How to clear the Xbox 360 console cache

Note Clearing the Xbox 360 console cache does not remove your Gamertag or downloaded content and game files from your Xbox 360 storage device. The cache is used to store items such as game updates, system update installation packages, and gamer pictures of your friends. When you clear, or "purge," the cache, you clear the cache for all storage devices that are connected to your Xbox 360 console.

When you clear the cache, the following things occur:

• Achievements that are stored in the cache are removed.
  Note This does not permanently delete the information. This action forces achievement information to be downloaded from Xbox LIVE again.
• All previously downloaded game automatic updates are removed. You must download these automatic updates again before you play the games on Xbox LIVE.

Note When you clear the cache, system updates that were installed are not removed. The installed console software is not changed when you clear the cache.

To clear the cache, follow these steps:

1. Move to the System Settings section of the Xbox 360 dashboard.
2. Select Memory.
   
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3. Highlight a storage device.
   Important Do not press the A button.
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   Note It is not important whether you select the hard drive or a memory unit. When you clear the cache, the operation affects all connected storage devices.
4. Press the Y button to view the Device Options screen.
   Note The Device Options screen is the screen that contains the Rename and Format options.
5. Select Clear System Cache, and then select Yes to clear the cache.
   
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   If you do not see a Clear System Cache option, you are using an older version of the Xbox 360 version of the dashboard.
   
   From the Device Options screen, follow these steps:
   1. Press the X button.
   2. Press the X button.
   3. Press the left bumper.
   4. Press the right bumper.
   5. Press the X button.
   6. Press the X button.
   After you enter the correct sequence, you receive the following message:
   This will perform maintenance on your Xbox 360 storage devices. Do you want to continue? Yes No
   Note If you do not enter the correct sequence, you can restart the sequence. You do not have to exit the Device Details screen.
6. Select Yes, and then press the A button.