Learning How to Fix the Three Red Lights on Xbox 360 - Learn Microsoft's Secrets About Xbox 360

It's no secret that nearly 10% of Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles experience the dreaded three red lights (also called the red ring of death). It's also no secret that Microsoft charges outrageous repair fees. So, what are you supposed to do when your console gets the all too infamous ring of death?

This article is going to teach you all about the problem and show you how to fix the three red lights on Xbox 360 and avoid paying Microsoft's costly repairs.

Step 1 - Understanding
The first step to being able to fix your Xbox 360 is understanding why it's broken in the first place. Due to Microsoft trying to meet a deadline when the console was being developed, there were a few very prominent design flaws.

The main flaw was the fact that the DVD player wouldn't fit in the original design. In order to "make room" for the DVD player, Microsoft cut the size of the heat sink by about 25%. The effect was that the DVD player now fit, but now the Xbox 360 would forever suffer from overheating.

Step 2 - So Why Don't They Fix It?
Well Microsoft got into a lot of trouble with law suits because of this ordeal. But they decided it would be more cost effective to simply refurbish systems and return them to users than to do a systems recall.

In deciding this, ultimately the gamer is punished.

If your console is under warranty Microsoft will be happy to send you a refurbished system at no extra cost, but if you've fallen out of the warranty period, you'll be charged a whopping $140!

Step 3 - So How Do YOU Fix It?
I'm an advocate of do it yourself repair. What I mean is that you can actually fix three red lights on Xbox 360 yourself. It's not hard, especially if you have a how-to guide.

Here's how to do it:

• Take the console apart
• Remove the X-clamp that hold the GPU in place
• Remove the heat sink
• Re-install the X-clamp more securely so that it can't vibrate (you can use 1mm thick washers)
• Re-install the heat sink with a thermal compound so that it more effectively transfers heat
• Put the console back together

So there you have it. Simple steps to effectively repair your console permanently without paying over $100 to Microsoft because of design flaws.

Maybe you're not a technical guru.

Does that mean you should have to pay Microsoft's outrageous repair fees? No!

Need a more user-friendly guide for how to fix the three red lights on Xbox-360?

Visit http://www.3-RedLightFix.info for step-by-step instructions, how-to videos, and technical support.

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