X-box mod for Mame help (Also Best Console Game Ports)

[Ginsu Victim]

Yeah, which is why I'm just pointing him to where to dig. How I managed to softmod mine with all the old info out there, I'll never know.

[jukingeo]

Same one I gave you earlier

Yeah, I am checking it out as we speak.  But are there other sites besides that one?

Just be aware that the info IS all there... but it's not organized and there are a LOT of tutorials that are years out of date with the current state of modding/homebrew.

Yeah, I have noticed that with the Xbox scene site.  Lots of digging to do.

Gotta run, I am off to...Well DIG!   Anyone got an internet shovel?

Geo

[ChadTower]

You may want to try digging here first.  We've had more than a couple conversations about xbox modding here that may save you some time.

[Ginsu Victim]

This had some discussion when I was working on mine
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90318.0;all

[jukingeo]

You may want to try digging here first.  We've had more than a couple conversations about xbox modding here that may save you some time.

I was looking here for precisely like that.  I didn't dig up much.  X-Box Scene DOES have a ton of info, but I think what I was looking for is a more step by step procedure for taking an ordinary un-modded Xbox and then performing the necessary tasks to convert it to a Mame machine.

As of now I read that to do that you first have to convert the X-Box to a Linux machine.  That is great, and I am fine with that.  I use Linux anyway. 

This had some discussion when I was working on mine
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90318.0;all

Great, I will check that out.  Thanx for the info.

Geo

[Ginsu Victim]

instructables.com has some step-by-step info

Search for xbox softmod

[Ginsu Victim]

Sorry for not being more helpful. Once I finally completed my softmod, I forgot how to do all of that and never had a reason to look at it again.

[ark_ader]

If you need help on the Softmod just PM me.

[ChadTower]

As of now I read that to do that you first have to convert the X-Box to a Linux machine.  That is great, and I am fine with that.  I use Linux anyway. 

That is definitely not accurate.  There is an Xbox native port of MAME.

[DJ_Izumi]

Yeah you can get everything ported to run natively on the Xbox.  Linux on the Xbox is an unpleasent experience.  I tried it, intent on making the Xbox1 a streaming box to use an an anime convention's CCTV system for rebroadcasting event rooms to TVs around the building.  The Xbox1 lacks in hardware and the ports of Linux are well out of date.  Then I found the native application Xbox Media Center and that was a million times better, more effective and simpler.

[jukingeo]

instructables.com has some step-by-step info

Search for xbox softmod

Ok, thanx for the info, will check it out.

Sorry for not being more helpful. Once I finally completed my softmod, I forgot how to do all of that and never had a reason to look at it again.

Don't be sorry, thusfar all the info you have been linking me to is helpful.   I just think that for my first time out doing any kind of work with the Xbox that I would need to do it step by step.  I know nothing about the Xbox as my primary gaming platform is the PS2 and that is followed by my PC.

That is definitely not accurate.  There is an Xbox native port of MAME.

Really?  Do you have a link for it and/or instructions on how to do it.  That is my primary goal to use MAME with it.  Sure a Linux Xbox computer would be cool, but I am more interested in putting Mame on the Xbox.

Yeah you can get everything ported to run natively on the Xbox.  Linux on the Xbox is an unpleasent experience.  I tried it, intent on making the Xbox1 a streaming box to use an an anime convention's CCTV system for rebroadcasting event rooms to TVs around the building.  The Xbox1 lacks in hardware and the ports of Linux are well out of date.  Then I found the native application Xbox Media Center and that was a million times better, more effective and simpler.

Xbox Media Center?  What is that? Does that have anything to do with using Mame on the Xbox?

For now I just want to use the Xbox with Mame.  So all I need to know is how to do that.  Like I said above, a Linux computer on the Xbox would be cool, but it isn't necessary.

EDIT:

Ok, I did some more digging tonight and I came across something for the Xbox called CoinOps Reignite: Showcase.  I have not found a procedure to install it, but supposedly it is Mame and a front end for the Xbox.  I tried to 'wiki' it but nothing really comes up.

I also came up with something called MameOX for the Xbox, but I came across threads saying this is 'Old'.

Thanx,

Geo

[DJ_Izumi]

Xbox Media Center?  What is that? Does that have anything to do with using Mame on the Xbox?

