Help! My NTSC 360 has just died!

[charlesr]

Nope, but make sure you keep us updated. I've got a US box too, so will want to know what to do with mine if it goes tits up.

[Pavey]

I would be very surprised if they called you back mate. Same happened to me, no call back, then the ****wit i got told me my machine must be modified as you can't use English games on a US machine, so the warranty was void.

In the end it was pretty clear they don't fix US consoles anymore, so i got it independently fixed.

Have a word with Dannywhac, he can fix it for you.

[Lyris]

Thanks Nicholas. I have a reference number, so if they don't get me back, I'll be getting back to them. Will keep Danny in mind, does he post here?

[Pavey]

He does occasionally, see here.

Would love you to get it repaired by MS UK mate, but i think it's unlikely.

Best of luck.


ps. I told them i lived in the US, and have just come back, gave my friends Brooklyn address, phone number, etc, but still no joy.

[anephric]

If it's just a question of doing an X-clamp fix on it, that would be vastly preferable to sending it back to the US, tbh. It's pretty simple and if you don't want to do it yourself, I'm sure you could get it sorted a la the above.

[Lyris]

Interesting, the X-clamp method is reliable? It isn't just going to break again?

Another question: are there any seals inside that Microsoft can use to tell if I've opened the 360?

[anephric]

Well, the X-clamp fix will help if the problem is the solder cracking on the GPU. If it's an e74 error code you've got, it might well do. The thermal paste that MS initially used is absolute rubbish too (they've changed it now - I imagine your Elite has decent stuff).

If you're careful, it's possible to open your 360 whilst preserving the external warranty sticker, if you still want the option of sending it back to the US. There are no indications beyond that of opening the case (providing you don't leave marks etc). Of course, if you do the x-clamp fix, there's no going back.

Of course, the x-clamp fix only works on that specific problem (GPU), but it is the prime source of RROD.

[EvilBoris]

Yeah there is one just under the faceplate can't miss it

[Lyris]

Hmm, thanks for the info, I'll need to read up on this. Since I deal with people in the US for business, it isn't going to be too hard to get it back over there in one of the shipments. Assuming that the very likely scenario of Microsoft UK not being able to help is true, of course.

Edit: just did the hidden Diagnostic thing: the error code is 0102 (Error in the "Digital Backbone" (CPU/GPU/RAM)). Joy.

[fahrenheit]

Can I suggest you get onto the official Xbox forums and hunt out the support people. They will have an 'S' as their Community Level. These people are usually the head of teams and not your average CSR pleb.
Also try MVP's (V as their community level) as they often have contact with higher-ups that may be able to get you sorted.

I have a friend here in New Zealand who has gotten his NTSC unit fixed twice now. He just bypassed all the usual channels and found the support staff member for our region.

[Alex_976]

You should have just sent it back without tellin them it wasnt a pal console. Odds are you would have gotten the same console back.

[Pavey]

But if you don't you are ****ed for your region locked games.

[Lyris]

Can I suggest you get onto the official Xbox forums and hunt out the support people. They will have an 'S' as their Community Level. These people are usually the head of teams and not your average CSR pleb.
Also try MVP's (V as their community level) as they often have contact with higher-ups that may be able to get you sorted.

I have a friend here in New Zealand who has gotten his NTSC unit fixed twice now. He just bypassed all the usual channels and found the support staff member for our region.

Great idea, will try that. Thanks!

[dannywhac]

Alright Lyris - sorry to hear the rlod caught up with you....

If you can get the console fixed under warranty, then that'd be best - as you prolly already know the 0102 is a GPU related error caused by the old mboard warping causing cracked/cold solder joints.

If you can't get it done via official channels then let me know - for the x-clamp/ airflow mods it's only 30 squid including return postage, and I've got plenty of time on me hands at the mo' as I've just jacked my job in

Ooh, and ta again for all the telly related advice - and ta to Nick as well

[Pavey]

Hope you didn't mind me recommending you mate?

Oh, the led's i fitted do only work via ethernet, not the wireless usb.

No bother though, as i just ran a cable and sold my wireless adapter for ?40 (didn't really need it), so in theory you made me some cash!

Thanks mate