How to mod and flash your XBOX for $22 (step by step and video)

[spystyle]

Hello from Maine,

I just successfully modded (2) XBOXs using the DuoX2 Cromwell Edition Chip. It was as easy as modding a PSX and only cost $22 (shipped).

I found step by step instructions and videos, I thought I'd put my findings in this thread as a courtesy (it's pasted from the middle of another thread) it could save you time from scouring the net.

Enjoy

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

I bought the DUOX2 for $15 and added the "solder female pin header and add solder kit" for $5 from here:

http://tinyurl.com/94rdg
ALT : https://www.xbox-modchips.com/duox-chip.htm
ALT2 : http://tinyurl.com/3xch4a

Groovy, they came in after a week. OTB Mods charged me "actual shipping" I recommend them. Now to install the chip...

I dissassembled the XBOX following this:
http://www.chipzone.com/installation/xbox/disassembly.cfm

I found out what version XBOX kernel/bios I have by reading this:
http://www.xbox-scene.com/versions.php

(I used a continuity tester instead of a multimeter where advised, it worked)

Watched this video installation, it's good but I recommend a tiny bit of flux on the solder points on the motherboard:
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=449151

Then installed the chip using this diagram:
http://www.duomodchip.com/english/install.htm#4

Reassembled and booted the Xbox, it works! It asks for a bios CD.

I got the "eurasia pro generic flash disc"
http://tinyurl.com/8pn2r

and the "EvolutionX M8plus Bios"
http://www.xbox-hacks.net/download/xbox/bios/EvolutionX/

I resized the bios file from 256K to 512K using "EVtool_1.0.9"
http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/evtool.html

(The DuoX2 Cromwell Edition Chip will not work with a 256K sized bios file, this tool also also has the option to disable the annoying boot logo and animation)

then made a "bios disk" following these instructions:
http://www.teamxecuter.com/flashbios/cd.htm

I booted the "eurasia pro generic flash disc" and Linux started, I followed the on screen instructions and inserted the "bios disk" - it flashed the bios to "EvolutionX M8plus"

Burned a downloaded game ISO to DVD-R with Nero @ 4X and *voila* it works Smiley

The install is made easier if you solder to the "alternate D0" point on the underside of the board, see this guide here:

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/lofiversion/index.php/t427711.html

Also, if you get the board with the LPT holes full of solder, you can desolder that easily with a $10 desoldering tool from radio shack:

http://tinyurl.com/2jdddz

Happy Happy Joy Joy

[BobA]

Nice description.  Ties the various bits together in order so you can see what is used where and what has to be done.  Will follow it when I get my chips in.

[Stingray]

Thanks for the info. Now that the 360 is out, I'll probably get an X-Box before long. I'm sure the first thing I'll want to do is mod it.

-S

[CthulhuLuke]

nice job.  I generally use the Xecuter 2 chips, as they have a lot of nice functionality and a little bit more support than the DuoX2, however that thing is damn cheap.  I personally would never go w/ a solder-less adapter as (at least the old ones) are prone to failure during moving trips and what not.  I am not a fan of soldering the d0 point on the top though, so I suggest looking at the alternative d0 point that xecuter points out for their chips.

[BobA]

Did you get an lpc rebuild board with your Duox 2 mod?

[spystyle]

I got that LPC rebuild board with my kits too, apparently it is only for the 1.6 Xbox.

 

[M3talhead]

Seriously guys, get a Xenium ICE chip.

They have more options than any other chip, are super user friendly, and are only $50. I've modded several guys' boxes on base and in every case I recommended Xenium. The solderless solutions (known as SpICE) are top notch. There is even a video demonstrating how effective their solderless solution is by dropping it down about 15 stairs with the cover off. Its without a doubt the best out there.

Just my 2c.

[spiffyshoes]

Adam from OTBMods said he would order some XeniumSPICE chips so if anyone else is interested get one from him.

[spystyle]

Seriously guys, get a Xenium ICE chip.

They have more options than any other chip, are super user friendly, and are only $50. I've modded several guys' boxes on base and in every case I recommended Xenium. The solderless solutions (known as SpICE) are top notch. There is even a video demonstrating how effective their solderless solution is by dropping it down about 15 stairs with the cover off. Its without a doubt the best out there.

Just my 2c.

$22 is less than $50, and for those of us not afraid to solder and are poor the DuoX2 is perfect.

What features does the Xenium have that the DuoX2 dosen't?

[JoyMonkey]

I got a Xenium SPice, because I've got a 1.6b XBox and it seemed the simplest solution. I don't know what the differences in features are, but the SPice was retartedly simple to install. I haven't tried dropping it down a flight of stairs, but it's in there good and secure.

[M3talhead]

Seriously guys, get a Xenium ICE chip.

They have more options than any other chip, are super user friendly, and are only $50. I've modded several guys' boxes on base and in every case I recommended Xenium. The solderless solutions (known as SpICE) are top notch. There is even a video demonstrating how effective their solderless solution is by dropping it down about 15 stairs with the cover off. Its without a doubt the best out there.

Just my 2c.

$22 is less than $50, and for those of us not afraid to solder and are poor the DuoX2 is perfect.

What features does the Xenium have that the DuoX2 dosen't?

Below is a link with a good comparison of the most common Xbox chips. Look closely before you think one is better than another. A big seller for me was the fact that Xenium supported SMB transfers and recognized C, D, E, F, G, X, Y, and Z partitions, while most of the others only recognized C. Use that grid to compare your chip and see if its any better than whats listed. Its pretty detailed, so make sure you look at everything before you make your decision.

http://xbox-scene.com/modchips4_table.htm

[BobA]

To complete the comparison you need to look at the Gen 3b chips as well.  The Duo x2 belongs to this group.

http://xbox-scene.com/modchips3b_table.htm

[shmokes]

I've had lots of Xenium Spice chips become unaligned.  Not by dropping them down the stairs, but by just sitting there on the shelf, getting turned on and off, nothing else.  The little spider-looking legs don't come out of their holes.  It's the damned pogo pins that present a problem.  The slightest shift will send the Xbox into FRAG mode (no signal to TV, LED around the eject button Flashes Green And Red). 

However, recently someone here mentioned hot glue, which I thought was brilliant.  I haven't tried it yet, but I'm pretty confident that Xenium Spice + hot glue will be nearly equal to soldering, but far easier and far less risky.

[shmokes]

By the way, one thing that the Xenium (or SmartXX or Xecuter 3) has that is tremendously useful is a built-in FTP server.  This is so nice, as once you've modded the box you can connect directly to it from your PC and push over any software you need.  This includes the BIOS for flashing the chip, as well as the dashboard and programs and games, etc.

