Microsoft Extends Warranty For "E74" Failures

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Grand Master

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e74.jpg

For a few months now, Xbox 360 users have been quietly venting about a "new" hardware fault with the console, where instead of displaying three red rings, machines would display an "E74" error.

Just because it didn't flash the iconic red rings, though, doesn't mean it wasn't bad! If you got it, your console would flash a system error warning (pictured above), and it meant your machine was fried. Which is probably why Microsoft have decided to issue an extended warranty for the fault, similar to the one offered to red ring sufferers.

While the majority of Xbox 360 owners continue to have a great experience with their console, we are aware that a very small percentage of our customers have reported receiving an error that displays "E74" on their screen. 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. 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.

That's the, uh, "good" news. The better news? If your machine suffered from an E74 previously, and you had to pay for repairs, Microsoft will refund you the amount over the next 4-12 weeks.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water! leave your 360 alone without fear of it dying in your arms!

Source: http://kotaku.com/5211159/microsoft-extend...or-e74-failures

E74 the new RROD :p Now they just need to cover disc scratching! Couple of you had this error recently, so you should be happy!

Grand Master

.KICK

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You can still get it repaired and sell it. It'll make up for some of the loss :p

Well I could've got it repaired for free then but I got my first console March 2006 so I am guessing its out of warrenty now anyway. But I got that replaced in September 2007. I am guessing it doesn't restart when you get a replacement?

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LingeringSoul

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For a second, I actually thought that the skull was real. Imagine being an unsuspecting 360 owner, just sitting down to play some CoD4, when you see a huge skull on the screen. I would probably cry.

As for the extended warranty, I'm glad to see them stepping up to the plate. Microsoft received their fair share of bad press over the (continuing) RRoD debacle, so the fact that they're taking the initiative definitely shows that they've learned.

Grand Master

DrunknMunky Veteran

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Well I could've got it repaired for free then but I got my first console March 2006 so I am guessing its out of warrenty now anyway. But I got that replaced in September 2007. I am guessing it doesn't restart when you get a replacement?

Yes the warranty starts again once you have the console repaired. However I think it's only one year it extends, so it would have ran out in Sept 2008. At least I think that's how it works. I don't think you receive another 3 years. Worth a try though!

Either way you'll be able to send the Xbox in now for a free repair.

Awesome news though (Y)

Grand Master

+Mystic MVC

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Can't believe people don't pay the $25 for the extended warranty through Microsoft. If you know you have a product known to fail, don't leave it to chance.

I extended mine back in February and I just laugh at these posts now because I know I'm covered regardless.

Grand Master

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Microsoft Explains the E74 Code, Sorta

When Microsoft announced they were extending their warranty for Xbox 360s that received a E74 error, I was curious how different the code was from the red ring of death. Not very, it turns out.

I contacted the company earlier this week to find out what a E74 code meant and whether it was possibly just a rebranded red ring of death.

Here's what they told me:

Once a repair is made and a person gets their 360 back, does the clock reset for the extended warranty in regards to this error?

No. The same terms of the three-year warranty associated with three flashing red lights error apply.

We reported in 2007 that Microsoft was reworking their 360s to no longer give the red rings to report certain errors because people were sometimes misconstruing them. Is that the case?

No, that is not accurate.

Can a 360 still get a red ring error, aka the red ring of death?

Yes, the three flashing red lights error message can still be present on the console in the event of certain general hardware failures. We have made improvements to the console that will reduce the likelihood of an occurrence of this issue. The majority of customers who own Xbox 360 consoles have a terrific experience from their first day, and continue to, day in and day out.

Is the e74 code a replacement for the red ring of death?

No. The E74 error message can indicate the general hardware failure that is associated with three flashing red lights error on the console. This issue remains relatively narrow in scope and a very small percentage of our customers have contacted us about this issue. Again, we have already made improvements to the console that will reduce the likelihood of an occurrence of this issue.

But wait. What's with the contradiction? How can an E74 error message apply to the same hardware failures that are associated with a red ring if they're not the same?

"In some cases there is no difference. As we said, the E74 error message and three flashing red lights can in some cases indicate the same general hardware failure. However, it is not the same failure mode in all cases and there is no single root cause for these malfunctions."

So it sounds like there is an overlap between hardware issues that cause the E74 message and hardware issues that cause the red ring of death.

Source: http://kotaku.com/5216447/microsoft-explai...-e74-code-sorta

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