By Alexander Thompson

The Xbox 360 ring of death is not always the swan song - your Xbox 360 doesn't need to die. Of course, it will need some intensive therapy, core repairs and magic fixes, but don't toss it just yet. Sometimes all it takes to revive an Xbox 360 is a warm towel wrapped around the console for 10 minutes and a restart. Sure, this is a temporary fix and there are many voices against it, but it is nevertheless the proof that you can still count on Microsoft (unless the towel trick sets your Xbox on fire).

How do you escape the ring of death? It all depends on your karma. If the towel trick works a DIY repair might work too. If the towel trick fails put your faith in Microsoft's repair service and start praying, or do the smart thing and invest your money in a new system. As only 6% of all the Xbox 360s cannot be repaired, don't lose hope and instead of calling Microsoft, try finding a valid Xbox 360 ring of death guide that will lead you through all the steps needed to fix your console without specialized help.

The main reason why an Xbox 360 fails is overheating. A valid Xbox 360 repair guide will teach you how to fix the cooling system instead of advising you to blow hot air into your Xbox or wrap it in towels. Valid Xbox guides come with a money back warrantee but more importantly they lead you to the whole process of fixing your console, step by step, with clear pictures and schematics to help you with every detail. No serious Xbox 360 repair guide vendor will ever promise to have the ultimate solution for your problems. Sometimes what causes the Xbox 360 to fail may be something unrelated to the cooling system - like scratched disks for example. In such situations you need a different guide and seldom need you to invest in a new system.

Obviously all these fixes are valid only for the situation when your Xbox is out of warranty. If your product is still in warranty, let Microsoft fix it. It's free and it's safer for your console.

Alexander Thompson is an expert on hardware and software within the games industry.

View his recommended Xbox 360 repair guide by clicking on the link below:
Xbox 360 Repair Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Thompson

Labels: Xbox 360, Xbox 360 by Microsoft

By Alexander Thompson

Repairing the Xbox 360 is not difficult with some basic tools and a lot of attention to detail. However, if your console is still under warranty and you open the case, please be aware that this will permanently void any remaining warranty. This article will show you how to open your console without damaging components.

If you decide to use this or any do-it-yourself guide, please always make sure your console is unplugged from any source of power before trying to access the case interior. Repairing and maintaining your Xbox 360 is a fairly easy proposition. Let's take you through the steps to accessing the Xbox 360's interior.

You will first need a clean and stable workspace, which can consist of a soft, clean towel spread over a sturdy accessible table. By laying the console flat, gently remove the faceplate by squeezing the latches on either end of the faceplate and pulling it forward. The faceplate should just pop off, but be careful to not break the latches or exert too much pressure.

Next, remove the side panels by releasing the tabs using either a small, thin screwdriver or punch in the holes on either side of the case, being careful not to snap the tabs off. At this point it will be easy to see the metal chassis of the console and to begin removing the bottom part of the unit. Place a flat screwdriver on the tabs in the front and back and apply even pressure in order to release them. The screwdriver will need to be inserted between the white panels in order to access the back tabs.

You are now ready to remove the top portion of the case. This can only be done with a "torx" tool or driver. This tool is shaped like a star on the end, but if one is not available you can buy one at the local auto parts or hardware store. Now remove the 6 torx screws from the four corners and center of the console taking note of where the different length screws come from.

Now you can easily remove the DVD module and have access to the CPU and circuits underneath. All internal components are now within easy reach and basic repair can be performed. Some of the most common Xbox 360 problems deal with the DVD aspect, and these problems are often a simple DIY fix.

Alexander Thompson is an expert on hardware and software within the games industry.

View his recommended Xbox 360 repair guide by clicking on the link below:
Xbox 360 Repair Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Thompson

Labels: Xbox 360, Xbox 360 by Microsoft

By Alexander Thompson

Repairing the Xbox 360 is not difficult with some basic tools and a lot of attention to detail. However, if your console is still under warranty and you open the case, please be aware that this will permanently void any remaining warranty. This article will show you how to open your console without damaging components.

