How to add or remove your Xbox 360 S hard drive

This article applies to the Xbox 360 S console with an internal removable hard drive

The Xbox 360 S 250 gigabyte (GB) console has an internal hard drive, which can be removed and replaced. The Xbox 360 S 4 GB console has internal flash memory, which is not removable. The internal hard drive can be purchased separately.

For instructions for the original Xbox 360 hard drive, see the following article:

How to attach or remove your original Xbox 360 hard drive

To add or remove your Xbox 360 Slim 250G hard drive

To locate and open the hard drive cover

1. Turn off the console.
2. Position the console horizontally.
3. On the right side of the console, locate the release for the hard drive cover. It is close to the back of the console.
4. Slide the release toward the front of the console, while pulling open the hard drive cover.
   
   
   

To remove the hard drive

1. Firmly pull the tab on the hard drive until the hard drive comes out.
   
   
   
2. Replace the hard drive cover before turning the console back on.

To add a hard drive

1. Insert the hard drive into the slot, and press firmly until you hear it click.
   
   
   
   
   
   Note If after you turn the console back on you receive the error message “No storage devices found,” then the hard drive might not have been inserted completely. Remove and try again.
2. Replace the hard drive cover.

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How to improve the Speed of Your Xbox Live Connection

Playing on Xbox LIVE can be extremely fun however; when playing online, and the game starts to slow down and freeze (also known as lag). The game can be quite frustrating. This can because by many things and this article will describe how to fix this problem.

Steps

   1. First find out what is causing your speed to slow down (lag). This can be cause by....
     # The host of the match might be far away from you and it's difficult for        you to have great signal strength with someone half-way across the world.
     # Somebody might be cheating in the game via lag-switch. Which is a modification of the Xbox Console that can scramble all the other players connection. This voids the warranty of the Xbox and can get you banned from Xbox LIVE. There are more than 100 versions of lag-switches some homemade and some bought from stores (not supposed to be used for this purpose the ones bought for stores are supposed to be used to speed up computer connection but can be solder to the Xbox and be used for the reversed purpose of slowing down others connection and speeding up yours. I will describe the different kinds at the end of the article.
     # Just a bad connection this looks similar to a lag-switch however; its really just the host connection has dropped or slowed down causing everybody to have a slow connection but, it will show the host as having full signal strength when they actually don't.

   2. Your connection may be slow, or your connection may be set to moderate or strict. This can be changed by turning off your wireless router/unplugging your network connector from Xbox. if this doesn't work than read Change Your Nat Type on Xbox Live.

   3. After identifying the problem you can try and boost connection speed.
      If the problem is lag-switch related, or host connection problems... then unfortunately there is nothing you can do to fix this.

   4. If the problem is your connection then you may need to get a better network connector for your Xbox. You may also have to close out some programs on your computer. As this can slow down connection speed across anything connected to your internet.

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How to fix Xbox 360 overheating

The Xbox 360 is definitely a marvelous gaming device- there is no doubt about it. However, like any other gadget, the Xbox too is prone to certain technological problems. One of the most common problems that Xbox 360 owners would be aware of is the overheating issue.

Although the people at Microsoft may claim that the device does not heat up too much, the fact is a mean gaming machine like the Xbox 360 cannot stay cool consistently. Moreover, the design of the 360 makes heat dissipation problematic, so overheated Xbox 360s are not an uncommon sight. In fact, the series of red light errors that every Xbox 360 gamer dreads are more or less caused by overheating issues.

So what can you do to stop overheating problems from disrupting your gaming time? Fixing Xbox 360 overheating issues may seem to be the stuff for hardcore techies, but with the following easy steps, you too can learn how to fix Xbox 360 overheating:

    1. You first need to see if your Xbox 360 is still under warranty. If it is, then its best if you give your console over to the Microsoft technicians. If you still want to fix the console yourself, you must remember that it would require you to disassemble your Xbox 360, which voids your warranty. If you are prepared to risk that, then you can move on to the next step.

    2. The next step for fixing your 360’s overheating problem is to open up the console. First remove the front panel of the console. Once this is done, take off the top and bottom vents and then remove the side casing of the console.

    3. When the outer casing of the console has been opened up, you would be able to see the inner metal chassis. You would now have to remove the metal cover of this chassis by removing 6 screws at the periphery of the cover.

    4. Once you remove the cover, you would see the DVD drive of the Xbox 360. You now have to remove this DVD drive to reveal the CPU and GPU or graphics processing unit of the console. In most cases, the Xbox 360 overheats because of bad cooling around the GPU, so your focus is on that piece of equipment.

    5. At this point, you would need an Xbox repair kit in order to fix the overheating issue. You can get these kits anywhere and even find some online. If you do not want to get a repair kit, you will need some nylon and steel washers, long screws, and some heat sink paste.

    6. The best way to rectify the overheating problem is to improve the cooling system just a little bit. You can do this by scrapping off the old heat sink compound off the GPU and applying a thin layer of the new element.

