Xbox back from the morgue

mcwilliams — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:29:16 +0000

Tracy just called me at work and said that UPS left a delivery notice from “Repair Center”. Looking up the reference number, it’s my Xbox 360 back from the shop. Funny… Xbox support automated voice-dude; “Max” couldn’t find my repair status based on my phone number. Man I hate those guided voice prompt junk. Just let me spank some number to get where I need to go.

Hopefully UPS will swing back and drop it off today. Let’s all hope this box is in good shape and stays that way. We’ll see. I’m sure my boys will be happy to get their box back.

Total time from ship to receive about 3 weeks. It actually shipped back to me on 10.10. So repair time was actually under 2 weeks. I’m okay with that.

[update: Xbox delivered!]

RRoD: Perfect Timing

mcwilliams — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:57:15 +0000

Xbox 360 #2 is down with the Red Ring of Death – 2 days before Halo 3 comes out. Can you freekin’ believe it?

A while back my boys’ 360 went down with the RRoD and it was taken care of – although I had to pay for shipping.

Today I’m playing Rainbow Six: Vegas and it locked up on me several times. After the last time it locked up – I powered off and back on and I was greeted by the RRoD. I wasn’t too happy. Powered off, unplugged, replugged, powered on – same thing, rinse repeat and she fired up. Played a bit, locked up and went back down.

Now I’m trying to call Xbox support and it states that they can’t take my call and to try again later. Lovely.

Now I’m not dissing MS here or the Xbox. I love my Xbox. It’s an electronic device and they are all subject to issues. But this issue isn’t so random. It’s rampant and I’m glad MS is at least taking ownership of it and taking care of their customers. I’m not happy about it happening or having to be without it for a few weeks, but luckily I have a spare system to play (I don’t think my boys will mind).

So for us, both Xbox 360′s experienced a RRoD (2 out of 2). Not a good track record – but it’s still the best game platform on the planet. Just not the best timing.

[UPDATE: 5:47pm]

After trying for close to 5hrs to get through to Xbox customer support, I made it through by accidentally going down the Original Xbox path via the voice prompts. I’ll be getting a coffin (aka: box to ship my Xbox back) in about 3-5 biz days and the rep stated about 3-4 weeks to get my console back (which may be repaired or replaced).

McWilliams' World » Red Ring o’ Death

Xbox back from the morgue

RRoD: Perfect Timing