American software company Microsoft Corp. has announced an official warranty extension for its Xbox 360 videogames console after a customer survey revealed a significant increase in incidences of a terminal hardware fault referred to as “error E74.”
"After investigating this issue, we have determined that the E74 error message can indicate the general hardware failure that is associated with the three flashing red lights error on the console," Microsoft said in a statement on its Xbox support site.
When experienced, the error greets Xbox 360 console owners with the ominous on-screen message: “E74 System Error. Contact Xbox Customer Support” in a selection of different languages And, to drive the point of desperation home, the error also comes complete with a single flashing red light on the lower portion of the illuminated ring placed around the system’s power button.
Other related effects of the hardware defect include visual tracklines and snowy interference on the connected TV screen.
The error doesn't seem as pervasive as the famous RROD, and has gotten much less attention from the media at large. It's smart, at the very least, to get out in front of the problem before it catches too much attention. After the system briefly became associated with the Red Ring, it seems like Microsoft has learned from their mistakes.
In its support bulletin, Microsoft said the problem affects only "a very small percentage of our customers."
The company said it would refund the cost of out-of-warranty repairs to users hit with the error. All refund claims must be received on or before Nov. 1, according to Microsoft. Refund requests will take four to 12 weeks to process, the company said.
"We have already made improvements to the console to reduce the likelihood of an occurrence of this issue," Microsoft said. The software maker did not provide an explanation of what's behind the E74 error or say what circumstances are likely to trigger it.
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