How To Get System Updates For Your Xbox 360

Are you ready for a whole new experience? The New Xbox Experience includes features like avatars, parties, and a new dashboard that's easy and fun to navigate.

The update is free. As long as you have a hard drive or a memory unit with 128 MB of free space , all you need to do is sign in to Xbox LIVE to start the update. Learn more at www.xbox.com/update. You can get answers to common questions and troubleshooting tips below.

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What do I have to do to get the update?

  A: The system update is going to download some stuff to your hard drive or memory unit, so before you start the update you're going to need either a hard drive or a memory unit with 128 MB of free space. Don't have enough space? Check out www.xbox.com/storage for options and deals.

  Once you've got the space, you have three choices.

  • If you have an Xbox LIVE account and a good Internet connection, get the update from Xbox LIVE.
  • If you don't have an Xbox LIVE account or have a flaky Internet connection, you can copy the update to a USB flash drive.
  • If you don't have a USB flash drive, you can burn the update to a CD or DVD, then apply it to your console.

• Q: What does the update cost?

  A: Nothing. It's free.

• Q: Do I have to do the update?

  A: You can play pre-update games on your console, no problem. But if you want to play or communicate on Xbox LIVE, you'll need to take the update first. New games may also require the update before you play them.

• Q: Can I go back to the old version if I change my mind?

  A: No. Once your console is updated, it'll stay that way.

• Q: How long does the update take?

  A: This depends on your Internet connection: the faster the connection, the faster the update. Average download time is about 18 minutes. If your connection is slower, it might take 45 minutes. If your connection is flaky, it could fail in the middle; see the troubleshooting section below to deal with that.

Get the Update from Xbox LIVE

If you've got an Xbox LIVE account, this is the easiest way to get the update.

Update using Xbox LIVE:

1. Sign in to Xbox LIVE on your console. (Don't have an account? You can get a Silver membership for free.)
2. You'll see a message asking if you want to update. Select Yes, update now.
3. When you see the new dashboard, you're done.

Copy the Update to a USB Flash Drive

If you don't have an Xbox LIVE account or have a slow Internet connection, using a USB flash drive is a good option.

Update using a USB flash drive:

1. Connect your USB flash drive to a USB port on your computer.
2. Go to the Xbox download page to download the update folder.
3. Save $SystemUpdate_ Fall08_7363.zip to your desktop.
4. Unzip the File.
5. Copy the contents from the unzipped folder onto the root of your flash drive.
6. Safely remove the flash drive from your computer and plug it into a USB port on your Xbox 360 console.
7. If your console is on, turn it off, then back on.
8. The update program will start automatically. SelectYes, update now.
9. When you see the new dashboard, you're done.

Copy the Update to a CD or DVD

To do this, you need a blank CD or DVD (either will work) and a computer that can burn files to the type of disc you have.

Burn the Update to a CD or DVD:

1. Go to the Xbox download page to download the update folder.
2. Save it as $SystemUpdate_ Fall08_7363.zipanywhere on your computer.
3. Place a blank disc in your computer's disc burner.
4. Unzip the file.
5. From the Windows Explorer, double-click on the CD or DVD drive that you're using to burn the disc.
6. Drag the contents of the unzipped folder into the root of the CD or DVD drive.
7. In the windows explorer window, right-click the CD/DVD RW drive and select Write these files to CD.

   Note

   The NXE update filename and folder structure must be unchanged for the update to run properly.

8. Follow the steps in the CD wizard. When you finish, the CD or DVD will eject, and your disc is ready.
9. Put the CD or DVD in your box 360 console.
10. Turn your console off, then back on.
11. The update will start automatically. Select Yes, update now.
12. When you see the new dashboard, you're done.

Troubleshooting

Having problems getting the update? Look for solutions below.

The update failed part way through.

The most common cause of this is a bad Internet connection.

• If you use a wireless connection, start the update again. If that doesn't work, temporarily stop using your wireless connection, use cables to connect instead, and then restart the update.
• If you have a complicated home network involving many routers, switches, and the like, temporarily eliminate those extra steps. Connect your console with the simplest configuration possible and restart the update.
• If your connection is slow or intermittent, you can get a copy of the update using your computer. Follow the directions above to copy the update to a USB flash drive or to burn a CD or DVD. Then take that disc or flash drive to your console, plug it in, and follow the directions on the screen.

The update failed because there isn't enough free space on my memory unit.

The system update needs to download stuff to a storage device. If you use a memory unit, you'll need one that has at least 128 MB of free space. For more info on storage options, including details on the rebate program for memory units, see www.xbox.com/storage.

I see some new stuff, like the dashboard, but I can't use avatars or other new features.

If there isn't enough room on your memory unit, you will not be able to use features that require additional storage space. Avatars and other new features take up more space. In addition, you won't be able to connect to Xbox LIVE until you finish the update.

For more info on storage options, including details on the rebate program for memory units, see www.xbox.com/storage.