    7. The washers are required for getting your GPU in contact with your motherboard. This is to be done as you begin assembling back your Xbox 360.

The whole process takes around 1 hour to complete, and 2 hours for most technologically challenged individuals.

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How to fix Xbox 360 1 red light

The Xbox 360 may be considered to be the ultimate gaming console by many, but it does have its share of problems. The ‘red ring of death’ error has been a nightmare for most Xbox 360 gamers ever since the console was launched, but it is not the only problem you would come across.

Another common problem that you may witness while playing the latest games on your Xbox 360 would be the single red flashing light. In fact, the 1 red light problem is almost as common as the 3 red lights problem (the red ring of death).

Here is a look at some steps you need to follow to solve the Xbox 360 1 red light problem:

   1. Check if your Xbox 360 is still under warranty. If the warranty is still functional, then it is always better to get your Xbox fixed through Microsoft. Fixing your console by yourself might void your warranty, so you have to use it while it lasts.

   2. If your Xbox 360 is out of warranty, then you would need to seriously consider fixing the problem yourself. Microsoft charges a lot of money for repairs when the warranty period is over, but you can learn how to fix Xbox 360 1 red light problem quite easily. This particular problem, also known as the e74 error, is usually caused by a problematic GPU, but you do not have to disassemble your Xbox 360 just yet.

    3. In most cases, you can trace the 1 red light problem to your AV cords or HANA chip. You could try using your AV chord on someone else’s Xbox 360 to see if it works properly. Alternatively, you could get it checked at your local electronics store. If your AV cord is problematic, you can replace it and solve your 1 red light problem.

    4. In some cases, the 1 red light problem may occur if your hard drive is problematic. You can find out if your hard drive is the culprit by removing it from your Xbox 360 console and restarting the system. If your console works perfectly well, you could try putting back the hard drive to see if it starts up again. If your console shows the red light again after you insert your hard drive, you know where the problem lies.

    5. If your AV cord checks out, it is time to test your HANA chip. This chip is located near the plug in the AV cable point on the inside of the console. Alternatively, it could also be a problem with your GPU. If this is the issue, you may have to disassemble your console to solve the problem.

You could try placing a magnet over your GPU to get it working again, but this works only if you are lucky. As you can see, the e74 error occurs either due to a faulty hard drive, AV cord, HANA chip, or GPU. In all cases, you would need a replacement of the problematic equipment for your Xbox to work again. However, if your hard drive is the one causing problems, you can still play games on your console.

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How To Fix Xbox 360 E71 Error

Your Xbox 360 may display error code E71 when something goes wrong during dashboard update. When this happens, the following error message will display on the console:

E71:Dashboard Error - Error within Xam.xex

How to Fix Xbox 360 E71 Error

You may use the following methods to fix this error:

Method 1: Clear console cache and installed updates for games

    Open the system blade on your Xbox 360 console.

    Select the Memory command.

    Next, press Y for HD.

    Also, press X, X, LB, RB, X, X. (here, LB stands for Left Bumper and RB stands for Right Bumper)

    Select Yes when the following message is displayed on the console:

    "Do you want to perform maintenance on your Xbox 360 storage devices?"

Once the procedure is over, check your Xbox to see if the error is gone. If it persists, proceed to the next method.

Method 2: Get rid of failed system updates

Failed system updates are a major cause of E71 error on Xbox 360. To remove these updates from the system perform the following steps:

    Shutdown and unplug the console.

    Press the small white sync button and hold it for a while.

    Plug in the console and turn it on, while continuing to hold the sync button.

    Keep holding the syncbutton until the Console finishes booting up.

When you hold the sync button when the Console is booting up, all failed updates are cleared from the system.

    Once the booting completes, start using the system to see if the error goes. If it still appears, proceed to the next step.

Method 3: Disconnect all Xbox 360 components and then reconnect them

Quite often Xbox 360 E71 and other errors occur when one or more of the components connected to the system are loose or malfunctioning. To resolve these issues, perform the following steps:

    Shutdown the console and remove it from power.

    Now remove all components, except for the hard disk.

    Now plug in and restart the console.

    Once it has booted up, start adding the components one by one:

        If the power light starts flashing red after you add a particular component, this component might be malfunctioning and you will have to get it repaired or replaced.

        If works well after you have made the connections, it is quite likely the error occurred due to loose connections and you have resolved it now.

Method 4: Disconnect and then reconnect the hard drive

To check if hard drive is cause of the problem, do the following:

    Shut down the console and detach the hard drive.

    Restart the console.

    If it starts without any errors, the hard drive is the likely cause of the problem. You will have to replace it to resolve the error.

Method 5: Make sure that your Xbox 360 is not getting overheated

One of the major causes of most Xbox 360 errors is overheating. Quite often, if you shutdown your Xbox 360 and give it an hour or two to cool down, the errors get resolved automatically. However, to prevent a situation like this, and prevent overheating, make sure that your Xbox is well-ventilated and free from dust deposits. Also, keep it on a hard surface and not a rug or a carpet.

