Broken 360 from 2005? Repair it for free

My launch 360 just came back from full price repair so I'll definitely be calling about a refund. I'll post about what they say.
My 360 is working OK now, though some weird things happen in Sts Row after playing for a while. Texture problems pop up and it seems to hang when it's transitioning between areas. If I'm driving, details begin to disappear, then the whole CAR disappears and my character is sitting in the road at a standstill. If I move the view around, it comes haltingly comes back and eventually goes back to normal. My guess is that it's a bug in the area loading because it mainly happens on the long bridges where other games would go to a cut-screen.

I just received a replacement 360 for mine that died after having it for 6 months. I was able to get the replacement cost down to $42 (CDN) but would defintiely welcome a refund on that. I don't trust that my new one will last much longer, and am considering the extended warranty.

My 360 was built in Sep 05, purchased 12/23/05. It died this past Sunday 9/17, I opened a ticket and received the return box yesterday. I promptly packaged up my 360 and shipped it off the same day. I just talked to Microsoft this morning. They initially offered to cancel the existing ticket, refund my money, and open a new free ticket. I declined that since my 360 was already on its way with the old ticket number and I want it back ASAP, they agreed that was probably best. Their solution was to wait until my repairreplacement is delivered and then call back for the full refund. Based on my interaction with the help desk rep it appears they have their procedures in place now. He knew exactly what I was talking about when I mentioned the refund statement. The only weird part was he mentioned my warranty being good through Sep 07... but maybe he meant the repair/replacement.

I just sent mine in for repair. Bought the first batch in Nov of 2005. Suffering from the unit scratching my disks and 4 red flashing rings with freeze up

Two of my friends got the runaround from MS a week ago. They were going to be charged $130 for repair. Both of them called in yesterday and the shipping boxes are on their way for free. They are very happy. This is definitely a good move from MS. Just waiting for mine to die now. :)

YES! My launch system broke a month ago, I refused to pay MS $129 to fix it. Sold the broken system on Ebay and bought a new premium. Way to go! I got double fucked!

I am going to call them right now. I want to tell their asses off, but I won't. I called a few weeks ago and talked with a rep.

I explained to him that I was pissed off that MS wasn't backing thier product. I told him that I owned 14 games for the 360 was a live member and owned 75 regular xbox games, along with several controllers. Also that I had bought three original xboxs because of defects. I even threw in the fact that I owned a little stock in MS, not that, that matters. He refused to come off the price stating it would be $139.

I then told him I had to go I was tired of arguing with him, and that I wanted him to mark in his customer satisfaction box or whatever they had, that I was going to throw all my xbox sh!t in the garbage and would never purchase a microsoft product again, and i will be buying a PS3.

He then says let me connect you with a supervisor, you seem like a nice guy, we will see what we can do. The supervisor comes on, and i go through the story again, and he says well we are below the industry standard in defects, and I told him that was bullsh!t. I told him that was a technicality, because those numbers include all 360's manufactured to date, and that if they just looked at the numbers from launch consoles that number would be higher. And he stutters and says well I will give you 25% off hows that. I tell him no, I want it done for free. He says he can't do that, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. The computer won't let him. I tell him to forget it I don't want to put that much money back into a company who doesn't stand behind their product. Then he says he is sorry and thank you for calling.

Sorry for the rant, but this has really pissed me off. I am still pissed even though they are extending the warranty,. They should have done this much sooner.

My system died on me in early August, thanks Dead Rising. It was of course long out of warranty, but I called up anyway about repairs, and they didn't hassle me at all, they repaired it for free. I dunno why, I just gave them the serial number and they said they would send the box. I got it back now all repaired (I hope). I wonder why they repaired mine for free back in early August. Did they start with just certain serial number ranges and have just now expanded it?

I just called they are repairing it for free. I asked them what would happen if I recieved the repaired 360 and it broke again. He said it would have a 90 day warranty. I told him that I read that I would have the oppurtunity to purchase the extended warranty as reported on other sites and he said that was not true. I could only purchase the warranty if I was paying for the repairs.

