The Xbox 360 is a very amazing machine when it comes to playing video games at high speeds and with amazing graphics. However, like all pieces of equipment, the system is susceptible to errors. As with almost any piece of high tech equipment you will definitely have options on how you wish to resolve your tech problems; it is simply up to you to decide which you would like to pursue.
The first option is one that is probably the safest, as it is more or less guaranteed to solve the problem. This option is when you send the damaged console back to the Microsoft specific repair shops. Here is the problem with sending the equipment back to Microsoft: it takes a long time and there are many steps involved as well. Aside from creating an online account to register your system, you must then fill out repair forms, go through the entire process of shipping and waiting for goods in transit, then wait for the machine to be serviced (which could take a few weeks on average). Then, even when the system is corrected, you have to wait for it to be shipped back to you. Then, while your system should have all of its symptoms corrected (meaning it should be ready for use and play again), the original problem might still be lingering which means you could be experiencing difficulties and have to redo this process again in a few weeks or months. And of course if your console is no longer under warranty, you could be looking at a hefty bill.
The second option is that you could still have an outside source, hopefully a professional, take care of the service. The problem with this is that if the service repair person is not affiliated with Microsoft, then you will still be paying for the system to be repaired while you also might void the repair warranty. The benefits of this are you could be in luck and have your problem fixed if the repair person is knowledgeable with an Xbox 360. You could also have the system fixed quite quickly; maybe only a few days compared to the weeks it would take if you send it back to the company.
The third option is one that is dangerous as it voids the warranty and if you are inexperienced with repairs then you could ruin your system altogether. However, if you don’t want to spend money and you don’t want to wait a long time to play again, then you could do the repair work yourself. If you are experiencing Xbox 360 problems such as the infamous RROD or Red Ring of Death, then you can find simple yet detailed guides for how to repair the problem online, as many users have dealt with this problem. There are step-by-step instructions to make the process as pain free and as safe as it possibly can be. Make sure you get a quality Red Ring of Death Repair Guide to make sure you do not endanger your console.
Overall, if you want to get back to gaming, then you will want to find the option that works best for you when it comes to fixing your Xbox 360. Your best bet is to choose something that you are comfortable with, but realize that you will be sacrificing time, sacrificing dollars, or possibly risking your Xbox if you decide to Fix it yourself.