<P> There has been legal action taken attempting to hold Microsoft responsible for the Xbox 360's failure rate and provide compensation for those affected . </P> <P> Three flashing red lights around the Xbox 360 power button instead of the one to four green lights indicating normal operation represent an internal problem that requires service . This error was soon nicknamed the "Red Ring of Death", echoing Windows' Blue Screen of Death error . Warning signs may include freeze - ups, graphical problems in the middle of gameplay, such as checkerboard or pinstripe patterns on the screen, and sound errors; mostly consisting of extremely loud noises that can be affected by the volume control, the console only responding when the power button is pressed to turn it off . These events may happen once or several times until the hardware failure occurs, or not at all . If the console freezes occasionally, the error will not necessarily follow . The technical problems seem to affect some generations of consoles more than others, e.g. Xenon or Zephyr . Those problems may also cause some freezing screens . </P> <P> This error code is usually caused by failure of one or more hardware components, although it can indicate that the console is not receiving enough power from the power supply, which can either be due to a faulty power supply or if the power supply cable is not fully inserted into the console . The 3 flashing lights can also be caused by power surges; if the console is connected to an outlet that receives a power surge, it may have a failure and the 3 lights will appear as long as the console is plugged into the outlet . Turning off the console, unplugging all power cables and plugging them back in, and restarting the console may fix this issue in some cases . </P> <P> Distinct from the General Hardware Failure is a similar - looking, but much less serious, error warning where four red lights appear, in which case the console does not detect an AV cable is plugged in; however, this error code is not generated on models equipped with an HDMI output . The four lights can sometimes also be seen when power surges or very brief power outages occur while the console is running, in which the console needs to be unplugged and plugged back in again to reset the error . Two red lights appear when the system is overheated . </P>

What does a red light mean on xbox 360