Got the three red light error or red ring of death? If so, don't immediately assume that your Xbox is damaged. It may be that you are having problems getting power to your console. This is one of the simplest things to fix and you want to rule this out before sending your Xbox off for repair.

Too much heat is the typical cause for the 3 red light error. However, unless your Xbox is obviously overheated, you should first make sure that the machine is getting adequate power. The way to do this is to first start with the 110 AC power outlet in your wall. You may have had a momentary power brownout to your home. This is enough to cause problems with your console.

If this is the case, your Xbox should work after restarting it. If not, look at the power supply light on the black box in the middle of the power cord. If the light is green, you're getting adequate power so the problem lies elsewhere. If this is the case, you can stop reading this article since I'm only going to deal with power issues here.

If the power supply light is orange or red or not lit at all, then your console isn't getting enough power. There are a number of reasons for this:

1.) The outlet in your room is at fault.

Plug your console into another outlet in another room.

2.) You're using a defective power strip or defective surge protector.

Bypass any power strips or surge protectors by plugging the power cord directly into the wall outlet.

3.) The power supply cables aren't properly connected.

With your Xbox turned off, disconnect and firmly reconnect all cable connections starting from the console and proceeding all the way to the wall outlet.

4.) The power supply cables are damaged.

Inspect and replace any damaged cables.

5.) The power brick is overheating.

The power brick isn't getting adequate ventilation. Place it on a hard surface away from shag carpeting or hang it off a hook. 

6.) The power brick is damaged.

Borrow a friends power brick or use a spare that you already own. If that solves the problem, the power brick caused the problem.

This article gave a comprehensive trouble shooting list for dealing with a 3 red light error that's related to inadequate power supply. I sincerely hope that this solves your troubles because the other causes for the red ring of death are more serious in nature.