If you decide to use this or any do-it-yourself guide, please always make sure your console is unplugged from any source of power before trying to access the case interior. Repairing and maintaining your Xbox 360 is a fairly easy proposition. Let's take you through the steps to accessing the Xbox 360's interior.

You will first need a clean and stable workspace, which can consist of a soft, clean towel spread over a sturdy accessible table. By laying the console flat, gently remove the faceplate by squeezing the latches on either end of the faceplate and pulling it forward. The faceplate should just pop off, but be careful to not break the latches or exert too much pressure.

Next, remove the side panels by releasing the tabs using either a small, thin screwdriver or punch in the holes on either side of the case, being careful not to snap the tabs off. At this point it will be easy to see the metal chassis of the console and to begin removing the bottom part of the unit. Place a flat screwdriver on the tabs in the front and back and apply even pressure in order to release them. The screwdriver will need to be inserted between the white panels in order to access the back tabs.

You are now ready to remove the top portion of the case. This can only be done with a "torx" tool or driver. This tool is shaped like a star on the end, but if one is not available you can buy one at the local auto parts or hardware store. Now remove the 6 torx screws from the four corners and center of the console taking note of where the different length screws come from.

Now you can easily remove the DVD module and have access to the CPU and circuits underneath. All internal components are now within easy reach and basic repair can be performed. Some of the most common Xbox 360 problems deal with the DVD aspect, and these problems are often a simple DIY fix.

Alexander Thompson is an expert on hardware and software within the games industry.

View his recommended Xbox 360 repair guide by clicking on the link below:
Xbox 360 Repair Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Thompson

Labels: Xbox 360, Xbox 360 by Microsoft

By Alexander Thompson

The only website that actually offers free Xbox 360 user manuals which are safe to download is the official Xbox 360 website. But this website will not tell you how to repair your console. In the absence of the most wanted information, what will you do?

Downloading files from the Internet is not always a smart move, especially when you are not familiar with the site. Sometimes what you get with a download comes with no warranties that the files will be both both Trojan and virus free. Think of downloading from the Web as buying from the black market, and understand that there are only rare situations when free actually means free. Many of the sites that offer free downloads are virtual traps for the innocent web user who tries to save money. Little do these users know that rapid share and torrent sites often hide malware that can cause costly malfunctions to their computers - sometimes even fatally corrupting core system files.

We can already conclude that downloading Xbox 360 repair manuals from dubious sites is not smart at all. In the absence of spyware and malware the sites might require an email address to send you a download link. Needless to say that such a demand alone should trigger some questions. If you want to have your email address on the next spammer's list, feel free to submit your private information to such sites.

When is it smart to download Xbox 360 manuals from the web? - When you trust the source.

There are some ways to verify whether a seller is legitimate: do a whois search, check out the privacy policy on the site and the site disclaimer, or check out the site's SSL. Once the SSL certificate authenticates you can safely assume that you are not dealing with a phisher and you can trust the seller. Beware of free downloads which act as baits that will make you buy something else; in the case of an Xbox 360 manual this something else could be a special repair kit.

It is our conviction that there are some sites that offer free Xbox 360 manuals, but it's an art to find them. If you do, we are waiting for your feedback.

Alexander Thompson is an expert on hardware and software within the games industry.

View his recommended Xbox 360 repair guide by clicking on the link below:
Xbox 360 Repair Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Thompson

Labels: Xbox 360, Xbox 360 by Microsoft

By Anthony Reedy

The dreaded Xbox 360 red ring of death. Are there 6 words that could strike more terror into the hearts of gamers? If you have never experienced this problem then consider yourself lucky. Some estimates put your chances of receiving this error as high as 1 in 3. If you are one of the unlucky and are experiencing this problem right now, don't despair. There is hope and help, and it doesn't require you to send your system off to that large global corporation whose name we will not mention! First, a little background on Xbox 360 error lights.

The Dreaded Red Ring of Death

The xbox 360 comes with a system to identify the error based off the number of red lights.


