Xbox original doesn't like DVDs

May 25, 2008 6:53 AM

My Xbox original shuts itself off.

When I try to watch a DVD on my Xbox original it shuts its self down seconds to minutes after the DVD starts (might do the same with games I just haven't tried). It doesn't have anything to do with the DVDs themselves because I've tried several. Anyone have a clue? Better yet, anyone know how to fix it?

posted by Carbolic to computers & internet (6 comments total)

For how long will it stay on while not playing a DVD? It could be overheating.
posted by TheNewWazoo at 8:56 AM on May 25 [1 favorite]

The first thing that comes to mind is overheating. Is it hot? Clogged with dust? Have you tried searching on the Xbox forums?
posted by chrisamiller at 9:02 AM on May 25

Twice I've had an xbox do this and both times it was the power supply. On some of the first versions, there was a problem where the solder would eventually break from the heat and would cause it to power down. The first time, I did a power supply swap from an old unit and the second time, a friend bought a replacement (not sure from where) and replaced it for me.
posted by jeffmik at 10:19 AM on May 25

I'm going to go ahead and say this is likely a problem with overheating, like everybody else, but I'm going to hope you favourite mine anyway because a guy's gotta dream, right?

Be sure the console is in a well-ventilated area, away from other electronic equipment, with plenty of circulatory space especially at the rear of the console (where the cables tend to spaghetti). I'd probably recommend you *not* keep it on a shelf or niche with a closed back. Make sure it isn't clogged with dust or cat hair. Check for resources online.

Of course, if it's only powering off when you want to watch a DVD, and isn't powering off when you're playing games, then, jeez, I don't know what to tell you. Did the Xbox original have firmware updates?
posted by turgid dahlia at 2:47 PM on May 25

Kind of moot now. I've only been using it as a DVD player for a number of years, no gaming. I went and bought a $32 DVD/CD/MP3 player went I went out on another errand.

I hadn't thought about seeing how long it would stay on without trying to play a DVD. Answer, about the same amount of time (2-5 minutes)

I took a quick look for dust clogging earlier but will take a closer look.

If I remember correctly, they recalled the power cord on my version. When I was digging around in my entertainment center this morning I discovered I'd rec'd the new power cord but never installed it. Switched power cords, no difference.

Expect future questions regarding creative suggestions about what to do with an Xbox that is in whatever shape this one ends up being in once I take a closer look.

Thanks
posted by Carbolic at 6:51 PM on May 25

I'd open it up (it's easy to do) and check that the fan at the back works. It's easy to replace with a generic 70mm model if it doesn't work. There's also another smaller fan on top of the GPU that can possibly have died, too. Not sure how easy that one is to replace.

Then again, it may just be full of dust, too. :)
posted by TheNewWazoo at 10:16 AM on May 29