The indicator light of your Original Xbox console flashes red

View products that this article applies to.

SYMPTOMS

This article describes how to troubleshoot the problem when an indicator light is flashing red.

Back to the top

An indicator light that is flashing red indicates that there is an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) error and that Xbox cannot start.

EEPROM is a memory device that does not lose the information programmed to it when power is lost. This is where items such as language setting, video modes, audio modes, and game region are stored.

Back to the top

THINGS TO TRY

Remove all discs from the Xbox console.
Turn off the Xbox console and leave it off for thirty seconds.
Carefully read the Xbox instructional manual that came with the Xbox video game system for instructions about to use and how to position the Xbox console to avoid overheating and other problems.
1. Make sure the Xbox console is not located near a heat source. Heat sources can include TVs, computers, monitors, and other electrical devices.
2. Make sure the vents are not blocked. There are vents on the left and right side, and on the rear of the Xbox console. Make sure each vent has at least six inches of clearance and space for air to circulate. If the Xbox is inside a cabinet, move it to see if this prevents heat problems.
After the Xbox console is set, turn it back on and make sure that you see a steady green indicator light on the front.
If the console continues to flash a red light, the console may need repair by Microsoft.

Back to the top

Additional Support

If the steps in the previous section did not resolve your issue, your console may have to be serviced. Please follow this link to confirm whether phone or online support is offered in your country to initiate an exchange order for your console:

961531 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/961531/ ) Original Xbox support offerings per region

Back to the top