XBMC was made as a media center dashboard for the Xbox.  It do normal stuff like launch games and applications on the Xbox but it can also play DVDs, video files, audio files, still images and things like that.  It can actually access videos on shared folders on your network remotely even.  It makes an Xbox1 into a fairly practical standard definition media center box.  Of course at 733mhz, the Xbox1 was an evolutionary dead end.  XBMC is now available for Windows, Linux and Mac so you can build a PC based media center using the same application.

[ChadTower]

Your research priority should be this:

1)  XBox Media Center
2)  Xbox softmodding
3)  Xbox port of MAME


Frankly, if 1-3 don't suit what you're looking for, use a PC.  I guarantee that if your stated desires are correct those three will do all you need and then some.

[jukingeo]

XBMC was made as a media center dashboard for the Xbox.  It do normal stuff like launch games and applications on the Xbox but it can also play DVDs, video files, audio files, still images and things like that.  It can actually access videos on shared folders on your network remotely even.  It makes an Xbox1 into a fairly practical standard definition media center box.  Of course at 733mhz, the Xbox1 was an evolutionary dead end.  XBMC is now available for Windows, Linux and Mac so you can build a PC based media center using the same application.

Wow, that sounds impressive.  In the very least I could use an Xbox as a media player to play my movies through on my video projector.   So XBMC does sound interesting and I would like more info on it, but for now I would like to see what it can do via Mame first.

Your research priority should be this:

1)  XBox Media Center
2)  Xbox softmodding
3)  Xbox port of MAME


Frankly, if 1-3 don't suit what you're looking for, use a PC.  I guarantee that if your stated desires are correct those three will do all you need and then some.

Mame is my MAIN intention right now.  So that is what I need the most info on.   However, as DJ explained XBMC above, I might be interested in that as well.

What IS the Xbox port of Mame?  I found several leads.  One is for Xmame-X which I found out is old and outdated.  Then there is  MAMEoX, which I didn't delve to deep into.  Last night I found a newer one called Coin Op--Reignite.

So as it stands this is overwhelming and confusing and it looks like the more I am digging the more questions are coming up.

Basically for now I just want to most straightforward path to take to get Mame running on the Xbox.

Well, I'm off to doing more digging.

Geo

[jukingeo]

This had some discussion when I was working on mine
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90318.0;all

Hello Ginsu,

I looked over this link this afternoon and I yet have now even more questions:

What's an Exploit, What's a Dashboard, What's XboxHDM.  Is Unleashed X another Mame for Xbox?  I also been reading that you need certain items to perform a softmod and one of them is a certain game?

Can I just run the Mame?  Do I need to have all three items: soft mod, XBMC, & Mame to run mame roms?

I have tried to search for some more info on Xbox Scene and Google, but many times I am getting very old information or even more questions.

Basically I need a step by step guide or tutorial that will allow me to take a standard original Xbox and set it up to play Mame.  That is all I would like to do for now.

So sorry to be a pain, but a little bit more hand-holding is in order, as I seem to be finding more questions rather than answers.

Oh!  What happened with the BYOAC forum's search engine?  Less than a year ago the search engine had so many advanced searching capabilities.  Now you only have that single search bar above.

Thanx,

Geo

[jukingeo]

Your research priority should be this:

1)  XBox Media Center
2)  Xbox softmodding
3)  Xbox port of MAME


Frankly, if 1-3 don't suit what you're looking for, use a PC.  I guarantee that if your stated desires are correct those three will do all you need and then some.

Doing even some more digging...Do I need all three of these just to run Mame?  I was reading some other posts and that was the gist I was getting.

So I guess I would have to softmod the Xbox first?  Then I need Xbox Media Center next and then finally Mame? 

Thanx,

Geo

[Hoopz]

You have to mod the XBox first.  Either by the softmod OR via a mod chip. 

After that, you need a dashboard to act as the Graphical User Interface which will allow you to install programs such as Mame.

So the mod has to come first.  A dashboard is the next logical choice.  Then Mame gets added to the dashboard as a program.

I posted this link in the thread that Ginsu referenced.  I still think it's the easiest way to do the softmod but it depends on your comfort level.  J_K_M_A_N has done more than I have using the same method.

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

Have you read through it?  If so, let us know if you have questions.  Using this method, you don't need a particular game to do the softmod.  You use an audio disc to help unlock the hard drive which will allow you to start playing with it. 

