Handlebars (HB) blog

My Xbox is broken what do I do?
First off you will need to contact Microsoft. Call 1-800-4MY-XBOX. Speak to a support agent. If it is
decided that you box needs to go to the repair center then they will take the appropriate information
from you. You will then recieve a return box which also includes a peel off return lablel in the mail
usually within 1 week. The normal turn around time is from 1 week to 10 days but this depends on how busy the repair center is at the current time. Be sure when you pack up your console to look over the packing instructions and be sure the console is securely packaged up. Also on the instruction sheet is a place for a reference number and the console serial number.

Which way should I set my console: Vertical or Horizontal?
It doesn't matter. The console is made to be set either way. There are many rumors floating around
about both postions. If its vertical the disc will get scratched, if its horizontal I hear a grinding nosie, etc. It will work in either postion. I purchased my launch box in Nov. '05 and it has been standing vertical since day one and I have had no problems or issues of any kind, (maybe I'm just lucky) but use your own judgement basically around the design of your entertainment system. Just be sure that you have plenty of ventilation for your console and your power brick.

If you are having problems with the Apple Airport Extreme n/b/g router: thanks to Shadow of the Xbox Launch Team
Using the Apple utility, you will want to go into the Manual Setup screen and configure it to run in WEP128 or WEP64 modes. However, to do this you will need to set the router to run in '802.11b' mode or in 802.11b/g mode (n/b/g mode offers WEP-TSN, but not 'pure' WEP64/WEP128 mode). If WEP128/64 doesn't show up when you are in '802.11b/g' mode, you will want to configure the router to be in the 'off' mode (versus 'create a network' mode) then power cycle the router. The Apple utility (version 7.0) now should allow you to select 802.11b/g mode and choose WEP64/128.

Can I use a PC USB keyboard w/ my 360?
Absolutely! You can use your controller and the on-screen virtual keyboard or you can plug any USB keyboard into an available controller port to type your text messages.

What is the IP address of my Xbox 360?
To find your Xbox 360's IP address:
1. Pull up your 360 dashboard
2. System tab
3. Network settings
4. Edit settings
5. IP address is displayed on the right.

What is port forwarding?
Port forwarding: Opening a port in a router or firewall residing in a private network in order to let a party from the outside world contact a user inside.

The following ports must be available for Xbox LIVE to operate correctly:

•	UDP 88
•	UDP 3074
•	TCP 3074

How do I configure my router? Example only. Read your owners manual.
There are entirely too many routers to try and explain each one. This example is for a Netgear router. Type 192.168.15.1 in your browser window locater bar and there is usually an option for port fowarding and/or port triggering. Enter ports udp 88 udp/tcp 3074 (they may be together) and the IP address of your Xbox 360.
*another great source for looking up your router for port forwarding

My cd tray is getting stuck when it ejects a disc.
If your encounter this problem you can check it before having to send it in for repair. It may be getting stuck on your faceplate. Remove the faceplate and see if this remedies your problem. If not then you will need to call the repair center. If this does correct your problem then you will need to gently sand the inner surface of the faceplate where it goes over the drive. Continue this until the drive doesn't catch any longer.

I can't see or play premium downloadable content when not signed into LIVE.    Read Update Below:
When you download content from Xbox Live Marketplace, that content is licensed to the console you downloaded it to and the profile you downloaded it with. The console license allows anyone to use that content on that console, online or off. The profile license allows you to use the content on any console, as long as you're signed in to Xbox Live (the reason you have to be signed in to Xbox Live is that your profile has to be validated with the service).For example, if you try to play your new Xbox Live Arcade game offline on a different console, you may find that it only plays in demo mode. This is because the console is not the console to which the game is licensed, and your profile can't be validated until you sign in. To play the full version on this other console, you have to sign in to Xbox Live. If you have encountered problems with your console and it had to be sent in to the repair center or you exchanged it at your local retail store then you will have to call into Xbox customer support to see if they can help you with this issue.. This issue is handled on an individual basis and you have to call in.

UPDATE:  This issue has been resolved although it doesn't seem to work for everyone.  First off  "Do Not do an Account Recovery."   Delete the arcade content and re-download it to your console using the original gamertag you purchased the content with,  this should resolve the issue.  If it does not then you will need to contact the support group for your region so they can offer you more assistance with the issue. They should be able to help make this step work for you. Please have your console serial number ready as they will ask for it.   Downloaded Content after system repair/replace.

My NAT settings are set to open and it still doesn't work.
The main thing I see here is that most of the time people haven't checked or updated their firmware. If you need to update or check for updates for your router, then just go to the manufactures website and look up your model number. This seems to fix most issues.

Can't load your gamer profile. Please try again.
If you recieve this message the first thing you do is simply try it again. If it doesn't help then you will want to look on the Xbox.com website and/or Xbox forums to be sure that LIVE service isn't down for maintenance. After you are sure that isn't the problem then you could do an account recovery but note* "Recover your gamertag only if your profile is corrupt or missing. Recovery will delete all games saved for that profile on any console."

