Get Your Xbox 360 Fixed for Free by Microsoft

Ever get the Red Rings of Death on your Xbox 360? This is a hardware issue that may only be fixed by Microsoft's repair facilities.

Steps

Call http://www.xbox.com/en-CA/support/contact Xbox support if your Xbox 360 shows the Red Rings of Death. You'll first encounter an automated system.
Follow the instructions of the automated system to talk with an agent. They will be able to confirm your request and set up a ticket for repair service, provided your product is still under warranty.
Look for a package to arrive in the mail. This will be a complimentary shipping box and materials you'll need in order to send back your defective Xbox 360. Pack up your Xbox 360 and drop it off with a local parcel service (USPS, UPS, Fedex, etc.).
Microsoft no longer sends a complimentary shipping box and materials. They do send a label by email for UPS shipping.
Be patient. It typically takes one and a half weeks for the repaired unit to be returned. follow instructions on what the agent says very carefully.
Information on turn around time for shipping, packing instructions, details on the Red Rings issue can all be found at xbox.com>support>xbox 360>top issues>flashing lights and xbox.com>support>xbox 360>top issues>repair>how to get your xbox product repaired.

At this time the automated system has "Maxine". What you need to say is "Hardware" to get to the correct department and have the serial number handy also. This can be found on the back of your Xbox 360 by the UPC/black and white bar code. It is a 12 digit code. Your console will need to be registered. You can do this online at xbox.com or the agent can help you with this. Not a long process and your LIVE account and your hardware account are separate. So you may be registered with LIVE but not have the console registered.
Make sure you have your Xbox 360 serial number handy.
The warranty only lasts 1 year.

Do not attempt to work on your console yourself,please see xbox.com>search-tampering.