Thinking about modding my Xbox...

[voteforpedro36]

Ok, so I read aobut the Mech Assualt exploit (it's in the stickies here (http://forums.maxconsole.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=5258) too), and I'd like to clarify a few things.
1) I have an Xbox already (duh), all else I would need would be Mech Assualt (the original one) and an Action Replay?
2) I have Halo 2... did that auto update my dashboard?
3) Would that method allow me to play homebrew (emulators, etc.)?
4) How do I actually get the homebrew to the Xbox off the PC?

Thanks, I've wanted to know how to do this for a while...

[LazerTag]

1a) Original Splinter Cell (I used this one), MechAssault, 007 Agent Under fire (platinum versions do not work)

1b) Pretty sure Action Replay software is required as I made an XBox to female USB for a flash drive I have. After the XBox formatted that flash drive the PC could no longer read it properly. I then used this HOW TO (http://www.xbox-linux.org/wiki/USB_Storage_To_Xbox_Memory_Card_HOWTO) to change the driver my PC loads for said flash drive. Once that was done I could transfer from AR to it on my PC just fine.

2) Halo2 should have but always check first.

3) Yes. I just did my softmod, couldn't be happier with it.

4) FTP for the most part, but you can also burn CD's and DVD's as well.


At this point I have no regrets at all. I installed a larger HDD (120gig right now, but hope to make a 320gig work). You can do lots with it.

[voteforpedro36]

1a) Original Splinter Cell (I used this one), MechAssault, 007 Agent Under fire (platinum versions do not work)

1b) Pretty sure Action Replay software is required as I made an XBox to female USB for a flash drive I have. After the XBox formatted that flash drive the PC could no longer read it properly. I then used this HOW TO (http://www.xbox-linux.org/wiki/USB_Storage_To_Xbox_Memory_Card_HOWTO) to change the driver my PC loads for said flash drive. Once that was done I could transfer from AR to it on my PC just fine.

2) Halo2 should have but always check first.

3) Yes. I just did my softmod, couldn't be happier with it.

4) FTP for the most part, but you can also burn CD's and DVD's as well.


At this point I have no regrets at all. I installed a larger HDD (120gig right now, but hope to make a 320gig work). You can do lots with it.


Ok... that's all good to know. Now my only real problem is finding MechAssualt, Splinter Cell, or 007. Are they any different when it comes to the actual way you do things (other than different saves)?
For Halo2, do you have to be on Live to update your dashboard? I don't have Live, that's why I ask.
And I suppose the best way to get homebrew would be illegal, and your not allowed to tell me here, but could you PM me a site (I can get ROMs for emulators, but this is a bit different)?
Is the FTP part why you must install an IRC client and whatnot? I didn't get that in the guide. I don't have a CD/DVD burner, glad it's not the only way.

~EDIT~: If I happen not to be able to find an Action Replay (and don't want to order online), can I use a memory card? It says here (http://www.productwiki.com/microsoft-xbox/article/xbox-media-center-installation-faq.html):

Do I have to use Action Replay?
No, there are various USB mods and other game save transferring devices that can be used. Any way you get the MechAssault game save onto your Xbox will work.

[LazerTag]

From what I gather reading around on the process, once you load the save itself it is the same from each game. However with 007 you have to load the save only after starting a new game and going all the way up to the point where you enter the first level.

I had a tough time finding MA and 007 without them being the Platinum version, but Splinter Cell I found a ton at my local EB for $2.99 (yes just 3 bucks).

The FTP server is generally (from what I have seen so far) built right into the replacement dash. I tried EvolutionX and UnleashX, but really didn't care for either. I installed XBMC instead, WOW! Right now I have M360 skin on it so it looks like an XBox 360. It's really slick.

[voteforpedro36]

Thanks again for all your help!

EDIT: How can I tell if my Xbox is networked to my PC? Anything special I need to do to that, or can I transfer files using the Action Replay like I do in the beginning?

[LazerTag]

If you have it plugged into the same router as your PC it should get an IP address from DHCP. Then you can connect to it direct by IP using the built in FTP client of most dashboards.

If you have to you can also assign a static IP on both your PC and XBox (making in the same subnet) then use a crossover ethernet cable. FTP from there as well.

[voteforpedro36]

My Xbox isn't connected to a router or anything for that matter. So if I can't do that, I'd have to do the other way. How exactly would you give the PC and Xbox a static IP?

Or is there another way (other than FTP or burning Cd's/DVD's) to get the files to the Xbox (like from the Action Replay?) from the PC?

