One of the new features introduced by the recent Xbox 360 update which slipped under the radar somewhat has been highlighted by an eagle-eyed forum poster on Neogaf.com.
"Crunker99" writes that you can clear the console's cache by doing the following: "Go to the system blade and then memory. Press Y on either the HDD or a MU and then press X, X, Left Bumper, Right Bumper, X, X.
"Once you do this a blade will pop up saying: This will perform maintenance on your Xbox 360 storage devices. Do you want to continue? Pick yes or no."
You want to be careful, though - speaking to 1up, a Microsoft representative warned: "The HDD cache clearing feature is a part of the Xbox 360 technical support process and is only supported in those instances.
"While the cache clearing operation will not harm or render your inoperable, it should only be used when instructed by the Microsoft customer support staff."
If you're having trouble with your console, MS says, your first port of call should be the Xbox 360 helpline (0800 587 1102 if you live in the UK).