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