Technical Issues FAQ version 2.1 [i]Copied with permission from
The Xbox Forums as some may not have access there.
The opinions contained herein are solely those of the respective posters, and are NOT the thoughts and opinions or an official answer from Microsoft.
Microsoft claims no responsibility for any advice that is given.
All posts are "AS IS" and ONLY the opinions of the respective users.
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This FAQ is made to provide answers for both those with questions, and to those who need answers to give.
Please feel free to copy information straight off this, and use it to help yourself or somebody else.
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Contents:
1. How do you connect 2+ Xbox systems for system link play?
2. How do you transfer memory on the Xbox hard drive to a memory unit?
3. How many blocks are available for save files, soundtracks, and downloaded content on my Xbox?
4. How can I get HDTV (High Definition Television), is it even possible?
5. How can I get Dolby Digital or DTS, is it even possible?
6. How do I get my Xbox to play DVDs?
7. What should I do if the contrast on my television becomes light then dark during while playing a DVD?
8. Can I play Xbox games and DVDs in an Xbox from another part of the world?
9. I am new to Xbox Live, where can I find information?
10. How do I check the upload, download, latency, and packet loss on my Xbox?
11. How do I setup the Xbox Live 2 month free trial?
12. How do I renew my Xbox Live account with a 12 month subscription card?
13. How do I change my subscription from monthly to yearly or yearly to monthly?
14. Can I change my Xbox Live GamerTag?
15. Can the pass code on my Xbox Live account be reset?
16. I have my account on another Xbox or I accidentally deleted it, how can I get it back?
17. What should I do if I am having trouble downloading content/patch?
18. What should I do if I get an error saying "Xbox Live is not responding try again later"?
19. How do I setup Windows Internet Connection Sharing?
20. What is a good router for Xbox Live?
21. What should I do if I am having problems connecting to Xbox Live with a router that is labeled as Xbox Live compatible?
22. What should I do if I open the network trouble shooter and I get an error saying "DNS not resolved"?
23. What should I do if I open the network trouble shooter and I get an error saying "IP settings not confirmed"?
24. What do I need if I am going to connect to Xbox Live wirelessly?
25. Does wireless encryption cause lag?
26. I have a 2.4 GHz wireless phone, if I get a 2.4 GHz wireless router will I get interference?
27. Why can't I connect to Xbox Live using a hub or switch that is connected to my modem?
28. I am getting an error message that says my "your Xbox requires service call for support", what should I do?
29. How do I cancel my Xbox Live account?
30. I forgot the parental pass code for my Xbox, how can I reset it?
31. I am having trouble with the Xbox Music Mixer, where can I go for help?
32. Can I connect my Xbox to my computer monitor?
33. What should I do if I am having trouble loading a Grand Theft Auto save file?
34. What does it mean when the light on the front of my Xbox is flashing green and orange?
35. What does it mean when the light on the front of my Xbox is orange?
36. What does it mean when the light on the front of my Xbox is flashing a color that includes red?
37. What should I do if my question was not answered here?
1. How do you connect 2+ Xbox systems for system link play?
Before you start you should check the back of the game you want to play to verify its system link capabilities (i.e. does it support system link, and how many Xboxes and players does it support).
A crossover cable is a CAT 5, 5e, or 6 Ethernet cable with two of the wires inside of the RJ-45 connectors switched. This is used for connecting 2 Xboxes directly.
A straight through cable is also a CAT 5, 5e, or 6 cable with the all of the wires in the same order inside of the RJ-45 connector. This is used for connecting 3+ Xboxes using a hub, switch, or router.
To connect an Xbox using system link you need the following:
2 Xbox consoles
1 of the game you want to play for each Xbox console
1 TV for each Xbox console
1 controller for each player
1 crossover ethernet cable or system link cable (for 2 consoles)
For 3+ consoles you need the previous and in addition:
A hub/switch/router
1 straight through CAT x ethernet cable for each Xbox (x meaning 5, 5e, or 6)
To hook it all up:
2 Xboxes
Xbox----CAT x crossover ethernet cable----Xbox
3+ Xboxes
O = CAT x Straight through ethernet cable
Xbox--------O--------hub/switch/router--------O--------Xbox
Xbox--------O--------|_____________|--------O--------Xbox
This shows how to connect some games for system link. Most games support 4 Xboxes but some games will support 16 Xboxes 1 player per Xbox.
How can I change my Xbox's system link "name"?
The information in
this post should help you change your system link name.
Trouble shooting:
Verify you have the correct cable, see below.
Verify all of your cables are connected, and that you have the correct cable.
Verify your the power cable to your hub/switch/router is connected and your power is on.