Incorrect soldering of internal components and problems with X-clamp placement may also cause these errors. To fix these errors, you may have to send your Xbox 360 to Microsoft for repairs.

Hopefully by reading this article of how to fix Xbox 360 e71 error will bring to and end  the error e71 problem on your  Xbox 360.

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How to Connect an Xbox 360 to a Laptop

The Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming console has a built-in multimedia feature that allows it to connect to a laptop through your wireless network. Once the laptop is connected, you can use its Internet connection to access the Xbox Live Marketplace to download new content or even transfer files directly from the laptop to the console.

Instructions

 1. Purchase either an Xbox 360 wireless adapter or an Ethernet cable if the Xbox 360 console is close enough to your wireless router to be connected via cable (see Resources below). Connect the male end of the wireless adapter into the female port located on the back of the console or plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the console.

 2. Turn on the laptop and click the "Start" button. Click "Control Panel" and wait for a new window to appear. Double click the "Network And Sharing Center" icon.

 3. Check the top-right side of the screen and find the name of your wireless network. Write down the name and then power on the Xbox 360 console. Scroll through the main menu options. Press the "X" button on the controller when you reach "Settings."

 4. Choose "System Settings" and then choose "Network Settings." Scroll down to the text field and type in the network name you wrote down earlier. Press the "A" button on the controller to save the change.

 5. Return to your laptop and navigate back to the Network and Sharing Center area. Click "View Computers and Devices" and then click on the icon for your laptop. Wait for your laptop to detect the Xbox 360 console and then click "Yes" when a window appears, asking if you want to connect to it.

 Tips & Warnings

    If your laptop is using an older version of the Microsoft Windows operating system, the "Network and Sharing Center" icon may instead just say "Network Center." Any music files you have saved in the "Music" folder of the Windows Media Player application will automatically stream from your laptop to the Xbox 360 console.

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Xbox 360 Error codes

THIS ERROR CODE GUIDE IS IN NO WAY OFFICIAL NOR DO WE MAKE ANY CLAIMS TO IT'S ACCURACY. 100% of the info here was discovered by Scene Members through trial and error, a lot of the information is probably incorrect, but it is our best guess. If you discover something that is incorrect or not included please PM twistedsymphony to update the guide. Neither Xbox-Scene, twistedsymphony, nor any of the guide contributers take responsibility for any actions you might take as a result of reading this guide.

--==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 corrosponding LED code.

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.

=============================

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

Check out this tutorial!  If you are getting the 3 Red Light Fix (AKA Three Red Lights of Death, 3RLOD, Red Ring of Death, X-Clamp Fix) This link has the information you need!!

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
/ \
\ /
Alternativly 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 agressive 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 underwaranty it is recomended 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: 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, This can also be caused by a Hard Drive Eprom Error. Some also believe this might be caused by a problem with the fans.

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: (not yet known)

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

E74: AV cable error... There is a problem with the AV cable, try using a different AV cable. If the cable is known to be working then there is a 90% chance it's a scaler chip problem (the "ANA" or "HANA" chip connected directly to the AV cable) in rare cases it is the GPU.

E76: (not yet known)

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

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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 over heating
0011 over heating - If you are receiving this error after disassembling your console make sure to all 8 of the heatsync screws are tightened securely to the board/heatsink holes.
0012 over heating
0013 over heating
0020 (Not yet known, possibly overheating)
0021 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.
0022 GPU Error / GPU Overheating
0023 (not yet known)
...
0101 (not yet known)
0102 unknown error

• though it's most likely GPU related literally means the console does not know what is wrong. possibly a short or cold solder joint somewhere. So far there is 1 major theory for what causes most of these errors is that the Ram, CPU, or GPU are not soldered properly to the mother board due either to poor manufacturing or excessive heat up and cool down cycles that stress, weaken and eventually break the soldered connection.
  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. I have also heard of limited success by simply switching the AV cable from "HDTV" mode to "TV" mode.

0103 CPU Error/ CPU Overheating - see solution for error 0102
0110 Memory Error / Memory Overheating - see solution for error 0102
...
0200 (not yet known)
...
1000 (not yet known)
1001 (not yet known)
1002 (not yet known)
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.
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 AV cable error... There is a problem with the AV cable, try using a different AV cable. (could also be a problem with the encoder chip)
1023 DVD drive not connected, connect DVD drive to boot
1030 (not yet known)
1031 (not yet known)
1032 (not yet known)
1033 (not yet known)
...
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.

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--==Sending in your Console for Repair==--
If none of the above suggestions work, contact MS customer support get get a support ticket started. If your console is still under warranty DO NOT attempt to open it and fix it yourself. MS will fix it promptly and for free and if you open it you loose the free support.

Check the documentation that came with your Xbox 360 for contact information.

In the US Customer Support can be reached at 1-800-4-MY-XBOX (1-800-469-9269)

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