It's especially useful considering how bloody finicky Xbox drives are about burned media.  One Xbox drive will only read CD-RW, while another will only read DVD-R while another will only read DVD+R.  On top of that, the brand of the media is also important.  Finding media that will work in your Xbox is a bunch of trial and error.  With FTP built into the chip you never have to worry about it.

[JoyMonkey]

Another nice thing about the Xenium that I wasn't expecting is that it comes with a little USB adapter, so you can plug a USB thumb drive into a controller port and transfer stuff over that.

I haven't had any FRAG problems since I installed the SPice, but I did use the 'optional' rivits in the LPC; I figured they'd give it a more solid connection with the pogo pins.

[spiffyshoes]

Adam just got the Xenium SPICE chips in today!! If anyone is looking into ordering one I highly recomend ordering your chips from him.

[spiffyshoes]

Wow, OTBMods is the greatest!  I ordered my SPICE chip on Thursday and it got hear on Saturday.

[spystyle]

By the way, one thing that the Xenium (or SmartXX or Xecuter 3) has that is tremendously useful is a built-in FTP server.  This is so nice, as once you've modded the box you can connect directly to it from your PC and push over any software you need.  This includes the BIOS for flashing the chip, as well as the dashboard and programs and games, etc.

I was able to FTP to my DUO2 modded XBOX using a crossover cable and following this guide

http://tinyurl.com/6h8rm

with my XBOX booted off EvoX

http://tinyurl.com/cvvqp

Dig it?
Craig

[spiffyshoes]

Yeah but you still had to burn the EvoX to a disc in order to use its FTP server.  With the Xenium you don't have to burn any discs at all.  You still have a point that it is cheaper to just burn the EvoX dash to a bootable disc and use a DuoX chip than it is to get one of the other chips.  I have both chips the DuoX and the Xenium ICE and while they are both nice the ICE chip just makes things a lot easier to set up.

[spystyle]

I can dig it, just pointing out that FTP can be done with both.

[spystyle]

Howdy,

I just modded two Xboxs!

I was using "DuoX2 GS" purchased from "OTB Mods". They are super fast shipping and are happy to issue an RMA. They are based in Massechusets and in my experience answer e-mails in an hour (during normal hours)

No I was not paid to write that. I am just plain impressed with this company.

As for the mods, they were easy to install. One Xbox was "normal" and the other had no hard drive (previously a dead hard drive)

I had to figure out how to set up a new Xbox hard drive without a backup available. Because even a modded Xbox will not boot without a properly set up hard drive.

I also had to remove solder from the LCP holes - some Xboxs already have the holes plugged with solder.

I stumbled upon a super easy alternative to the difficult D0 too.

Below are my notes maybe you'll find them useful.

Cheers,
Craig

-------------------------------------

3 tools are needed:

1. 15 watt soldering iron, for D0 (unless screw ground is used)
2. 30 watt soldering iron for pins
3. Desoldering iron if holes are filled ($12 Radio Shack)

websites:
What version Xbox do I have?
http://www.xbox-scene.com/versions_1.php

DUOx2 install diagrams:
http://www.duomodchip.com/english/main.htm

Xbox error codes explained:
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/210562

"alternative D0 point"
Alternate D0 point worked! It was on the bottom of the board. Google it.

"EASY to solder, always on, D0 point"
Apparently for an "always on" mod chip (no "live") you can just solder D0 to a metal screw ring / screw ground. D0 is just a ground! An on/off switch from Radio shack could be in-line (between mod chip and screw ring) for disabling the chip for "live". In one position of the on/off switch the ground is not connected and the chip is OFF - in the other the ground is connected and the chip is ON.

"EASY to install a new / blank hard drive into a modded Xbox"
Just boot the Xbox with "NewHDEvox1.4" and choose "set up hard drive". Mess with the settings, like "autolaunch game yes", save settings and you're DONE

"EASY To burn Xbox files into an Xbox compatible CD DVD"
Launch Nero, choose cd or dvd, choose "UDF", choose "force Xbox compatibilty" then add files and burn. Note : some Xbox's can only read from DVD-R. I will always recommend "Ritek G05 media"

"EASY no wire install DuoX2 modchip"
Order the modchip WITHOUT pin header. Place the chip over LPC port, solder directly to it, right through the holes, no wires!
(see attachment 1)

"EASY copy of copies"
Nero!

[Grasshopper]

I recently fitted a blue Duox2 to an Xbox and I found the following guides very useful:

http://www.teammodders.com/forum/modding-the-xbox-w-a-duox2-cromwell-flashbios-modchip-t2845.html

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/lofiversion/index.php/t427711.html

Between them, they'll give you all the information you need.

Incidentally, you'll save a lot of time if you buy the blue pre-flashed version of the chip. They cost about the same from most suppliers. I wouldn't bother with the Cromwell edition unless you're obsessed with everything being 100% legal and you're only going to run Linux.

Also, make sure that you use the alternative D0 point on the underside of the motherboard, and then thread the wire through one of the unused header pin holes. Only a masochist would use the official point.

I also used the alternative BT point on the underside of the motherboard, as I thought it would make it easier to remove the motherboard at a later date, if that proves necessary.

[spystyle]

...Finding media that will work in your Xbox is a bunch of trial and error...

Xbox fussy? Not even close to being as fussy as GC and Wii

I use "Ritek G05" DVD-R media exclusively, it works every time. I often see comments about this or that torrent ISO that "doesn't work" - I download it and burn onto Ritek G05 using Nero @ 2X and it always works.

TY media is most popular across the 'net, but I've also read lots of posts where kids were suprised they got 'disk read errors' with the infamous TY media.

Try Ritek G05 and burn it slow, it will always work, for any console. I'll guarentee it! If it doesn't work for you sell me the unused disks.

Also know that disks labels mean nothing. For example, you can go to Wal-Mart and buy 5 spools of Memorex disks - but each spool may have a different manufacturer! Some may be made by CMC magnetics and other Promedia, maybe even Ritek. None are actually "Memorex" - use "DVDinfo pro*" to discover what media you are actually using. Or just order "Ritek G05" specifically off the 'net.

Cheers,
Craig

*
http://www.dvdinfopro.com/

[ark_ader]

Never bothered with the solder version. Xecuter 2 with solderless plug work every time, even if I had to move it (which I do often) without any problems.

Yes its pricey.

I wish I know how to disable the boot process so I can stop the animation (gets boring after a while) which would be a whole a much better prospect.

If I had to solder I would burn my fingers, burn the board and fry the Xbox  on switch on.   

Those who have my skills needs to go get the no solder option.

