Can I restore one XBox 360 to a new 360?

[Petee_C]

There is a good possibility (as much as I'd like to deny it) that my 360 may be on the way out. No red ring of death yet, but it may be imminent.

My 360 is choking on rb6:vegas. Specifically, it's giving me 'dirty disc' errors. I got a new disc last weekend, and by the 5th night, I got my 1st DD error again. I haven't been on any other disc based game sinceRb6:vegas came out.

Since I have an awesome wife, I play about 60-90mins a night after the kids go to bed. So it gets a fair bit of use. My kids are too young for vids, so there is no roughing of the machine itself.

The current 360 is a replacement sent by MS back in Jan/Feb 2006, after my stand inline at 530am one from December gave the red ring of death.

Taking a look at the 'repair / replacement' thread, I'd rather not go through that process again, looks to be they are swamped.

I'm considering buying a replacement machine at a B&M store and paying for it with my Mastercard which has a decent warranty program (basically doubles the warranty up to 2 extra years). With MS's new 1yr warranty, that would get me 2 years from date of purchase

The other option might be Costco's as they have a very good return policy - The lady on the fone said they would exchange it for up to 1 year. Problem is , there system AFAIK comes with 2 wireless controllers, and the plug and charge kit. thus costing more $$$. But, because they only take cash/debit/amex, I wouldn't get the lo-cost warranty insurance from mastercard.

Can I get just a core system and add my HDD and have my live accounts and game stats transferred over?

Most B&M's are bundling the premium 360 with extra games (GRAW and Arcade), I already own GRAW. Most of my friends own GRAW too, so I doubt I could easily recoup any money from that.....

Suggestions would be helpful. I'd awesome welcome PM's on price if u know of a good deal.

How much to get an estimate on an outta warranty 360 repair for my current machine?

Is there any NEW premium systems available without extra games?

Thanks,
P

[JohnnyCanuck]

You can absolutely buy a core system and port everything over just by attaching your hard drive.

When my 360 was on the fritz I purchased a second system (which I knew someone wanted anyhow) and used it for some of the time it took MS to get me a replacement. I did exactly what you're suggesting.

I doubt you'll find either a premium or a core without some bundled games at this point.

[douggyd]

Why buy a new machine? I would get MS to give you another replacement...

[JohnnyCanuck]

I think the concern is that it is out of warranty (more than a year old) and with the time involved and potential repair cost, it might just be better to replace the console.

[BerinG]

I'm having the same problem.. I got one of the launch consoles and it was having trouble with lots of game in the 4 month.. remember, the warranty was 90 days back then so that was it..so anyway, i bought one and returned the defect.. i was desperate and even my girlfriend was telling me that it made no sense to pay over 600$ and have it last 4 months.. anyway..

machine worked fine after that and now its starting to freeze sometimes in Cod 3 etc.. it could be just the game really but before it breaks, im just thinking maybe i could sell it now in "used" form and get a new one.. i figure ill lose money but its better than just buying a new one and throwing the old one in the garbage a month or two frmo now (not that its the case)

anyway..good luck, let us know what you do in the end

[Petee_C]

I haven't done anything yet.....

I may just hold off and hope this one lasts until v2 comes out (code Zephyr?)

Now is not a good time to spend $500 +/- on a video console. I just got a 37" LCD on Boxingday.....

P

[pr0cs]

Not sure if v2 will ever come out to be honest.

[camilos]

Anyone know the answer to this:

I'm giving my xbox360 to a family member and buying a 2nd console for myself. As long as I keep the hard drive, I won't lose any saved files, gamertag info and gamerpoints, right?

Anyone know? I heard from someone that if I lose the actual Console, then some info is lost. Any truth to that?

Any info would be helpful.

[JohnnyCanuck]

If you keep the hard drive, you have everything. I had my 360 replaced and just plugged my old HDD into the new unit and everything was there.