1 red light: you are having general hardware failure.
2 red lights: your console is overheating. Turn off and unplug your console immediately to avoid damage any damage.
3 red lights: the red ring of death. See the next section for how to deal with these red lights.
4 red lights: your AV cable is loose. Check that your connection is secure, replace if necessary.

The Cause of 1 & 3 Red Light Errors

A loose GPU will cause 1 and 3 red lights on your xbox 360. This is a result of the cold-soldering used and the heat given off by the motherboard.

How To Fix The Red Ring Of Death

I hear you loud and clear, "enough information already! Give me the fix!"

Well, that large global corporation whose name we will not mention would like for you to send your xbox 360 console to them, along with about $200. They will hold your system for about 8 weeks.

What you may not know is that you can fix the xbox 360 red ring of death on your own and in the comfort of your home. The non-techiest person can complete this process in under an hour. There are several guides available on the internet that deatail this process. Look for one that includes step-by-step videos. Always verify that there is a refund option and a way to contact the seller. This will ensure that you are not receiving a junk guide reselling the famous "towel trick".

Does your Xbox suffer from the ring of death? Let me show you step-by-step how to fix your Xbox 360 red ring of death error.

Find out more, Xbox 360 Repair Guide Reviews.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Reedy

Labels: Xbox 360, Xbox 360 by Microsoft

By Alexander Thompson

Of course the easiest answer to the "where can I get help when my Xbox 360 is down?" dilemma is Microsoft's Xbox 360 website. But this answer is valid only as long as your product is still in warranty or if you just need answers to simple matters such as "List of original Xbox games playable on Xbox 360."

For more complex Xbox 360 problems you can get help by visiting the Xbox 360 forums, asking your questions on Yahoo! Answers or other similar sites, visiting Xbox related blogs and discussion boards and ultimately buying an Xbox 360 repair guide that usually has the answers to all your tech-related problems. Xbox.com has almost all the general answers you need plus a help section that will even teach you how to play right to reduce the possibility of injury (RSI - repetitive strain injury) and also how to keep the kids safe online. Another interesting support sections helps you deal with offensive players - a bitter reality of the online gaming community.

Also, if you are unaware of it, Xbox has a LIVE Code of Conduct that you should get familiar with, to avoid any penalties. Know the Xbox 360 terms of use and try to follow them as any deviation from these rules can get you into trouble. You can find manuals and system use help on xbox.com too - basically there is nothing the site doesn't cover, except Xbox fixes. Of course xbox.com will never tell you how to repair even the simplest malfunctions of your Xbox 360. Microsoft wants your Xbox in for repair and you'll have to pay if the product is no longer under warranty.

Fatal errors need more attention from Microsoft. Even the famous "towel trick" cannot really help keep your Xbox trouble-free. Such tricks are temporary fixes that buy you time, but if you want your console to run again you have to look for professional help. Are you sure that the Xbox has a problem that can be fixed by any gamer with a screwdriver and a repair guide? You can take your chances and find out, but if you have any doubts do seek help. Remember that sometimes not asking for help might cost more than sending the Xbox to a special service for repair.

Alexander Thompson is an expert on hardware and software within the games industry.
View his recommended Xbox 360 repair guide by clicking on the link below:
Xbox 360 Repair Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Thompson

Labels: Xbox 360, Xbox 360 by Microsoft

By Alexander Thompson

The Xbox 360 ring of death is not always the swan song - your Xbox 360 doesn't need to die. Of course, it will need some intensive therapy, core repairs and magic fixes, but don't toss it just yet. Sometimes all it takes to revive an Xbox 360 is a warm towel wrapped around the console for 10 minutes and a restart. Sure, this is a temporary fix and there are many voices against it, but it is nevertheless the proof that you can still count on Microsoft (unless the towel trick sets your Xbox on fire).

How do you escape the ring of death? It all depends on your karma. If the towel trick works a DIY repair might work too. If the towel trick fails put your faith in Microsoft's repair service and start praying, or do the smart thing and invest your money in a new system. As only 6% of all the Xbox 360s cannot be repaired, don't lose hope and instead of calling Microsoft, try finding a valid Xbox 360 ring of death guide that will lead you through all the steps needed to fix your console without specialized help.

