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Microsoft acknowledges E74 error

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DVDBack23 @ Apr 15, 2009 02:34 | 38 comments

Microsoft has acknowledged the now infamous E74 error for their Xbox 360 console, and added the error to its warranty extension that was meant to cover RROD (Red Ring of Death) system failures.

The software giant now considers both failures equal and users affected can have their system replaced or fixed under the 3-year warranty extension. Anyone who has encountered the error and paid to have it fixed will be issued a full refund.

The error surfaced late last year when users upgraded to the New Xbox Experience (NXE). The E74 error is brought on by overheating problems for the GPU.

The full Microsoft posting reads as follows:

"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. We have already made improvements to the console that will reduce the likelihood of an occurrence of this issue. Detailed information related to the Xbox 360 warranty and resources for those who require repair can be found at www.xbox.com/support (www.xbox.com/support) .

Microsoft will refund to customers the amount paid for an out of warranty repair due to a general hardware failure associated with the e74 error message. Those customers should automatically receive the refund within 4-12 weeks, and no additional action by customers should be necessary. However, if a customer has not received a refund by July 1, 2009, the customer should visit www.xbox.com/support before November 1, 2009 for information on how to place a claim. All refund claims must be received on or before November 1, 2009.’"

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Comment by: biver (Apr 15, 2009 17:22)

Its not that bad. I recently got RROD on my system.
The repair was quick,easy, and painless. It took a grand total
of 2 weeks. The only work I did was to pack it up for shipping.
I will survive another 2 weeks if I get E74 error.

360 is a great system, and im glad they are fixing the issues for free.

Comment by: cart0181 (Apr 16, 2009 02:55)

Quote:
Quote:
Microsoft will refund to customers the amount paid for an out of warranty repair due to a general hardware failure associated with the e74 error message. Those customers should automatically receive the refund within 4-12 weeks, and no additional action by customers should be necessary.
If however, instead of paying over the odds for return postage and the repair you decided to take your xbox360 to the local computer repair shop to get it sorted, you are stuffed.

I think you may have misread the article. Microsoft WILL pay you back if you got it repaired at a local shop. I think it is incredibly cool that MS is doing this; they certainly wouldn't have to. It is definitely a credit to MS business practices that they're willing to do this for the customer. It's nice they can afford to do it, too. Apple, on the other hand, won't let anyone that hasn't gone through their 2-year training program touch any of their proprietary devices with a ten foot pole. I'm not sure how Sony is about their PS3.

Comment by: juaneryle (Apr 16, 2009 04:21)

IT'S ABOUT TIME! I was just arguing about this a couple of days ago.
90% of my friends that bought their xbox prior to 2006 have this error. X-clamp can't fix this error. When have it been okay to knowingly sell a defective product? Oh I'm sorry, it's my fault my console have an e74 error. I should have put it in the freezer while I was playing it.

Comment by: juaneryle (Apr 16, 2009 04:54)

I can't believe you guys are making excuses for M$. The ealier 360's were defective. Bottom line. I have friends that are afraid to play their game over 30 minutes becauses of fear of RROD. If I sold you guys a PC on ebay that performed like that, you will try to sue me.

Comment by: xblade132 (Apr 16, 2009 13:07)

Install your games onto the harddrive maybe..?

Comment by: Oner (Apr 16, 2009 13:11)

Oh look ANOTHER fault that MS said was never a problem that is now under warranty, what is that 3? 4? now...

1) Launch system Power Supply failures (admittedly this was pretty small compared to the latter issues)
2) 3RLOD (yes 3RLOD ~ 3Red Lights Of Death = GPU/CPU/Solder issue)
3) Disc Scratching (Only covered in the EU but not in the States)
4) 1RLOD (1Red Lights Of Death = E74 Heat issues?)

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Comment by: kolokun (Apr 16, 2009 15:01)

Originally posted by DXR88:
E74 is an over heat Error. maybe the small percentage of users should stop sticking there xbox's in confined area's. hows that for a fix huh.

The E74 error is only possibly caused from making the 360 overheat. The solder used on certain chips on the main board cracks when repeatedly heated and cooled (turning your console on and off) Even if you left your 360 in the middle of a table, elevated to allow circulation underneath and nothing around that would prevent airflow(this was my setup and I still got an E74), you would still have a possibility of having this problem (more-so if the 360 was in a confined environment, but still a fair possibility of it happening.)

