I was thinking about what I would blog about first on NIMTUG. After all I have had some cool experiences with technologies that have been recently making the news in a big way.
- MS Softgrid
- VMware Virtual Infrastructure 3
- Citrix Ardence – Operating system streaming platform
The list goes on... but what topic do I choose to blog on first. If the subject isn't clue enough – my Xbox.
After a hard day in the office there is nothing better (IMO) than sitting down and play Pro Evolution Soccer 6 via XBOX live.
I usually win... even better!
So I'm playing a Man Utd fan when the screen freezes mid match (I was winning a comfortable 2-0). I reboot only to find that the normally gently pulsing green lights have been replaced by angry red ones.
My instincts as an Infrastructure Consultant kick in – find the KB :D
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/907534
CAUSE
This behaviour occurs when the Xbox 360 console experiences a hardware failure.
The realisation dawned that my Xbox had heard its last whistle on the Pro Evo battlefield. Numbness takes over as I call support. Experience takes me through the procedure very quickly.
"I'm sorry sir but the console will require a trip to our repair centre"
"How much will it cost to repair" Again the Infrastructure Consultant brain kicks in – already thinking about a platform refresh with the Xbox Elite imminent.
Some details changed hands as the support agent determined when my unit was manufactured. I bought the unit Feb/March last year so I was not too hopeful considering the warranty is one year – extended beyond the original 90 days:
http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/news/2006/1222-xbox360warrantyextended.htm
I wait for the inevitable insincere apology followed by the cost of repair (again thinking of a new black Xbox in my living room)...
"Good news sir, we will repair your console free of charge"
"Sir?"
"Anyone there?"
"...yes, I'm here. Our lines appear to have got crossed because I heard you say you would repair my console for free"
"Yes sir"
Still in a daze we complete the required administrative details.
"Have a nice day and thank you for calling Xbox support"
"Yeah, you too".
So there you have it. I got a 'good will' repair – a happy ending I didn't expect. I'll post the eventual outcome but expect my next post to be a bit more technical.