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Instructions
One Red Light
Turn on your Xbox 360 console and wait to see if an error message comes up. If you see a screen of text displaying an error message in multiple languages with the error code "E 74," you'll need to go to the Xbox support site and request a repair from Microsoft, which will cost some money if your Xbox 360 isn't under warranty.
Turn the console off if you got a different error code or a blank screen accompanying the one red light. Disconnect the Xbox 360's power cable from the system and the wall. Unplug the connection to the power supply unit, the big rectangular box in the middle.
Plug all components of the power cord back in and turn the console back on. If the problem wasn't solved, turn the console off again and unplug all memory cards and any USB memory devices plugged in. Unplug the A/V cables connecting your console to the TV and plug them back in. Unplug any accessories, including controllers and your Xbox Live network adapter.
Plug everything back in and turn the console on again, if the problem persists, turn it off and remove the hard drive. Turn the system back on without the hard drive to see if the problem is solved. If not, see Step 1 about sending your console to Microsoft for professional repair.
Two Red Lights
Turn your Xbox 360 off and remove any clutter surrounding your Xbox 360. Two red lights means the console is overheated.
Leave the Xbox 360 off for at least an hour while it cools down. If the console isn't well-ventilated, consider moving it.
Clean the console is dirty, dust it off or clean it gently with a damp rag. Turn the console on after letting it cool. Consider purchasing an Xbox 360 fan accessory to help keep your system cool if you experience this error frequently.
Three Red Lights
Turn your Xbox 360 on and locate the small light on the power supply block that connects to your power supply cord. Three lights signifies a power supply hardware failure. If the light is red, orange or not lit, turn the console off and unplug the power cord leading into your console.
Unplug the power supply from the wall and the power supply block. Plug them all in and turn your console on again. If the problem persists, take your console to another room to see if the problem is with your home's electrical outlets.
Plug the console into an outlet in a different room. Don't bother with the A/V cables, but know that when you turn on the console, you'll get four red lights because of the lack of audio and video input. Check the light on the power supply unit. If it's any color but green, you'll need to replace the power supply unit and cord.
Four Red Lights
Turn your console and TV off and disconnect the A/V cable from the back of your 360. Detach the A/V connectors from your TV. These are the color coded prongs that usually plug into the back or side of the TV.
Plug all A/V related cables and prongs back into your console and TV and turn both on. If the four red lights persist, either borrow an A/V cable from a friend or buy a new one to see if the problem is the cord or your console.
Repeat Steps 1 and 2 of this section using the new A/V cable. If the problem persists, see Section 1, Step 1 about sending your console to Microsoft for professional repair.