[LazerTag]

You could use AR I guess, but your limited on amount of space for either your memory card or flashdrive (if you make a XBox2USB adapter cable).


As long as you have a eithernet controller in your PC doing a direct conenct to it may be easiest. I can't go step by step with you, but you simply need to make sure sure your PC and XBox both have an IP on the same subnet (like 10.0.0.1 for the PC and 10.0.0.2 for the XBox). The XBox can be configured from it's dash's network config screen (varies depending on whcih dash you plan to use) and the PC is done from the TCP/IP settings of your interface in the Network control panel. Then you must have a crossover ethernet cable whcih you can get at any decent computer store or online retailer.

[voteforpedro36]

I was talking with someone earlier about this on an IRC channel, and turns out my router won't work that way. Too bad too.

Either way, today I went to get a game + AR to softmod, and found a game (Splinter Cell, the first one the lady gave me was Platinum Hits, and I asked if I could have one that wasn't, she was like "Wa?", but she ended up giving me one), but couldn't find an Action Replay. Sadly enough, I ordered on off the net, I didn't want to order a chip because I'm a chicken of actually going inside my Xbox.

So turns out I'll have to use the AR to transfer files (:(), and I'm starting to wonder if after I do that I should even risk replacing EvoX or whatever the other one is with XBMC, for fear of bricking because I have to replace the files bit by bit. Will that be a problem, because I think that XBMC is much bigger than the 8MB mem. card that comes with AR. I could install it but not replace my dashboard with it, can't I?

Tell me if any of that is wrong, right, or if you think of something better. I want feedback :).

[LazerTag]

All routers I have ever worked with allow multiple IP's to be assigned to connected devices, which is what is needed to connect both your PC and XBox properly.

Even without a router if the PC has a network card, all you need is a crossover type ethernet cable and you would be set as well.

No you may well be able to do it with just a memstick, personally I wouldn't chance it.

[voteforpedro36]

Hmmm not sure, my router is a VoIP one, it only has one empty slot which is labeled "Phone 2". It's also a telephone adapter too.

Chance it? I am gonna play it safe and not install XBMC afterwards as my dashboard, but my put it on there somewhere else. Other than that I should be fine (except for slow copy times, bla bla), right?

[hangintotheleft]

Doesn't the xbox 360 media pack come with a crossover cable? I used it with my 360 and laptop to get a wired, wireless connection.

[LazerTag]

Doesn't the xbox 360 media pack come with a crossover cable? I used it with my 360 and laptop to get a wired, wireless connection.


Don't know, we're discussing the original XBox

[voteforpedro36]

Ok, so, let me just ask. I'm gonna install the installer without FTP (that's how you always do it, right?), then afterwards move all of my files with AR. It'll be a pain, but unless I try to install XBMC or another dashboard other than the one I install with Krayzie's NDURE Game Save thing (on a side note, which one should I use?) I'll be fine? For videos, emulators, and whatnot?

Just wanna clear a few more things up. Thanks for all your help so far!

[LazerTag]

As far as I know once you do the MOD, make sure to backup your EEPROM and your C: and E: in full. so the main thing I can say is just make sure you backup the unit before really using it. This will at the very least allow you to make a CD that if all else fails you could restore to an HD.

Then from there you should be able to use it fine. Again big files without being able to FTP or use SMB shares is going to be a hassle to an issue.

Other then that you will get the choice of EvoX or UnleashX as your new dash. Either seemed fine to me, but I switched to XBMC for being able to play movies and music with more supported codecs.

I would also recommend that no matter what you do, DO NOT remove the softmod save game files. Those being on will really be helpful should have issues. Sort of a back door in a sense.

Good Luck!

[voteforpedro36]

Alright, thanks. I think I will install XBMC but not as my dashboard (at risk of bricking).

Thanks.

[hangintotheleft]

XBMC is an application as far as I know.
You'd need to install EvoX or UnleashX first, then put XBMC in the apps folder(or anywhere actually, but I like to keep it simple).

[voteforpedro36]

K, that brings up another question. Can I make folders using EvoX or UnleashX?

[ChrisGust]

You never needed to order action replay my friend. If you go to codejunkies, they have the program downloadable for free. After that, all you need to do is modify an inline release cable (which, if you don't have lying around - as everyone seems to - you can pick one up for something like $5) to have a USB end (which you can take from any USB device that no loner works, or pick up for a couple bucks). The chord of an XBox controller is really just a USB 1.1 cable with a proprietary connector (in other words, a normal USB cable in disguise using a funky end piece). Then just plug your memory card into the controller, and use the drivers that come with Action Replay.

