[GizmoTheMogwai]

My 360 died about a week ago suffering from the E74 error message.
After the horrible feedback about Microsoft's repair service I had a look around as to what were my options.

I recently read a blog post about how getting an independent repair-man to fix the problem was a much quicker and sometimes cheaper solution then sending it to MS(E74 not covered by warranty). A friend of my fathers also said that he had his console successfully fixed by an independent repair-man.

Just wondering if anyone who is technically in the know, would reccomend this or thinks I shouldn't.

P.S I think most of the reason why I dont want to send it off is due to the fact that I would be receiving a refurbished model NOT TO MENTION the 1 month + wait time for the turn-around.

ALSO, is there a chance that if I get my 360 repaired independently I could be banned from Xbox Live, I don't want any mods or anything.
Cheers,

Daniel.

[Nick Pavey]

You can't be banned whatsoever, opening your console has nothing to do with Live.

[xox Godders xox]

If it's over a year old anyway then shopping around for repair services isn't a bad idea.

All the recent feedback I’ve heard about the MS repair service has been very good though. Mine was sent for repair on Wednesday last week and is on its way back to me as we speak. Most people seem to report one or two week’s turnaround which isn’t bad seeing as they go to Germany (MS say 2-3 weeks officially although like I said most seem to get them back sooner).

You might get a refurb (no better or worse than what you get with an independant repairer anyway) but they seem to be turning them around pretty quickly these days.