I'd also suggest that you change the name of the thread so that some experts around here see that this is about an XBox mod now.  Just a suggestion....

[Hoopz]

This had some discussion when I was working on mine
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=90318.0;all

Hello Ginsu,

I looked over this link this afternoon and I yet have now even more questions:

What's an Exploit, What's a Dashboard, What's XboxHDM.  Is Unleashed X another Mame for Xbox?  I also been reading that you need certain items to perform a softmod and one of them is a certain game?

Can I just run the Mame?  Do I need to have all three items: soft mod, XBMC, & Mame to run mame roms?

I have tried to search for some more info on Xbox Scene and Google, but many times I am getting very old information or even more questions.

Basically I need a step by step guide or tutorial that will allow me to take a standard original Xbox and set it up to play Mame.  That is all I would like to do for now.

So sorry to be a pain, but a little bit more hand-holding is in order, as I seem to be finding more questions rather than answers.

Oh!  What happened with the BYOAC forum's search engine?  Less than a year ago the search engine had so many advanced searching capabilities.  Now you only have that single search bar above.

Thanx,

Geo

An exploit is a way to get your Xbox ready for the modification.  See my previous post for an answer on a dashboard. 

Genesim broke the search function.  Blame him.   

[jukingeo]

You have to mod the XBox first.  Either by the softmod OR via a mod chip.

I am probably going to go softmod because I really don't think I would need to go crazy with large storage capacity now and the original hard drive should be good enough.

After that, you need a dashboard to act as the Graphical User Interface which will allow you to install programs such as Mame.

Would those "CoinOp--Reignite" things I keep running across be the dashboard?

So the mod has to come first.  A dashboard is the next logical choice.  Then Mame gets added to the dashboard as a program.

Ok, so far I follow.

I posted this link in the thread that Ginsu referenced.  I still think it's the easiest way to do the softmod but it depends on your comfort level.  J_K_M_A_N has done more than I have using the same method.

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

Have you read through it? 

Yeah, I have the link but didn't get through it all.   I wasn't sure of what I needed or not since Mame was my primary objective.  I didn't know if the Mame for Xbox did everything for you.  Again, I am starting from square one.  I never even owned an Xbox before.   So I am as newbie as a newbie gets!

If so, let us know if you have questions.  Using this method, you don't need a particular game to do the softmod.  You use an audio disc to help unlock the hard drive which will allow you to start playing with it.

Ok, so then the hard drive locks itself down so you need some kind of disk to 'unlock it'?

I'd also suggest that you change the name of the thread so that some experts around here see that this is about an XBox mod now.  Just a suggestion....

Yeah...that would be a good idea!  I will probably just add it to the title...if I can.

Ok, so I will read that document tonight.   Please let me know what else I need...meaning the dashboard program and the Mame program. 

Thanx,

Geo

[jukingeo]

Hello all:

Last night I picked up a used Xbox at a store called Play N Trade.  They are supposedly like a Gamestop store albeit a bit cheaper.  Gamestop wanted $50 for the Xbox and Play N Trade only wanted $34.  It came with all the cables and one controller as well.  I just got it last night so I still have to test it.

One thing for sure...the Xbox is MUCH larger than I initially thought.  I guess I was so used to my smallish PS2, I wasn't expecting that.  I expected it to be 1/3rd smaller in size.  Well, it is still smaller than a PC and it has FOUR gamepad inputs, (as opposed to just 2 on the PS2)

I am going to test it this coming weekend (hopefully before Christmas), so I just need to know/get all the materials needed to make the mod.

General Xbox Questions:

1) The drawer on the Xbox just says "CD-Rom".  I thought the Xbox used a DVD player?
2) The video outputs are standard composite.  Can the Xbox do S-video and/or component output?

Thanx,

Geo

[Ginsu Victim]

1) The drawer on the Xbox just says "CD-Rom".  I thought the Xbox used a DVD player?

It is DVD. I don't know why it says CD-Rom on yours.

2) The video outputs are standard composite.  Can the Xbox do S-video and/or component output?

Yes, S-video and component both work.

[jukingeo]

1) The drawer on the Xbox just says "CD-Rom".  I thought the Xbox used a DVD player?

It is DVD. I don't know why it says CD-Rom on yours.