I then told him that I had no confidence in their product and it sounded like they dodn't either or they would stand behind their product and offer me a new warranty on the repairs done, well anyway, they are sending me a box to send it back.

I talked to M$ last night, to get my 2005 box fixed. The guy I talked to said that I could buy a 2 year warrenty for 60 bucks.....

so Shamma, keep calling them back till you get that guy.....

I just called XBox Support and asked for my refund (I paid for repairs)and they looked up my info and said that it will be sent out in 4-6 weeks... NICE.

My 360 wich was made after 1 jan 2006 got the ring of death... so I don´t think it is just the first batch. Nice they are doing something about it nevertheless!

So...for those of us who planned ahead and bought the extended warranty, will they extend that for us also? Or do we get screwed because we thought ahead?

I have had absolutely no hassles with my launch day 360, but I'm glad they're comping repair as I keep hearing about them dropping like flies all over the place.

That said, all launch day hardware has always been dodgy, and it really is the price you pay for getting in there early.

They not only are going to repair my system they gave me a free 1 year parts/labor.

I just got off the phone with XBOX support to ask when my console would be returned from being fixed and asked about the refund. The guy said that microsoft first is going to have a press conference then begin contacting people and issuing refunds for the ones made before 1/1/2006.

And All you Fanboys were trying to deny these reports as people trying to give microsoft a bad name.
Admit it... Microsoft Sucks. Hello #3 Console. That is what you get when you hire the dude who ran Sega out of the hardware market to head up your next console.
Maybe Microsoft and Sega can start a LOSER Help group, Peter Moore can be a double member.

I too just sent 360 number 2 back to Microsoft two days ago. Really went off on the supervisor when they took my credit card number and said I was being charged $139. Two 360's in 9 months sounded like poor manufacturing, but they would not budge. This is real good news, I'm calling tomorrow to see if they are going to forego the charges, that would be great and would bring them back into good standing with me. Thanks for the news!!!

lol, I'm going for my third 360 in 3 months now. Thanks you piece of shit M$! I bought a 1-year warranty (because I had no choice to buy a 4 or 5 year warranty), but I fear it's not going to be enough. If another 360 of mine breaks again after the warranty, I refuse to pay for ANYTHING related to Xbox 360 again. I hope microsoft is taking note on all this. Piece of shit company.

I'm going to buy a Wii and a PS3 anyway, so if the Xbox 360 ends up broken, it doesn't matter, more games for Wii and PS3. Woohoo!

What pisses me off is that the M$ rep told me: "Xbox 360 is a very delicate console compared to other consoles, and it runs really fast so that's why it releases a lot of heat!!". Does that mean that the next console will totally melt down? I probably know more than these morons about consoles and computers (not that it's too hard, since they're morons after all). If all this crap was true, then how can console makers handle making a much more powerful console every 5 years?

well, my launch 360 just dropped dead last night. [born 12-10-2005; died 25-9-2006]

called support line, did the script song and dance, got them to open a repair ticket. My rep told me it would cost $130 and I asked him to ask his manager about the replacement of 1st batch consoles. Immediately he offered the free replacment, etc.

I think you do have to ask (unless Microsoft is going to followup with all repairs and offer refunds, but it's easier to be proactive in this case).

Suffice to say, it sucks, my Xbox360 died; but my original xbox died also and Microsoft replaced it when it was out of warranty. They've always done good by me, probably because when I call I stay calm and polite, etc.

I'm not going to grab the picth-fork and the torch, these things happen. And by owning up to the problem and making it right Microsoft's keeping me as a customer happy.

This is confusing to me, it looks like this is the one thing European gamers ca be happy about. As far as I know electronic devices in Europe have demanded 2 years warranty so from the news i take it the in USA that's not the case it looks that not even a year is covered uau that's really bad.

You will see my comment above that I recently received a replacement Xbox. I was happily playing, when my power supply (the brick) gave out and died. Now I have to wait for a power supply replacement! I can't put into words how frusterating this is.

