Xbox errors; Guides and Answers

[J A Y]

I have just had some problems with my xbox and I took me awhile to find answers, so this thread is to help all of my fellow hubbers with xbox errors.

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--==ERROR Codes==--
If there is a problem with the Xbox360 The LEDs in the ring of light will flash in a particular pattern. The pattern itself leads some insight to the problem. Certain patterns will lead to numbered error codes which will provide further insight to the problem. The numbered error codes are described below their corresponding LED code.

After reading this guide if you'd like to discuss the problems you're experiencing with others you can do so in the following thread:
Defective Xbox 360 ? - Scenyx Entertainment Community

these are the codes we know so far...
Please contribute if you know of new codes that are not part of this list.

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Sections 1, 2, 3, and 4 are flashing red
- The AV cable cannot be detected
/ \
\ /

THINGS TO TRY

1. Make sure that the AV cable is correctly connected to the Xbox 360 console.
2. Disconnect the AV cable from the Xbox 360 console, and then reconnect the AV cable to the Xbox 360 console.
3. If the four flashing red lights continue to flash, try wiping the metal area of the AV pack with a dry cloth. The metal area is the end that plugs into the console. Wipe the metal area thoroughly, and then try the AV Pack again.
4. If the AV cable is correctly connected but the four red lights are still flashing, substitute a different AV cable if you have one available.

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Sections 1, 3, and 4 are flashing red
- General Hardware Failure
/ \
\ /

Check the secondary Error Code per the instructions in the section below

THINGS TO TRY

1. Try restarting the console.
2. If restarting the console does not resolve the behavior, follow these steps:
   • Turn the console off.
   • Unplug all the power and AV cables from the console.
   • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket.
   • Firmly reconnect all the cables.
   • Turn on the console.
3. If these steps do not resolve the behavior, turn the console off, remove the hard drive, and then turn on the console. If the 3x Red LED error light is no longer displayed, turn the console off, re-attach the hard drive, and then turn on the console.
4. Also examine the lights on the power supply. When you turn on the console, the power supply light should illuminate green even if the three lights on the RoL flash red.

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Sections 1, and 3 are flashing red
- Overheating
/ \
\ /
Alternatively Overheating can be cause by the console locking up or "freezing" after a set amount of time. Lockups that occur at a specific point in a game are generally problems with the game itself and not caused by overheating.

THINGS TO TRY

1. Let the Xbox 360 console cool.
   Note You may have to wait several hours for the console to cool enough. Do not turn on the console when the console is hot.
2. Verify that the console has sufficient ventilation and that the fan is operating. For more information about ventilation, see the "More Information" section.

PREVENTION SUGGESTIONS
To try to prevent this problem, use the following precautions:

• Do not block any ventilation openings on the Xbox 360 console.
• Do not put the Xbox 360 console on a bed, on a sofa, or on any other soft surface that may block ventilation openings.
• Do not put the Xbox 360 console in a confined space, such as a bookcase, a rack, or a stereo cabinet, unless the space is well-ventilated.
• Do not put the Xbox 360 console near any heat source, such as a radiator, a heat register, a stove, or an amplifier.

DO NOT EVER PUT YOUR CONSOLE IN THE FREEZER OR OUT IN COLD WEATHER
Some people think that doing this might help "fix" an overheating console, in fact doing so could cause even bigger problems. Electronic devices like your console are made to function at and around room temperature, extreme cold temperatures can often cause just as many problems as extreme warm temperatures (such as overheating). Also if the console is located in a dramatically cold area while running, the difference in temperature between the hot console and cold air can create condensation which in turn will short out your console making the situation far worse. Condensation will happen more quickly if your console is overheating due to the greater difference in temperature. In short... DON'T DO IT.

A more aggressive Solution to overheating is to improve the cooling system of the console. The best solution is to replace the thermal compound. If you attempt this you do so at your own risk. If you're console is still under warranty it is recommended that you contact MS for a replacement before attempting to fix it yourself.

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Section 4 is flashing red
- Hardware Failure
/ \
\ /

The Specific Type of hardware failure can be determined by the error code displayed on the screen.
If the screen is blank or you would like additional information follow the instructions for determining the secondary error code in the section below
E45: Unknown (possibly dashboard update related)

E64: DVD Drive Error.... DVD Timeout, Wrong firmware, dvd is without f/w chip, etc.

E65: DVD Drive Error.... DVD Timeout, Wrong firmware, dvd is without f/w chip, etc. This can also be caused by the tray not being fully closed on boot.