[Howard_Casto]

I use the solderless myself simply because, at the time, a xbox was over 200 bucks and if you screwed it up you were screwed.  I've never really had any trouble with it.  Once or twice (over the past 5 YEARS mind you) it has slipped out of position and I simply took apart my box and re-aligned it. 

Honestly though, at this stage in the xbox's life, it probably makes more sense to do a soft mod... that is assuming you either have one of the hackable games or you know someone who has one you can borrow.  I mean is it really worth spending 20 bucks to hack a box with a street value of around 40?

[spystyle]

That could be said for a PS2 - where installling a mod is like mission impossible. But an Xbox mod is so easy, it's a leisurely 1 hour affair. Why not mod it?

[Grasshopper]

I use the solderless myself simply because, at the time, a xbox was over 200 bucks and if you screwed it up you were screwed.  I've never really had any trouble with it.  Once or twice (over the past 5 YEARS mind you) it has slipped out of position and I simply took apart my box and re-aligned it. 

Honestly though, at this stage in the xbox's life, it probably makes more sense to do a soft mod... that is assuming you either have one of the hackable games or you know someone who has one you can borrow.  I mean is it really worth spending 20 bucks to hack a box with a street value of around 40?

I think it really depends upon how many Xboxes you're intending to mod.

If you're only modding one then the price of the game plus a suitable memory card could easily end up being more than the cost of a cheap modchip, and a modchip enables you to use an unlocked hard drive.

However, if you're modding several Xboxes then you can just keep on reusing the game + memory card over and over again. So in that scenario the softmodding route would be less expensive.

Another possibility (if you're very cheap) is to temporarily fit the solderless modchip to gain access to the machine and then perform a softmod or TSOP flash. You can then reuse the solderless chip with another machine.

[spystyle]

I've done one softmod and it was more work than the hard mod. It involved opening up the Xbox and connecting the drive to a computer seconds after the hard drive was "unlocked" by the Xbox. This was not the "game" method.

It was a drag an took hours between research, setup, and execution. The kicker is : the recipient didn't like the dashboard and killed the softmod trying to install a different one; just one day later.

Hardmodding an Xbox without the pinheader, directly soldering, and using the alternate D0 point; is the easiest hard mod I know of - easier than modding a PS1 (not PSone) it requires only 1 wire.

It's cheap too! The chip is only $15 + $3 shipping

http://www.otbmods.com/xbox-modchips-c-21_22.html

If you have an Xbox and DSL, you may as well learn "torrent" and mod the sucker. You can quickly "aquire" 100 games.

Cheers,
Craig

[Howard_Casto]

Well the game method involves taking on old usb thumb drive, wiring it to a xbox port (via an extension cable or pre-made adaptor) and getting gamesaves off the net.  No where near as complicated as whatever method you used. 

[spystyle]

I didn't pick the method, my friend brought it to me, and it was a drag. He was too impatient to wait for the hard mod to be shipped.

Mod chip will always be my preferred method, they are cool

I have great respect for anyone that has done a PS2 mod, see the attached pic. A bazilion wires and the wires can't cross (except once, near the chip) also the wires can't go over a chip.

What a nightmare....

It makes the Xbox mod install look like a walk through the park.

[spystyle]

and here is what a PS2 "DMS4" mod chip install is supposed to look like

[J_K_M_A_N]

I've done one softmod and it was more work than the hard mod. It involved opening up the Xbox and connecting the drive to a computer seconds after the hard drive was "unlocked" by the Xbox. This was not the "game" method.

It was a drag an took hours between research, setup, and execution. The kicker is : the recipient didn't like the dashboard and killed the softmod trying to install a different one; just one day later.

I have softmodded two boxes now and that is the only way I will do it now. It is pretty much free. (One or two cd's) I used the hotswap method also. I would say I took just as much time searching for what chip to buy (I have an X3 in one box) as I did researching the softmod. Once you do it once, it is pretty easy.

One thing to note is that no matter what kind of mod you do, back up your eeprom RIGHT AWAY! That way you can rebuild the hard drive easily. If I had done that for a friend and he didn't like the dash and screwed it up, I would just have him send me the drive and I could fix it pretty easily and send it back. Or I can make a bigger hard drive that will just drop in and work. All you need is the eeprom.

I guess I would rather do that and save my money. Also, I don't have to wait for a chip to be sent.

J_K_M_A_N

[spystyle]

With a modchip you don't have to back anything up at all.

My pal bought some "parts" Xboxs and one had no hard drive. I modded it and put in a 40 GB PC hard drive (paying no mind to how it was formatted), then booted "NewHDEvox1.4" (CD) and *poof* it setup the hard drive and dashboard in minutes.

I can dig it if you like to softmod, but if all else fails you need a mod chip.

Either way, play a fun game

Cheers,
Craig

[J_K_M_A_N]

With a modchip you don't have to back anything up at all.

My pal bought some "parts" Xboxs and one had no hard drive. I modded it and put in a 40 GB PC hard drive (paying no mind to how it was formatted), then booted "NewHDEvox1.4" (CD) and *poof* it setup the hard drive and dashboard in minutes.

I can dig it if you like to softmod, but if all else fails you need a mod chip.

Either way, play fun game

Cheers,
Craig

Well, I agree, with a chip you don't HAVE to back up anything BUT...if you lock the hard drive to get on live and your mobo fails, a chip won't do you any good to unlock that hard drive. (Unless you lock it with something that puts XBOXSCENE or CONFIGMAGIC or whatever)

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my X3 chip. It makes things much easier. If you screw up something, you can just boot to the chip bios and have ftp access to fix whatever screw up you made. But, a soft mod is damn near free (cdr's) and it doesn't take that long. I would also say that you have about as much chance frying your box doing the hot swap method as you do soldering a chip in. I have seen some pretty bad soldering attempts on the chips.

I definitely do NOT have anything against chips, but if you are a tight ass like me, hot swap soft mod is the way to go. As long as you back up your eeprom right away, you should always be fine no matter what happens.

J_K_M_A_N

[spystyle]

That's a good point, I never consider "live"

I was raised on Atari 2600 and it didn't connect to the internet. I've never connected any of my consoles.

As for unlocking a hard drive - I took a "locked" Xbox hard drive and turned it into a regular PC hard drive using "Acronis Disk Director Suite partition manager" - so even if you have a locked hard drive it can be saved (I don't know if that is common knowledge or not)

Cheers,
Craig

[ChadTower]

The 2600 did have a modem.     

[spystyle]

Holy cow!

[J_K_M_A_N]

Another hot swap soft mod done yesterday. I am 4 for 4! Life is good. 

