“The game could not start” error occurs on Xbox 360

You see the following error message when try to use an Xbox 360 Dashboard feature or play an original Xbox game on your Xbox 360 console:

The game could not start. Please download the game again. For more help, go to www.xbox.com/support.

To resolve this problem, try the following solutions.

If the error occurs when using the Xbox Dashboard

If this problem occurs when you use Xbox Dashboard features (such as the Avatar editor or Xbox Live sign-in), there might be a problem with the last console software update. To resolve this problem, delete the last update and then download it again. Here’s how:

1. On your console, go to Settings, and then select System Settings.
2. Select Storage.
3. On your controller, perform the following sequence of actions:
   1. Press the left bumper.
   2. Press the right bumper.
   3. Press the X button.
   4. Press the left bumper.
   5. Press the right bumper.
   6. Press the X button.
4. You’ll get a “Delete System Update” message. Select Yes. The console will restart when finished.
5. After the console restarts, download the update when you are prompted.
   Note You don’t have to download the update immediately, but you may not be able to sign in to Xbox Live until you do so.

If this error occurs when playing an Xbox original game

If this problem occurs when you try to play an original Xbox game, try the following solutions:

Solution 1: Update your console software

Make sure your console has the latest software update. For details, see How to get a new Xbox 360 update.

Solution 2: Make sure that you have an official Xbox 360 Hard Drive

You can play most original Xbox games on your Xbox 360 console if you have an official Xbox 360 Hard Drive and the latest console software. If you have the latest console software and an official Xbox 360 Hard Drive but you get the “Game could not start” error, the game is probably not supported by Xbox 360.

Note Not all original Xbox games are supported by the Xbox 360 console. For more information, see Play original Xbox games on an Xbox 360 console.

Solution 3: Try cleaning the game disc

For information about how to clean discs, see Care for your console and game discs.

Solution 4: Try a different Xbox 360 Hard Drive

To see if the problem is related to your console's hard drive, try using a different official Xbox 360 Hard Drive to play the game (if you have access to one). For information about how to remove and attach a console hard drive, see Add or remove an Xbox 360 Hard Drive.

If the game works with a different hard drive or on a different Xbox 360 console, your Xbox 360 Hard Drive may need to be replaced.

Solution 5: Request a replacement hard drive

If the solutions above didn’t resolve the problem, go to the Online Service Center and click Replace an Accessory under Devices to order a replacement hard drive.

Repair or warranty questions? See Xbox 360 Repair: Frequently asked questions.