Three flashing red lights are joining the blue-screen of death atop the list of things that Microsoft Corp. customers dread.

Troubled by a high rate of malfunctions in its Xbox 360 game consoles, Microsoft said Thursday that it would extend its warranty from one year to three years for consoles that experienced the “three red flashing lights” error message.

The company also plans to fix or replace all game systems that go on the fritz and to reimburse customers who had their broken consoles repaired.

Microsoft said the glitch, which causes the console to freeze up, affects a small percentage of units. But analysts say the financial effect was substantial, effectively adding $100 in cost for each of the nearly 12 million consoles the company has sold since the Xbox 360’s debut in November 2005.

Analysts chalked it up to growing pains for Microsoft, which rose to prominence by making software, not hardware.

Xbox 360 owners who need more information can call (800) 469-9269 or visit www.xbox.com for more information.