Christ Centered Gamer

I saw an Xbox 360 at the pawn shop today and got it for $65 out the door. Before I left I made sure it powered on and such. I did not even think to check xbox live since I wasn't sure of my account details. Get it set up at home and find out the console is banned. I'll talk to them tomorrow when a manager is in. (They left for the day when I called) I did buy using a credit card so I do have the upper hand and can reverse the charge if they're jerks. :\

So the console is banned and not the account? How does that work? Can they detect modifications made to the console or something?

Sstavix wrote:So the console is banned and not the account? How does that work? Can they detect modifications made to the console or something?

Yes, actually. They can. Weirds me out, but it's the main reason I haven't tried to install an aftermarket HDD instead of the "Oh wow you aren't kidding about that price" Xbox brand. -_-

How it is done I do not know, but they can indeed do it.

Doesn't have to be hardware though; if someone makes multiple accounts on Live with multiple infractions per account, they'll just block the console.

Sheesh..........must've been rough.

that's lame.

ugh not sure if or when the manager will be coming in...not going over there unless I can get a resolution of sorts. :\

Chozon1 wrote:
Yes, actually. They can. Weirds me out, but it's the main reason I haven't tried to install an aftermarket HDD instead of the "Oh wow you aren't kidding about that price" Xbox brand. -_-

How it is done I do not know, but they can indeed do it.

I've had it occur a few times where Windows XP needs to be "revalidated" when the OS detects significant changes to the hardware. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it's the same kind of software used to determine whether or not to validate the changes to the Xbox.

Even though the receipt said NO RETURNS NO EXCHANGES ALL SALES FINAL they were understanding and let me upgrade to an xbox elite 120GB with 2 wireless controllers for an additional $35. So $100 for a black 120GB and 2 wireless controllers.

Now that's good customer service!

Wait... did you check and see if this new Xbox hadn't been blocked?

Yeah it was updated and signed into at the store. Not going to fall for that one twice.

Very nice.

Kewl.

Sstavix wrote:

Chozon1 wrote:
Yes, actually. They can. Weirds me out, but it's the main reason I haven't tried to install an aftermarket HDD instead of the "Oh wow you aren't kidding about that price" Xbox brand. -_-

How it is done I do not know, but they can indeed do it.

I've had it occur a few times where Windows XP needs to be "revalidated" when the OS detects significant changes to the hardware. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it's the same kind of software used to determine whether or not to validate the changes to the Xbox.

Newer versions of Windows (I forget when each version of activation was implemented) make a hash from various serial numbers from hardware in your PC. It rechecks the hash regularly and if it changes the OS de-activates itself. It's mega-aggravating. Had that happen to my my mother-in-law's PC about a week after I replaced her HDD for her. Bloody stupid idea.

That said, it would not be in the least surprising to find that the XBox has a serial unique to each box that it transmits every time you login to a MS service. I'm sure Google could find plenty of info on it.

Glad you got that sorted out though