This is going to be a work in progress FAQ as there is so much to write about. Here is the first part of the FAQ.

1. How do I get my console turn off after active downloads are finished?
2. How and when do I clear the cache?
3. How do I sign in to Instant Messenger?
4. I get a message saying something about a child account and I am inable to sign into Instant Messenger, why is this?
5. How do I start a private chat with someone?
6. What is the option, "Page Gamer" for and when should I use it?
7. How do I veiw a friends Gamercard?
8. Can I compare my achievements with a friend, if so how?
9. What do the stars on my Gamercard mean?
10. What is reputation and how do I raise it?
11. How do I view all the games I have played?
12. How do I delete trial XBLA arcade games from my "Games Played" list?
13. How do I change my Gamertag?
14. How do I change my motto?
15. How do I change my Gamerzone and what do they mean?
16. Where can I download demos, gamerpictures, themes etc?
17. I click on the Video Marketplace and there is very little in there, why is this?
18. Can I turn the console on/off with the controller?
19. When I view how much available space is left in my HDD it doesn't add up?
20. What is Microsoft XNA?
21. What is Backwards Compatibility
22. What are the CPU specs of Xbox 360?
23. What does 4 red lights mean?
24. What does 3 red lights mean?
25. What does 2 red lights mean?
26. What does 1 red light mean?
27. What is XBLA (Xbox Live Arcade)?
28. When are XBLA games usually released?
29. What are Microsoft points?
30. How do I claim my 1 month free Xbox Live?

 

1: How do I get my console to turn off after active downloads are finished?

You go to the system blade in the dashboard, click console settings, then scroll down to "Shut Down". Now select "Background Downloads" and select enable. Now every time you have an active download and you turn your Xbox 360 off, the Xbox 360 will power down, and once your downloads are finished your Xbox 360 will automatically turn off.

 

2: How and when do I clear the cache?

Well the cache is basically where game updates are stored. If you clear your cache you will only delete the game updates nothing else like XBLA games, demos, profiles, achievements or any content downloaded from the Xbox live Marketplace/Video Marketplace.

To clear your cache go to dashboard>system blade>memory>press Y>then enter X,X,LB,RB,X,X>select yes.

You should try clearing your cache when games constantly require updating or you are having trouble downloading content from the Xbox Live Marketplace/Video Marketplace.

3: How do I sign in to Instant Messenger?

To sign in to the Instant Messenger, go to the Xbox Live blade of the dashboard. Scroll down and select Chat and IM. This will bring up a window. You may need to press right on the left thumbstick to bring up the Instant Messenger window. Now press A to sign in to Instant Messenger.

4: I get a message saying something about a child account and I am inable to sign into Instant Messenger, why is this?

Microsoft has set a minumum age requirement to sign in to Instant Messenger. This age requirement is 18 years of age. If your account was created before the age of 18 years old and you have now reached/exceeded 18 years of age you will still not be able to sign into Instant Messenger.

5: How do I start a private chat with someone?

There are several ways to start a private chat with someone.

Method 1: Go to the Xbox Live blade of the dashboard. Now scroll down to messages, then select create new. This will bring up a new window, select Private Chat. You now need to select the gamertag you wish to chat with. Then select send.

Method 2: Again go to the Xbox Live blade of the dashboard. Now scroll down to "Friends". Scroll down to the friend from your "Friends List" you wish to chat with. Now press A on the controller. Select the second option down "Invite to Private Chat". The person you have selected will be informed that you wish to chat with them.

6: What is the option, "Page Gamer" for and when should I use it?

This is a feature which allows you to remind the person you have invited to a private chat that you are wanting to chat with them. It can also be used if you urgently require to talk to a friend. You just need to constantly invite them to a private chat, and they will get the message that you need to chat with them urgently. You can use it anytime.

7: How do I view a friends Gamercard?

To view a friends Gamercard, press the guide button. Now scroll down to "Friends". Now scroll down to the persons Gamercard who you wish to view. Now press A and you are now viewing their gamercard.