J_K_M_A_N

[psik0tik]

I agree with JK softmodding with the hotswap is easy easy...and no mod chip comming loose. I have done like 35 of them and all are still working

[spystyle]

Well, there is no harm in trying to do a softmod - if you mess up you can install a proper mod to fix it.

But I don't think the softmod allows you to put in a bigger hard drive. I think having a big hard drive and playing your favorites off of it instead of the DVD drive is a great feature.

Cheers,
Craig

[SNAAKE]

But I don't think the softmod allows you to put in a bigger hard drive. I think having a big hard drive and playing your favorites off of it instead of the DVD drive is a great feature.

Cheers,
Craig

softmod allows you to put bigger hard drives

[spystyle]

Well I'll be. I was not aware of that.

OK, I concede. If you are allergic to soldering then go for the softmod.

Happy gaming,
Craig

[J_K_M_A_N]

Well I'll be. I was not aware of that.

OK, I concede. If you are allergic to soldering then go for the softmod.

Happy gaming,
Craig

Or if you don't want to spend money on a chip, go for a softmod. They are way easy.

I use the hotswap method and then get the eeprom using evox. Then I use ndure 3.0 with xboxhdm and make a new drive without the ms dash on it (I think it is option 2) and lock it with the eeprom. I don't use live so it isn't a problem and it helps me out because I have an xbox that has a bad cap for the clock. This way, if I have it unplugged and I plug it back in, it doesn't go to the ms dash asking me to set the clock. It just boots into xbmc like a champ.

J_K_M_A_N

[Hoopz]

Well I'll be. I was not aware of that.

OK, I concede. If you are allergic to soldering then go for the softmod.

Happy gaming,
Craig

I looked at cost of chip and my non-existent soldering skills and thought I would screw it up.  Softmod was much easier for me.  If I could solder well, which will never happen, I would have gone with the chip.  Not allergic, just incompetent! 

[psik0tik]

The chip and the softmod are exactley the same thing. There isn't anything you can do with a chip that you can't do with a softmod...and yeap you can upgrade the hard drive..mines packing a 500gb

[Samstag]

Well I'll be. I was not aware of that.

OK, I concede. If you are allergic to soldering then go for the softmod.

Happy gaming,
Craig

Or if you don't want to spend money on a chip, go for a softmod. They are way easy.

I use the hotswap method and then get the eeprom using evox. Then I use ndure 3.0 with xboxhdm and make a new drive without the ms dash on it (I think it is option 2) and lock it with the eeprom. I don't use live so it isn't a problem and it helps me out because I have an xbox that has a bad cap for the clock. This way, if I have it unplugged and I plug it back in, it doesn't go to the ms dash asking me to set the clock. It just boots into xbmc like a champ.

J_K_M_A_N

If you want to replace the cap let me know.  I think I have an extra upgrade cap (20-30 hour) around somewhere.

[J_K_M_A_N]

The chip and the softmod are exactley the same thing. There isn't anything you can do with a chip that you can't do with a softmod...and yeap you can upgrade the hard drive..mines packing a 500gb

I hope you formatted it correctly otherwise you will lose all your data when you reach a certain capacity (which I'm sure you know but I thought I would mention it for others who do not know)

If you want to replace the cap let me know.  I think I have an extra upgrade cap (20-30 hour) around somewhere.

I was trying to find a new cap but now that I have the drive without the MS dash, it is fine because it doesn't ask me anymore. I have it connected online and it syncs' the time so no need. But thanks anyway.

J_K_M_A_N

[psik0tik]

Yeah if you use anything above a 160 then you have to format it right...so for the newbs just stick with a 160....it's plenty of space. I'll post up a tutorial in a few days for those of you who are interested in doing this. It's easy....It's free and it works really good. Or you can use the save game exploit if you don't want to do the hotswap. And when doing a hotswap it is important to use the power from your computer to power the xbox harddrive (grounding issues) it's as simple as pulling the ide cable off right when the white microsoft word comes up at boot...and if you don't see the little white microsoft you can do the audio trick to unlock the hard drive. anyway

[Red]

A tutorial for us noobs would be great.  I'd like to soft mod and upgrade my XBox HD to 750gb.  Thanks.

[shmokes]

My mod chip has FTP on the chip.  I've had to use it at least a half dozen times when something went wrong with XBMC.  That's pretty handy.  I'm not against softmods or anything, but there are things they can't do that chips can.

[Howard_Casto]

Maybe I'm missing something, but XBMC in particular, when it has any booting issues (the only issue I'm aware of is a screwed up cfg file) gives you a error screen and goes into ftp mode itself.  Am I wrong on this?

[shmokes]

I've never seen this.  I've had various problems with it, though, such as it just not loading . . . hanging on the logo, for example.  I've also had the network stuff just stop working in it.  I've also broke it myself before, like when I was moving files around, setting up the shortcut file on the C: drive once they made it so that the folder containing XBMC did not need to reside in the same partition as the .xbe file.

Really, I can't even think of all the reasons I've had to do it, but I've found the built-in FTP server very useful on quite a few occasions. 

At any rate, I do think that softmods are a really nice option for a lot of people, but chips definitely have their place (not the least of which for people who want to continue using Xbox Live). 

[psik0tik]

Softmod has FTP too and I can still get on xbox live by leaving the rom open and it boots straight to xbox live...and I use it. I FTP mine all the time to add new software. I'm telling you there's nothing you can do with the chip that i can't do with my softmod...except I didn't have the privilege of buying a mod chip...my mod was free. And I'm finishing up the tutorial now I'll have it up by tomorrow.

[psik0tik]

Actually I don't have to write a tutorial..theres plenty out there...just go here it even has pictures

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=496263


And any other questions you could have here's some more tutorials..if you still have problems message me and I'll help ya out.

Here is the tut how to get eeprom from a broken xbox
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/357863

Here is the good trick for Action Replay
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/361935

Here is the tut how to upgrade hdd on softmod xbox
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/366945
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/533828

Here is also a guide to play ONLINE for FREE
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/329607

Here are tuts how to backup games, how to create ISO and how to make bios CD.
http://xbox-scene.com/xbox-tutorials.php?p=14|39|357|358|367|#14

Here is the tut to get into #xbins
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/368866

Here is the tut how to FTP and how to edit evox.ini
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/333781

Here is the tut how to make a usb to xbox cable
http://www.xbox-scene.com/articles/xbox-usb-xbox-cable.php

Mabye Saint will sticky this for a little while.