While on the phone, ordering the new power supply, I asked about getting my replacement fee for my xbox refunded. The guy on the phone said that it should be done automatically once they get to my file. He said that the phone reps on the help line have no power in implementing the refund.

Hi Kids.
I have been an Xbox fan since they got into the market. They happen to make the best product for merging Computer gaming and Console gaming but they know nothing about Customer Service, Support and the fact that the Customer is Always right (wasn't for us there would not be an Xbox 360).

My Story (short version)

August 14, 2006 - Xbox 360 starts freezing. I contact support. Told to send it in. Wait over a week and a half to get the "PrePaid box.

August 23, 2006 - Call UPS and I have to pay for the pickup - Call back xbox and talk to supervisor Hemanth (ID# 6248). Let them know. They do nothing but use the term escalation and 72 more Hours - if? Hemanth (ID# 6248) Is being very nasty and yelling that he does not care about any other company this is "XBOX". Call ends. I call back ups and pay the shipping - just want the baby back.

August 25, 2006 - UPS who did not pick up the prepaid for shipping back to MS finall pick up the ackage.

September 5, 2006 - Finally Recived the repaired Xbox 360. Looking forwad to so TW06 and more. Turn it on to find the Hard Drive was reformatted - all the games saved gone to Valhalla. Have to start over (total time on 20 minutes)

September 6, 2006 - Playing with the Xbox for about 30 minutes before having to go out.

September 7, 2006 - Get Home from work and want to review the OXM disc and then play some Xbox. Turn it on. NOTHING! Take all the steps from the Support - Nothing! Then next thing I know 3 RED LIGHTS. Pissed off - Call back MS. - They say send back. Talk to Supervisor Hemanth (ID# 6248) - this time he’s is nicer to me and promises me that I will not have any problems nor will I have to pay for anything. If any problems call him back for a free game of my choice.

September 13, 2006 - Finally get the prepaid Shipping box. Call UPS and guess what - I Have to pay. Will call Hemanth (ID# 6248) the next day or so.

September 14, 2006 - Call to speak with Supervisor Hemanth (ID# 6248). I want my free game and money back. Get Supervisor John. He is reading from a script. He tells me that He will not do anything because UPS took my money not MS. Offers premier games Kameo and PGR - I tell him that I have these because they came out with the system. He suggest I take one and return it to my favorite store. I say if I do that I will be arrested with out a receipt. He has nothing to say. Does nothing and the call ends.

September 25, 2006 - Not going to be taken advantage of nor will I be treated this way after supporting this company with thousands of dollars in games and controllers and consoles. I write to Microsoft Senior people "CC" PR and other corporate personnel.

My Xbox 360 arrives when I get home from work. I check it out and notice same Hard Drive different Serial number. Further investigation reveals that it is a "Replacement Unit". I call up the service line because I want the history of the unit (New or refurbished). Eventually transferred to MS hardware department Dani (good guy) He tells me MS policy is to send out refurbished unit. I say the product is less than a year old. and now I have some else’s Xbox 360 that has had a problem in my house. Why wouldn't they send a brand new unit? He says he is just trying to help. I say he has been helpful. The call ends.


FYI -
Supervisors:

John
[he reads from a MS Service script] tells me that Microsoft did not take your money UPS did - so you have to get it back [in regards to having to pay twice for UPS to pick up me "Pre Paid Shipping back to MS].

Hemanth (ID# 6248)
If you get this supervisor - RUN! HE will yell and scream at you. Talk all about protocol and the best is he just out right lies to you. Promises the world and gives you nothing.

So MS is doing their best to not do anything. It is unacceptable to send a customer a refurbished Xbox 360 (that is a unit that has experienced problems in the past and now is passed on to you) when the product itself in less than a year old. Frankly it is very disappointing the entire experience.

Even if I do not get a response to my Email / Letter / Fax to MS professionals I will not let this fight end until I experience Customer Satisfaction and this Lemmon refurbished Xbox is replaced with a brand new Xbox 360 unit. I am giving MS a week before I have to take this national.

this is awesome mine was mad in dec 05 and the lady was very friendly and was happy to send the repair kit to my house to ship to microsoft the box will approx: arrive in 4 business day while the repair may take up to 2 week but hey its all worth it it was free no shipping cost or anything!!

