Xbox 360 broken after 2 weeks. Ate Dead Rising too.

[Landslide]

2 weeks after the purchase of my 360, I believe it's broken. While playing Dead Rising a short while ago, the DVD drive spun up to load a cutscene (I'd just killed the Butcher). A loud grinding issued forth from the Xbox, sounding much like my coffee bean grinder. I leapt up and pressed the eject button, and out popped my Dead Rising game, with a millimeter thick groove carved in a perfect circle through the disc.

I called MS tech support, from the number listed at the top right of this page:
http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

After giving a bunch of vitals to the CSR person on the other end, she said the options available were to pay $35.00 for tech support or to figure it out myself. Unacceptable. Suggestions? My requirements are a new 360 and copy of Dead Rising, or full monetary compensation for both. Not even 14 days, and between the machine, the game and Xbox Live, it's been $500.00.

Come on Escapist readers, don't let me down!

Pic of Dead Rising disc:

 

[Russ Pitts]

You use it in the vertical position, don't you?

 

[Landslide]

Yep. As (supposedly) designed. Taking it (and Dead Rising) back to Walmart shortly.

 

[Archon]

Is there a known problem with using the Xbox 360 in the vertical position?

 

[Landslide]

Hmm, on phone with a much more helpful person. Will advise. (And he has suggested I keep any new unit flat, and isolated from anything that could cause even slight vibration, like speakers).

 

[Andraste]

Every single 360 someone I directly know has purchased, save (possibly) one, has broken. So far, they've been fixable, but that's kinda icky odds.

 

[Landslide]

Okay - Much More Helpful guy said to take it back to Walmart, and get a replacement unit (and try for a Dead Rising replacement too), and if I don't get the game as well (apparently I /will/ get the system) I can call Capcom, and they should send me one.

I need to stress that he was pretty specific about system placement. If you have it next to your TV (like me), make sure it's not next to speakers. It basically /cannot/ move while the DVD is spinning, or the same thing will happen. I'm not sure how it moved - I wonder if the drive spinning itself up wasn't enough That's 2 people at the office within 2 days that've suffered 360 casualties.

 

[Sokaku]

I've always said that Microsoft was evil
And now I stand even more on my point.

Viva Nintendo! ~.^

- Pround Nintendo fanboy

 

[Andraste]

Yeah, I mean you can come over and play Mario on my 20-year-old-but-still-running NES, if you want?

 

[Lex Darko]

From everything I read on the issue vibrating [http://www.neowin.net/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t482488.html] and tilting [http://www.xbox360newsresource.com/xbox-360-technical-issues/] the console while it's operating causes the 360 to grind disc.

 

[Landslide]

Yeah, that's what was mentioned on the phone as the usual cause. However, not the case here, unless eating Pillsbury croissants and watching a loading screen caused the vibrations (I don't chew that loudly . The sickening part was, I knew what the sound was when it started, and I knew everything that meant as I plunged toward the console to hit the eject button.

 

[Russ Pitts]

Is there a known problem with using the Xbox 360 in the vertical position?

I've heard a few anecdotal stories of machines/discs ending up exactly the way Landslide's did after using the 360 in the vertical position. Gravity sucks. I'd recommend using it flat.

 

[Trujkin]

Wow that really sucks. Let me know if there is anything I can do. I could likely part with my copy of DR if you need to arrange for a replacement. I think I'm at the end anyway.

Greg

 

[Trujkin]

Also, hey Archon, I'd suggest you put yours on its side. No sense tempting fate.

Should we start a pool for a rotator unit for the office besides the one in the office? Maybe we let someone use it until such time as one of ours breaks, then the unfortunate get it until theirs returns from service?

 

[Russ Pitts]

Should we start a pool for a rotator unit for the office besides the one in the office? Maybe we let someone use it until such time as one of ours breaks.

How much does a loaf of bread cost, Mr. President?

 

[Landslide]

Well, I took it back and got a flat refund for it and the game. I'll try again when the next model comes out, but to be honest, there were a number of reasons I was questioning the purchase afterwards. I hadn't researched the system enough, and had expecations that just weren't met. Xbox game compatibility, MS points didn't work how I'd imagined and a few other small things made me feel I'd be happier with my cash, than with a replacement.

Thanks for the input in the thread guys!

 

[Russ Pitts]

Wow. That's a surprisingly rational response to the situation. Are you sure you're a gamer?

 

[Landslide]

PC 4 LIFE

 

[Trujkin]

WTB [New Friend] PST

 

[Teleios]

PC 4 LIFE

QFT!

That totally sucks.

But yah, PC 4 LYFE!