[shmokes]

Softmod has FTP too and I can still get on xbox live by leaving the rom open and it boots straight to xbox live...and I use it. I FTP mine all the time to add new software. I'm telling you there's nothing you can do with the chip that i can't do with my softmod...except I didn't have the privilege of buying a mod chip...my mod was free. And I'm finishing up the tutorial now I'll have it up by tomorrow.

What?  You've gotta be kidding me.  You can't FTP just with the softmod . . . can you?  What I'm saying is that I can put a formatted, completely blank hard drive into my Xbox, and without installing a single thing on the hard drive, I can still connect to my Xbox via FTP and transfer files to said hard drive.  I'm pretty sure that your soft-mod will allow you to run unsigned code so that once you have an FTP server installed on the hard drive, such as XBMC or Avalaunch, etc., you can FTP to the box. 

Do I misunderstand?  Has the softmod really come so far?

[Red]

Thanks psik0tik.

Red

[psik0tik]

Yes you can ftp with just a softmod....look at the tuts I put up. I don't have a chip and I softmod and ftp all the time. I can go in my living room and ftp all day long if I want.

Edit: I think your missing the point...you don't need ftp to softmod...it's done through hotswap and a cdr. And after it's softmodded you ftp to your xbox and add game files or etc.

[spystyle]

I once did a softmod for my buddy, it sucked.

I had to plug the open X-Box in next to the open computer and boot the X-box about 100 times to get the timing just right, then throw the (powered on) hard drive into the computer within seconds, then run all these funky programs - programs I had to scour the internet for hours to find. Only to find that the programs were missing "parts" that could only be downloaded from certain IRC sites, so then I had to do it all over again. Finally I got my buddies X-Box "softmodded", it took an entire evening.

Then I sent it home with him, he decided he didn't like the front end, so he ran "Slayers" disk and accidentally killed the softmod.

So I ordered and installed a cheap hardmod. It took a leisurely hour to install, that includes everything like opening and closing the case, drinking coffee and watching TV. They are fast and easy to install. I think if I "had to" I could mod an X-box in 10 mins. And it can not be killed no matter what disk or hard drive get's put in there. It's fool proof an took me a fraction of the time it took for the softmod.

If you want to "softmod" then go for it, but don't try to fool anyone into thinking it's better than a hardmod. It isn't. It's a software substitute for the real thing.

The only thing that's "better" about it is you save $20.

[shmokes]

Yes you can ftp with just a softmod....look at the tuts I put up. I don't have a chip and I softmod and ftp all the time. I can go in my living room and ftp all day long if I want.

Edit: I think your missing the point...you don't need ftp to softmod...it's done through hotswap and a cdr. And after it's softmodded you ftp to your xbox and add game files or etc.

Okay . . . yeah, that's exactly what I thought.  Don't get me wrong, softmod has its place, but it cannot do everything the chip can.  FTP is one of those things.  The mod itself is not doing FTP.  The mod is simply letting you run unsigned code, which you then are running from a disc.  But what if your drive won't read any of your media?  I had one of those.  I couldn't get it to read any brand of CD-R, CD-RW or DVD+R that I had.  I tried two different brands of CD-RW and two different DVD+R.  Wouldn't read anything but legit Xbox discs.  I'm sure I could've tracked down a brand that would work with it, but that's a bit of a pain, isn't it? 

Normally, when I mod an Xbox, I get the mod done, then I boot to a disc called AvaNetPrepare that formats and partitions the hard drive, then populates the entire hard drive with everything it needs including dashboards, games, emulators, roms, etc., all over FTP using boost mode.  It's wonderful.  But that wouldn't work here.  I couldn't get any discs to work.  But since I had built-in FTP it wasn't a big deal.  I just connected to the box and pushed everything over manually.  No boost mode, so I was stuck with typical FTP speeds, but it worked.

Like many many things in the computer world, a software solution can get you by, even get you by pretty well, but it is simply not as robust as a dedicated hardware solution.  It just ain't.

By the way, other things that my hardware solution does that cannot be done with software include: I can turn my Xbox on and off with the remote.  I have an LCD screen on my Xbox that displays what is currently playing, as well as allows me to scroll through my music library so I can use it as a music player without having to have the TV on, it allows me to save multiple BIOS banks saved, so I can boot to XBMC or to Linux at my leisure.  It allows me to have multiple BIOS banks saved so that if one becomes corrupt (admittedly this has only happened to me once in the two or three years that I've had my Xbox modded) I can just boot to another bank, and reflashing the corrupted bank is a cinch.  It has memory that allows me to back up my eeprom.  And that list is probably not even exhaustive.

[Hoopz]

I once did a softmod for my buddy, it sucked.

I had to plug the open X-Box in next to the open computer and boot the X-box about 100 times to get the timing just right, then throw the (powered on) hard drive into the computer within seconds, then run all these funky programs - programs I had to scour the internet for hours to find. Only to find that the programs were missing "parts" that could only be downloaded from certain IRC sites, so then I had to do it all over again. Finally I got my buddies X-Box "softmodded", it took an entire evening.

Then I sent it home with him, he decided he didn't like the front end, so he ran "Slayers" disk and accidentally killed the softmod.

So I ordered and installed a cheap hardmod. It took a leisurely hour to install, that includes everything like opening and closing the case, drinking coffee and watching TV. They are fast and easy to install. I think if I "had to" I could mod an X-box in 10 mins. And it can not be killed no matter what disk or hard drive get's put in there. It's fool proof an took me a fraction of the time it took for the softmod.

If you want to "softmod" then go for it, but don't try to fool anyone into thinking it's better than a hardmod. It isn't. It's a software substitute for the real thing.

The only thing that's "better" about it is you save $20.

My experience is just the opposite.  I took my XBox to my office one day and did the softmod in less than 15 minutes.  I would say its better for me based upon what I need the Xbox for, what I can do, and can't do.  I know some people will ask why I can't solder or find someone to do it.  Thats fine.  I can ask why people struggle with a softmod that's just about as easy as falling off a log...

YMMV   

[J_K_M_A_N]

I once did a softmod for my buddy, it sucked.

I had to plug the open X-Box in next to the open computer and boot the X-box about 100 times to get the timing just right, then throw the (powered on) hard drive into the computer within seconds, then run all these funky programs - programs I had to scour the internet for hours to find. Only to find that the programs were missing "parts" that could only be downloaded from certain IRC sites, so then I had to do it all over again. Finally I got my buddies X-Box "softmodded", it took an entire evening.

Then I sent it home with him, he decided he didn't like the front end, so he ran "Slayers" disk and accidentally killed the softmod.

So I ordered and installed a cheap hardmod. It took a leisurely hour to install, that includes everything like opening and closing the case, drinking coffee and watching TV. They are fast and easy to install. I think if I "had to" I could mod an X-box in 10 mins. And it can not be killed no matter what disk or hard drive get's put in there. It's fool proof an took me a fraction of the time it took for the softmod.