How can I share my files between my Xbox 360 & original Xbox?
You cannot transfer files between Xbox's (360 or original). You can do an Account Recovery on your Xbox and your Gamertag will be able to be used on both the Xbox and Xbox 360. Account Recovery is in the Account Management section of the Xbox Dashboard. from Tbird

Are you having trouble changing moderate & strict NAT settings?
I found this site very useful in answering questions about your NAT settings.

Buying a second Xbox 360 - can old profiles and data be moved to a new hard drive?
Well, there are two ways you can transfer you account. One is by account recovery and one is by moving it to the Memory Unit then to the new Hard Drive.
Account Recovery: To recover your account on the new Hard Drive, have no accounts signed in and go to the Xbox Live blade of the dashboard on the new 360. Go down to Recover Account From Xbox Live and enter your Gamertag followed by your E-mail address and password. It may take a few minutes, but this will transfer your Gamertag from the old xbox 360 to the new one.
Transferring by Storage Devices: If you have a memory card, I suggest migrating the account first. Go to the dashboard of your first 360 and go to the System blade (all the way on the right). Go down to Memory, then choose Hard Drive. Go down to Gamer Profiles, then press A on the profile you wish to move. Press Move and select the Memory Unit. Once the profile is on the Memory Unit, plug it into the new 360. On the new 360, go to the System blade again, then to Memory. Select the Memory Unit, then Gamer Profiles, then Press A on the profile on there. Select Move and then to the new Hard Drive. Now, your account has been transferred to the new Hard Drive. Also, if you are wanting to transfer you game saves over, go through the same process, instead of going to Gamer Profiles, you will go to games and Copy them to the Memory Unit. Retrieving Previously Downloaded Content: The great thing with Xbox 360 is all items that are downloaded are tied to your Gamertag, so you never have to pay for them again and you can re-download them again. So, any content that you previously purchased can be re-downloaded again free of charge. That is the best way to get content such as Gamer Pictures, Themes, TV Shows, Trailers, and Map Packs. thanks to: | EcHo 360 | Xbox Ambassador

Do you have an official Microsoft game disc that has been damaged?
If so click on the link and check to see if you meet the criteria to get a game disc replaced.

Where is my console serial number needed for registration?
The console serial number is located in three places:

• Above the two USB ports in the front of the console when you pull down on the faceplate tab.
• On the back of the console, next the the A/V cord insertion/the ethernet port/the USB port. It is between those three things and the bar code.
• Xbox Dashboard > System Blade > Console Settings > System Info. The first item listed is the Console Serial Number.

How do I transfer data from my Xbox 360 HDD to the new Elite HDD?

The Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive is the best option for media enthusiasts who game on Xbox 360™. It is the largest storage option for Xbox 360. Expand your Xbox 360 experience with downloadable content. Save your game progress, Xbox LIVE® gamer profile, game demos, and custom soundtracks from your own music collection. Download movies and television shows from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Play original and retro games in Xbox LIVE Arcade.

Hard Drive Transfer Kit for the Xbox 360 Elite system.
This kit lets you transfer content from your Xbox 360™ 20GB hard drive to your Xbox 360 Elite 120GB hard drive.

I'm having trouble migrating my account from an original Xbox to the Xbox 360 or Elite console.
You can check out here for all the tips & tricks that should help you for a smooth transition.

Can I use Satellite Internet to game online via XBOX LIVE?
Satellite Internet services are not supported by Xbox.   Link

Satellites are 22,000 miles away from earth and are travling 18,000 mph.  Thus Satellite Internet access has noticeable latency. (This is the time it takes data to travel from your computer to the Internet and back through the satellite.)  Latency for satellite Internet connection is typically 500-600ms, compared to 50-150ms for DSL and cable modem access. This delay isn't important for Web surfing, downloading files, streaming audio or video, but can cause problems for latency sensitive applications such as VoIP (Voice over IP) and online games.

What is "The Towel Trick?"
The ‘Towel Trick’ is a trick where the console is suffocated and not given air and is intentionally overheated.  This trick is not recommended,  and could void the warranty you have on your console.  Intentional overheating is bad.  The purpose of the towel trick is to resolve three red lights issue,  though it is unknown what exactly it does or how much extra harm it can do, but as I stated before it could void your warranty and it is not a recommended step to use to fix the console. The best thing to do is to send it in for repair.    Thanks to ETB Kanen - Xbox Support

What is this Retrofit for the Wireless Steering Wheel?
As a precautionary measure, Microsoft Corporation is voluntarily providing its customers with a free retrofit to the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel. The Wheels were manufactured during 2006 - 2007. A component in the Wheel chassis may in rare cases overheat and release smoke when the AC-DC power supply is used to energize the Wheel.  Complete the form and send it in.  The same form is used for US as well as UK customers. 

MSN LIVE Messenger:  How to disable Auto Sign-In:

To disable Auto Sign-In:

1. Turn on your Xbox 360 console with no disc in the tray and sign into Xbox LIVE with the profile whose gamertag you want to change.
2. Select your gamer profile in the Xbox Dashboard.
3. Select Auto Sign-In.
4. In the Windows Live Messenger area, select Disable.

