Microsoft Corporation announced yesterday that it will recall 14.1 million power cords for its Xbox game due to a fire hazard.

Thus far, 30 Xbox users have reported fire damage and seven of them burned their hands. Others reported smoke damage or problems with their carpets and entertainment centers as a result of Xbox fires.

The recall affects Xbox machines manufactured before October 23, 2003, except in Europe where the cutoff date is January 13, 2004. The recall will affect 70 percent of all Xboxs on the market according to Microsoft.

A new power cord can be ordered by customers at the company's website, www.xbox.com. It will be free to consumers. Until they receive the new cord, Microsoft warns Xbox users to turn the machine off when it is not in use.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission did not require Microsoft to replace the faulty cords according to a spokeswoman for Microsoft.