Verify each Xbox does not have any Downloaded Content that the other(s) does not have, if one does have extra content you can copy the Xbox Live account used to download it (see question 2) to the other Xbox then download the required content.
How do I tell whether the cable I am using is crossover or straight through?
Look at the ends of your cable, and hold them the same way with one in each hand. Now look at the wires inside of the cable. If each end has the wires in the exact same order your cable is straight through. If a few wires are switched the cable is crossover.
Xbox System Link cable
Xbox System Link cable manual
2. How do you transfer memory on the Xbox hard drive to a memory unit?
If you want to copy a game save from the Xbox hard drive:
You will need a memory card to transfer saves from your Xbox
Note: Some games do not support transferring saves using a memory card, for example Knights of the Old Republic does not support save transfer even with a large enough memory units.
1. Turn on your Xbox without a disc in the drive
2. Select Memory
3. Insert your memory card and verify your Xbox recognizes it, if not verify your memory card is not a third party unit, verify it has the Xbox Compatible logo on its packaging, verify your memory unit is not damaged, and verify that your controller is not damaged
4. Select the Xbox icon
5. Using the large navigation circle on the left side of the screen scroll your individual games
6. Once you have found the game you want to copy a save from, use the small circles on the right side of the screen to navigate individual game saves for that game
7. Select that smaller circle
8. Press A, and select copy
9. Select your memory card
If you want to copy an Xbox Live account :
1. Turn on your Xbox without a disc in the drive
2. Select Memory
3. Insert your memory card and verify your Xbox recognizes it, if not verify your memory card is not a third party unit, verify it has the Xbox Compatible logo on its packaging, and that it is not damaged and that your controller is not damaged
4. Select the Xbox icon
5. Scroll all the way to the bottom of that menu
6. You will notice an icon that when selected says something like 'Xbox Live Accounts', and there will be another object under that category it will look like a small circle that when selected should say your GamerTag
7. Select that smaller circle
8. Press A, and select copy
9. Select your memory card
Can I transfer my saves from Xbox to Xbox using system link?
No you currently can not transfer saves to/from an Xbox using its system link capabilities.
How large is the Xbox memory unit?
The official Xbox memory unit is 8MB or 500 blocks.
Xbox Memory Unit
Memory Unit manual
3. How many blocks are available for save files, soundtracks, and downloaded content on my Xbox?
The Xbox currently has 340,000 blocks available for save files, sound tracks, downloaded content, and other user saves.
My Xbox says it has 50,000+ blocks left, what does this mean?
Your Xbox will say this until you have less then 50,000 (781.25 MB), it is most likely this way to inform you when your memory gets lower then 50,000 blocks.
How many blocks do I really have on my Xbox?
There are 1,024 bytes in a kilobyte, there are 1,024 kilobytes in a megabyte, there are 1,024 megabytes in a gigabyte.
An Xbox memory card has 500 blocks and 8MB of memory.
(8*1,024)1,024 = 8,388,608 bytes
8,388,608/500 = 16777.216 bytes per block
16,777.216/1,024 = 16.384 kilobytes per block
1,024^3(8) = 8,589,934,592 bytes/16,777.216 = 512,000 blocks per 8 Gigabytes
So your Xbox has a total of 512,000 blocks of memory, but only 340,000 for user saves.
340,000x16,777.216=5,704,253,440
[(5,704,253,440/1,024)/1,024]/1,024=5.3125GB
4. How can I get HDTV (High Definition Television), is it even possible?
The Xbox does support high definition television, up to 1080i resolution. To get HDTV you will need to purchase the official Xbox High Definition AV Pack.
Use the following procedure to get HDTV:
1. Insert your HD AV pack into your Xbox while it is off
2. Connect all of the proper cables to your HD TV and the High Definition AV Pack
3. Turn on your TV, and turn on your Xbox without a disc in the drive
4. Select settings
5. Select video
6. Select the option you want to use (note the Xbox dashboard only supports 480i)
For more information on High Definition TV look here.
Xbox High Definition AV Pack
Xbox High Definition AV Pack manual
This feature has been disabled from the PAL Xbox but I have left the inclusion of this in the FAQ as some of you may have an imported Xbox.
5. How can I get Dolby Digital or DTS, is it even possible?
The Xbox does support Dolby Digital 5.1 channel surround sound while playing games, as well DTS while playing DVDs. To get DD 5.1 or DTS you will need the official Xbox Advanced AV Pack (which also supports S-video), or the official Xbox High Definition AV Pack.