Please do more research on a topic before making a very broad generalization about it.

Comment by: DXR88 (Apr 16, 2009 15:57)

Quote:
Originally posted by DXR88:
E74 is an over heat Error. maybe the small percentage of users should stop sticking there xbox's in confined area's. hows that for a fix huh.
The E74 error is only possibly caused from making the 360 overheat. The solder used on certain chips on the main board cracks when repeatedly heated and cooled (turning your console on and off) Even if you left your 360 in the middle of a table, elevated to allow circulation underneath and nothing around that would prevent airflow(this was my setup and I still got an E74), you would still have a possibility of having this problem (more-so if the 360 was in a confined environment, but still a fair possibility of it happening.)

Please do more research on a topic before making a very broad generalization about it.

Ive already posted what the E74 its a A/V Error or your GPU overheated, one of the two or both.

also if your soldering snaps, it RROD for you Mr.McGee.

Air isn't pulled up from underneath its pulled in from the sides, if you had custom fan's instead of that landfill garbage they put in it's place you would know that.

E74 is a very broad Error

Comment by: Morreale (Apr 16, 2009 20:07)

4-12 weeks for a refund? I know I'd be pissed to wait that long... I guess they're hoping people forget about it. They're probably gonna refund half of the people and then hope the other half don't call in lol

Comment by: Interestx (Apr 16, 2009 20:13)

They extended the 3 year warranty to include E74 and they did it pretty quickly too (and as with RROD they refunded everyone who paid for repairs before they brought it under the warranty).

Nice one.

Of course the (mostly) PS3 fans want to pretend that all Xbox models are the same and will do their best to ignore the fact that since Falcon Xbox has become very reliable (and Jasper has only improved that already improved situation).

MY Falcons have been updated & perfect so far, not even a lock up.

Comment by: inagasake (Apr 19, 2009 01:50)

Originally posted by Morreale:
4-12 weeks for a refund? I know I'd be pissed to wait that long... I guess they're hoping people forget about it. They're probably gonna refund half of the people and then hope the other half don't call in lol

Yeah that does suck. It sucks even more for the people who just went and bought another console after getting E74 instead of paying the $120 or whatever for repairs. Those people get nothing in return.

Anyways, I'm a new 360 owner and I have no complaints whatsoever thus far. Console runs cool and it's a lot quieter than I thought it would be, especially when installing games to the hard drive. My guess is that the overheating stuff only starts to happen when the console starts to collect dust inside? That has to be the issue. Because right now, the 360 seems pretty reliable to me. Ok sure I keep it in a basement, off the carpet, don't have it in an entertainment center, I give it space, etc. But going by what I've seen on the internet, I still thought I was doomed. lol. Like sure it's noisier than my slim PS2 sure (which I find very quiet) but it's not bothersome. I'm liking my Xbox experience thus far.

Comment by: Jemborg (Apr 19, 2009 19:21)

Originally posted by Oner:
Oh look ANOTHER fault that MS said was never a problem that is now under warranty, what is that 3? 4? now...

1) Launch system Power Supply failures (admittedly this was pretty small compared to the latter issues)
2) 3RLOD (yes 3RLOD ~ 3Red Lights Of Death = GPU/CPU/Solder issue)
3) Disc Scratching (Only covered in the EU but not in the States)
4) 1RLOD (1Red Lights Of Death = E74 Heat issues?)

Yes, it is crap. But I'm not sure why you as a moderator feels the need to point this out Oner- it comes across as fan baiting.

A more "moderate" point of view would be to hold that at least these issues are openly recognised now and dealt with in some small way with an extended warranty. Unlike another console that has Blu-ray, Controller Chip or firmware problems that aren't dealt with in a similar fashion after one year.

Almost all consoles seem to have their positives and negatives.

Comment by: juaneryle (Apr 19, 2009 20:33)

Quote:
Originally posted by Oner:
Oh look ANOTHER fault that MS said was never a problem that is now under warranty, what is that 3? 4? now...

1) Launch system Power Supply failures (admittedly this was pretty small compared to the latter issues)
2) 3RLOD (yes 3RLOD ~ 3Red Lights Of Death = GPU/CPU/Solder issue)
3) Disc Scratching (Only covered in the EU but not in the States)
4) 1RLOD (1Red Lights Of Death = E74 Heat issues?)
Yes, it is crap. But I'm not sure why you as a moderator feels the need to point this out Oner- it comes across as fan baiting.