If you want to "softmod" then go for it, but don't try to fool anyone into thinking it's better than a hardmod. It isn't. It's a software substitute for the real thing.

The only thing that's "better" about it is you save $20.

How long ago was that? I believe it used to be much harder than it is now with the ndure 3.0 and xboxhdm. I can softmod one in about 20 minutes and that is mostly waiting for the files to copy.

I have one xbox with an X3 and I have softmodded about 4 others. I will only do a softmod from now on. Mostly because I am a tight ass. But once you get the softmod done and get the eeprom off of it you shouldn't have any problem getting it working after some disaster. I admit, a chip is easier when something goes wrong and it can be a pain getting the DVD drive to read media but if I have the eeprom, I can hook the hard drive to a computer and fix it up in a few minutes. That is obviously not as easy as booting to the chip but I myself have never had to 'fix' a softmod. I know some people mess them up but I haven't run into that yet so this has been the best option for me.

One thing that may make it easier is I have an extra PII 500 that I use just for softmodding. It has a cd drive in it and pretty much nothing else. I have an extra long IDE cable in it and I just set up a table and have the two right next to each other. I am not sure why you had so much trouble getting the timing down just right. It should be unlocked any time you are in the MS dash.

Shmokes is also right though in that you can hook up an lcd and other things to a chip which you can't do to a softmod. I am planning on getting the add on to turn it on by remote for my X3.

Bottom line is, either way you have a kick ass modded xbox and that is the most important part!

J_K_M_A_N

[northerngames]

the newest slayers and AID have the softmod tools and hd goods all on a single disk now and everything can be installed from it alone I think.

[ark_ader]

This is correct I down loaded the AID 4.x version and the update from Xbins.  The Splinter Cel version hack is the quickest, and once it is on the memory card (any memory card including some Pendrives via the USB cable jobbie will do) I copied the Bios and the contents of the system files to C: all was well.  In 20 mins I had a softmodded Xbox with XBMC.

I looked at getting a 160GB drive for it, but the 8GB is plenty.

Now with those Xboxes going for £30 a pop I buy 2 every month with the view to use them as servers down the road.  You can install Damn Small Linux onto it and still have room, or you can add external USB drives. 

Now my mind asks:  What can I do with all these servers?   

[spystyle]

pr0n ofcourse

Just kidding

Use them to distribute MAME

[psik0tik]

Yes you can ftp with just a softmod....look at the tuts I put up. I don't have a chip and I softmod and ftp all the time. I can go in my living room and ftp all day long if I want.

Edit: I think your missing the point...you don't need ftp to softmod...it's done through hotswap and a cdr. And after it's softmodded you ftp to your xbox and add game files or etc.

Okay . . . yeah, that's exactly what I thought.  Don't get me wrong, softmod has its place, but it cannot do everything the chip can.  FTP is one of those things.  The mod itself is not doing FTP.  The mod is simply letting you run unsigned code, which you then are running from a disc.  But what if your drive won't read any of your media?  I had one of those.  I couldn't get it to read any brand of CD-R, CD-RW or DVD+R that I had.  I tried two different brands of CD-RW and two different DVD+R.  Wouldn't read anything but legit Xbox discs.  I'm sure I could've tracked down a brand that would work with it, but that's a bit of a pain, isn't it? 

Normally, when I mod an Xbox, I get the mod done, then I boot to a disc called AvaNetPrepare that formats and partitions the hard drive, then populates the entire hard drive with everything it needs including dashboards, games, emulators, roms, etc., all over FTP using boost mode.  It's wonderful.  But that wouldn't work here.  I couldn't get any discs to work.  But since I had built-in FTP it wasn't a big deal.  I just connected to the box and pushed everything over manually.  No boost mode, so I was stuck with typical FTP speeds, but it worked.

Like many many things in the computer world, a software solution can get you by, even get you by pretty well, but it is simply not as robust as a dedicated hardware solution.  It just ain't.

By the way, other things that my hardware solution does that cannot be done with software include: I can turn my Xbox on and off with the remote.  I have an LCD screen on my Xbox that displays what is currently playing, as well as allows me to scroll through my music library so I can use it as a music player without having to have the TV on, it allows me to save multiple BIOS banks saved, so I can boot to XBMC or to Linux at my leisure.  It allows me to have multiple BIOS banks saved so that if one becomes corrupt (admittedly this has only happened to me once in the two or three years that I've had my Xbox modded) I can just boot to another bank, and reflashing the corrupted bank is a cinch.  It has memory that allows me to back up my eeprom.  And that list is probably not even exhaustive.

I understand where your coming from But yes I have an lcd and can turn it off and on with a remote...of course it's unsigned code. Only difference is that you run the same software I do off of the chip you installed. I run my software off the drive with the original ms dash sitting in the background so i can switch if I need to. When softmodding first came out you couldn't do anything with it. Now you can do everything. And if my box shits out I just load up the disc and it'll fix itself. It all comes down to what JK said...we have awesome boxes and we love them.

[shmokes]

But yes I have an lcd and can turn it off and on with a remote...of course it's unsigned code.

Wait, what?  You can't do those things with a softmod! 


edit: well, you can turn the box off . . . but on?

[northerngames]

if you want and IR remote mod visit sickmods.net he  makes some cool remote chips that can add alot to an xbox.

it is not a softmod but a chip but there nice to have added in.

check out the Xerc line-up.

[spystyle]

Well I guess I should warm up to "soft mods"

I just "soft modded" my daughter's PSP and it works a treat. I would have preferred a "mod chip" but PSP chips are expensive and difficult to install.

I uploaded my PSP "softmod pack" here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70625.0

I guess it's possible that my bad experience with "soft modding" an X-Box does not reflect what is currently available. Maybe I'll give it another try sometime. Someone should upload a self-contained X-Box "softmod pack".

Cheers,
Craig

[psik0tik]

There's allot of install packages out there already.

Slayers - http://slayer.xbox-scene.com/ <---but I think this is modchip preferred
NDURE - http://forums.xbox-scene.com/lofiversion/index.php/t411052.html
Auto - http://www.aideluxe.com/

[Smoker]

I think he may be refering to a tsop and not a pure softmod. Cause if your softmod dumps out on you, you cant just boot a cd on the xbox and have everything repaired.

Now if your cheap, and have no soldering skills tsop is really the way to go. (as long as it isnt a 1.6)
I have actually done a tsop with tin foil and scotch tape(forgot to close the top of my fogger repair kit)
The only shortfall of a tsop from a real mod chip is you cant turn it off on most boxes to access xbox live.