Use the following procedure to get DD 5.1 or DTS:
1. Insert the Advanced AV Pack or HD AV Pack into your Xbox while it is off
2. Connect your optical cable to your HD AV Pack or Advanced AV Pack, and your Dolby Digital Receiver
3. Turn on your Xbox on without a disc in the drive
4. Select the settings menu
5. Select audio
6. Enable Dolby Digital, Dolby Surround, and DTS (if your receiver supports DTS)
7. Press Ok
What should I do if my surround sound receiver does not have an optical input?
You can purchase an adapter like
this one
Xbox Advanced AV Pack
Xbox Advanced AV Pack manual
6. How do I get my Xbox to play DVDs?
You will need to purchase the Xbox DVD playback kit for your Xbox to play DVDs (The Xbox will only play DVDs in 480i resolution).
Use the following procedure to get your Xbox to play DVDs:
1. Insert your DVD playback kit not your Xbox
2. Turn on your Xbox console and insert a DVD into your Xbox then use the remote to control it
Xbox DVD movie playback kit
Xbox DVD movie playback kit instruction manual
7. What should I do if the contrast on my television becomes light then dark during while playing a DVD?
If you are connecting your Xbox to a VCR then you are experiencing a copy protection feature called Macro vision. The only way to resolve this problem is to connect your Xbox directly to your Television when watching DVD movies.
Copy Protection
Macrovision.com
8. Can I play Xbox games and DVDs in an Xbox from another part of the world?
Each region uses 2 separate ways to identify DVDs and games. All North and South American Xboxes use the NTSC format for DVDs and games, and DVDs use another type of format called the region code. If you are staying in the same general region you should be able to play games properly, but DVDs from that region will most likely not work. Also if you move from the North or South American regions to the European or Asian areas you will not be able to play your games or DVDs on your Xbox without a power converter, and an NTSC television.
What DVD region codes and NTSC/PAL designations apply to each specific areas?
0 No DVD region code, can be played in all DVD players
1 USA, Canada
2 Europe, Middle East, Japan, South Africa
3 S.Korea, Taiwan, HK, ASEAN
4 Australia, NZ, Latin America
5 Ex-Soviets, Indian sub-continent, Africa
6 China
7 Reserved
8 International territory (airplanes, cruise ships, etc.)
It is hard to say which TV formats are in which region, because they are scattered around the world. Although they are for the most part in specific areas, NTSC tends to be in the North American region, as PAL tends to be in the more European areas. Asia is mixed between PAL/NTSC.
DVD region information
Game region
9. I am new to Xbox Live, where can I find information?
Xbox Live is an online service dedicated to Xbox gamers who would like to play gamers from all around the world, in all sorts of different games. Xbox Live does require a some things to play though, obviously an Xbox, a broadband connection (which is taken care of), and a valid credit or debt card enabled for online based and subscription based purchases that is featuring either the Visa or MasterCard logo. You can connect 1 of three ways, you can connect directly to your modem, you can connect through a router that is
Xbox Live compatible, or you can use Windows internet connection sharing. To use a direct connection you just connect an ethernet cable to your modem, and connect that same ethernet cable to your Xbox.
More information Direct Connection. For the router connection you should use an Xbox Live compatible router (mentioned above), you then connect your modem to the 'WAN' port on your router. Then connect your Xbox to one of the 'LAN' ports on your router using a straight through ethernet cable.
More information on Router Connection. Windows ICS is much more complicated then any of these previous connections and is best used only when your modem can only be used with a USB connector. If you want to use Windows ICS I would recommend looking at the
Official Support website or continuing to the bottom of this post.
If you are a parent setting up Xbox Live for your child, or you would like more information on how Microsoft uses your credit card information read below:
Xbox Live only requires a credit card for one reason, and that is age verification. It is just to ensure that somebody 18+ has accepted the Xbox Live terms of use. If you are afraid that your son/daughter is going to purchase things on Xbox Live you can always disable the premium purchases option in the Xbox Live dashboard, this way s/he can play Xbox Live and not charge your credit card until the first year is up. If you want absolutely no charges on your credit card then you can have your son/daughter purchase a 12 month subscription renewal card (50$ USD, learn how to use it on question number 11) which will renew their Xbox Live account for one year without charging your credit card, otherwise after the first year your credit card will be billed monthly which you can change back to yearly using the steps on question number 12. If you are worried about online hackers breaking into the Xbox Live servers and obtaining your credit card information you shouldn't, Xbox Live uses military strength encryption protocols (encryption: The combination used to lock information so it can only be viewed by a person who has it, Microsoft has a combination that is the equivalent of a 58 number combination lock that is only open able with the combination), Microsoft is one of the worlds leading producers of operating system and security software so they are very experienced with it, and the IP address (like your homes mailing address, but on the internet) that Microsoft uses for their servers is only known by them. So all in all you should have nothing to worry about when you allow your son/daughter to use their credit card to sign up for Xbox Live. Just make sure you read the Terms of Use, the Code of Conduct, and the Privacy Statement.
