: X, X, Left Bumper, Right Bumper, X, X. The 360 will ask if you want to perform system maintenance –enter yes. This will clear your temp data cache and you will have to redownload any game patches but that should make your 360 healthy again. NOTE: If you can’t even get to the dashboard you got bigger problems – call tech support.

E74 – Hardware Failure

http://support.microsoft.com/kb941377

There are a lot of different reasons why this error could appear. Microsoft calls it a hardware failure but don’t be fooled thinking it’s a cable or power supply o over heating. This is one that is better left to the pros at Microsoft to figure out meaning you’re going to have to send it in. But contact them first.

TWO RED LIGHTS

If the two red lights on the left side of the ring of light are flashing its probably because the 360 has overheated. The fans might have stopped pulling out the warm air from the back or maybe they are blocked or clogged. Obviously turn the unit off and let it cool down. If it is clogged try buying a can of “canned air” usually available at Best Buy or Wal-Mart and give it an angled blast from the side. Also make sure that where ever the console is that it has plenty of room to breathe fresh air and not right next to another component that is also putting at hot air.

THREE RED LIGHTS

The infamous “red ring of death” that appears in all quadrants except the upper right is very distressing to any 360 gamer. This usually occurred on older models and Microsoft has extended the warranty for these units and fixes them for free. As for newer models you will still have to send it in to Microsoft.

FOUR RED LIGHTS

Despite being the full “red ring of death” this one is fairly easy to repair. Your AV cable isn’t connected or not all the way in. Check it, if it is nice and snug and still doesn’t work buy a new cable that should solve it.

LAST WORD

If all else fails contact Xbox, they’re the pros and the only authorized repair center despite what you might hear or find on the internet. Simply call 1-800-4-MY-XBOX. Try also online at support.xbox.com and you can speak to a live customer support agent through text chat, sometimes this method is quicker