E66: DVD Drive Error: DVD model, or version does not match that of the version expected by the dashboard. OR the firmware version on the drive is older then the firmware version expected by the dashboard. Make sure the DVD drive is of the same version originally included with the console and that it is using either the original firmware included with the console or newer.

E67: Hard Drive Error... It could be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it

E68: Voltage Error... This error means that the Xbox 360 has insufficent power to function properly. This can be caused by an error in the hard drive or the fans that make them suck up too much power, it can also be caused if you have unnecessary accessories attached to the console like an external fan unit. Attempt to remove unnecessary accessories first, and then necessary components such as the hard drive and USB devices. If you have any case mods you may want to investigate those as well.

E69: Hard Drive Error... It could be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it

E71: possibly a dashboard update error, Check below in the "Console Reset Codes" for instructions. If that does not work there is no other solution and the console must be sent back to MS for repair.

E72: Error with the NAND flash

E73: General Hardware Error: Ethernet port... this error is caused by a problem with the Ethernet port.

E74: There is high chance it's a scaler chip problem (the "ANA" or "HANA" chip near the AV cable connection) it can also be caused by a faulty AV cable so check that first. In some cases it is a problem with the GPU and may be repairable by doing the x-clamp replacement (see error 0102)

E76: This error deals with the Ethernet port's controller chip, a dead chip may not cause the error but removing the Ethernet controller chip does, it may also be caused by other Ethernet related problems.

E79: Hard Drive Error... It could be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it.
According to tmbinc: E79 is the error code if xam.xex could not be started, i.e. probably a file system corruption.
E80: Wrong LDV version in NAND Flash. This is in new dashboard. You have the update but haven't R3T6 resistor. You can:
-Downgrade to old dashboard, solder back the resistor and then update your xbox
-If you have CPU Key, get current NAND Flash image and fix LDV (just add 1 up to latest kernel). (See error 1100)


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--==SECONDARY ERROR CODES==-
The specific type of hardware failure can be determined by a "hidden" error code

• Turn the xbox 360 on, and wait till the 3 red lights are flashing.
• Press and hold the sync up button (the small white one), while holding that button press the eject button.
• The LEDs will now blink the first number in the code (as described below).
• Release the eject button and press it again.
• The LEDs will now blink the second number of the code.
• Release the eject button and press it again.
• The LEDs will now blink the third number of the code.
• Release the eject button and press it again.
• The LEDs will now blink the forth number of the code.
• Release the eject button and press it again.
• The LEDs will go back to the 3 red flashing lights.

You should be able to determine the difference between the 3 flashing lights and the error code lights by the rate in which they flash.

Here is how you interpret the LEDs to get the code number:

• All four lights flashing - 0
• One light flashing - 1
• Two Lights flashing - 2
• Three lights flashing - 3