The main reason why an Xbox 360 fails is overheating. A valid Xbox 360 repair guide will teach you how to fix the cooling system instead of advising you to blow hot air into your Xbox or wrap it in towels. Valid Xbox guides come with a money back warrantee but more importantly they lead you to the whole process of fixing your console, step by step, with clear pictures and schematics to help you with every detail. No serious Xbox 360 repair guide vendor will ever promise to have the ultimate solution for your problems. Sometimes what causes the Xbox 360 to fail may be something unrelated to the cooling system - like scratched disks for example. In such situations you need a different guide and seldom need you to invest in a new system.

Obviously all these fixes are valid only for the situation when your Xbox is out of warranty. If your product is still in warranty, let Microsoft fix it. It's free and it's safer for your console.

Alexander Thompson is an expert on hardware and software within the games industry.

View his recommended Xbox 360 repair guide by clicking on the link below:
Xbox 360 Repair Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Thompson

Labels: Xbox 360, Xbox 360 by Microsoft

By Alexander Thompson

Three red lights and here it goes: the Xbox 360 problems known as the Red Ring of Death, 3RLOD, X-Clamp Fix or the Red Lights of Doom. This is every Xbox 360's user worse nightmare, because it could turn into a very costly business, especially for those with low technical skills.

Microsoft tells you that when the lights 1, 3 and 4 of the ring of light are flashing red the problem with your Xbox is a hardware failure, and sure Microsoft would like you to send your Xbox in for repair. Microsoft does not tell you what the possible cause of the failure is. Knowing the cause means knowing the fix, and if you know the fix there is no reason for you to pay Microsoft big money just to learn that the only solution is throwing even more money out of the window to buy a new system.

The 3RLOD problem is mostly related to the graphics processing unit (GPU) - but unfortunately the three flashing lights cannot really tell you what is going wrong.

The hardware might fail because of overheating. This malfunction is probably caused by the employment of the wrong type of lead free solder in the construction of the Xbox. Xbox 360 Elite and Xbox 360 Premium have better heat sinks, and some third party manufacturers even introduced external cooling systems, but the overheating problem is still existent for most of the Xbox 360 users.

The fix is not easy for such a problem - you obviously need to cool down your system. So turn it off and try to expose the Xbox to a very low temperature. Other users report success by using a "towel trick" - wrapping the Xbox in a towel for 10-12 minutes while still on, then turning it off for 15-20 minutes. There are pros and cons for this approach, and most of the users report that this is just a temporary fix, as the problem might recur. The situation is not desperate however. The towel trick is just a quick fix, but other easy DIY fixes are available for those with some tech skill.

The hardware might fail because of scratched disks. Some Xbox 360s lack a mechanism to secure the disc solidly in place. Unfortunately you cannot fix this issue alone, but Microsoft provides support for this problem in its Microsoft Xbox Disk Replacement Program - available solely in the countries where the Xbox was originally bought.

Alexander Thompson is an expert on hardware and software within the games industry.

View his recommended Xbox 360 repair guide by clicking on the link below:
Xbox 360 Repair Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Thompson

Labels: Xbox 360, Xbox 360 by Microsoft

By Alexander Thompson

Every Xbox 360 user's nightmare has got to be looking for a fix for his console. Once the three lights of death start shining the quest for the ultimate Xbox 360 repair ebook begins - naturally in the absence of other fixes and particularly if the Xbox is out of warranty. What is even worse: when even the ultimate Xbox 360 repair guide fails, a visit to Microsoft's repair centre is what costs nerves and money.

Considering that about 6% of the Xbox 360s produced are irreparable, it makes no sense to ask Microsoft for help prior to knowing whether the Xbox can be fixed. They'll charge you just to look at the box! Most of the Xbox 360 users who experienced such problems agree that the easiest way to tell if the Xbox 360 can be fixed is to use the towel trick when the three red lights of death are on. There are enough tutorials and videos online demonstrating how this works, probably as many as there are voices that tell you not to play such a trick on your Xbox 360. The towel trick seems to work for many (and in all cases reported it's a temporary fix) but in rare situations it could damage the console forever. Fighting heat with even more heat is probably not the best idea.