A more "moderate" point of view would be to hold that at least these issues are openly recognised now and dealt with in some small way with an extended warranty. Unlike another console that has Blu-ray, Controller Chip or firmware problems that aren't dealt with in a similar fashion after one year.

Almost all consoles seem to have their positives and negatives.

That's true. But what about people with the first generation consoles?

Comment by: Oner (Apr 20, 2009 14:39)

Originally posted by Jemborg:

Originally posted by Oner:
Oh look ANOTHER fault that MS said was never a problem that is now under warranty, what is that 3? 4? now...

1) Launch system Power Supply failures (admittedly this was pretty small compared to the latter issues)
2) 3RLOD (yes 3RLOD ~ 3Red Lights Of Death = GPU/CPU/Solder issue)
3) Disc Scratching (Only covered in the EU but not in the States)
4) 1RLOD (1Red Lights Of Death = E74 Heat issues?)
Yes, it is crap. But I'm not sure why you as a moderator feels the need to point this out Oner- it comes across as fan baiting.

A more "moderate" point of view would be to hold that at least these issues are openly recognised now and dealt with in some small way with an extended warranty. Unlike another console that has Blu-ray, Controller Chip or firmware problems that aren't dealt with in a similar fashion after one year.

Almost all consoles seem to have their positives and negatives.

What I find odd is how people go out of their way to have to discuss how my Mod status should be brought up (off topic I might add) or in some way correlated to having to quash/curtail factual information on this or any topic for that matter. One thing has nothing to do with the other, plain and simple.

My comment is on topic, adds to the discussion, is informative, has merit in it's right and is absolutely true. So there is no issue here; and me being a moderator shouldn't be brought up at all IN ANY WAY. I was brought on here @ aD 7 years ago specifically for my experience and knowledge with GAMING CONSOLES (imagine that). So I would advise to you and certain others on avoiding bringing irrelevant subjects into the mix and just discuss the topic at hand for what it is.

Discuss the topic or subject. Not the person or their status.

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Comment by: Oner (Apr 20, 2009 14:52)

Originally posted by juaneryle:
That's true. But what about people with the first generation consoles?

That depends on which model you mean...For 360 owners they are already out of their 3 year warranties and have to pay. For first gen PS3 owners they have been out of their warranties for quite some time now as with EVERY other major electronic device they came with 1 year coverage STANDARD (unlike MS's 90 day when they first launched) so they would have to pay as well. Just like first gen Wii's, PS1's, PS2's and others.

There was only 1 time that Sony covered out of warranty PS3's due to a supposed "bad" firmware update (if I remember correctly that was FW 2.5), but the Wii has had some bad updates as well, along with quite a few 360's too (NXE was a major one that had massive issues) and they where never covered for those out of warranty. But other than that 1 time, improper updates or faulty FW's for the PS3 have not been covered for those out of warranty...just like everyone else in the business.

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Comment by: Morreale (Apr 20, 2009 20:01)

Originally posted by Oner:
(unlike MS's 90 day when they first launched)

What a joke... They were so confident lol

90 day warranties are stupid. They either tell he buyer that their product is like near perfect unless the unthinkable happens or their product is just garbage and its your problem once its messed up. I always buy things like hard drives and computers on my Mom's MasterCard or whatever cause she told me they double the warranty (I pay her beforehand of course!). Although it kinda sucks cause now I gotta wait another year until I can change the enclosure on my 1TB drive because it's as loud as a 360!

Lol just kidding but it is loud and annoying like my friend's 360... We were trying to watch a movie on his 360 at his house and it was retardedly loud. Annoying background noise. He has an intercooler on it too but he's scared to leave his 360 on without it (he is on his third after all). We couldn't really just turn up the volume either because like the speakers are crap in LCDs and Plasmas... He really needs surround sound. They do say though that the newer 360s are quieter, I friggen' hope they are...

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Comment by: juaneryle (Apr 20, 2009 20:56)

Oner, do you think it's fair for people with first gen. 360's that failed, are not reimbursed because of expired warranties eventhough it's well known that the hardware were defective?
I got my first 360 on the launch date. I got RROD within 60 days. I shipped it back to MS and it was fixed. It RROD again over a year later but my warranty was expired so I did the X-clamp fix. 3 months later I got the E74 error. At that time, I couldn't fix it so I bought another 360. To make a long story short, this is my 3rd 360. I salute MS for acknowledging the problem. But the warranty policy should be retroactive.

