E74 = Epic Fail

So just when you thought it was safe to own an Xbox, a new error rears it's red-ringed head.

The so-called "E74" error is apparently on the upswing after Xbox's big LIVE upgrade back in November, and a massive upswing on both older units and newer units after the patch released last February. This error stems from one of two issues, the first being a defective A/V cable (easy fix and obviously the reason you'll root for if you ever see the error), or broken video hardware in the Xbox itself. Be prepared if it's the latter, because this error is that it isn't covered by your extended warranty... Which means to fix it, you could pay between $95 - $120. You'll know you're one of the lucky ones who suffers from the E74 by the single red flashing light in the right lower section of the Xbox button on the unit itself, and an error message on your screen that looks like this:

Microsoft's solution to the error, which stems from a video hardware failure of some sort, is to have people who experience it to contact customer support for further assistance... A solution which has gotten Xbox owners all over the place all in a crank, because Microsoft isn't doing enough to fix the problem.

Maybe I'm one of the lucky ones since I haven't had any of these issues with the Xbox so I'm less jaded and pessimistic and maybe I'm just playing on borrowed time and, eventually, my Xbox will crap out like so many other people's have. I know two people in my immediate gaming circle who got the infamous "Red Ring of Death," and maybe I'll be next. But at this point, I'm not going to get up and arms over the E74 and Microsoft's response to it. With the Red Ring of Death, people were upset at how Microsoft handled it initially but after realizing the problem was widespread (and the negative press was horrific), they came through and took care of Xbox owners. If this upgrade to the new Xbox LIVE experience is the root to the E74, I'm sure Microsoft will come through again.

And if they don't, maybe the name of my blog will turn from "Xbox Maven" to "Playstation Maven." No, I'm just kidding. PS3 sucks. ;)

In the meantime, if you're playing on your beloved Xbox and you notice your screen is snowy or distorted, there's major pixel lag, or things aren't as crisp and sharp as they used to be because of the vertical white lines all over the TV... Get out your favorite game, play one last round or two, and give your Xbox a big hug, because an E74 error is in your immediate future.