Fortunately there are enough user forums, blogs and discussion groups where Xbox 360 users can share their thoughts and experiences, and almost all these resources will point to an Xbox 360 repair ebook that helped. What you need to know is that there is no such a thing as an official Microsoft Xbox repair guide, so if someone even insinuates that they have it, try not to fall for it.

There are however valid fixes for some of the most common Xbox 360 problems. In the quest for the ultimate fix many users ended up destroying their Xbox 360s. To select the best Xbox 360 repair guide you'll probably need to listen to the advice of experts and peers. Find out what worked for other people in a forum, or from gaming friends.

Alexander Thompson is an expert on hardware and software within the games industry.

View his recommended Xbox 360 repair guide by clicking on the link below:
Xbox 360 Repair Guide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Thompson

Labels: Xbox 360, Xbox 360 by Microsoft

By Andrena Markley

Gaming consoles have been highly popular amongst the game lovers. Over the years there has been tremendous growth in the gaming industry. Breakthrough technology and advanced mechanism led to amazing innovations in the world of gaming consoles. These consoles give great entertainment and fun. Game lovers have used these consoles for decades with great excitement. The modern age game consoles are created with advanced technology. They are highly sophisticated and great in performance. Major players in the gaming industry are Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. These brands have presented some of the most innovative and exciting gaming devices that have set waves in the global market. The prime reason for the success of these gadgets is that they appeal to customers of all age groups. From kids to teenagers and adults every body loves having rollicking time playing enthralling games on these advanced gizmo.

Some of the highly popular video game consoles present in the market are Nintendo Wii, Sony PSP and Microsoft Xbox 360. Sony PlayStation Portable or PSP is probably the best and the first system that is integrated with amazing multimedia capabilities. It is a complete entertainment system which offers facility to handle variety of content in efficient manner. The PSP provides the facility to play games along with innovative applications to watch videos, photographs and images. The PlayStation has incredible music player and wireless connection. It has wonderful library of more than 430 films, exciting TV programs, 135 adventurous games and other entertainment content. Apart from these additional new content can also be downloaded from the internet.

Nintendo Wii comes with the most wonderful features and innovative technology. The Wii has set new trend in the gaming community with its innovative built in Wi- Fi connection that supports online gaming. You can play games with other users within the Wi Fi range. This adds a new dimension to the gaming consoles. The Wii remote control has incredible intuitive technology with motion sensors that give astounding gaming experience. The sensors gauge the position of the remote control in the 3-dimensional space; this helps the users to use the remote control in variety of ways. For example it can be used as a racket for playing simulation tennis game and as a steering for playing the car racing.

Xbox 360 is my favorite gaming companion. It is certainly the best digital entertainment system that comes loaded with perfect videos, astounding DVD playback and digital music. I admire its innovative design. The sleek and slim body of the Xbox makes it look really great. The various aware users closely analyse the specifications and Compare features of Xbox 360, Sony PS3, Nintendo Wii etc.to determine which one is most suitable for them.

The Xbox gives amazing performance on the personal computers with wonderful networking and digital media features. The Nintendo Wii lacks the graphical dexterity of the Xbox but the innovative controller makes it more exciting and adds fun to the game play. The Sony PSP has extraordinary features however its multimedia functionality fails to supersede the tremendous media capabilities of the Xbox.

No doubt all these gaming consoles are absolutely wonderful and they offer users a completely fun filled experience. I certainly appreciate the Nintendo Wii's incredible controller that gives me awesome real time experience while playing games. The incredible and highly responsive remote makes a buzz and vibrates while one is playing games. The PSP is extremely wonderful with its great wireless connection. Now I can compete with my friends in games.

With the advent of internet shopping, getting the latest gaming consoles has become an incredibly easy task. Game lovers can search for the cheap gadgets on the various websites and online shopping portals. Before I selected a particular gaming device I thought it was essential to compare features of Xbox 360, Sony PS3 & Nintendo Wii. You can also get the consoles at incredibly low prices with great discounts.

