Error E88 occurs when you use your Xbox 360 console
Problem
Red lights may flash on your Xbox 360 console, and you may see the following error code and message:
E88. System error. Contact Xbox Customer Support.
Status code: E88
This may mean that the Xbox 360 console you’re using has a hardware failure and may have to be repaired.
Solutions
To resolve the problem, try the following solutions.
- Solution 1a: Disconnect and reconnect accessories
- Turn off the console and unplug its power supply.
- Unplug all accessories connected to the front and back of the console, including video cables, network cable, and USB devices. Do not remove the hard drive.
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- Reconnect your console’s power supply, and then turn the console on.
- Reconnect each accessory one at a time, starting with a controller. Then, turn the console on and check the console power button.
- If the power button light is green, connect the next accessory.
- Xbox 360 E or Xbox 360 S console: If the power button light is red after you reconnect a specific accessory, that accessory is faulty and should be replaced.
- Original Xbox 360 console: If there are flashing red lights around the power button after you reconnect a specific accessory, that accessory is faulty and should be replaced.
- Repeat step 4 until you have reconnected all accessories.
- If the power supply light remains green after you have reconnected all accessories, your issue may have been a loose accessory connection and your issue is now resolved.
- If you cannot determine that a specific accessory caused the problem, there might be a problem with the hard drive, and you may need to remove it from your console.
- Solution 1b: Disconnect your console’s hard drive
If your console is an Xbox 360 E:
- Turn off the console.
- Position the console horizontally.
- On the right side of the console, locate the hard drive cover release. It is close to the back of the console.
- Slide the release diagonally (down and toward the front of the console) while pulling the hard drive door open.
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- Pull the tab to remove the hard drive.
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- Replace the hard drive cover before turning the console back on.
If your console is an Xbox 360 S:
- Turn off the console.
- Position the console horizontally.
- On the right side of the console, locate the hard drive cover release. It is close to the back of the console.
- Slide the release toward the front of the console while pulling the hard drive door open.
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- Pull the tab to remove the hard drive.
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- Replace the hard drive cover before you turn on the console.
If your console is an original Xbox 360:
- Turn off the console.
- Locate the hard drive on the top of the console (or on the left side, depending on how the console is oriented).
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- Press the release button on the hard drive.
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Lift the hard drive away from the console.
If you still experience the problem, try the next solution.
- Solution 2: Remove USB flash drives
Remove any USB flash drives that are connected to your console.
If you still experience the problem, try the next solution.
- Solution 3: Request a repair
If these solutions don't resolve the problem, go to the Online Service Center and request a repair.
Repair or warranty questions? See Xbox 360 warranty & service FAQ.
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