How To: Towel Fix for an Xbox 360

The Xbox 360, while known for its advanced features and capabilities, is also recognized as a troubled console. Many early models contained a flawed internal design in its hardware assembly. In most cases, the graphics processing unit's (GPU's) connection joints were not properly soldered onto the motherboard. Over time, the GPU had a tendency to get loose, causing the system to stop responding and display three red rings. The "Towel Trick" essentially re-solders all loose ends onto the motherboard when the console's internals are exposed to extreme heat. This method provides a temporary fix to the console's problem, although only anecdotal evidence suggests it works.

Things You'll Need

• Towel

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Remove the main display connection from the Xbox as well as the network cable. Do not disconnect the Xbox 360's power cord. This connection is on the back of the console directly opposite to the power button.

   • 2

     Turn on the Xbox 360 console and wrap the towels around it. Ensure the console is completely covered, preventing any air from infiltrating into it.

   • 3

     Allow approximately 15 minutes for the console to overheat, effectively lowering the GPU solder joints and re-joining them with the motherboard's surface.

   • 4

     Remove the towels from the console and turn it on. As a result, the console should show its regular green lights instead of the red lights previously displayed.