Whenever I move my Xbox 360 console I hear a clicking noise?
I have had this question enough that I thought it needed to be addressed.  Inside your console is a "console orientation sensor" and it does just what the name implies.  It tells your console whether it is in the vertical or horizontal position.  Now you ask why this is important,  well whenever you look at your ring of lights  you want them to be in the correct indicating position no matter which position you have your console in.  When moving your console or gently rocking the console from its horizontal to it’s vertical orientation, and then back to horizontal 1 or 2 times you should hear a faint clicking sound inside the console.  This lets you know all is well.  Sensors have been know to stick and it won't hurt anything except your ring of light lighting position.

Can I play games that are from other countries other then my own?
Game discs and consoles are made for specific countries and regions. If you try to play a game disc that is made for a specific country or region on a console that is made for another country or region, the game disc will not play.

For example, if you purchase an Xbox 360 console in North America, your region is North America. Therefore, you cannot play game discs that are sold in Europe or in Asia on this console. Similarly, an Xbox 360 console that is sold in Europe can only play game discs that are sold in Europe, and an Xbox 360 console that is sold in Asia can only play game discs that are sold in Asia.

To see whether this issue occurs because the country or the region of the game disc and the console do not match, look on the back of the game package. Look for one of the following codes:

•	NTSC: North America and South America (United States, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Brazil)
•	NTSC-J: Asia (Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan)
•	PAL: Europe, South Africa, India, Australia, and New Zealand

If your game disc code does not match the region where you bought the console, you will not be able to play the game disc.

How do I clear the cache on the Xbox 360?
Clearing the cache on the Xbox 360 is a fairly simple process, and can be useful if the system seems sluggish, unresponsive, or you just need to get rid of a game update (for whatever reason).

The most important part of clearing the cache is knowing what to expect. All downloaded game updates will be removed. So if you have downloaded an auto-update for a game, in order to play it on Xbox Live you will need to re-download it.

User game saves, profiles, demos, videos, etc. are not deleted during the process.
Clear the Cache on the Xbox 360

To clear the cache on the Xbox 360 do the following:
    * Go to the Xbox Dashboard, select the System Blade, and select Memory.
    * Highlight the HD symbol and press Y.
    * Press X, X, Left Bumper, Right Bumper, X, X.
    You will see a confirmation message to confirm system maintenance, proceed.

Will I lose any information if I change my gamertag?
If you decide to spend the 800ms points and change your gamertag, nothing will change on your account except for your
gamertag.  You will not lose your friends list,  gamesaves,  nor your achievements.  Warning:  This change is irreversible, 
once done you can not recover your old tag and it will be lost forever.

How to change my Xbox LIVE payment method?  or your Xbox LIVE account has been suspended?
If your account was suspended you cannot do this from the Xbox 360 Dashboard.
First you need to sign in to the Billing & Account Management Website: https://billing.microsoft.com/home.aspx
Then: 

Under Your payment methods, click the payment method you want to change.

Under Payment method activity, click Go to payment method information.

Under Payment method information for this account, click Use a different payment method.

Click Add new credit card, and then click Next.

On the Confirm transfer page, confirm the balances and services you want to transfer, and then click Next.

Enter the information for the new payment method, and then click Save.

Note* Your services and balances will be transferred to the new payment method. The old payment method will be removed after this transfer and you can no longer use the removed payment method.

Why can't I download an M rated preview for a game or movie,  says my account is restricted?
If you were not yet 18 when you signed up for Xbox LIVE, your account was designated a child account. Child accounts are tied to a parent's Windows Live ID to control Family Settings, and some features of Xbox LIVE are restricted.
After you turn 18, you can promote your child account to an adult account. This promotion removes the Family Settings and Xbox LIVE restrictions. To promote your account, you must agree again to the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and marketing opt-ins. If a parent's credit card was on your account, you must also enter a new one to replace it.

How do I change the email address that is associated with my gamertag on Xbox LIVE?

• Go to your Gamercard on the Xbox Live area of the dashboard, then select Account Management.
• In the Account Management list, select Windows Live ID.
• Choose Change Windows Live ID.
• You will get this message:
  "Do you have another existing Windows Live ID to associate your Xbox Live account with?" So select Yes, I do
• Then enter the password for the Windows Live ID that is currently associated with your Gamertag, and click Sign in.
• Now enter the new e-mail address and the password for the new Windows Live ID that you want to associate with your gamertag, and select Sign in.
• You'll get this message:
  "Do you want to change the Windows Live ID associated with your Xbox Live account?" So select Yes, change.
• You'll get this message:
  “We have completed the Windows Live ID change to your Xbox Live account. You will be required to use your new Windows Live ID when you log on to Xbox Live or Xbox.com”
• Just select "Update Contact Information" if you have to update your contact information.
• Select Done.

Note: You can only change your Windows Live ID once in a 30 day period

Now you'll Xbox Live account is associated to the new windows Live ID

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