I have personally experienced the Xbox 360 "General Hardware Failure" or what is better known as the Red Ring of Death. So, I have a pretty good idea what you are feeling right about now. In addition, I have used Xbox 360 repair guides to fix numerous consoles. The following list was developed from experience and is written to prevent you from wasting your money.

What should you look for in a Xbox 360 repair guide? Here is my minimum list of demands, and I do mean demands! I, absolutely, would have to have these things before I bought an Xbox 360 repair guide and I strongly suggest that you not settle for anything less either.

1. First, I try to get an indication about the authors. I look to see if whoever put this thing together knows what they are talking about. Are they an expert? Have they actually repaired an Xbox 360 successfully? So my number one criteria is that the author needs to be an experienced, successful, expert.

2. Does the Xbox 360 repair guide contain detailed, written step by step instructions with pictures? I am the type of person who doesn't want to leave anything up to chance. If you are going to teach me how to do anything, you need to explain each step carefully. Also, I want as many pictures as possible. And not just lots of pictures, but high quality detailed pictures. So, the guide you purchase needs to contain high quality, detailed, written, step by step instructions with lots of pictures.

3. Does the guide include videos? I am a visual learner and videos really help me. If the Xbox 360 repair guide contains videos, this is a bonus for me. But the videos could have been shot with a cell phone. So, the question really is, does it have high quality videos? The guide you select needs to include high quality videos that show every step clearly and compliment the written instructions.

4. What if I have questions? Does the guide come with support? The Xbox 360's manufacturer spans more than a couple of years now and not every Xbox 360 is the same. So, I want to be able to ask somebody a question if I get stuck. You need some kind of support. It could be chat, email, whatever, but, you need to be able to talk to someone and ask them a question.

5. How is the guide available? I need it now so I can fix my Xbox 360 right now! The most instantaneous method would be down loadable pdf instructions with access to the videos on line. The guide you purchase has to allow for instantaneous access immediately after you plunk down your cash.

6. Is there a guarantee? What if it doesn't work? Can I get my money back. I have to be able to get my money back for any reason. You need a 100% unconditional money back guarantee. Do not settle for less!

7. Incentives. If I buy this guide are there any extras? Does the guide provide for a forum? Any money back? Coupons? I want the most I can get for my money. I don't have to have this one, so I guess it isn't a demand, but it certainly would help me to make my decision. If all things are equal and one guide has a better bonus, I would go with the bonus. Look for a bonus.

So, there you have it, six, possibly seven criteria that are the bare minimum requirements you should settle for in an Xbox 360 repair guide. There are quite a few repair guides on the market so try to do a side by side comparison of all the features that they proclaim. Make the most informed decision that you can. I know you are in a hurry, but take a little time and comparison shop. You will be glad you did. Good luck and I hope you get back to gaming soon.