Andrena Markley is the webmaster of http://gazette-world.blogspot.com, Get updates on Latest Gizmos and Cool Gizmos from the site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrena_Markley

Labels: Game Console, Game Consoles, Video Game Console

By Lin Steven

You just got home with your brand new Nintendo Wii, take it out of the box, and realize that you have no idea how to setup Nintendo Wii. Well, have no fear this article will walk you through this very easy process.

Starting to Setup Nintendo Wii

The first step is to figure out how you want your Nintendo Wii to orient. The Wii can lay one of two ways - horizontally or vertically. If you decide to place it vertically, you need to place the Wii in the control plate included with the packaging. When deciding which way to orient the Wii you have to consider your entertainment center and what is the best way to lay it out to keep the unit cool.

Plug in your Wii

The next step to setup Nintendo Wii is to plug it into your television and the wall socket. Check the back, or possibly front of the television to see what type of audio and visual connectors you have. Once you determine which connections are available on your television, setup Nintendo Wii by plugging the right cord into the Wii then into the television.

Next, take out the AC adapter and plug it into the wall then into the back of the Wii. This will supply your Wii with power. Make sure that if you are or plan to travel to Europe that you have the correct AC adapter. Plugging in the wrong one could cause permanent damage to your unit, so be careful.

Once the power and television are connected to you Wii, the next step to setup Nintendo Wii is to plug in the sensor bar. Find the correct jack on the Wii and plug in the cord. You then need to find a good spot to put the sensor bar so the controllers can properly orient themselves. This bar has infrared light emitters in it that need to be picked up by the controllers, so put it in a spot where there is an unobstructed line of sight between the controllers and the bar. Also, make sure that sensor bar is placed in the exact middle of the television as the controllers will align to this.

I am Lin Steven, if you want more about anti-aging, please visit my website: Nintendo Wii

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lin_Steven

Labels: Nintendo Wii, Wii

By Keith Londrie

There are several Xbox 360 bundles that are available today. Many of them can be found by a simple internet search. By visiting Yahoo shopping, you will definitely find an option that fits your needs. Below are just a few of the Xbox 360 bundles that are currently being sold on Yahoo shopping.

The Xbox 360 Ultimate bundle is for anybody who is looking to have a top notch gaming experience. This bundle offers seven different games, as well as a wireless controller and Xbox live headset. Out of all of the Xbox 360 bundles, this one is the most comprehensive package available.

If you are a sports fanatic you need to look into purchasing the Xbox 360 Core Sports Bundle Video Game System. This bundle offers the sports enthusiast everything that they need in order to have the ultimate sports gaming experience. This package is one of the best selling Xbox 360 bundles on the market today. Sports gaming bundles often sell out quicker than any other bundle.

The Xbox 360 Core System bundle allows for users to start with all of the basics and then expand to the full experience at their own pace. This bundle comes with all of the standard features that you would expect, as well as some popular add-ons and games; including Madden NFL 2006.

Bundles are the best way to get all of the features that you need without having to pay for each one separately. Buying a bundle is the best way to save money when trying to upgrade your Xbox. Bundles give the user the ability to buy everything they need in one cost effective package, instead of buying each game and accessory as separate add-on. Check out all of the available bundles, and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Since the Xbox 360 was introduced to the market a couple of months ago there has been a lot of talk about its reliability and durability. This talk has surfaced online, in print, and on the television. After all of the hype people were starting to wonder if it was all for not. The best place to gather information on this subject is Internet message boards. These boards have opinions from users all over the world who have had problems with their Xbox 360 console.

After scouring these pages, it appears that the biggest complaint is that the Xbox 360 is too fragile. Of course there are some people that are discounting this theory before they even look at all of the facts. But they may be right; even if the Xbox 360 console is fragile does it really matter. It is not like the system has to be moved around very often.

Keith Londrie II is the Webmaster of http://about-xbox.info/ A website that specializes in providing information on Xbox 360 that you can research on the internet. Please Visit http://about-xbox.info/ now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Londrie

Labels: Xbox 360, Xbox 360 by Microsoft