Comment by: Oner (Apr 21, 2009 08:33)

Originally posted by juaneryle:
Oner, do you think it's fair for people with first gen. 360's that failed, are not reimbursed because of expired warranties eventhough it's well known that the hardware were defective?
I got my first 360 on the launch date. I got RROD within 60 days. I shipped it back to MS and it was fixed. It RROD again over a year later but my warranty was expired so I did the X-clamp fix. 3 months later I got the E74 error. At that time, I couldn't fix it so I bought another 360. To make a long story short, this is my 3rd 360. I salute MS for acknowledging the problem. But the warranty policy should be retroactive.

I absolutely agree. I myself just caught my 4th 3RLOD just yesterday on my launch day 360. I don't use it online because there is no way in hell in my right mind will accept having to pay additionally for access to something I already pay for (broadband internet) and I managed to get this far without having to update to the NXE. But JUST yesterday I decided to do it via USB (to enjoy some SF4) and 30 seconds after it installed...it 3RLOD on me.

Seriously. F Microsoft.

And anyone who has any "questions" as to my disdain for them can go screw. They suck as an opsys (for that matter ANY software they make), their business practices are atrocious & their hardware reliability is absolutely abysmal.....well, except for my original Xbox v1.6b with "extras", but even then it is only good with the stuff I did to it to make it that way!

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Comment by: DXR88 (Apr 21, 2009 16:49)

Originally posted by Oner:
I absolutely agree. I myself just caught my 4th 3RLOD just yesterday on my launch day 360. I don't use it online because there is no way in hell in my right mind will accept having to pay additionally for access to something I already pay for (broadband internet) and I managed to get this far without having to update to the NXE. But JUST yesterday I decided to do it via USB (to enjoy some SF4) and 30 seconds after it installed...it 3RLOD on me.

Seriously. F Microsoft.

And anyone who has any "questions" as to my disdain for them can go screw. They suck as an opsys (for that matter ANY software they make), their business practices are atrocious & their hardware reliability is absolutely abysmal.....well, except for my original Xbox v1.6b with "extras", but even then it is only good with the stuff I did to it to make it that way!

Thats a very unbecoming remark from a Moderator.

Comment by: juaneryle (Apr 21, 2009 17:32)

Quote:
Thats a very unbecoming remark from a Moderator.

You may argue that Oner's remarks were a bit personal, but I understand why he feels that way. Because I feel the same way. Oner made some valid points that were well suported.

Comment by: Morreale (Apr 21, 2009 20:23)

Why does everyone have a problem with Oner lol

Oner is a person too, a regular AD user who is entitled to his own opinions just as we all are. Just because his title is "Moderator" doesn't mean he can't have arguments either...

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Comment by: Oner (Apr 21, 2009 21:04)

Originally posted by DXR88:
Thats a very unbecoming remark from a Moderator.

As a moderator of aD the main part of my duties is to help people, address improper threads posted in the wrong areas, remove spammers, and deal specifically with rule violations. That does not mean I cannot post my views about ANY subject. I am just like anyone else who comes here to aD for advice or to offer advice and have discussions. Remember, I do not receive any form of monetary payment for what I have done here at aD for almost the last 7 years. I do it because I love to and the knowledge I have to offer in my area of expertise.

In addition ~ Thank You juaneryle & Morrealle. It's good to know that people do understand my situation...after consistently dealing with certain people who have a habit of making baseless, unsupported, false information about me it is refreshing to know there are those who are fair & get it.

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Comment by: pyrite (Apr 23, 2009 08:51)

I find Oner's posts to be generally well thought out and informative.

And i didn't realise there was a problem with mods posting.

Comment by: KillerBug (Apr 23, 2009 09:30)

Standard microsoft...5 years after release and they are just now admitting problems that have been around since the beginning. This is why I bought a PS3 and not a 360.

On the plus side, the RROD looks nicer than the BSOD.

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Comment by: juaneryle (Apr 23, 2009 15:53)

Originally posted by KillerBug:

On the plus side, the RROD looks nicer than the BSOD.

Lol. That was a good one!