Xbox360 freezes on StartUp screen...

If you cannot get past that loading screen with the HDD inserted at all, then the drive will need to be repaired or replaced. If you purchased it with a new console, it will have the same one-year warranty as the console. If it was purchased new on its own, then it should have a 90-day warranty.

If you'd like to set up a repair, you can reach our phone team at 800-4MY-XBOX.

I have a similar issue. HDD will eventually load. Can I buy a new one and transfer data to fix the problem? I want save data before drive crashes. Loads fine when drive is removed. I assume data transfer will not bring problem to new Hdd?

Also would reformat fix the issue?

If you want to transfer data between HDDs, you can use an official transfer cable by following these steps.

Alternatively, you could try formatting your HDD first, to see if that resolves the issue. Before doing so, I recommend backing up your files on USB drive. Instructions for how to configure a USB for use with Xbox 360 can be found here.

How are you supposed to get to the Storage area of your System Settings to transfer the data if the 360 freezes on start up with the HDD installed?

Hey there Naberios! Luckily, if you use a Hard Drive Transfer cable, you don't need to have the original hard drive plugged into the console. You just need to have the new hard drive plugged in. Here's a Link with a video about how to do it. ^_^

it is not the hdd failing it is the update. too many people are having the same problem around the same update for it to be hardware.

including my self.

The only thing I believe "and please don't trash me for thinking", is that there was an error in the update and it either contains corrupt files, or it is so off that the system is going haywire with errors and cant catch up. before this problem occurred for me I first noticed my power cubes sleep mode acting up immediately after update, then same as everyone else since the update, about three days and then im down to tricking my xbox to work, which btw worked absolutely positively fine before this stupid pointless update. Xbox is turning out like PlayStation, they just have to have all these advertisements and random bs that pointless to gamers. I mean if I wanted to watch adds for cars or deodorant, I would watch tv. blaaaaaa. can you tell im frustrated... Hopefully a fix is in the works, or I am going back to pc. If any one finds better way to trick there system for now please let me know...     Btw to prove my theory about the hdd being fine. once I am able to trick my xbox into starting up by disconnecting my network cable, turning the console on and loads right up, I load minecraft which is on harddrive and it works fine. once game is loaded I can connect to live, but ill be damned if I hit the home button( lol after that its about a ten min wait till home screen goes away.