I am looking at a copy of the manual as we speak.  Supposedly the Xbox comes with a CD player, but the DVD is an option available in a movie package.  Grrrrr.   I wish I would have known THAT ahead of time, then I would have specifically asked for one with a DVD.

2) The video outputs are standard composite.  Can the Xbox do S-video and/or component output?

Yes, S-video and component both work.

Yes, I see that it can handle S-video with a different cable.  The manual also mentions a "hi-def" package.  So I am assuming that is component.

Now I am assuming that all I need to do to get the better video modes is to just get a different cable, right?

Now here is the kicker, if the Xbox can do component, could it also do SVGA?  The manual didn't say anything about computer monitor hookup.

Thanx,

Geo

[Ginsu Victim]

You would need a converter that accepts component to vga. Edit: Or one of these http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=98976.0

I highly recommend the component cables. I picked up a used set of monster cables (only $5.00) at gamestop and the picture difference is just astounding.

[ChadTower]

I suggested the priority I did based on the fact that getting XBMC installed is going to open up everything you'll need to run MAME.  The process for getting to XBMC is well documented - this is the path of best instructions for you to take.  Once you have that in there getting MAME to run is a cakewalk.

Plus, as with just about everyone else, once you see XBMC you will want to run it.

Trust us.  We've done a lot of these.

You want the component cables for the simple fact that the Xbox can run reasonably up to 720p and upscales in the process.  Can't do that without them.  That's a hell of an ugprade for $5.

[Ginsu Victim]

I use UnleashX as my dashboard. If I press power, I get UnleashX. If I press eject to turn on, I get the default Xbox dashboard.

If you don't want XBMC, you don't have to use it (especially if it's going in a cab).

Though if this was in your living room, XBMC is a must.

[jukingeo]

You would need a converter that accepts component to vga.

I highly recommend the component cables. I picked up a used set of monster cables (only $5.00) at gamestop and the picture difference is just astounding.

Agreed.  I have noticed this with a flat screen TV I have in my home.  The TV is HD ready and I bought a DVD player for it so I could play some CGI movies for my kids in the living room (there is no cable or antenna hookup in that room).  Initially I had it hooked up to the composite video input, but then I wanted to hook up a VCR to the TV and it only had one set of composite video inputs.  However it had two sets of component inputs.  So being that the DVD player had component outputs, the logical thing to do was to move the DVD player to component and put the VCR on the composite input.   Let me tell you that the picture quality enhanced more than 2 fold.  I put in my kids favorite Thomas videos and the movie "Cars" and WOW, the difference WAS like night and day.

So I knew that I would want more than just the composite output of the Xbox.  In the very least I would go S-video..that would at least get me near arcade quality.  But I might go all the way and go component or SVGA.  Going SVA I can use a standard low cost 19" monitor for my games and that would give me a nice crystal clear picture.

I suggested the priority I did based on the fact that getting XBMC installed is going to open up everything you'll need to run MAME.  The process for getting to XBMC is well documented - this is the path of best instructions for you to take.  Once you have that in there getting MAME to run is a cakewalk.

I did get the gist that I was going to need all three, but in order to get XBMC the Xbox would need to be modded first, so I have some instructions on doing that.  The instructions I have don't need a specific game, but they want you to hotswap the box.  However this method requires opening up the Xbox. I really didn't want to open the Xbox up, to be honest with you, but if I must then I must.

Plus, as with just about everyone else, once you see XBMC you will want to run it.

Does XBMC need the DVD drive?  I believe I have an Xbox that just has the CD-Rom and not the DVD.

Trust us.  We've done a lot of these.

Oh, the trust is there.  I just need to clear the mass of confusion so as to not screw anything up in this process.

You want the component cables for the simple fact that the Xbox can run reasonably up to 720p and upscales in the process.  Can't do that without them.  That's a hell of an ugprade for $5.

Should I go back to the store I got the Xbox from to get that cable?  Would you know of anyplace locally I can get it that isn't going to rake me across the coals (i.e. Radio Shack...they are too expensive)?

I mean I COULD order the cable as I don't really need it right away, I do have the composite cable to test things out on.  

Just right now I need to learn how to do everything.

So, that said I guess the procedure would be to:

1) Soft mod the Xbox
2) Install and run XBMC (would this be the dashboard?)
3) Install Mame for Xbox (what do I look for?)

