Error E88 occurs when you use your Xbox 360 console

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.

To resolve the problem, try the following solutions.

• Solution 1a: Disconnect and reconnect accessories
  1. Turn off the console and unplug its power supply.
  2. 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.

3. Reconnect your console’s power supply, and then turn the console on.
4. 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.
5. 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:

  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 door open.

5. Pull the tab to remove the hard drive.

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

If your console is an Xbox 360 S:

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 toward the front of the console while pulling the hard drive door open.

5. Pull the tab to remove the hard drive.

6. Replace the hard drive cover before you turn on the console.

If your console is an original Xbox 360:

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).

3. Press the release button on the hard drive.

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.