Error code E71 occurs and a red light flashes when you use your Xbox 360 console

Problem

You see the following error code and message, accompanied by a flashing red light, on your Xbox 360 console:

System error. Contact Xbox Customer Support.
Status code: E71.

This may mean that the Xbox 360 console has a hardware problem, possibly with the hard drive.

Solutions

To resolve the problem, try disconnecting your console’s hard drive. Here’s how:

Xbox 360 E console
1. Turn off the console.
2. Position the console horizontally.
3. On the right side of the console, locate the hard drive cover release. It is close to the back of the console.
4. Slide the release, diagonally (down and toward the front of the console), while pulling the hard drive open.

An illustration of a hand opening the hard drive cover on an Xbox 360 E console

Pull the tab to remove the hard drive.

An illustration of a hand pulling the tab on an Xbox 360 Hard Drive to remove it from the hard drive slot on an Xbox 360 E console

Replace the hard drive cover before turning the console back on.

Xbox 360 S console
1. Turn off the console.
2. Position the console horizontally.
3. On the right side of the console, located the hard drive cover release. It is close to the back of the console.
4. Slide the release toward the front of the console, while pulling the hard drive door open.

An illustration of a hand opening the hard drive cover on an Xbox 360 S console

Pull the tab to remove the hard drive.

An illustration of a hand pulling the tab on an Xbox 360 Hard Drive to remove it from the hard drive slot on an Xbox 360 S console

Replace the hard drive cover before turning the console back on.

Original Xbox 360 console
1. Turn off the console.
2. Locate the hard drive on the top of the console (or on the left side, depending on how the console is oriented).
  Note Not all Xbox 360 consoles include a hard drive.

An arrow points to the hard drive on an original Xbox 360 console.

Press the release button on the hard drive.

An arrow points to the hard drive release button on an original Xbox 360 console.

Lift the hard drive away from the console.

If the problem persists with the hard drive removed, the console needs repair. Learn how to request a repair.

If there is no red light around the power button, reattach the hard drive.

If the problem persists only with the hard drive attached, order a new Xbox 360 Hard Drive from our Xbox Online Service Center (sign in using your Microsoft account). Console registration is required to replace a hard drive under warranty.

Repair or warranty questions? See Warranty and service: FAQ.

Related Issues

Xbox 360 error codes
Flashing Lights solution
Getting your Xbox console, Kinect sensor, or accessory serviced FAQ

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