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Is this common for Microsoft Repair Dept?

1840 Views 29 Replies 20 Participants Last post by  Asanab76
I have been having a hell of a time getting my 360 repaired. I don't know if this is a common thread, but this ordeal is bordering on ridiculous. My console first died 1 month after I bought it July 07 (should have seen the warning signs then). I ended up taking that machine back to CC for an exchange. In March of this year my second console died, and I sent it back to Microsoft. I receive the replacement (refurb), and when I lift it out of the shipment box I hear a screw rattling around inside the case. I call Microsoft back, and they send me another return box for my next console. I return that console and receive another one last week, and when I fire up a disc, it never loads. I try another one, and all I get is a squealing drive. I call Microsoft, and all they will offer me is another repair. This is ridiculous, I have been without my 360 for 2 months. I tried to see of they would offer me something for my trouble, but initially all I was offered was a copy of an old game (all launch titles which I have owned at one point or another), or a free wireless controller (which I have four of).

I attempted to get something and asked for either a wireless wheel, or a 120gb HDD both of which were refused (although the HDD request was "escalated" before being refused). At this point I have no idea what to do and seem like my only option is to get another refurb (console number 5 since July of last year). Any Ideas?
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Yep, they are well known for messing up that bad, only thing to do now is to get another refurb hopefully that one will work, but most of the refurbs are piles of crap.
Yup if it wasn't for Xbox live & Halo I would go elsewhere for my gaming!!!!
Anybody besides these two have an opinions? From the other threads, it is well known where they stand.
Is there anywhere I can go for assistance with this, like an escalation point outside of Microsoft customer support? The thing is, I really like the 360, but this is getting to the point of just stupidity. if this was just my first repair I would not be so aggravated, but 3 repairs in 1 1/2 months (going on console number 4) without any use of the console is insane. I don't think it is too much to ask for a (new) replacement console, and some type of compensation for not having use of the machine (other then the free XBL month).
I think you should take what they've offered you and run. I went through something similar and was without a 360 for more than 2 months. I was not offered anything and couldn't even get them to refund me the 3 months of Live I'd paid for and couldn't use. I doubt you will get offered anything more and while I will get in line with everyone else to say the failure rate sucks, the repair process sucks and it really sucks to be without one for an extended period of time. I think what you are asking for is a bit much.
I've heard enough bad stories about dealing with MS' customer service to give me the willies -- and it's the one area I think they really need to improve overall, especially in terms of replacing faulty units. But as a counter-balance, when my 360 finally went belly-up, I sent it in... and got it back exactly one week later. I couldn't believe how quickly it was returned. If everybody got that same level of service, I don't think there'd be as much animosity toward MS with regard to faulty hardware.
Its really unfortunate you've had to go this long without your 360, but I dont think MS owes you anything other than to keep repairing your console. You asking for a 120 HDD is ridiculous in my opinion. I really understand why you are P'O'd and I can only hope that others dont have to go through it, but it doesnt mean they should give you free stuff. As much as it sucks for you, we should all be thankful that they are replacing/fixing these things as willingly as they are. I'm on my second console right now as well. It acts funny from time to time, and I fear that it will go KABLAM right when Halo 3 is near, but its just something we have to accept.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dub273 /forum/post/0


I've heard enough bad stories about dealing with MS' customer service to give me the willies -- and it's the one area I think they really need to improve overall, especially in terms of replacing faulty units. But as a counter-balance, when my 360 finally went belly-up, I sent it in... and got it back exactly one week later. I couldn't believe how quickly it was returned. If everybody got that same level of service, I don't think there'd be as much animosity toward MS with regard to faulty hardware.

I experienced the same thing. My one return was very quick and went down exactly how they told me it would....and the guy on the phone took care of transferring/renewing all the warranty information.
I never understood this threads.. other than to bytch and complain.


There is no doubt the console has a spotty history and some people have had to go through several systems.. suffering a long drought with no 360. While this isnt the scenario everyone (or even most 360 owners) who have have troubled units go through. It does happen from time to time that people get caught in a endless loop of units that simply dont work.


But I'm the type of person where if Im not pleased with something. Id much rather be proactive about solving the problem than running to complain about it.. In this case I'd simply get rid of it. With many of things in life from material goods to even friendships some things just arent worth the experience of having them. So why keep that trouble in your life.


I'd suggest your best route is have it repaired. Get what you can for free (the controller seems like the most valuable offer) and when you do get it back.. Sell it! Sell the remanufactered 360 for what you can on Craigslist or Ebay.


From there you can use the money to purchase a competitors product that has a better reliability history.. or you can save your funds until the 65nm process is up and running and those systems are available on store shelves.


Sure you may lose a few bucks on the transactions.. but atleast you end up with a new unit that actually works and less stress in your life. But I think we'd all agree posting threads on internet forums is doing very little to provide a solution to your problem.
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I have actually considered selling the thing at this point, but I really enjoy the console. I already have a Wii, and the PS3 does not seem to offer anything I want.


