What's wrong with my Xbox 360?

Question

My Xbox 360 has had a strange issue in the past month or so. Whenever I decide to play my Xbox, about 20 minutes after powering the console up, the device automatically restarts itself. No warning, no error code, no red rings. A simple restart. I have called Xbox Support and they have run me through the things that might be giving me problems. Hard drive is securely fastened, the restart button is not held down, and I have tried switching power outlets. However, I do note that switching the power outlet will give the console a temporary fix, ONLY under the cirucmstance that the console has restarted itself once, and I change the power outlet after I completely shutdown the console. So once again. What's wrong with my console? How can I fix it? Has anyone else experienced it?

Answer 1

Well, I find it interesting that the fine folks at Microsoft were unwilling to fix it.  Normally that's their mantra.  First thing you should ask yourself is this: what kind of third-party c**p do I have hooked up to this thing?  A controller, inter-cooler, and even a surge suppressor can cause this issue.  Instead of changing wall outlets, just try plugging it directly into the wall.

If none of these things are the issue, remove the faceplate from your box and make sure that it doesn't overlap the power button in any way.  Also, check the connections between your external power supply and your power cord, as well as their connection to the back of your console.  Remember that the 360's power unit is in three pieces, so thoroughly check each one.

If you have already done this and the problem persists, call 18004MYXBOX and ask to speak to a supervisor.  They will try to hassle you over this but if you want someone that speaks English (and I mean Yankee or the Queen's English, not Malaysish) than you will have to go this route.  Typically the helpful personnel that handle these issues misunderstand your problem, and diagnose it incorrectly.  Chances are, getting through the language barrier is half of your problem.