(photo: credits)

Apparently Microsoft is extending their warranty plans for the Xbox 360 due to the E74 errors. This error occurs when the Xbox 360 console experiences a general hardware failure. So if you’ve paid for repairs then Microsoft may refund you the money… Here is a snippet of what they have to say.

Microsoft will refund to customers the amount paid for an out of warranty repair due to a general hardware failure associated with the e74 error message. Those customers should automatically receive the refund within 4-12 weeks, and no additional action by customers should be necessary. Those customers should automatically receive the refund within 4-12 weeks, and no additional action by customers should be necessary. However, if a customer has not received a refund by July 1, 2009, the customer should visit www.xbox.com/support before November 1, 2009 for information on how to place a claim. All refund claims must be received on or before November 1, 2009.’

Is your Xbox 360 console displaying the error message E74? Then you can submit a console-repair request online. However, before you submit your request, first try the following steps to verify the problem:

1. Turn the console off and on. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Turn off the console.
   2. Disconnect all the cables.
   3. Reconnect all the cables.
   4. Turn the console back on.
2. Turn the console off and on without accessories. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. Turn off the console.
   2. Disconnect any accessories that are connected. For example, disconnect all Xbox 360 controllers, all Xbox 360 Memory Units, and the Xbox 360 Hard Drive.
   3. When the accessories are disconnected, restart the console to determine whether the console or an accessory is experiencing the problem.

For more information on Xbox 360 console errors ( E68, E66 or E69 ) check out the Xbox 360 Support Service. Why wait though get a free Xbox 360 now and have two of them just in case one of them breaks down… why not its free!