A number of different companies, Microsoft included, have started to offer an Xbox 360 repair service for consoles that are suffering from the “red ring of death” error. This problem, which is caused by overheating and loose components, can be expensive to repair if you have somebody else carry out the procedure for you. That’s why you are much better off to fix your Xbox 360 yourself. Today you are going to learn the basic principles behind repairing an Xbox 360, including what tools and resources you need, how much time it will take, and whether the results are permanent and worth the effort.
The first thing you will need if you wish to service and repair your Xbox 360 is a set of basic tools such as screwdrivers of both Phillips and flat-head varieties. Magnetic tipped screwdrivers are not recommended- they may make the job easier but the magnetic currents they produce have the potential to damage delicate, sensitive components inside the case. Other tools that would be useful are a rubber or plastic non-slip mat for working on, as well as a static wristband. You clip this onto the metal of the case, and wear the strap around your wrist. This diverts any static electricity away from you and into the casing, rather than into the components where it will cause massive damage. If you have a wooden table with a non-slip, plastic or rubber mat, as well as a non-carpeted floor, then you can get away with not having a static wristband. However, they are only a few dollars from most good electronics stores.
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