Microsoft to Replace Xbox Power Cords

Microsoft Corp. offered to replace the power cords for about 70% of the Xbox video game devices it has sold after reports of fires that caused minor burns and property damage.

Microsoft will replace the cords on 14.1 million machines. About one in 10,000 Xbox machines have had electrical component failures, Microsoft said. In 30 cases, minor injury or property damage was reported.

In regions except continental Europe, Xbox consoles manufactured before Oct. 23, 2003, require a replacement power cord. In continental Europe, consoles manufactured before Jan. 13, 2004, require a replacement cord, Microsoft said. Free cords can be obtained at www.xbox.com.

Shares of Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft fell 14 cents to $25.65 on Nasdaq.