Microsoft KB Archive/932162

Knowledge Base

Xbox 360: The Xbox 360 console does not provide an eight-digit setup key

Article ID: 932162

Article Last Modified on 4/25/2007

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APPLIES TO

• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
• Microsoft XBox 360 Video Game System
• Windows Vista Home Premium
• Windows Vista Ultimate
• Microsoft Xbox

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SYMPTOMS

When you connect an Xbox 360 console to a computer as an extender, the console does not provide an eight-digit setup key. Instead, the console tries to connect to the computer.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when the connection data that is stored on the Xbox 360 console prevents the console from generating and providing a new eight-digit key. This situation may also occur if a previous setup was not completed successfully.

THINGS TO TRY

1. Remove the existing connection data from the Xbox 360 console. To do this, follow these steps:
   1. In the System section of the Xbox Dashboard, select Computers.
   2. Select Windows Media Center, and then press the A button.
   3. Select Disconnect.
   4. Press the B button repeatedly until you return to the System section.
2. After you remove the connection data, return to the Media section of the Dashboard, and then select Media Center to obtain the eight-digit key.

MORE INFORMATION

When you connect an Xbox 360 console as an extender, you must provide an eight-digit setup key. Sometimes, when the Xbox 360 console was previously connected to a computer, the console may not provide the eight-digit key. When an Xbox 360 console is connected to a computer the console stores connection data and software that enables the console to connect to the computer. If the connection data for the computer is present on the Xbox 360 console, the console will try to connect to that computer. This connection data will prevent the Xbox 360 console from generating and providing a new eight-digit key. Typically, removing the connection data from the console resolves this issue.

Sometimes, you may also have to remove the connection data from the Media Center-based computer.

To remove the connection data from a computer that is running Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Media Center, and then click Media Center Extender Manager.
2. Select your Xbox 360 console, and then click Properties.
3. Click Remove.
4. Click Yes to confirm the removal.

To remove the connection data from a computer that is running Windows Vista Media Center, follow these steps:

1. Start Windows Media Center.
2. Click Tasks, and then click Settings.
3. Click Extender, and then select the Xbox 360 console.
4. Click Uninstall.

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