Understanding the Xbox 360 Warranty
Posted on : 27-11-2009 | By : Mark | In : Fix It
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I have had quite a few people who seem to be a little confused about the conditions of warranty for the Xbox 360. So, I thought I would take the opportunity to explain the facts as I interpret them.
The Product Warranty statement for the Xbox is located here:
http://support.xbox.com/support/en/us/nxe/Hardware/Warranty/Warranty/ProductWarrantyNew.aspx
So here is the key warranty statement:
“One Year Express Warranty on Console (Three Years for Three Lights Flashing Red).Subject to the terms and conditions of this Limited Warranty, Microsoft warrants to you only (the original retail purchaser) that, during the Warranty Period and under normal use and service, the Xbox Console will substantially conform with the printed user instruction materials packaged with the Console.”
Good news if you have the three flashing lights! But before you get too excited you must note the following:
” 1. Submit proof of purchase in the form of a bona fide, dated bill of sale, receipt, or invoice (or a copy) evidencing that your request for service is made within the Warranty Period.
2. Follow Microsoft’s shipping and other instructions if it determines that all or part of your Xbox Product requires return for repair or replacement. To obtain the warranty service, you must take or deliver the Xbox Product in suitable packaging that provides an adequate degree of protection against damage during transit, to the location specified by Microsoft. Except as otherwise required by legislation in your jurisdiction, costs associated with transport (including packaging) for warranty service shall be at your expense.
3. Delete or remove any files or data you consider private or confidential before sending the Xbox Product to Microsoft. Copy and keep any files or data stored on the Xbox Product that you don’t want to lose.”
But if your console has been modified in any way then you are in trouble because there are a few very important exclusions that you should be aware of:
” * is used with products not sold or licensed by Microsoft (including, but not limited to, non-licensed games and game enhancement devices, adaptors and power supply sources) or which are otherwise incompatible;
* is used for commercial purposes (including rental or lease);
* is modified or tampered with;
* is damaged by Acts of God, power surge, misuse, abuse, negligence, accident, wear and tear, mishandling, misapplication, or other causes unrelated to defective materials or workmanship;
* serial number is defaced, altered or removed;
* is damaged by programs, data, viruses, or files, or during shipments;
* is not used in accordance with the printed user instruction materials packaged with the Xbox Product;
* is repaired, modified or altered by other than Microsoft authorized repair centers; or
* was sold as used, refurbished, or reconditioned.”
From my understanding you are liable for the packaging and shipping costs to Microsoft. They pay the return shipping. It can take between 2-4 weeks (or longer) for the fixed Xbox to come back to you.
Fixing it yourself may be a quicker and easier solution.