The advantage to this method is that you can download XBCD drivers (with the little programs for configuring/testing) and use your XPad as a controller on your computer.

As far as XBox Media Centre goes, It can be installed as an application or as your dashboard. But I don't suggest attempting to put things on your xbox using Action Replay more than necessary... To be honest, your probably best off just picking up a router so that you can FTP, or an external CD-RW Drive (or internal if you don't mind installing it, and want to save a few $). the drive could likely be picked up for $20 - $30, and a router should be less than $50 (or depending, your ISP might be able to provide you with one for only a few $ a month. For example my ISP - Sasktel - has Sasktel homenet for something like $2.50 a month).

By the way, you mentioned that you didn't understand how to use FTP right? At least as far as Xbins goes, it is pretty simple. Just use your irc client (download mirc if you don't have one) and connect to efnet. From there, simply /join #xbins. It will give you directions from there (but I suppose I could help yo a little more). It will tell you to /msg xbins !list. Do that. A bot named xbins will message you with instructions. Basically, open your ftp client (I suggest FlashFXP) and do a quick connect. In URL, use the URL it provided. In Port, the Port it provided. You guessed it, the same for Username and Password. From there, simply navigate through the folders to the file you want, and copy it to the handy sidebar with locations on your computer. - As a note, you can only download 30 files a day, or risk being banned. Also, you are deleted from the login registry once you disconnect (from ftp), and so you have to use mirc to get another username and password (which will be identical, they just have to basically put them back on the registry).

This really is all things you can pick up if you look around on the net a bit.

I suggest you read this site (http://www.xboxsoftmod.com/about.html). I think it could answer a lot of questions for you.

[voteforpedro36]

Well, for me it's just easier to just use the AR, so oh well.

I understand FTP, just I can't do it directly to the XBox (or so I was told by someone on xbins). I know how to download though, got that.

I'm not too big on using a new router, I'd rather not mess up my internet connection (trust me, I would), along with the phone too. And if not I'd have to spend a whole bunch of money on CD's (not too much with CD-RW's, but still). I really do think I'm alright now though, even if it will be slow and frustrating. I have plenty of time :).

BTW: If I was to get a new router and such, I would stil have to take the Xbox from one side of the house to the other (one cord doing this would even be worse, I could trip and fall and die :p), FTP it, unplug it, walk to the other side of the house, and replug it in. To me, that's more hassle than with the AR.

[ChrisGust]

lol, alright, whatever works for you. Hope you can get it all working, mine is right screwed... I'm going to take it to my friends place, they've had theirs done for a long time, so I imagine they can give me a hand.

[voteforpedro36]

Ok, so I finally got an Action Replay, and looked at my dashboard number. 5659. Damn. Will it still work? If not, how can I update my dash without Live (or a connection at all!)? I thought I read that Krayzie's NDURE Installer worked with all versions, but maybe I imagined it...

[voteforpedro36]

Hooray, it's done. Now I boot up to EvoX. Turns out to update my dash I had to go to XBL in Halo 2, then it would update, even though I have NO connection. Now my problem is. How do I copy files from the AR (emulators and whatnot) to my XBox? I'm having trouble finding out how without FTP, seeing as everyone else uses FTP. :(

PS: When I was softmodding, was the light supposed to turn red?

[hangintotheleft]

Well, AR sucks, so that's why nobody uses it, also it'd be hard getting XBMc on it using the 8MB AR card you got. So heres' a quick tutorial on FTPing.



In EvoX, go into settings, and change IP(I think it is...) from static to DHCP.

Now, you need a router for this, with your computer plugged into one port, and your xbox in another, using ethernet cables, find the IP address of your xbox. The Username and Password by default are xbox.


In FlashFXP, smartFTP or whatever you're using, connect with those settings.

You should see a bunch of folders there. Congrats, now you can send files to yuor xbox!

[voteforpedro36]

Ok, I know that, it's all fine and dandy. Here's my problem with it though. My router is a Linksys, but it also is a VoIP Phone Adapter. It has one free slot, Phone 2. I was told that it wouldn't work with the Xbox. But I may try, will get an ethernet cable tommorow.

If that fails (hope it doesn't...), what are my other options? Burning CD's could be ok I suppose, have one CD for Surreal 64 and ROMs, another for more and whatnot, but will I be able to copy them to the HD?

I hope that my router is compatible though... anyone confirm that it works?

[voteforpedro36]

Okk, I just checked everything out, more questions.

I have a whole 1 ethernet port in the router. My computer, does it need an internet connection too, or just connection with the Xbox?