8: Can I compare my achievements with a friend, if so how?

Well firstly, you'll need to view the persons Gamercard which is explained how to do above. Then select "Compare Games." You can now view their achievements and compare their achievements with your achievements.

9: What do the stars on my Gamercard mean?

This is a basic summary of what other gamers think of you. This is your reputation.If you have a high amount of stars this means you are a popular character and are not disliked by many. If you have a low number of stars this means that your a re not a popular character and are disliked by many people.0

10: What is reputation and how do I raise it?

To raise your reputation you just need to be nice, play fair, don't cheat/glitch, be respectful to other gamers and most importantly, have fun. It's just a game. If you do this, players are more likely to "Prefer you as a player." This will raise your reputation if players "Prefer you as a player." If players "Avoid you as a player"/ File a complaint about you this will lower your reputation.

11: How do I view all the games I have played?

To view the games you have played, go to the dashboard. Scroll along to the Xbox Live, Games or Media blade of the dashboard. Click on your Gamercard and select "View Games". You can see all the games you have played whilst signed in with the specific Gamertag.

12: How do I delete trial XBLA arcade games from my "Games Played" list?

This is not possible. Why you ask?

The reason they show up on your gamertag/card is because they are the full version of a game, just a locked version. So if tMicrosoft wanted to make it possible for you to delete the "Trial" games from your gamercard, they would need to make it so you could delete retail games and full version Xbox Live Arcade games and that could be quite hard work for them.

13: How do I change my Gamertag?

To change your Gamertag, select your Gamercard. Then select, "Edit Gamer Profile". Now select Gamertag. Then delete the gamertag in the box and type in what you wish to change your gamertag to.

Please Note: This will cost you 800 Microsoft Points which can be purchased from the Marketplace.

14: How do I change my motto?

Select your Gamercard, then go to "Edit Gamer Profile." Now select Motto. Now type in what you want your motto to be.

Please note: You cannot remove the country above your Gamercard.

15: How Do I change my Gamerzone and what does each zone mean?

Select your Gamercard. Now select "Edit Gamer Profile". Then select Gamerzone.

Your Xbox Live Gamer Zone describes what type of gamer you are.

Pro
You aren't going to settle for anything less than first place, but you respect the game and your competitors.
Motto: "Play clean, play hard, play to win."

Recreation
It's not whether you win or lose, but that everyone enjoys the game.
Motto: "Kick back, relax, be considerate, and have fun."

Family
You want a zone you and your kids can enjoy. No mature language, no trash talk, no super-competitive egos.
Motto: "Fun for the whole family!"

Underground
If you aren't afraid of trash talk, the Underground is for you. Not for the faint of heart.
Motto: "Take no prisoners!"

You are more likely to be paired up with someone who has the same Gamerzone online in multiplayer on Xbox Live.

16: Where can I download demos, gamerpictures, themes and TV shows etc?

You can download these from the Xbox Live Marketplace. To get to the Xbox Live Marketplace, simply scroll along to the Marketplace blade on the dashboard and select which category you wish to download from.

Please Note: TV Shows and movies are not found in the Xbox Live Marketplace. They require you to visit the Video Marketplace which can be found in the "Media" blade.

17: I click on the Video Marketplace and there is very little in there, why is this?

This is because the Video Marketplace is only available in America right now.

18: Can I turn the console on/off with the controller?

Yes you can.

Turn Off: Hold down the button in the middle of your controller until a menu slides out from the right hand side of your screen. Select "Shut Down".

Turn On: Pick up the controller and hold down the button in the middle of your controller until you here your Xbox 360 starting up.

19: When I view how much available space is left in my HDD it doesn't add up?

This is because 6-7 Gigabytes is reserved for game updates and emulations for Backwards Compatible Games. There is no way to save anything else into this reserved space.

20: What is Microsoft XNA?

This is a set of tools which allow gamers to create there very own video game and play it on the xbox 360. Some of the tools that are included are the XNA Studio, X/NA Framework and XNA Build.

There is a subscription fee to join the XNA Creators Club.

