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How to Backup the Xbox

The Xbox and Xbox 360 both have an internal hard drive. Instead of traditional flash memory cards, this hard drive can be used to store user data, player profiles and game information such as save locations and unlocked rewards. Like any other hard drive, the Xbox's hard drive can become corrupted and damaged. Data can also be accidentally deleted. Creating a backup of your Xbox's hard drive will allow you to restore your game and profile data in the event of a problem.

Things You'll Need

External Serial ATA hard drive enclosure
USB cable
Torx screwdriver set

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the hard drive from your Xbox by pressing the tab over the hard drive cover and lifting the hard drive upward. This will detach a plastic shell that encases the hard drive.
- 2
  Remove the hard drive from the plastic shell by removing its four screws with a Torx-6 screwdriver. One of the screws is located under a Microsoft sticker. Once that sticker is removed or broken, the warranty will be voided.
- 3
  Remove the next series of screws, which hold the metal cover over the hard drive. Set the cover aside.
- 4
  Slide the hard drive out of the hard drive slot. Be sure to touch something metal before touching the hard drive to ground yourself and eliminate any static buildup.
- 5
  Insert the hard drive into a Serial ATA external hard drive enclosure. Plug the SATA case into a wall outlet, and plug the USB cable into your computer.
- 6
  Download the Xbox backup utility "Xplore360.exe." Click on "Drive," then "Backup." Choose a location on your computer to save the backup file, then click "Save." Wait for the backup to finish, then detach the hard drive and reassemble your Xbox by reversing the previous steps.

Xbox 360