[Kane]

I just softmoded my xbox the other day and had no problems with it. For me it was super easy. I didn't even do the hot swap, I just plugged my drives into my computer and went from there. Go here- http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=244043
for easy to follow directionson upgrading your HD. For softmoding go here- http://www.xbox-hq.com/html/xbox-tutorials-183.html  It took me about 30-40 min. and that includes getting all the programs. I suggest that you guys who are knocking it give it a try it is really easy.

[J_K_M_A_N]

I just softmoded my xbox the other day and had no problems with it. For me it was super easy. I didn't even do the hot swap, I just plugged my drives into my computer and went from there. Go here- http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=244043
for easy to follow directionson upgrading your HD. For softmoding go here- http://www.xbox-hq.com/html/xbox-tutorials-183.html  It took me about 30-40 min. and that includes getting all the programs. I suggest that you guys who are knocking it give it a try it is really easy.

You say you didn't do the hot swap so how did you lock the drive? You need the HD key and it won't boot without the drive being locked unless you have a chip.

J_K_M_A_N

[Kane]

the first link I supplied contains a link to a program called XboxHDM. That program will lock and unlock the harddrives as well as get you the eeprom.

[J_K_M_A_N]

I use xboxhdm but I didn't know it could get the eeprom. Did you put the original in the PC and use xboxhdm to get the key to the hard drive? If so, how?

J_K_M_A_N

[northerngames]

eeprom reader/writers can be made from radio shack parts for less then $5.00

those will retrieve the eeprom info the along with the hdd encycption code.

they also can unbann the console if you have another non-banned eeprom to inject.

[Kane]

I was mistaken, you must softmod the box first and make a backup of the eeprom file, then put the .bin file in the linux>eeprom folder and burn all the xboxhdm files to a disc. When you start the uprade process the program uses the backed up eeprom file to unlock your hdd.

[J_K_M_A_N]

I was mistaken, you must softmod the box first and make a backup of the eeprom file, then put the .bin file in the linux>eeprom folder and burn all the xboxhdm files to a disc. When you start the uprade process the program uses the backed up eeprom file to unlock your hdd.

OK. That is what I thought. I was going to say...all this time I have been doing this the hard way!

eeprom reader/writers can be made from radio shack parts for less then $5.00

those will retrieve the eeprom info the along with the hdd encycption code.

they also can unbann the console if you have another non-banned eeprom to inject.

Do you have a link to something on how to make one? How hard are they to hook up? I might want to mess around with one of those just in case I get in trouble.

J_K_M_A_N

[spystyle]

eeprom reader/writers can be made from radio shack parts for less then $5.00

those will retrieve the eeprom info the along with the hdd encycption code.

they also can unbann the console if you have another non-banned eeprom to inject.

Man, it sounds like you need a degree to do that. I'd sooner solder a modchip than solder a breadboard to make an eeprom reader. With the modchip the Xbox is unlocked, you don't have to mess with eeproms.
 

[ark_ader]

Yep the memory stick and splinter cel beats all that crap above. 

It always amazes me how people complicate the simplest tasks for no reason.

[Grasshopper]

Softmodding might be slightly simpler. But it's definitely not cheaper. The cost of obtaining a suitable game plus the memory stick plus a converter to use the memory stick with a PC is going to cost quite a bit more than a cheap mod chip.

Softmodding only starts to become the cheaper option if you decide to mod several Xboxes.

[northerngames]

http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/357863

[spystyle]

Installing a modchip is h3ll easier than building that device.

But if you appreciate an electronic engineering challenge then go for it.

The thing is - if you modchip your Xbox it's set for life. You don't even need to know what an eeprom is. It's the "end all" solution.

The debate rages on - but the fact is a modchip is the most sensible and permanent way to make your Xbox rock.

It's inexpensive and soldering it is easy - even for a person completely new to soldering. It's easier than modchipping a Playstation (first gen).

Softmods can become undone with software. Modchips can not. Building any eeprom reader is much much more difficult than simply installing a modchip.

There is just no sense in doing all that work when such a simple and cost effective solution exist.

 

You guys are making me dizzy!

Anyway, happy gaming.
Craig

[northerngames]

well it has nothing to do with a softmod or hardmod it is its own mod really 

[Samstag]

The thing is - if you modchip your Xbox it's set for life. You don't even need to know what an eeprom is. It's the "end all" solution.

Unless you buy crap chips from Xecuter and the connectors go bad on you.  I had to remove chips from both of my boxes because they were unreliable.

All methods for modding xboxes work great and have some drawbacks.  How about we all agree to use whatever method we like best and not worry about what the other guys are doing?

[spystyle]

Crap Xecuter chips? I don't know anything about that. The first post in this thread was about the inexpensive and reliable DuoX2 chips.

There are no drawbacks to installing a DuoX2 unless you are phobic of soldering and can't afford $20.

And yes, I can agree that "any mod method" is better than "no mod method", but there is only one method that is best.

"Best" meaning cost effective, simple, resilient, and perfect functionality. I don't mean to keep hammering this but when they start talking about building devices from scratch - c'mon, just modchip the d@mn thing. Then use the hours you save to play games. 

This discussion is very much like horse versus car

[you] "With a horse I don't have to change oil or buy gas"

[me] "With a car... oh I give up"

 

[Samstag]

The thing is - if you modchip your Xbox it's set for life. You don't even need to know what an eeprom is. It's the "end all" solution.

Unless you buy crap chips from Xecuter and the connectors go bad on you.  I had to remove chips from both of my boxes because they were unreliable.

Crap Xecuter chips? I don't know anything about that. The first post in this thread was about the inexpensive and reliable DuoX2 chips.

This thread is so lost in arguments the original message was lost.  I stand by my response to your blanket statement about modchips.  Xecuter chips are garbage in my opinion.   I have no opinion on the Duox, although I have a couple I'm going to try out soon.

This discussion is very much like horse versus car

It's more like apple versus orange.  They're both fruit and everyone prefers one or the other.  Neither side is wrong.

[spystyle]

...I stand by my response to your blanket statement about modchips.

Well I guess I could have been more specific, when I wrote "modchip" I was referring to "DuoX2", as stated in the first post.

I have no opinion on the Duox, although I have a couple I'm going to try out soon.

You will really dig them.

The install is made easier if you solder to the "alternate D0" point on the underside of the board, see this guide here:

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/lofiversion/index.php/t427711.html

Also, if you get the board with the LPT holes full of solder, you can desolder that easily with a $10 desoldering tool from radio shack:

http://tinyurl.com/2jdddz

Cheers,
Craig

[Samstag]

The install is made easier if you solder to the "alternate D0" point on the underside of the board, see this guide here:

I actually find that to be harder.  I use solid 30 guage wire and push it through the upper point.  Leave 1/4" wre exposed, get a bit of soler on it, heat it and push it rhough, then snip the excess from the other side.