Does my Xbox have to be on, in a certain screen to do all this? Because I have to take it out of where it is to be able to do all this, and don't have a TV handy right here...

If you can answer these questions, thanks a BILLION.

PS: I could get a really long ethernet cable so that the Xbox can be hooked up to electric and PC, but the first question is still there. If I have the files on the PC, I'm connecting to the Box, I don't think I need the net, but I could be wrong.

[Scorpion3]

BTW, you can make XBMC your default Dashboard by renaming the XBE to whatever it was that was your original dashboard, in your case it was probably evoxdash.xbe. Rename the default.xbe in the XBMC folder once you get it, then move everything from that folder into wherever you softmodded the Xbox to, my guess is E but if not it'd be C, wherever the Evoxdash.xbe is, is where you chose the softmod to. Anyway, move those folders from the XBMC folder into E or C and rename the default.xbe to evoxdash.xbe and the console will autoboot to XBMC and you can make UnleashX or Evox an Application from there. Just make sure to have your exploitable game handy, just in case something goes wrong. And just so you know, yes the LED is supposed to turn red with NDURE, and I think it makes you keep it like that, that's why I just use SID2.0 on all my softmods.

I recomend you reinstall the softmod with SID2.0 and install UnleashX instead of Evox, it's a lot more User friendly for someone new to the mod scene. Also, if you have a DVD Burner, that's a lot easier than FTPing, it took me a year to figure out FTP.

[voteforpedro36]

Okk, I just checked everything out, more questions.

I have a whole 1 ethernet port in the router. My computer, does it need an internet connection too, or just connection with the Xbox?

Does my Xbox have to be on, in a certain screen to do all this? Because I have to take it out of where it is to be able to do all this, and don't have a TV handy right here...

If you can answer these questions, thanks a BILLION.

PS: I could get a really long ethernet cable so that the Xbox can be hooked up to electric and PC, but the first question is still there. If I have the files on the PC, I'm connecting to the Box, I don't think I need the net, but I could be wrong.


I understand XBMC, and could probably install it if I want. But those two questions are what I need to know now.

Thanks anyway.

[Scorpion3]

Okk, I just checked everything out, more questions.

I have a whole 1 ethernet port in the router. My computer, does it need an internet connection too, or just connection with the Xbox?

Does my Xbox have to be on, in a certain screen to do all this? Because I have to take it out of where it is to be able to do all this, and don't have a TV handy right here...

If you can answer these questions, thanks a BILLION.

PS: I could get a really long ethernet cable so that the Xbox can be hooked up to electric and PC, but the first question is still there. If I have the files on the PC, I'm connecting to the Box, I don't think I need the net, but I could be wrong.


I understand XBMC, and could probably install it if I want. But those two questions are what I need to know now.

Thanks anyway.

Well, like I said if you have a DVD burner, it's a lot quicker and easier despite what people say. If not, the best way to FTP is to get a Cross Over Ethernet Cable and just plug it directly into your computer to your Xbox. It's a lot less complicated. But if you want to do it through the router, no you don't need an internet connection on your computer since all of the transfer goes through LAN. And your Xbox just needs to be on your default dashboard, assuming you're running Evox you just have to have it on, same with UnleashX but if you are going through router, make sure the connection is set to Automatically find IP, or DCHP. Try this if I didn't help...

http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/228294

[voteforpedro36]

I've been trying this over and over, still can't get anything to come up. FlashFXP tells me the connection is refused... but I can plug the cable straight from Xbox to PC? That's one I haven't thought of yet, I'll look around for an ethernet plugin to my PC, there has to be one there (already have internet through it...).

Thanks.

EDIT: Is a crossover cable different than the ethernet cable I've been using this whole time? Now my Xbox tells me I have no link at all, before it said it was a certain type. I'd rather have to get an Ethernet crossover cable than not have this work...

[hangintotheleft]

That's what you need the cross-over cable for.
Unfortunately, a regular ethernet cable wont cut it...

There is a way, if you have an old USB extension cord and a large enough flash drive, but You'd need to cut your controller cord in half.

[voteforpedro36]

Sweet, at least I know I wasn't using the right thing and it still may work.

I suppose I can find these [virtually] anywhere?

[hangintotheleft]

They're probably at your local computer store, Just ask about them.

[voteforpedro36]

Got the crossover cable today, it worked after a bit of finaglling (I had the Xbox and PC as the same IP :p). I backed up my Eeprom, and am off to try Surreal64. Wish me luck!

[hangintotheleft]

Good luck!

[voteforpedro36]

Thanks, I just got done playing Mario Kart 64! It's working really well.

Thanks for all your help.