0001 power supply problem
0002 Network Interface problem
0003 Power problem could be the PSU could be the GPU/CPU, somehow the console isn't getting clean power from the power supply.
0010 There is a problem with the Southbridge Chip usually dealing with how it connects to the mainboard (cold solder joint/bridged solder joints)
0011 CPU over heating - If you are receiving this error after disassembling your console make sure to all 8 of the heatsinc screws are tightened securely to the board/heatsink holes.
0012 GPU over heating -ensure your x-clamps are installed properly.
0013 RAM over heating
0020 GPU Malfunction, similar to error 0102
0021 This can be caused by two completely different things either:
A. DVD Drive Time out - Can be caused by problems with a firmware flash. This is also speculated to sometime be caused by a problem with the southbridge chipset on the motherboard based on how it connects to the DVD drive.
B. GPU error, generally caused by a poor connection to the mainboard (cold solder joints/bridged solder joints) See error 102 for more information
0022 CPU error, generally caused by a poor connection to the mainboard (cold solder joints/bridged solder joints). This can also be triggered by an error with the TSOP.
0023 (not yet known)
0030 Problem with temperature control
0031 (not yet known)
0032 (not yet known)
0033 (not yet known)
0100 (not yet known)
0101 (not yet known)
0102 Error in the "Digital Backbone" (CPU/GPU/RAM), this is usually caused by a cold solder joint between the GPU and the mainboard.
There are two theories to fixing this one deals with the "X" clamps that hold down the chips. The other involves re-Heating the chips. DO NOT attempt either of these if your console is still under warranty. If your console is still under warranty return it to the store where it was purchased or call MS to have it replaced.
0103 GPU Error this is usually caused by bridged solder points where the GPU connects to the mainboard. see error 0102 for more detailed information
0110 Ram error, this is caused by a cold or bridged solder joint on one of the Ram chips.
...
0200 (not yet known)
...
0203 over heating GPU possibly due to lack of thermal compound.
...
1000 Kernel can't be launched/signature in NAND Flash chip is broken! It could be possible after bad update. http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?sho...p;#entry4156375 This might also be caused by a bad SATA cable.
1001 DVD Drive Error, either incorrect firmware or DVD Time out.
1002 DVD Drive Error, likely a firmware error, drive can eject, read, and write under windows but errors on console, replacing original firmware should fix issue.
1003 Hard Drive Error... It could be a problem with the Hard Drive itself or a problem with the internal connection to the hard drive, Try removing the hard drive and playing without it
1010 Hard Drive Error, Can be caused buy a corrupt or missing eProm. See also E68 above
1011 (not yet known)
1012 (not yet known)
1013 (not yet known) possibly a dashboard update error
1020 (not yet known)
1021 (not yet known)
1022 There is high chance it's a scaler chip problem (the "ANA" or "HANA" chip near the AV cable connection) it can also be caused by a faulty AV cable so check that first. In some cases it is a problem with the GPU and may be repairable by doing the x-clamp replacement (see error 0102)
1023 DVD drive not connected, connect DVD drive to boot
1030 This error deals with the Ethernet port's controller chip, a dead chip may not cause the error but removing the Ethernet controller chip does, it may also be caused by other Ethernet related problems.
1031 This error is for power problems with the RAM chips. It might be cause by a short between the heat sink and resistors or by more serious problems with the RAM. [more info]
1032 (not yet known)
1033 it could be cpu/gpu related or it could be psu related, not much info is known for sure.
1100 Wrong LDV version in NAND Flash. This is in new dashboard. You have the update but haven't R3T6 resistor. You can:
-Downgrade to old dashboard, solder back the resistor and then update your xbox
-If you have CPU Key, get current NAND Flash image and fix LDV (just add 1 up to latest kernel). (see error E80)
...
1444 and up There is no "4" in the error codes four lights is a "0" go back and check your code again.

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--==Console Reset Codes==--
Clear All Installed Game Updates and Console Cache

1. Go to the "system" blade
2. Select "memory"
3. Press Y on the HD symbol
4. Press X,X, Left Bumper, Right Bumper, X,X
5. A message will appear saying: "Do you want to perform maintenance on your Xbox 360 storage devices?"
6. Select Yes

Clear Any Failed system updates that cause the console to error.

1. With the console off, press and hold the sync up button (the small white one)
2. While holding the sync button press the power button to turn on the console
3. Continue to hold the sync button until the Console has booted up completely.
4. During the boot process the console should clear any failed updates, allowing you to use it normally.

[Linubidix]

*stickied*

Is the green screen of death listed in there?

[J A Y]

I think I remember reading it somewhere, its towards the bottom in the secondary errors I think. If not I'll find an article somewhere and edit the OP.

[EpicFishFingers]

Thaks for posting this. I get the red lights every time I unplug my console and plug it back in. Turning it off and on again resolves the problem. The weird thing is that I don't get any picture; and it's not that the LED is out to make it 4 red light, if I put it vertically it does the same thing. Does anyone else get this?

[Tru7h]

Nice thread, usefull for people like me who have the RRoD =)

[EpicFishFingers]

I have a major problem with my xbox now, but I have no red lights at all. The dashboard and guide keep freezing up and doing weird stuff like randomly disconnecting from Xbox Live and saying "Please reconnect controller" while the controller is connected. See my thread.

[Awkward Silence]

Do you know anything about opening up your NAT? I seriously can't fix it, even by following directions from PortForward.com.

[WilMoore]

I have had the red ring of death before, then I decided to move the cords around and make sure they were all plugged in correctly. I shut off my xbox and it would no turn on. My heart skipped a beat, then I tried it again and it worked perfectly fine. Any ideas as to why this happened? Is my xbox going to break soon? I have another one, so it is not a big deal. However, I still would not like it to break. Please leave any ideas as to what this may be caused by on my profile. Thank you. Also, sorry if this may have been off topic in any way.

[Eddie12390]

Thanks for this guide, thought my 360 was broke when I got 4th Red Light and E68, but removed my harddrive and reattached and it seems to be working fine

[halo kid]

this seems like the place so ill ask,can it break after playing to much? i dont really play it that much. (contrear to my fathers beliefs)

edit: could you add a termenology section,I dont know what half of these words mean