For a yearly subscription it will cost you $99/£65. But here in there U.K there is a 4 month subscription fee which costs £30.

21: What is Backwards Compatibility?

Backwards Compatibility is a list of Xbox games that you can play on the Xbox 360. Backwards Compatibilty is used through software emulation of the original Xbox. A hard drive and the downloading of an emulation profile is needed in order to play original Xbox games. Updated emulation profiles are automatically obtained through Xbox Live, alternatively you can burn a CD with profiles downloaded from Xbox.com.

22: What are the CPU specs of the Xbox 360?

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Now this is where it gets really technical. The CPU (Named Xenon by Microsoft) is a custom triple-core PowerPC based design by IBM. It has a maximum performance of of 115.2 gigaflops and is capable of 9.6 billion dot products per second. Each CPU runs at 3.2 GHz. The original chip found in consoles made from launch till mid 2007 uses a 90 nanometer process, and after mid 2007 Microsoft hope to release a smaller, cooler running chip 65 nanometer process. The 65 nm chip was planned to be released early 2007 but was delayed to mid 2007.

The CPU also contains ROM storing Microsoft private encrypted keys, used to decrypt game data. The heat sink in the Xbox 360 used to cool the CPU is made of aluminium fins with copper base heat pipes. The heat sink gets cooled by two 65 millimeter fans at the back of the Xbox 360 (As if you didn't know they were there )

23: I have 4 red lights flahing on the front of my Xbox 360, what does this mean?

This means that there is a connection problem with the AV cable. Check that the cable is fully inserted in both ends and if the problem persists contact Microsoft customer support.

U.K: 0800 587 1102

U.S: 1800-4-MY-XBOX.

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Rule#5: Show no love, Love will get you killed
Xbox Ambassador
My unfinished Setup

24: I have 3 red flashing lights on the front of my Xbox 360, what does this mean?

There are actually quite a few reasons for 3 red lights although the most comman reason is a hardware failure.

Examine the lights on the power supply. When you turn on the console, the power supply light should illuminate green even if the three lights on the Ring of Light flash red. If the power supply unit light is not green, follow the steps that are listed in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:

The power supply light is red

The external power supply has detected a fault.

Make sure that the Xbox 360 is plugged straigh into a wall socket. Not via an extension cord/surge protector.

Let the power supply cool for several hours. The red light may indicate that the power supply has overheated. The power supply should turn back on after it cools

The power supply light is orange

If the power supply light is orange and the console will not turn on, there may be a problem with the console.

Turn the console off, disconnect the power supply to the console.

Reconnect all the cables and see if the console turns on.

The power supply light is not illuminated

If the power supply light is not illuminated, the power supply typically is disconnected from the wall socket.

However, if the light is not illuminated but the power supply is connected to the wall socket, there may be a problem with the power supply.

Disconnect the cord that connects the power supply to the console. To do this, follow these steps:

If the outlet is working but the Xbox 360 console does not turn on, the power cords may be damaged. Remove the AC power cord from the wall outlet and from the Xbox 360 console power supply. Examine the AC power cord for damage. Examine the DC cord that is attached to the power supply unit for damage. If either cord is damaged, do not use them. Contact Xbox Customer Support.

Let the power supply cool for several hours. The power supply may have overheated. The power supply should again work after it cools. Adequate cooling may take several hours. Make sure that the power supply has sufficient ventilation during the cooling period. Do not try to turn on the console during the cooling period. Reconnect the cords, and then try to turn on the console.

If you have another power cord and power supply available, use it to test the console. If the console now powers on, you may need a replacement power supply.

You will need to contact Microsoft customer support if the trouble shooter fails. This section was helped by www.microsoft.com

U.K: 0800 587 1102

U.S: 1800-4-MY-XBOX

25: I have two red lights on the the front of my Xbox 360, what does this mean?

This occurs when the Xbox 360 is overheating. You should leave your console to cool down for a few hours. If you return and are still seeing two red lights, you should contact Microsoft customer support.

