How Do I Restore My Xbox 360 to It's Original Factory Settings?

The Xbox 360 is one of the most popular game consoles around. If you are selling your Xbox 360, or giving it away as a gift, you might want to erase the data and settings and reformat it to the factory default settings so that the owner can set everything to his or her own liking. There are two stages to this process: resetting the network settings and reformatting the hard drive. Read on to learn how to do both.

Please note that, after you follow these procedures, you will be unable to recover your old settings.

Resetting the Network Settings

1. Turn your Xbox 360 on and pick up the controller.
2. Press the Guide button.
3. Select Settings.
4. Select System Settings.
5. Select Network Settings.
6. Select the network you are connected to.
7. Select Test Xbox Live Connection. Your Xbox will start running the test. This may take a few minutes to complete.
8. Select Configure Network.
9. Select Additional Settings.
10. Select Restore to Factory Defaults. Your Xbox 360's network will now be restored to its original factory settings.

Reformatting the Hard Drive

1. Press the Guide button.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select System Settings.
4. Select Console Settings.
5. Select System Info.
6. Find your console serial number on the screen. Write it down.
7. Press the B button.
8. Select Storage.
9. Select Hard Drive.
10. Press the Y button.
11. Select Format. A message warning you that taking the next steps will erase all content stored on the device will be displayed.
12. Select Yes.
13. Select Enter Serial Number.
14. Enter the serial number you recorded earlier.
15. Press the Start button. The reformatting procedure will begin. After it finishes, your hard drive will be restored to its original condition.

If you need any help, contact Xbox's customer service. It has phone, chat, help desk, and email options.