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Xbox 360 error E71

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By Ariane and GenesisUpdated on June 3rd, 2022

What is 'Xbox 360 error E71'?

Xbox 360 error E71 is an error that is accompanied by a red flashing light. It may mean a possible hardware error or an error with the hard drive itself.

How can you fix 'Xbox 360 error E71'?

Some of the common fixes include:

  • Clearing the damaged system update
  • Testing the hard disk drive

Please see our in-depth walk-through solutions below.

1. Clear Damage System Update

"Xbox 360 error code E71" could be caused by a failed system update. Failed system update occurs when Xbox 360 was powered down while it is doing a firmware system update. To fix it, clear the damageD update.

  1. Turn off Xbox 360.
  2. Then press and hold the Sync button (the button to sync the controller) and the Power button.
  3. Release the buttons when it boots up completely.
  4. It should clear the damageD update.

2. Test Hard disk drive (HDD)

“Xbox 360 error code E71 ” could also be caused by a problematic hard disk drive. But, try to reconnect hard disk drive first if it could be disconnected from your Xbox 360. Also, remove other storage devices that are connected. You Xbox 360 might be booting in that storage device. If the error still persists, take off your Xbox 360 hard disk drive, then connect it to your computer to confirm hard disk drive failure.

  1. Remove the HDD of the console.
  2. Connect the HDD to a PC.
  3. Turn on the PC.
    See if the HDD is detected. If not the HDD has a defect
  4. If it is detected, check this video tutorial here on Youtube to test the HDD.

If a defect is encountered, such as bad sectors or hard disk drive performance/ health issue, replace your hard disk drive or claim the Xbox 360 warranty. If no error was found, try the next steps below but it requires a Windows 8.1 operating system.

  1. Connect your Hard disk drive to a computer with Windows 8.1.
  2. Turn on your computer.
  3. In the desktop, click Windows Start + E key. It should open Windows Explorer.
  4. Click This computer, additional disk drives should appear.
  5. Right-click each disk drives then select repair.
  6. After repairing all disk drives, reconnect the hard disk drive to your Xbox 360.
  7. Try if it works.
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