If a problem occurs with the Xbox 360 then you will see a number of red lights appear on the front of your console. This is known as the red ring of death or rlod. Depending on the number of lights we will learn what the problem with our console is. Below are explanations of these error messages and possible fixes we can use so we can get playing sooner rather than later.

If there is one red light visible on the front of your console then you have a hardware failure. This could mean there is an error with the DVD drive or a/v cable. To narrow it down for us the console displays an error code on the screen of the TV such as E74. The E74 code refers to an A/V cable error if this occurs then you should try another cable to see if that works. Also you should check the connection and make certain it is securely in place.

Two red lights on the console indicate that your console is overheated. This can be caused when playing for long periods of time, or your Xbox 360 has been left on whilst downloading a game demo or something similar. If this happens turn your console off and leave it for about an hour to cool down. Take this opportunity to check the vents on your Xbox as they can quite easily get clogged up with dust, and clean them if necessary. You should also check the area surrounding your Xbox is there sufficient room for good circulation of air?

Four red lights are generally caused by an A/V cable not being detected. Try plugging it in securely and checking that the cable is in good working condition. If you are using an hdmi connection then this error will not cause you a problem.

Three red lights signify that you have a general hardware failure. This is normally caused by a problem on the motherboard when some of the circuits get to hot they can become brittle and break causing the error to be displayed. You really have only two options left to fix this problem.

1. Sending your console off to Microsoft may seem like the obvious solution but you need to be prepared to be without your Xbox 360 for about 6 weeks while the repair is carried out. If your console happens to be out of warranty as most of them are when this happens the repair will cost in the region of $150 to do.

2. You could carry out the repair yourself. There are many guides how to do it available on the internet. One such guide is written by James Dean, thousands of people have fixed their Xbox 360 using his guide. You will also have access to step by step video instructions to help you carry out the repair with ease.