Thanx,

Geo

[jukingeo]

I use UnleashX as my dashboard. If I press power, I get UnleashX. If I press eject to turn on, I get the default Xbox dashboard.

If you don't want XBMC, you don't have to use it (especially if it's going in a cab).

So then XBMC IS the dashboard?

Though if this was in your living room, XBMC is a must.

Well, here is the thing.  I am going to test everything on my main TV (in my bedroom).  The goal is to put it in a cabinet, BUT if I like how Mame runs on the main TV, who knows, I might build a controller for my lap and play Mame games right there in my bed!

Now the question would be could XBMC also be used in a cabinet or no?

Thanx,

Geo

[HaRuMaN]

believe I have an Xbox that just has the CD-Rom and not the DVD.

unpossible

[ChadTower]

I really didn't want to open the Xbox up, to be honest with you, but if I must then I must.

You're looking at either a hot swap or a modchip.  Or is there a memcard related hack?  I don't remember one if there is.

[Ginsu Victim]

believe I have an Xbox that just has the CD-Rom and not the DVD.

There is no possible way this can be true. You'll have to post a pic of your xbox if you disagree, because there's no way unless someone figured out how to screw you over BIG TIME.

Now the question would be could XBMC also be used in a cabinet or no?

Yes, but who watches TV or movies at their cabinet?

I really didn't want to open the Xbox up, to be honest with you, but if I must then I must.

You're looking at either a hot swap or a modchip.  Or is there a memcard related hack?  I don't remember one if there is.

Save-based Softmod doesn't require opening.

[ChadTower]

Yes, but who watches TV or movies at their cabinet?

I know a few people who use a cab, or even a pin, doubled as a juke.

Save-based Softmod doesn't require opening.

It's coming back some.  You still need to either hack up an interface to the PC or buy a memcard-PC adapter.  Hotswapping is a whole lot easier if you know your way around a motherboard.

[Ginsu Victim]

You still need to either hack up an interface to the PC or buy a memcard-PC adapter.  

I just used a usb thumb drive and hacked in a USB cable into an Xbox controller extension cable. Allow the xbox to format the drive, then use the Action Replay software to copy over the save file.

[Hoopz]

You still need to either hack up an interface to the PC or buy a memcard-PC adapter.  

I just used a usb thumb drive and hacked in a USB cable into an Xbox controller extension cable. Allow the xbox to format the drive, then use the Action Replay software to copy over the save file.

I need to research this.

[ChadTower]

I just used a usb thumb drive and hacked in a USB cable into an Xbox controller extension cable. Allow the xbox to format the drive, then use the Action Replay software to copy over the save file.

Yeah, but if he can't hotswap an IDE drive, he can't do this.

[jukingeo]

unpossible

Really?!  Well, I attached the manual that I downloaded online, just peruse the first few pages and it says that the original Xbox came with a CD-Rom and the DVD was available as part of the movie package K01-0004.

You're looking at either a hot swap or a modchip.  Or is there a memcard related hack?  I don't remember one if there is.

I think I remember reading something about a memory card hack when I looked up putting Linux on the Xbox.

believe I have an Xbox that just has the CD-Rom and not the DVD.

There is no possible way this can be true. You'll have to post a pic of your xbox if you disagree, because there's no way unless someone figured out how to screw you over BIG TIME.

Check out the manual I posted.  I don't have the Xbox here to take a picture of it, but it does say "Compact Disc" and not DVD on the CD drawer.

Yes, but who watches TV or movies at their cabinet?

I am NOT going to watch TV on a cabinet.  I was just wondering if XBMC could be used in one considering that was the recommended approach.

Putting it another way, what would you use instead of XBMC for an arcade cabinet?  

Yes, but who watches TV or movies at their cabinet?

I know a few people who use a cab, or even a pin, doubled as a juke.

Raises Hand.  Yes, I have a jukebox program.  

Save-based Softmod doesn't require opening.

Ok.

It's coming back some.  You still need to either hack up an interface to the PC or buy a memcard-PC adapter.  Hotswapping is a whole lot easier if you know your way around a motherboard.

Well, I have put many computers together myself and have performed many upgrades on computers, so that is a definite, yes.  But I have not been poking around in many consoles...that is for sure.

You still need to either hack up an interface to the PC or buy a memcard-PC adapter.  

