Gaming Support

[WarGameJunkie]

I've got an XBox 360 Slim that's giving me problems. I think the laser's dying but I'm not 100% sure on that. I'm getting frequent freezing and disc read errors on multiple games that have no visable scratches on the discs. I've tried using the XBox 360 lens cleaner DVD (which allegedly cleaned the laser surprisingly fast) and am still getting freezing, etc.

I've got the Black Tie Protection plan on the 360. Has anybody ever used it for a laser replacement? If I take it in and explain to the tech what's going on will they take a look at the 360's other parts to make sure nothing else is wrong in case I'm wrong about the laser?

Also, if the problem is the laser or the drive how long does it usually take to get a 360 Slim fixed? Do they send it back to Microsoft or fix it themselves?

[Mariel-BBY Retired: Community Connector]

Hi WarGameJunkie,

Welcome to the forum and thank you for your question regarding your Xbox repair under your Black Tie. I'm sorry to hear that your Xbox is having trouble! That's no fun.

If you have a Black Tie Protection plan, you would be able to have your Xbox rapid exchanged, which means that you would bring it to the store (without your accessories, including your drive!!) and they would send it away. At the same time, a newly refurbished one would be sent to you within 3-5 days.

While you state that just one part of the Xbox isn't working, the whole thing would be sent away and you would get a whole different Xbox. It's my understanding that if you were to go through your manufacturers warranty,  Microsoft also sends you a refurbished Xbox. This raises some concern for people, but in my personal experience, my refurbished model has lasted about 3 years and is still going.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please let me know!

Regards,