How to transfer data from one Xbox 360 console to another by using the Hard Drive Transfer Kit

This article describes how to transfer your data from one Xbox 360 Hard Drive to another Xbox 360 Hard Drive.

To successfully transfer your data from one Xbox 360 Hard Drive to another Xbox 360 Hard Drive, you must have the following components:

• Xbox 360 console
• Two Xbox 360 Hard Drives
• The data transfer cable
• The data transfer software

Important If you want to transfer your saved games and other content from your existing hard drive (the source drive) to a different hard drive (the destination drive), do not attach the destination drive to your Xbox 360 console until you have transferred the contents of the source drive according to the instructions in this section. Any content that you stored on the destination hard drive before the content transfer will be lost.

All Xbox 360 Hard Drives are for use exclusively with the Xbox 360 Video Game and Entertainment System.

Warning Before you use the Hard Drive Transfer Kit, read the manual and the Xbox 360 console manuals for important safety and health information. Keep all manuals for future reference. To obtain replacement manuals, use one of the following methods:

• Visit the following Microsoft Web site:
  http://www.xbox.com/support (http://www.xbox.com/support)
• Call Xbox Customer Support. For more information, see the "If you want more help" section.

The limited warranty that covers this product is contained in the Xbox 360 Warranty manual (Volume 2). Additionally, this warranty is available on the World Wide Web. To obtain the warranty online, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Transfer content from your existing Xbox 360 Hard Drive

You have the option to perform a one-time transfer of all content from your existing Xbox 360 Hard Drive (source drive) to another Xbox 360 Hard Drive (destination drive). Whether you decide to do this or not, understand that both drives are fully compatible with your Xbox 360 console and will be after the transfer is completed.

Important Content can only ever be moved from a smaller source drive to a destination drive that is the same size or larger and only one time. For example, the following hard drive pairings allow transfer from source to (">") destination:Note If you intend to move content from an existing hard drive, such as your 20GB hard drive, to a new destination hard drive, such as to a 60GB hard drive, do not use the destination hard drive before you perform this procedure or you will lose whatever content that you have previously put on that destination drive.

When the transfer is complete, the destination drive will contain all transferable files from the source drive. This includes your saved games and Xbox LIVE downloads. Additionally, the destination drive will contain its preloaded content. The contents of the source drive will be erased.

If you resume use of the source drive after the transfer, be aware that you will not have another opportunity to transfer content directly to your other hard drive. For an easy, portable way to move your saved games or your Xbox LIVE membership between hard drives or to take them with you wherever you go, try the Xbox 360 Memory Unit. The Xbox 360 Memory Unit is sold separately.

Apart from this one-time option to transfer all content to your new hard drive, you cannot copy or move items directly from one hard drive to another, regardless of drive capacity. To copy or move items after the one-time transfer, use the Xbox 360 Memory Unit. Except as detailed in the following procedure, only one hard drive may be connected to your console at a time. The transfer cable cannot be used to transfer data from more than one hard drive or to connect multiple hard drives to your console at the same time.

Note As with any data-transfer process, there is a risk that some or all data may become lost during the transfer process. If you continue with the data-transfer process, you do this at your own risk. Additionally, you agree that Microsoft is not liable for any loss of data that results from the transfer process.

Steps to transfer your content from one Xbox 360 Hard Drive to another Xbox 360 Hard Drive

1. Turn off your Xbox 360 console with your existing hard drive (the source drive) still attached.
2. Disconnect all accessories from the Xbox 360 console's controller ports.
3. Turn on your Xbox 360 console. Connect and turn on a controller. You will need a controller during content transfer.
4. Connect one end of the transfer cable to the destination drive.
5. Connect the other end of the transfer cable to the Xbox 360 console's rear USB port.
   
   Important Make sure that you connect the transfer cable to the back port on your Xbox 360 console. Do not connect the transfer cable to a port on the front of your Xbox 360 console.
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6. Insert the included Hard Drive Transfer Disc into your Xbox 360 console's disk tray. Instructions appear on the screen.
   
   Important The transfer cable connects to the destination drive in only one orientation. Do not force the connector on. Connect the cable in the orientation shown.
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Notes

• Depending on how much content is moved, the transfer process can take more than one hour.
• The Xbox 360 Hard Drive transfer cable is not a personal computer accessory. It is intended only for connecting the Xbox 360 Hard Drive to your Xbox 360 console for data transfer. Damage to the computer or other USB device might occur if you connect the transfer cable to such devices. The cable functions only when you use it with the supplied transfer software.
• The transfer cable is intended only for transferring your data from your old hard drive to your new hard drive by using your Xbox 360 console. It is not intended for long-term connection to your Xbox 360 console, nor is it intended for use with any other USB host or device. Dispose of the cable according to the Disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment guidelines in the manual.
• The Xbox Guide is not available during content transfer.
• If the transfer is interrupted for any reason, your content will remain on the source drive. You can restart the transfer process at any time before the process is completed.
• To start using the destination drive after the content transfer is complete, remove the source drive, and then attach the destination drive as instructed in the "Attach and remove your Xbox 360 Hard Drive" section.

Attach and remove your Xbox 360 Hard Drive

If you are already using a 20GB or a 60GB Xbox 360 Hard Drive, see the “Transfer content from an existing Xbox 360 Hard Drive” section before you attach your new hard drive. If you will not be transferring content from another hard drive, your new hard drive is ready to use immediately.

Attach your Xbox 360 Hard Drive

1. Turn off your Xbox 360 console.
2. Remove the hard drive bay cover from your console.
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3. Put the hard drive over the hard drive bay with the thin end pointed toward the front of your Xbox 360 console and the thick end pointed toward the back of your Xbox 360 console.
4. Put the back of the hard drive against the back of the hard drive bay. Make sure that the ridge along the back of the hard drive rests underneath the lip on the back of the hard drive bay.
5. Push the front end of the hard drive down until the tab clicks.
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Remove your Xbox 360 Hard Drive

1. Turn off your Xbox 360 console.
2. Press the tab on the front of the hard drive, and then lift the unit from your Xbox 360 console.
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Important Avoid touching hard drive bay contacts or hard drive connector contacts with your fingers or with metal objects.

Xbox 360 Elite special considerations

When you move content from one Xbox 360 Hard Drive to another, some premium content may behave differently. If you experience problems accessing your premium content after you perform a hard drive transfer, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Video demonstration of the transfer process

To view a video demonstration of the transfer process, visit the following Web site: Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information.

If you want more help

For more information, visit the following Microsoft Web site or call Xbox Customer Support:

Do not take your Xbox 360 console or its accessories to your retailer for repair or service unless instructed to do this by an Xbox Customer Support representative.

Do not try repairs

Do not try to take apart, service, or modify your Xbox 360 console, power supply, or its accessories in any way. Doing this could present the risk of serious injury or death from electric shock or fire, and it will void your warranty.