Transferring Xbox 360 Profiles: Memory Unit to Hard Drive Explained

You cannot directly copy a profile file from a Memory Unit (MU) to a Hard Drive (HDD) as a file transfer. The Xbox 360 handles profiles differently than save files.

How Profiles Actually Work

• Profiles are account containers stored in the console's internal "Hidden Partition" (on HDD) or MU.
• They are tied to an Xbox Live Account (Microsoft Account), not just local data.
• The console only mounts one profile storage device at a time as the "Active Profile Device."

Correct Workflow: Move Profile to HDD

1. Insert the Memory Unit into the Xbox 360.
2. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
3. Highlight the Memory Unit, press Y (Device Options).
4. Select Transfer Content (or "Move" in older dashboards).
5. Select Profiles (or "Gamer Profiles").
6. Choose your profile > Move > Destination: Hard Drive.
7. The console moves the profile container to the HDD's internal partition. The MU copy is deleted.

If You Want the Profile on a *Different* Console

Do not move the profile file. Instead:

1. On the new console, go to Sign In > Download Profile.
2. Enter the Microsoft Account email/password associated with the Gamertag.
3. The profile downloads from Xbox Live servers (achievements, saves, settings sync).

20GB HDD Specifics

The 20GB drive (original "Phat" 360) works identically to larger drives for profile storage. Ensure it's an official Microsoft drive (or a properly flashed Western Digital Scorpio BEVS) for the transfer option to appear reliably.

Summary: Use the System Storage menu to "Move" the profile from MU to HDD. For new consoles, "Download Profile" via Xbox Live.