Also, if you get the board with the LPT holes full of solder, you can desolder that easily with a $10 desoldering tool from radio shack:

I don't think I've ever modded a box that didn't have the holes filled.  I normally take those to work and use one of the variable-temp desoldering pumps.

[ark_ader]

Softmodding might be slightly simpler. But it's definitely not cheaper. The cost of obtaining a suitable game plus the memory stick plus a converter to use the memory stick with a PC is going to cost quite a bit more than a cheap mod chip.

Softmodding only starts to become the cheaper option if you decide to mod several Xboxes.

Game - £2.99 + Memory Stick £5.00 = $16

And you don't have to open her up.

Best thing is that the game and memory stick can be reused for another xbox - so "ker-ching savings!!" 

[psik0tik]

Soft modding can be free. You don't need the game or memory stick. The save game exploit is there for people that don't want to crack open the case. I'd get a mod chip before I used the save game exploit.

[Red]

Can you add a 750GB hard drive to the Xbox after you soft mod it? 

I read something about it having bad clusters or something if you go above a certain size.  Any way to prevent the bad clusters?  Thanks.

[Ed_McCarron]

eeprom reader/writers can be made from radio shack parts for less then $5.00

You can make an eprom burner from cell phones and overpriced stereo equipment?   

[Kane]

Can you add a 750GB hard drive to the Xbox after you soft mod it? 

I read something about it having bad clusters or something if you go above a certain size.  Any way to prevent the bad clusters?  Thanks.

For adding larger hdd (anything over 250Gig) you have to upgrade the bios to .67. Then when you are formating the drive you enable and create a "g" drive that will be the remainder of the drive size. I have only found a little info on this but check here- http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=462980

[Red]

Can you add a 750GB hard drive to the Xbox after you soft mod it? 

I read something about it having bad clusters or something if you go above a certain size.  Any way to prevent the bad clusters?  Thanks.

For adding larger hdd (anything over 250Gig) you have to upgrade the bios to .67. Then when you are formating the drive you enable and create a "g" drive that will be the remainder of the drive size. I have only found a little info on this but check here- http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=462980

Great.  Now, how do I upgrade the bios to .67 on a Soft Modded XBox?

Thanks.

[Kane]

ok, after some extensive research it appears that SID 5 and AID 3 both include lba48 support (bios) but I can't be positive.

[Red]

Thanks Kane.

Red

[Kane]

NP, I did some more sniffing and found this short thread about it here -http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/archive/index.php/t-2054938384.html - It seems that after you create the hd you can repartition it with xbpartitioner or evox and unleash x.

edit: Just found this post -

"Mostly all new softmod installers support this!
I recommend Krayzie's Ndure 1.1 from the usual places.
You can change the option for F Drive and G Drive.
Say you want everything on F, then NKpatcher.06 is what you want to change it to in the extras.
NKpatcher.67 (installed by default) will put 137 on F and the rest on G."

So it appears that this isn't even an issue anymore. You should have no trouble installing a large hd. I only installed an 80gig in mine and it is holding 26 games including Halo 1 & 2, it also has XBMC on it as well as UnleashX and dvd2xbox, plus 2 movies ans I still have about 8 gigs free

[shmokes]

Can you add a 750GB hard drive to the Xbox after you soft mod it? 

I read something about it having bad clusters or something if you go above a certain size.  Any way to prevent the bad clusters?  Thanks.

The great thing about a soft-mod is that you can upgrade your harddrive to 750GB without having to open up the Xbox!

 

[Hoagie_one]

NEver had any luck with teh softmod harddrive upgrade using that linux disk.  I just use my chip modded box and clone the other xbox's drive after its softmodded and copy the whole thing to a bigger harddrive.

[Red]

Can you add a 750GB hard drive to the Xbox after you soft mod it? 

I read something about it having bad clusters or something if you go above a certain size.  Any way to prevent the bad clusters?  Thanks.

The great thing about a soft-mod is that you can upgrade your harddrive to 750GB without having to open up the Xbox!

 

Really?  Please tell me more on how to do that shmokes.

Red

[shmokes]

I've never done it, but I believe it involves plugging the 750 GB drive into one of the controller ports (the drive has to be in a USB enclosure or have an IDE -> USB adapter attached) using an adapter that makes the ports compatible with standard-shaped USB plugs.  The software than transfers the capacity of the 750 GB drive to the internal drive, so the drive inside can now hold 750 GB and the 750 GB drive can now only hold 8 GB. 

[northerngames]

I've never done it, but I believe it involves plugging the 750 GB drive into one of the controller ports (the drive has to be in a USB enclosure or have an IDE -> USB adapter attached) using an adapter that makes the ports compatible with standard-shaped USB plugs.  The software than transfers the capacity of the 750 GB drive to the internal drive, so the drive inside can now hold 750 GB and the 750 GB drive can now only hold 8 GB. 

if that were the case I would be in the hard drive buissness lol.

ever felt the weight difference from a 8 gig and a 750gb?

I'm pretty sure that is impossible 

[Kane]

yeah, I sense much sarcasm......

[shmokes]

 

[Red]

Can you add a 750GB hard drive to the Xbox after you soft mod it? 

I read something about it having bad clusters or something if you go above a certain size.  Any way to prevent the bad clusters?  Thanks.

The great thing about a soft-mod is that you can upgrade your harddrive to 750GB without having to open up the Xbox!

 

I thought maybe it was something similar to the Extender mod, where you can hook up external hard drives through some sort of cable and case mod.

Red

[northerngames]

it is possible where they can be hooked up externally by usb yes.

but as for transfereing the GB drive size from larger a drive to a smaller drive or vice versa is a no.

the xbox controller ports are ran from usb there not shaped correctly for plug and play but the wiring is correct behind them and there is an extra yellow wire that is not needed for the usb add on's.

[psik0tik]

I've never done it, but I believe it involves plugging the 750 GB drive into one of the controller ports (the drive has to be in a USB enclosure or have an IDE -> USB adapter attached) using an adapter that makes the ports compatible with standard-shaped USB plugs.  The software than transfers the capacity of the 750 GB drive to the internal drive, so the drive inside can now hold 750 GB and the 750 GB drive can now only hold 8 GB. 

  The sad thing is that someone....mabye just one but one is enough...actually believed that..that was in the rank of the stop signs with a white strip around them are optional