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[foolishfocus]

At some point I found a thread about how to diagnose a flashing red problem, but the search function is practically useless and I figure everyone on here is more valuable anyway.  My 360 was working fine for about 6 months, only had 1 time when it flashed red.  I let it cool down and it worked fine from then on.  Starting in July, more frequently during Oblivion sessions, I started getting lights 1,3,4.  I'm pretty sure I discovered this meant hardware/hard drive failure, and tried the technique to diagnose it but to no avail.  I graduated from college and haven't had time to set it back up until today.  I started downloading demos and it died once while it was on the XBL screen and again while I was playing Just Cause.  I bought the extended warrant, so should I just contact MS?  Is there any cost to me except for my time without the 360?  Should I keep my hard drive or send it with?  Thanks

[foolishfocus]

NM, I'm a moron.  I didn't see the sticky at the top.  Still I'm wondering if there is any cost to me for sending my console in.  Thanks

[Smoove 360]

Here's my best understanding of the process (having never gone through it myself):

Assuming you haven't opened the console itself (thus automatically voiding the warranty), MS should fix it for free if you're still under warranty. For the premium edition you do have to send in the hard drive. You will most likely not receive your hard drive back, so keep this in mind. You may receive a new system or you may receive a refurbished one that MS repaired. This unfortunately means you will lose your game saves unless you backed them up onto a memory card. Additionally, you will probably have to call MS to refund your MS points for any marketplace items you got, as they are linked to your specific console (meaning you will not have access to them on your new console unless you are signed into xbox live with your original account). Hope this helps.

[C o s m o]

Just contact M$.  If you have the extended warranty, it won't cost you anything.