Xbox Live default page
About Xbox Live
Xbox Live starter kit
Xbox Live subscription offers
10. How do I check the upload, download, latency, and packet loss on my Xbox?
Use the following procedure to check your upload, download, latency, and packet loss.
1. Turn on your Xbox without a disc in the drive
2. If you have not yet downloaded the Xbox Live dashboard select settings, other wise select Xbox Live then your account
3. Select network settings
4. Select connect
5. After your Xbox is finished connecting press Y
UL = Your upload, which is the rate at which you can send information to the internet. This is usually the deciding factor in the amount of players a game you host will hold.
DL = Your download, which is the rate you retrieve information that is being sent to you. This has a little say in the number of players a game you host will hold, but needs to be large enough to retrieve information from each Xbox.
L = Your latency, which in other words is your 'ping' time or the amount of time it takes for information you have sent to come back to you
P = Your packet loss, which is the amount of information that comes back to you after you have sent it.
You should keep in mind that this test can be very inaccurate, but it will give a general idea of the bandwidth your Xbox is receiving.
11. How do I setup the Xbox Live 2 month free trial?
Use the following procedure to setup your 2 month free trial:
1. Insert the game disc, or any other Xbox Live enabled game into your Xbox
2. When the game is finished loading select Xbox Live
3. Select new account
4. You will either be brought to the Xbox Live dashboard, or Xbox Live will be installed onto your dashboard
5. When you are brought to the "Welcome to Xbox Live" screen press continue
6. Select your billing region
7. You must accept the ToU to continue
8. Input your GamerTag (it can be up to 15 letters and numbers long which includes spaces, and it can not be taken already)
9. Enter your Birth date (if you are under the age of 18 a parent must complete the rest of the registration process)
10. Enter your subscription code
11. Continue and sign into Xbox Live
12. How do I renew my Xbox Live account with a 12 month subscription card?
Use the following procedure to renew your Xbox Live account:
1. Turn on your Xbox without a disc in the drive
2. Select the Xbox Live menu if you are not taken there automatically
3. Select the Account Management menu
4. Select the Subscription Menu
5. Select Modify (you will need to enter the last 4 digits of the credit card you used to sign up with)
6. Select the Subscription Code menu
7. Enter your subscription code and then press continue
13. How do I change my subscription from monthly to yearly or yearly to monthly?
Use the following procedure to change your subscription billing period:
1. Turn on your Xbox without a disc in the drive
2. Select the Xbox Live menu if you are not taken there automatically
3. Select the Account Management menu
4. Select the Subscription Menu
5. Select Modify (you will need to enter the last 4 digits of the credit card that you used to sign up)
6. Select Monthly or Annually
7. Press Accept
8. When the window appears confirming your changes press ok
9. When you are taken back to the subscription menu press B
14. Can I change my Xbox Live GamerTag?
No you are not able to change your Xbox Live GamerTag.
However, if your GamerTag is offensive or has been reported as so then Microsoft may change it at thier discretion.
15. Can the pass code on my Xbox Live account be reset?
Yes it can.
Use the following procedure to reset your Xbox Live account pass code.
1. Turn on your Xbox without a disc in the drive
2. Select the Xbox Live menu if you are not taken there automatically
3. Select the Account Management menu
4. Select pass code
5. Enter any pass code
6. When the window appears telling you it was incorrect select clear
7. Enter the last 4 digits of the credit card number that you used to sign up
16. I have my account on another Xbox or I accidentally deleted it, how can I get it back?
You can use the Account Recovery feature of Xbox Live to recover your account and also invalidate all other copies of your account.
Use the following procedure to perform account recovery:
1. Turn on your Xbox without a disc in the drive
2. Select Xbox Live if you are not taken there already
3. Select Account Recovery
4. You will need to enter all of the account information you entered on signup
17. What should I do if I am having trouble downloading content/patch?
If you are connecting through a router or any other device you should try connecting directly to your modem (unless you use Windows ICS if your modem only supports a USB connection). You should also sign into Xbox Live with all of you Live enabled games, if this is your first time, to ensure you can download any patches or content with relative ease. If you are not connecting through a router or using Windows ICS you should continue to the bottom of the page for official Xbox support contact information, and if you are going to post your question please continue to the bottom of this page to the "What should I do if my question was not answered here" section.
18. What should I do if I get an error saying "Xbox Live is not responding try again later"?
This is a question that is best answered in specific cases, if this is your first time you may want to read the question above, but you should post your question using the "What should I do if my question was not answered here" section.
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