U.K: 0800 587 1102

U.S: 1800-4-MY-XBOX

26: I have one red light on the front of my Xbox 360, what does this mean?

There are two reasons why this happens.

1: You recieve an error message.

This occurs when the Xbox 360 console experiences a hardware failure.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/907536 for troubleshooter.

This behavior occurs when an Xbox 360 Hard Drive hardware failure occurs if you see the error message E67, E68 and E69. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/917874/ for trouble shooter.

27: What is the XBLA(Xbox Live Arcade)?

This is a marketplace of it's own where you can download games, or try out free versions of the game before you commit to buying a specific game. Most of the games are retro games like Pacman, Galaga, Gyruss and so on.

What games are currently available for download on the XBLA?

Title Price

Action Arcade

3D Ultra Minigolf Adventures 800 MS points

Aegis Wing Free to America only.

Alien Homid HD 800 MS points.

Assault Heroes 800 MS points.

Boom Boom Rocket 800 MS points.

Cloning Clyde 800 MS points.

Castlevania: Symphony of the night 800 MS points.

Crystal Quest 400 MS points.

Doom 800 MS points.

Feeding Frenzy 800 MS points.

Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 400 MS points.

Heavy Weapon 800 MS points.

Marble Ultra Blast 800 MS points

Mutant Storm Reloaded 800 MS points.

Roboblitz 1200 MS points.

Small Arms 800 MS points.

Totemball (Requires Xbox Live Vision Camera) Free.

Eik and the Fable Souls 800 MS points.

Bar Sports

Bankshot Billiards 2 1200 MS points

Pinball FX 800 MS points.

Card and Board Games

Catan 800 MS points.

Hardwood Backgammon 400 MS points.

Hardwood Hearts 400 MS points.

Hardwood Spades 400 MS points.

Soltrio Solitaire 800 MS points.

Texas Hold'em 800 MS points.

UNO 400 MS points.

Coin-Operated Classics

Centipede/Millipede 400 MS points.

Contra 400 MS points.

Defender 400 MS points.

Dig Dug 400 MS points.

Double Dragon 400 MS points.

Frogger 400 MS points.

Galaga 400 MS points.

Gauntlet 400 MS points.

Gyruss 400 MS points.

Jetpac Refuelled 400 MS points.

Joust 400 MS points.

Ms. Pac-Man 400 MS points.

New Rally-X 400 MS points.

Pac-Man 400 MS points.

Paperboy 400 MS points.

Robotron 400 MS points.

Root Beer Tapper 400 MS points.

Rush 'n' Attack 400 MS points.

Scramble 400 MS points.

Smash TV 400 MS points.

Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting 800 MS points.

TMNT(Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) 400 MS points.

Time Pilot 400 MS points.

Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 800 MS points.

Xevious 400 MS points.

Puzzle and Word

Astropop 800 MS points.

Bejeweled 2 800 MS points.

Eets: Chowdown 800 MS points.

Hexic HD Comes Free with every HDD.

If you deleted it you can call

Customer Support and explain.

They will then get back to you

in 3-5 working days with a phone

call and you will recieve a code

which can be redeemed at the

Xbox Live Marketplace.

Jewel Quest 800 MS points.

Lumines Lives 1200 MS points.

Luxor 2 800 MS points.

Zuma 800 MS points.

Racing

Novadrome 800 MS points.

Strategy and Sims

Outpost Kaloki X 800 MS points.

Worms 800 MS points.

This list is correct and up-todate on the 23rd of May 2007.

 

28: When are XBLA games usually released?

There is a game released almost every Wedensday. There is seldomly no release.

 

29: What are MS points?

Look in the FAQ by goverland as he goes into what MS points in is FAQ.

 

30: How do I claim my 1 month free Xbox Live Gold?

You need to click join Xbox Live. Then select that you want a silver membership and complete the process. When you are finished it will say that you are entitled to 30 days of Xbox Live Gold.

Please Note: You have to create an account on the Xbox 360 console to be entitled to the 30 days of Xbox Live Gold. Offer valid for the first 3 accounts created per console.

