• Account Management
• Xbox Live Features

Direct Modem Connection

To get your system up and running as quickly as possible, a modem connection to Xbox Live is your best bet. Like the name suggests, this method connects your Xbox 360™ console directly to your modem or gateway. It's perfect if all you want to do online is play games.

If, however, you want to share your Internet connection with your PC while playing on Xbox Live, choose an alternate connection type:

• If your Internet service provider (ISP) provided you with a gateway (which combines a modem and a wireless router), you can share your Internet connection using a Gateway Connection.
• If your ISP provided you with a stand-alone modem, you can purchase a router and use a Router Connection to share Internet service between your Xbox 360 system, your PC, and other devices in your home.
• If you have a USB or internal PCI modem, choose a Windows ICS Connection.

To make a modem connection to Xbox Live:

1. Turn off your Xbox 360 console and your cable/DSL modem before connecting any cables. Unplug your modem from power to turn it off.
2. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your modem and the other end to the Ethernet port on the back of your Xbox 360 console.
   
   
3. Turn on your modem, then your Xbox 360 console, with no disc in the disc tray.
4. If you've already used your Xbox 360 system for offline play, the Xbox Dashboard will open to the Xbox Live area. Select the Xbox Live banner. When you see the Xbox Live Marketplace you'll know you're connected to Xbox Live.
   
   If this is the first time you've turned on your Xbox 360 console, see Create Your Gamer Profile to get started with both the Xbox 360 system and Xbox Live play.

If you're unable to connect to Xbox Live, the Xbox Dashboard provides an automatic network troubleshooter in the System area (under Network Settings) to help you connect.

For an additional resource to help you get connected, step through our handy Connectivity Wizard.

Join Xbox Live

Not yet a member? For the easiest way to join Xbox Live, go to www.xbox.com/live.

To create an Xbox Live membership from the Xbox Dashboard, see Join Xbox Live.