We're on CNBC
This blog has recently been cited on CNBC concerning the numerous xbox 360 problems. Recently, new titles like Halo 3 and Call of Duty 4 areleading to system crashes, overheating, and an abundance of frustration.
As stated in the CNBC article, "We knew there were problems: Microsoft copped to the issues over the summer when it set aside $1 billion and extended Xbox warranties by 3 years. But now, with these new titles available, and so many new players spending so much more time on Xbox play, Microsoft's sense of "mission accomplished" may have been premature."
If you want to see the link to this site, scroll to the bottom of the article, and you'll see us listed as "Here is a recent blog on Xbox 360 problems and ways to get your Xbox fixed.". Pretty cool, huh?
If you've been having problems with your Xbox, you don't have to wait 4-6 weeks for Microsoft to repair it. With just a few tools from around the house, you can have your Xbox back up and running in under an hour. Check out one of the best solutions here.
Latest Microsoft Bandwagon Lawsuit: Halo 3 is Defective
Information Week is reporting that a San Diego resident is suing Microsoft and Bungie because Halo 3 "consistently causes the Xbox 360 to crash, freeze, or lock up while the game is being played." I have a number of problems with this allegation and this suit. First and foremost, if Halo 3 were truly "defective" or caused the problems alleged, it seems reasonable to assume that message boards and blogs alike would have been exploding with those types of complaints since October. I dare say it might have broken the internet due to the volume of vocal complaints. However, this is the first time I have seen any such allegation, between the Rooster Teeth forums, Bungie forums, and Xbox.com forums or anywhere on the gaming blog circuit. The suit states: "Although faced with repeated and mounting consumer complaints and inquiries concerning this operational flaw in Halo 3, the defendants have failed to recall Halo 3 or otherwise remedy its failure to function on the Xbox 360." I would love to see a full version of the complaint and/or the "mounting consumer complaints" that are being referenced therein.
This brings me to the second issue. What the plaintiff is describing sounds far more like the well publicized problem with the Xbox 360 console rather than any problem with the game. And if that is the case, then the plaintiff should be taking advantage of the warranty repair process rather than filing a lawsuit. Which brings me to the third and final point, that given the available evidence, this seems like a rather simplistic attempt to profit from the game that set the new single day sales record. I have no problem with using the legal system to remedy actual problems, but at first glance, this suit seems like it's either misplaced blame or a shot in the dark. Once the pleadings make their way onto the internet in full, hopefully some more light will be shed on this case.
[Via Joystiq]
Xbox 360 Problems
The Xbox 360 has been subject to a number of technical problems. In fact, 1 in 3 Xbox 360's will encounter problems.
Here are a few of the most common problems.
Three flashing red lights
This is one of the most common problems. It is known as a "general hardware failure" and is classified by three red lights flashing on the front of the console. This is well-known among Xbox gamers as the 'red ring of death'.
Unfortunately, you'll be waiting 4-6 weeks for your Xbox to finally be returned to you. That's an eternity if you're a serious gamer like me. If you don't want to wait that long, check out this simple repair solution you can do right at home.
Xbox 360 Overheating
This is another common problem. It is indicated by 2 flashing red lights. When you receive this error, you should turn the console off, unplug the power supply, and wait for at least 5 minutes. Then replug power supply and turn the console back on.
According to the German computer magazine c't, the main reason for overheating problems is that the wrong type of lead free solder was used, a type that becomes brittle when exposed to elevated temperatures for long periods of time. (Fanatic Xbox gamers like me can play for hours on end...)
Microsoft has actually reserved more than one billion dollars for this problem.
You can help prevent this problem by keeping your 360 well ventilated. If you keep your Xbox in a closed cabinet, you may want to take it out and let it get some air.
It can also be very beneficial to get your Xbox up off the ground. The main idea here is to get your PSU off the ground for maximum heat release.
Whatever you do, don't put your Xbox on carpet. This will block the ventilation and will cause the system to overheat very quickly.
Xbox 360 Scratching Disks
Almost as soon as the Xbox 360 was released, gamers started complaining that their consoles were scratching the discs. In February of 2007, Llamma.com investigated the matter and found that some Xbox 360 drives do not contain a mechanism to secure the disc solidly in place. This has left some video game discs unusable.
Believe it or not, this can actually be fixed with toothpaste. Simply put a thin layer of toothpaste over the disk, let it dry, and then carefully wipe the toothpaste off with a wet towel as if you were cleaning it. After you have removed the toothpaste, clean it once again with windex.
*** Just be careful, if you do this too many times to the same disk, it will destroy
the CD.
Xbox 360 3 Red Lights Fix
The Xbox 360 is an awesome gaming system. Unfortunately, it has been plagued with a number of different hardware issues. The most common of these is the flashing 3 red lights. It's commonly known as the "red ring of death". The three red lights indicate that you have a general hardware error. Fortunately, you can fix this problem in about an hour using common household items.
Best of all, once you learn this simple method, you can start making money by buying broken xbox 360's and reselling them on places like Ebay. You can find tons of broken xbox 360's with the flashing red lights on places like Craigslist and eBay.
Almost all of these can be fixed and then resold at a profit on eBay.
Find out how to get started fixing Xbox 360's at Three Red Lights Fix...
