Microsoft forced to extend Xbox 360 warranties again

15 APR 2009

Xbox 360 – plagued by yet more hardware problems

Microsoft hasn't had the easiest of rides with its Xbox 360 console. The infamous Red Ring of Death that is rumoured to have rendered around 30% of Xbox's useless since 2006 appears to have reared its ugly head again, forcing Microsoft to cover the costs of a new glitch.

The three-year extended warranty first announced in 2007 for any customers affected by the RRoD will now also cover the E74 error being reported by users, so you'll get your console fixed gratis. If you've already coughed up the cash to get yours repaired though, Microsoft will apparently be refunding you automatically.

The E74 error is a tad different to the RRoD in that the error message shows up on your screen rather than as three flashing red lights on your console. However, Microsoft has released a statement saying the two could well be connected.

"After investigating the issue, we have determined that the E74 error message can indicate the general hardware failure that is associated with three flashing red lights error on the console", said Microsoft.

"As a result, we have decided to cover repairs related to the E74 error message under our three-year warranty program for certain general hardware failures that was announced in July 2007."

Have you been affected by RRoD or the E74 error? Let us know below.

Have your say

iw4973 April 15, 2009 12:13

I purchased the console on launch day for £360 and a year and a half later the RRoD appeared. I received a 'fixed' console which then lasted two days before the RRoD and after that somebody elses refurbished console which lasted a mere two hours.

Needless to say this is not an uncommon occurence but I decided to send an email to the head of UK Microsoft and within a month had received a full refund of the cost of the unit that I paid some two years earlier.

greg_1990_b April 15, 2009 17:58

I purchased mine In feb 08 and bought the 20gb premuim version since then i have had the RRoD 2 times now. The first time mircosoft repaired it but the second time they actually gave me a new console.

Oooodz April 15, 2009 19:19

Damn. I have just bought a near new console from my mate today due to a DVD drive error on my current console. No red ring of death but close, and 'this disc is unreadable' error. Yipee Kay yay

Gazm20 April 16, 2009 12:10

I have the "E74" message on my elite. It does seem to be a hardware issue. The red light only shows when i plug a AV cable into the back. I have tried multiple SD and Hdmi's.