New gamertag issue

Not every gamertag will have a publicly viewable Xbox profile. It could be old accounts from Zune, GFWL, or etc.

The best way to check for a gamertag is to input one on the Xbox account signup page, or the change-gamertag page. Third party websites like "checkgamertag.com" don't have full (or even actual) access to the gamertag database.

If it's not available, it's not available. You'll have to choose another name. Gamertags are only released if the owner has not logged into their Microsoft account in five years.

here is an image.

To add to Internet Expert's post - the system doesn't recognize spaces in a gamertag as making it different. For example: , MistressSara, Mist Ress Sara are all the same as far as the system is concerned. Depending on how you spell the tag you're
looking for that could be another reason the site says it's not available.

When searchingfor.a.tag like mistress Sara said you have to.be specific but when trying to rename it has to be unique and then it sees the other versioms

as Internet experts mentioned the only way to be sure offs tag being free is.to.try and Take the name

It depends on the publisher of the game if they issue a patch to make their game compatible with the new Gamertag format.

Upcoming games or games that have been patched for the new Gamertag system should show the number less prominently.

Older games that have no concept of the new Gamertag system will always show the number "normally".