There are a number of methods discussed on the internet on how to get your Xbox fixed like the "Towel method" or "blowing hot air into your Xbox". Beware, these methods will only burn you Xbox.
Xbox Indicator Lights
The ring of Light is divided into four quadrants that enclose the power indicator light.
One of the most common issues with the Xbox 360 is the three red lights that appear when the console has experienced a hardware failure. In the gaming community, they call this the ring of death. Fortunately, there is a fix for this problem.
Green Indicator Light:
The default indicator light is green. When the Xbox 360 power supply light is green it means that there are no problems with your power supply. However, if you are having problems and the power supply light is green, this means that the console is faulty and you need to contact Xbox 360 support.
Orange or Yellow Indicator Light
When the Xbox 360 power supply light is orange or yellow this means there is no problem with your console but the power supply can't supply it with power.
To remedy this problem, first try unplugging the Xbox 360 power supply from the console and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. You'll also want to uplug the Xbox 360 power supply from the power cord.
Wait for about five minutes and then reconnect everything. You might also want to try plugging it into another wall outlet without an extension cord.
If you are still getting an orange or yellow indicator light, then something is at fault with the Xbox 360 power supply. If this is the case, contact the Xbox 360 customer support to get a new one.
Red Indicator Light:
If the xbox 360 power supply light is red, then there is something wrong with the power supply connection. If this is the case, try the same solution as listed above of unplugging the power supply from the console, unplugging the power cord from the wall outlet and unplugging the power supply from the power cord. Wait for about five minutes and then reconnect everything. You might also want to try plugging it into another wall outlet without an extension cord.
If the indicator lights are still red, then there is a fault with the power supply. If this is the case, contact customer support about getting a new one.
No Indicator Light:
If the XBox 360 power supply light is not illuminating at all, this usually means that the Xbox power supply is not connected to the wall outlet correctly. On the other hand, it might also be a fault with the power supply or the power cord.
Either way, try the same solution as listed above for the red indicator lights. If you still don't see any lights illuminated after unplugging and then reconnecting everything, you'll need to contact customer support about getting a new power supply.
Green and Orange Indicator Light:
If the indicator light is flashing green and orange, this may mean that the console does not detect the AV Pack.
Disconnect and then reconnect the Xbox AV Pack. Make sure the connections are firmly connected. Turn your Xbox back on.
If the indicator light is still flashing green and orange, try another AV pack if one is available.
If the indicator light is still flashing green and orange, you'll need to contact Miscrosoft Customer support.
Flashing Orange Indicator Light:
If your Xbox console's indicator light flashes orange, this means the internal components have overheated and the Xbox has automatically shut down to prevent damage.
Turn off the console and let it cool for at least 10 minutes.
To prevent the Xbox from overheating in the future, make sure that it's not placed in a closed cabinet or on carpet. It's best to get the Xbox elevated off the ground where the PSU can have maximum heat release.
You'll also want to make sure the Xbox is not located near a heat source like the back side of a television, computer, monitor, or other electrical device.
ABA Journal Top 100 Blawgs

Law of the Game has been added to the ABA Journal's list of "Top 100 Blawgs." To view the complete list, click here. Selection to the list means that Law of the Game is one of the "top 100 best websites by lawyers, for lawyers."
From now until January 2, there will be voting to determine the "favorites" among the categories. It is in the "Black Letter Law" category. I'd greatly appreciate if if you would take the time to vote for Law of the Game.
Vote Here
About the ABA Journal:
The ABA Journal is the flagship magazine of the American Bar Association, and it is read by half of the nation’s 1.1 million lawyers every month. It covers the trends, people and finances of the legal profession from Wall Street to Main Street to Pennsylvania Avenue. ABAJournal.com features breaking legal news updated as it happens by staff reporters throughout every business day, a directory of more than 1,500 lawyer blogs, and the full contents of the magazine.
About the ABA:
With more than 413,000 members, the American Bar Association is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.
Microsoft sued over Halo 3 "Consistent" crash
A San Diego resident who recently purchased Halo 3, which stars the pistol packing super soldier, has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft - alleging that the company released a faulty product that frequently crashes when played on the Xbox 360. In court papers filed this week, Randy Nunez charges that Halo 3 "consistently causes the Xbox 360 to crash, freeze, or lock up while the game is being played." Along with Microsoft, Nunez also is suing Bungie, which developed Halo 3 along with Microsoft and recently spun off from the software maker. The action was filed in U.S. District Court in Southern California. Nunez said he purchased a copy The lawsuit contends that the problem is widespread, and that Microsoft and Bungie haven't taken any steps to fix it. "Although faced with repeated and mounting consumer complaints and inquiries concerning this operational flaw in Halo 3, the defendants have failed to recall Halo 3 or otherwise remedy its failure to function on the Xbox 360," the suit alleges. As a result, Nunez charges that Microsoft and Bungie are in violation of consumer protection laws. Nunez is asking the court to give the suit class action status and is seeking unspecified damages. Microsoft and Bungie have yet to file a formal response to Nunez' allegations. Halo 3 smashed video game industry sales records when it debuted in September. It took in more than $300 million in sales during its first week on the market, including $170 million in first-day receipts.
