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Just in from Microsoft:

REDMOND, Wash. - Feb. 17, 2005 - As a precautionary measure and out of concern for consumer safety, Microsoft Corp. today announced that it will voluntarily replace the power cords on 14.1 million Xbox(r) consoles worldwide.

Although Microsoft claims that fewer than one in 10,000 Xbox consoles are at risk, reports have been filed in 30 countries that these power cord electrical component failures have caused seven instances of burns to the hand and 23 instances of smoke damage and damage to carpet or entertainment centers.

Keep reading to find out if your Xbox is at risk, and what you can do to replace your faulty power cord.

Press Release Continued:

The replacement power cords are designed to protect consumers and their Xbox consoles from rare electrical component failures that can pose a fire hazard. Fewer than one in 10,000 consoles have experienced these component failures, and, in almost all instances, any damage caused by these failures was contained within the console itself or limited to the tip of the power cord at the back of the console.

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

Korea:
0079885219551

Austria:
0800295177

Mexico:
18001238568

Belgium:
080080943

Netherlands:
0800 0200371

Canada:
(866) 271-0450

New Zealand:
0800 880 029

Colombia:
18009440724

Norway:
80040975

Denmark:
80885649

Portugal:
800844441

Finland:
0800112951

Singapore:
800 852 3567

France:
0 800 97 01 76

Spain:
900811914

Germany:
08000001521

Sweden:
0200810371

Greece:
0080044148905

Switzerland:
0800561421

Hong Kong:
800901727

Taiwan:
00800666073

Republic of Ireland:
1800923947

United Kingdom:
0800 028 9276

Italy:
800925244

United States:
(866) 271-0450

Japan:
0120558573

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.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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Microsoft and Xbox are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

End of Press Release