However, in 30 consoles worldwide, these failures are reported to have caused minor injury or minor property damage. In seven instances, customers reported sustaining a minor burn to their hand. In 23 instances, customers reported smoke damage, or minor damage to a carpet or entertainment center. In all regions except Continental Europe, Xbox consoles manufactured before Oct. 23, 2003, require a replacement power cord. In Continental Europe, consoles manufactured before Jan. 13, 2004, require a replacement power cord. “This is a preventative step we’re choosing to take despite the rarity of these incidents,” said Robbie Bach, senior vice president of the Home & Entertainment Division at Microsoft. “We regret the inconvenience, but believe offering consumers a free replacement is the responsible thing to do.” To order a replacement cord, consumers should go to http://www.xbox.com and click on the Power Cord Replacement for Xbox link. Replacement cords will arrive two to four weeks after the order is placed. While waiting for the new cord to arrive, consumers should turn off their Xbox consoles when not in use. Customers who cannot access the World Wide Web should contact Microsoft at the appropriate toll-free number listed here: Australia: 1800 073 897 Austria: 0800295177 Belgium: 080080943 Canada: (866) 271-0450 Colombia: 18009440724 Denmark: 80885649 Finland: 0800112951 France: 0 800 97 01 76 Germany: 08000001521 Greece: 0080044148905 Hong Kong: 800901727 Republic of Ireland: 1800923947 Italy: 800925244 Japan: 0120558573 Korea: 0079885219551 Mexico: 18001238568 Netherlands: 0800 0200371 New Zealand: 0800 880 029 Norway: 80040975 Portugal: 800844441 Singapore: 800 852 3567 Spain: 900811914 Sweden: 0200810371 Switzerland: 0800561421 Taiwan: 00800666073 United Kingdom: 0800 028 9276 United States: (866) 271-0450 Not all replacement cords that Microsoft supplies to program participants will look the same. The type of cord shipped will depend on the date the console was manufactured and the country in which it is used. http://www.xbox.com |