As far as asking for something for free, I have not had my console for 2 months. I received it less then 7 months ago. I am already on my fourth console (soon to be fifth). Each time this thing breaks I have to find time to call Microsoft, get an RMA, Wait for a coffin, drive to the UPS store, drop off the console, wait for another one, open it up, then rinse and repeat. The only reason that my request for the HDD was denied was that they did not have any in stock, and I do not think that Microsoft is hurting for money, and the thing is, if they gave me a new console I would not ask for anything. 4 repairs back-to back-to back-to back is unacceptable, and their is no way around this. This 360 is almost two years old, and at this point issues like this should not be commonplace. Most bugs/glitches should have been ironed out this far into the product life.


As far as me being "thankful that they are replacing/fixing these things as willingly as they are", The machine is under warranty, and I purchased the extended warranty through them, so I shouldn't be "thankful" , Microsoft should get decent support techs so that customers don't have to go through this kind of BS when a machine has to be repaired.


My original post was not only to vent, but also to find out where I can go outside of Microsoft's standard tech support to get anywhere. If anyone knows where I can go to get somewhere with this issue it would be much appreciated.
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Sell and just buy a new one from Costco or Sam's Club. With their exchange policy you'd be able to exchange it everytime for a brand new one. No questions asked, end of story.


If you figure MS is going to charge $139 for the warranty repair anyways.. selling yours for $275-300 bucks.. and buying a new one for $399 is spending the same amount a money.


And you'd walk away with a brand new system, with instant replacement warranty.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Asanab76 /forum/post/0


...I have not had my console for 2 months.

Remember that various stores have 30 day return policies - both opened and unopened. That would allow you to still be able to play a 360 while yours is in the shop.



-JR
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Asanab76 /forum/post/0


I have actually considered selling the thing at this point, but I really enjoy the console. I already have a Wii, and the PS3 does not seem to offer anything I want.


As far as asking for something for free, I have not had my console for 2 months. I received it less then 7 months ago. I am already on my fourth console (soon to be fifth). Each time this thing breaks I have to find time to call Microsoft, get an RMA, Wait for a coffin, drive to the UPS store, drop off the console, wait for another one, open it up, then rinse and repeat. The only reason that my request for the HDD was denied was that they did not have any in stock, and I do not think that Microsoft is hurting for money, and the thing is, if they gave me a new console I would not ask for anything. 4 repairs back-to back-to back-to back is unacceptable, and their is no way around this. This 360 is almost two years old, and at this point issues like this should not be commonplace. Most bugs/glitches should have been ironed out this far into the product life.


As far as me being "thankful that they are replacing/fixing these things as willingly as they are", The machine is under warranty, and I purchased the extended warranty through them, so I shouldn't be "thankful" , Microsoft should get decent support techs so that customers don't have to go through this kind of BS when a machine has to be repaired.


My original post was not only to vent, but also to find out where I can go outside of Microsoft's standard tech support to get anywhere. If anyone knows where I can go to get somewhere with this issue it would be much appreciated.



Couldn't agree more. Don't listen to M$$ fanboys.
I think that "screw" that was rolling around in your 360 was the sensor ball that tells the 360 which position it is in (vertical or horizontal).
I believe some states have a consumer lemon law for products other than cars. Check and see if your does. It usually means if they try to repair something more than 3 times you are entitled to a new one or refund. Their choice, I think. Bring this up next time you call Microsoft. Couldn't hurt.
Not surprised one bit. I have heard alot worse than your story. Everyone is different. But with mine. It was a launch 360 and since it was out of warranty. Fixed it myself. Now I dont have to worry about how MS handled my 360 and wont have to worry about when its going to die. As the main fix is very simple. I also refused to give them $140 to fix it as so many people fork over all the time. Or they go out and buy a whole new 360 thats still made with the same problem. I still cant get over the amount of people on various message boards doing that. They have sucker written all over there head and its there own fault they keep having problems. Especially them knowing MS isnt doing anything to fix it. There just cashing in on people and will continue until people stop buying it. If I was in your boat. If and when you do get a working one. Get rid of it asap while you can and let someone else have the problems.
Korn how did you fix yours yourself.


Now this is the type of topics I'd expect to find on a technical forum. Actual solutions to a problem.. versus a bunch of people complaining about it.
Can't you trade it in at GameStop or something and get an Elite ? I know you will loose some dough but I would think for the aggravation factor... it might be worth it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mixtapem /forum/post/0


I think that "screw" that was rolling around in your 360 was the sensor ball that tells the 360 which position it is in (vertical or horizontal).

I checked to make sure, because I thought it might have been that, but it was a screw in the case (I could make it travel up one side of the console to the other by moving the case around). I have checked into our dept of consumer affairs website, and it looks like they only cover automobiles. I am going to give them a call and see if they will cover this inquiry.
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