31: What multimedia features does the Xbox 360 have available?

You are able to stream digital media stored on your portable MP3 players etc, digital camera, PC running Windows Media Centre or any Windows XP PC directly to your Xbox 360.

You can play all of your favourite music from any of the popular CD music formats(CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, CD-R, CD-RW, and CD-Extra, HD-DVD). You can store up to 15'000 songs on your Hard Drive and stream the music stored on your PC or portable music player.

You can also view images by connecting your digital camera, portable USB storage device or PC and instantly access your images.

The Xbox 360 also outputs High definition so that you can stream high-def movies and TV shows directly from your Media Centre PC.

You can also, like the original xbox, listen to your music whilst playing games.

Microsoft have also released a Xbox 360 HDD for 199.99 USD/£100.

 

32: Can I use my Xbox 1 controller S on the Xbox 360?

The Xbox 1 controller S is not compatible with the Xbox 360 and vice versa.

 

33: What is the DVD formats supported by the Xbox 360?

The Xbox 360 console supports 12x Dual layer DVD-ROMs. The full list of supported media formats: DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, CD-R, CD-RW, HD-DVDand CD-Extra.

 

34: How many players are supported in an Xbox Live game?

Microsoft have not announced a limit to the amount of players but the game that supports the highest nnumber of players to date is Perfect Dark Zero which handles 32 players.

 

35: What accessories are available for the Xbox 360?

Wired and Wireless Controllers,

Wired and Wireless Xbox Live Headset,

64MB and 512MB Memory Units,

Xbox 360 Live Vision Camera,,

Xbox 360 universal media remote,

Xbox 360 faceplates,

Xbox 360 external HD-DVD player,

Xbox 360 wireless steering wheel with foreback

Xbox 360 wireless network adapter,

Xbox 360 quick charge kit,

Xbox 360 play and charge kit,

and Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows

 

36: How does the Xbox 360 wireless adapter work and does it support WEP and WPA?

Simply plug the USB plug connected to the adapter into the USB plug at the back of the Xbox 360. The adapter itself connects to slots just above the USB plug. Once this is done enter your wireless network details and you should be connected.

It does support a number of security options such as WEP.

 

37: What screen options does the Xbox 360 support?

16:9 (Widescreen) and 4:3 (regular screen) Aspect ratios are also monitored.

 

38: What resolutions are supported?

Composite Resolutions of 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p native.

VGa resolutions up to 1080p native.

 

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Thanks to TR1GG3R MAN for helping me with the constant updating that this FAQ requires and getting it all organised. This FAQ is provided "as is" with no warranties, and confers no rights. The views expressed in this forum are held by individual Xbox users and do not reflect the views of Microsoft Corporation.

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Rule#5: Show no love, Love will get you killed
Xbox Ambassador
My unfinished Setup

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Rule#5: Show no love, Love will get you killed
Xbox Ambassador
My unfinished Setup

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Rule#5: Show no love, Love will get you killed
Xbox Ambassador
My unfinished Setup

Nice FAQ, very informative.

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I may take 48 hours to respond to questions because I'm swamped with University-related work.

Thanks AttachSloth32, there is a pending update to this FAQ right now as it is in the progress of being editied.

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Rule#5: Show no love, Love will get you killed
Xbox Ambassador
My unfinished Setup

Nice work

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My Forza 3 cars

Good FAQ, kyle. I see a few of those questions pop up in the Tech Issues forums quite a bit, so it's great to see many of them being covered in one place. Hopefully once you get close to a final product for this guide a mod could edit it have all the info in one post. Keep it up man (and congrats on finally gettin' that '?') lol.

>EcHo<

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Well TR1GG3R MAN has been helping out with the editing. As you can see in the index at the top, it goes down to 1 red light but it is still at 4 red lights. Once the final product is doen I will get it all together into one big long thread .

Oh and | ECHO |, thanks and congrats on your CUL 6

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Rule#5: Show no love, Love will get you killed
Xbox Ambassador
My unfinished Setup