Welcome to the Unofficial Guide to Xbox Live

Details: Written by Administrator

If you get the error message IP Address Failed on the Xbox 360 Xbox Live Test or Network Failed (NXE) when trying to connect to Xbox Live, this can be caused for different reasons depending on your setup.

NetworkTest-NetworkFail

Below are the most common causes of this error.

First confirm you have physical connectivity to your Network

Ensure you are using the right Ethernet cable and its working and fit correctly or if you are using the Official Wireless Adapter ensure you can access the wireless setting and that they are not greyed out (indicating a fault) For more help look here

Connecting your Xbox using ICS

Troubleshooting ICS is now part of our ICS/Bridging guide

Connecting your Xbox using a Router

If you get the error message using a router it is usually because of one of the reasons below:-

You have put in a manual ip address that is not part of the routers network
You have not put your ip address settings on "Auto"
You have entered your username/password info into the PPPoE in your XBox Dashboard, you do not need to do this.
DHCP is turned off on the router

Connecting your Xbox using a Wireless Router

If you get the error message using a wireless router and you are connecting the 360 wirelessly . it is usually because of one of the reasons below:-

Wireless Security. If you are using wireless security (you may not even know it if you didnt setup the router) you need all of the security details for WEP or WPA-PSK (whichever of the two you are using)
Remember when entering the WEP or WPA-Key into the 360 it is CaSe SeNsItIvE
Wireless Security. The most common problem comes when using a "Wireless Access List" - This may be called something different on your router. This is a list of "allowed" devices using the MAC Address to identify the device. If the access list is switched on. Make sure you enter the MAC Address details of the Xbox .
You have entered your username/password info into the PPPoE in your Xbox Dashboard, you do not need usually need to do this, to check if you have input something in this section go into Settings/System/Network Settings/Wired or Wireless/Configure Network/Additional settings if there is anything present in the PPPoE settings click on the PPPoE setting and choose Clear Settings/Done and try again to connect to the network again
DHCP is turned off on the router
Also see this page for troubleshooting common wireless issues
If you are using the Official Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter start here
If you are using a third party Ethernet wireless adapter with your Xbox look here

Connecting your Xbox with a Direct Connect (NTL/Telewest/Virgin/Comcast etc)

If you get the error message when connecting the Xbox directly to your cable modem. it is usually because of the reason below:-

You are trying to connect the Xbox via Ethernet to your cable modem and the PC via USB to your cable modem at the same time. You cannot do this, its one or the other, USB or Ethernet not both at once with a cable modem
MAC Address registration by your Cable Company, to resolve this click here
If you are connecting your cable modem to a switch or hub you may get this message if another device has taken the only IP address available, in which case you would be better off with a router
If your PC requires you to click on a connection icon containing your username/password details for your ISP before you can surf the net, put those same details into the PPPoE section of your Xbox (this does not apply to UK users)

I will try to cover off the most frequent causes below

First confirm you have physical connectivity to your Network

Ensure you are using the right Ethernet cable

and its working and fit correctly or if you are using the Official Wireless Adapter ensure you can access the wireless setting and that they are not greyed out (indicating a fault) For more help look here:-