If you are an Xbox owner have you ever suffered with the red ring of death? Maybe one of your friends has. But do you know why it happened to you? There are many reasons that the red ring of death can be displayed on your console and understanding what can cause it may help prevent it from happening to you again. You could even save enough cash to get a couple of brand new games.

When four red lights are displayed on your console this indicates that there is an error with your audio video cable. The best thing to do in this instance is to unplug all the connections going in to your TV and replace them ensuring they are in the correct place and are securely located. Remove and replace the other end that goes into your Xbox 360. This is normally enough; if however it hasn't worked take a look at the actual cable for signs of damage and general wear and tear. If required you will have to replace the cable to get your console functioning properly again.

Three red lights are telling us that we have a general hardware failure on our Xbox. This can be caused by either the actual console or the power supply. You will need to determine which the source of the error is by performing a simple check. There is a light on the power supply if it is green it is working correctly if it is the problem is with the console. This is an issue normally dealt with by Microsoft at your expense but it is possible to fix these issues at home for a fraction of the price and without losing your console for up to six weeks. If the issue is with the power supply try disconnecting it and trying it in another outlet.

Two flashing red lights is the machines way of telling us that it is too hot. Overheating is a big problem with all game consoles. The amount of hardware inside them causes a large amount of heat and it is important to allow the heat to escape from your console. Make sure that the vents are free from dust and clean if necessary. Also make sure that there is sufficient room around your console so that air can flow freely. Some people store their Xbox on a bookshelf or inside an entertainment unit with other equipment and this causes difficulties for your console when it comes to cooling it down.

One flashing light is an indication of a hardware failure and will be accompanied by code on the TV, E74 is one such code and this is telling us that there is an av cable error. Now we know what the issues can be it is easier for us to try and get our consoles up and running again.