THANKS ABC NEWS!!!

September 27, 2006 - The Lucidis have a love-hate relationship with the Xbox 360. The kids love it. Their mom hates it.

"It's just been one headache after another," said Beth Lucidi.

Microsoft launched the much-anticipated game console late last November, but just days later, gamers began complaining about the 360, Many said the system overheats and crashes.

Beth called Microsoft for help when the Lucidi's 360 shut down. Microsoft told her she had to pay $129 to get the system fixed because its 90 day warranty had expired.

"I didn't think it was fair because there were so many people with the same problem," said Lucidi.

Last week Microsoft finally admitted that consumers are returning 360s for repair at a higher rate than normal. It says the bulk of those returned units were part of the initial manufacturing run.

Dr. Frank Lee teaches game design at Drexel University. Lee says early buyers essentially become guinea pigs. Manufacturers need three to six months after a product launch to really work out all the bugs and kinks.

"If you wait a little bit, hopefully the system will become more stable," said Lee.

Consumers are already chomping at the bit for the next wave of new generation game systems..

Sony's Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wiii are due to make their debut in less than two months.

If you're a hard-core gamer who can't wait to buy, then Lee said, "This is my golden rule for consumers: document everything, and this goes for Xbox 360 and everything else you might have."

Make note of exactly what the problem is, what game you were playing and how long the system had been running when the problem occurred.

After so many consumers returned their 360s for fixes, Microsoft has now agreed to waive the cost of repairs on 360 consoles manufactured before January 1, 2006. It will also refund any fees already paid for repairs to those systems.

has anyone got their refund back from microsoft yet.?

The pice of sh!t costumer service of Microsoft hasn't sent my console back yet. It has been over two month now and they say the same thing. I don't recomend you do the warranty thing. Just go to Wallmart or Sears and get a new one. Then exchange the broken one and say it stoped working.

my Xbox 360 went down after 3 months and MS says they will not fix it for less than $140 they said if i had the reciept they would fix it free but i dont so im fucked ( TO HELL WITH MS I SAY FUCK THEM) but i made a nice fire though fuck them and their 3 red lights

Mine showed the ring of death Oct. 25th almost year to day of purchase, while playing Ace Combat 6 for the first time (nothing like spending $165.00 for a game can't even play). Called support. After stupid check list is been completed, such as diconnect it from power supply, open the tray as it first comes on, turn it on and off just as it starts to power up,...They comfirmed yes there is a problem. Got a ticket opened. the coffin was supposed to be here in 4 days but took 7 days. Kept UPS site and watched it progress across the country to finally arrive in McAllen Tx 2 weeks after the ticket was opened. Took them another 9 days to finally "do repairs". Called every day from the time it was received to the time it was finally shipped out and got the same message "Hey this is max I see you have an open repair order. Your Xbox has been received and is currently being repaired". Finally on day 9 when I called 1-800 4myxbox I got something different. "Hey this is max and I see you have an open repair order. Your xbox is been repaired in on its ways." Called the same 800 number got through to a rep who did indeed confirm its been shipped. So I asked him what the problem was and what did they do to fix the problem. I informed me they replaced it with a new 2007 Xbox. My Xbox was manufactured in 2005. So I ask him are they doing that for all Xboxes? He tells me, they are replacing all xboxes manufactured in 2005 and early 2006 with brand new consoles that come into the repair center and are still under warranty (I bucked up when first getting my box and went with the 3 year extended warranty). I asked him does this mean the new xbox will come with another 3 year warranty then, and he says no. It will just be added onto my current warranty. So now I am taking a day off work sitting here waiting for UPS cause it has to be signed delivery. Almost a month from time of ring of death to time of "repair" I will be getting my xbox back. Oh with a free month of xbox live. Yea. don't see how that repays me for the trouble as my Xbox Live account automatically renews year subscription.