I just used a usb thumb drive and hacked in a USB cable into an Xbox controller extension cable. Allow the xbox to format the drive, then use the Action Replay software to copy over the save file.

So you can use a USB memory stick with the XBox and you go into the controller port for that? Ok, now you lost me.


Slightly off topic:

I was looking up some details on hacking an Xbox controller.  Apparently the Xbox's main trigger controls are analog in addition to the thumbstick controls.   So as a recap,  even though the Xbox supports these controls (natively), you can't access them in the Xbox version of Mame?  If that is the case then that is a bummer.  So the next question would be if you could wire the L/R triggers for simple on/off control.  I sure do hope so, otherwise you would loose two buttons right there.

Geo

[ChadTower]

Well, I have put many computers together myself and have performed many upgrades on computers, so that is a definite, yes.  But I have not been poking around in many consoles...that is for sure.

The Xbox is a PC.  Same north/south bridge architecture.  Same IDE interfaces.  The controller ports are USB with a different plug and like one extra wire.  There is very little different inside an Xbox, hardware wise, than you'd find in a small desktop PC using a motherboard with onboard video and sound.

[HaRuMaN]

unpossible

Really?!  Well, I attached the manual that I downloaded online, just peruse the first few pages and it says that the original Xbox came with a CD-Rom and the DVD was available as part of the movie package K01-0004.

Still unpossible.  Read it again.  K01-0004 is a DVD playback kit, consisting of a remote control, and an infrared pickup.  It wasn't a DVD drive that you swap out for a CD drive.

[HaRuMaN]

So the next question would be if you could wire the L/R triggers for simple on/off control.

Yes.

I hack all types of console controllers, check my thread in my signature.

[jukingeo]

The Xbox is a PC.  Same north/south bridge architecture.  Same IDE interfaces.  The controller ports are USB with a different plug and like one extra wire.  There is very little different inside an Xbox, hardware wise, than you'd find in a small desktop PC using a motherboard with onboard video and sound.

Yeah, I am looking at pictures of the insides now.  It DOES very much look like a PC in there.   Ok, so lets go with the flow in that I know my way around a PC, but I never did a "hot-swap" before...meaning unplugging and plugging in drives with the computer 'on'.

Still unpossible.  Read it again.  K01-0004 is a DVD playback kit, consisting of a remote control, and an infrared pickup.  It wasn't a DVD drive that you swap out for a CD drive.

Ok, I think we are getting somewhere.  I looked up the kit online via Amazon.  I didn't see a DVD drive pictures, nor did read that it included a drive in the description of the kit.  Next I found the manual and that confirmed it, there is no DVD drive that comes with it.  However, the manual DOES insist that you MUST have the kit to play DVD's. So is that true or no?

What lead me astray is this:

http://bak1.beareyes.com.cn/2/lib/200111/21/103/xbox_02.jpg

Looking carefully on the right side, that is a compact disc logo on the front bezel.  If the drive could play DVD's, wouldn't you think the DVD logo would be there too?

I looked up several pictures of the front of the Xbox and they all have Compact Disc logos, and not DVD logos.

Here this guy got creative and painted his Xbox, but you can see the logos clearer here:

http://img218.exs.cx/img218/7351/img06598mk.jpg

That is a compact disc logo

So if indeed the drive is a DVD drive, then that logo is incorrect.

Naturally what shows on the outside doesn't mean what is there in on the inside.  I just was thrown off by the fact that only the compact disc logo was on the unit AND the manual mentioned that you NEED this kit to play DVD's.  Naturally I thought the kit was an upgrade kit that needed to be professionally installed (meaning a DVD rom drive).

Like I said, I have not tried the Xbox yet...I just bought it last night.

So the next question would be if you could wire the L/R triggers for simple on/off control.

Yes.

I hack all types of console controllers, check my thread in my signature.

Great!  Will do so.

Thanx again for the help guys.  While I am still confused about quite a few things, at least I am 'getting somewhere'.

Geo

[ChadTower]

Yeah, I am looking at pictures of the insides now.  It DOES very much look like a PC in there.   Ok, so lets go with the flow in that I know my way around a PC, but I never did a "hot-swap" before...meaning unplugging and plugging in drives with the computer 'on'.

Just be gentle with the drive and you'll be fine.  I actually powered my Xbox drive off of the PC's power supply to make it easier.  IDE cables are longer than drive power supply cables.