Called Microsoft/Xbox and a recorded message directed me to their website. There, I was not happy to learn that my warranty had expired (no surprise) and the repair would cost $100.00 ($99.99 to be exact).
Called again, this time asking to speak to an agent. The not so-friendly lady told me I had no other recourse - that if I wanted a working Xbox, I'd have to fork over the $100. I gave her an earful about what I thought about Microsoft and their crap products - praised Sony - hung up.
Called back - hoping to talk with a different person (someone with a bigger heart).
Got another agent - a man this time. Same bloody thing. Gave him an earful. Hung up.
Called back - hoping for yet another agent.
The third guy sounded promising. Much politer than the first two. At first, I got the same scripted speech. In the middle of pleading my case (comparing Microsoft to a POS, no-brand electronics company) he says, "Can I put you on hold?" Returns three or four minutes later. "Good news, we can fix it for free." My once expired warranty was suddenly good.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
It'll take two or three weeks to fix. Not good. But it won't cost a dime. Very good.
Moral of the story: When it comes to the three red rings, don't ever give up. Microsoft knows they screwed up big time, and if you push them hard enough, they will eventually give in.
