xbox modding tips for newbies???

[yoda313]

Hello,

Ok I signed up for the www.xbox-scene.com and have been reading the faq's and guides on and off for awhile now. I also saw some modchips for about $50US and that's the range I'd be happy with.

BUT how much are the solderless chips??? I guess they aren't COMPLETELY solderless I know you still have to open the xbox to install them. I've never soldered before so I think I'd probably melt the whole thing down to scrap metal on my first try

I've gotten a lot of good pre-advice from ps2daddy and hardcorreus among others here. I appreciate the help I think I'm almost ready to take the mod plunge. I was just looking at the scene's faq list and I'm going to try to figure out what version my xbox is before I even try to buy a modchip.

So personal stories of grief/struggles/triumphs etc... would be appreciated. I am signed up on www.xbox-scene.com under yoda313 and have yet to make my first post. I'm trying to read up as much as I can before I start asking fifty or more questions in one weekend over there.

Thanks again.

Kevin

(also - still hoping that having the chip off will still allow me to play original retail games on LIVE without being banned (I know you can't play backups online )

[ViRaL1]

Check out http://www.easybuy2000.com

Not sure which is the latest and greatest these days, but when I got mine, they had chips that just had to be aligned properly and screwed down tightly. No soldering was involved, but of course you still have to crack the case to mount the chip.

[yoda313]

Hello,

Thanks for the link.

Unfortunately it looks like they don't take paypal But it will give me an additional source for chip types.

So they have screwable chips???? Sounds great! And yes I'm fully aware of the need to open it up and void the warranty - though mine should be expired now - it was bought used

I'll check these out later. I think it's time I called it a night.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Kevin

[SLICK RICK]

Hey yoda,

I have a Xbox and a PS2, I was just curious as to the point of modding a Xbox. Is it just to be able to play a backup of your original game

[jimmalenko]

I want to mod my XBOX to be able to install a larger hard drive ...

... no need for backup discs once you have the files on the hard drive

[macleod]

howdy all and happy new year!

My cousin in law has been asking me alot about how to connecth is xbox and his pc together. I personally dont own an XBOX, but want to help the guy out.

Anywho, I have been sending him links and figgered that this one might help you ought (your comment about begin banned online is specifically talked about in this link, basically, there is a way to turn it off). Anyway, here is the link:

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=ST&f=18&t=105495

He has been tryingto connect his XBOX and his PC together for awhile. I assumed that it was just a network connection like any other and have been trying to advise him accordingly, however, he isnt having any luck about making the official connection. I have obtained some items that may help him, but I am still in the reading mode as well. If anyone could share their experiences, that would be great, because I really dont know what to tell him.

[jimmalenko]

Give the PC an IP address of 192.168.0.2, with subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and a default gateway of 0.0.0.0 (by default an xbox is 192.168.0.3, 255.255.255.0, 0.0.0.0).

Just like a PC LAN, if connecting a PC directly to an XBOX, you need to use a crossover cable (often red). If going via a hub/switch, then standard "patch" (RJ45) cables (often blue) from each device to the hub/switch are all that is required.

From the PC, try going to the command prompt and type "ping 192.168.0.3" and if you've done it correctly you'll get 4 replies. Once you have connectivity, use your favorite FTP client to FTP to 192.168.0.3 on port 21. By default, the username and password are both xbox.

[lordsmurf]

For starters, easybuy2000 are scammers. Stay the hell away from those guys.

Second, be really careful. It's so easy to screw up a solder job. The pogo pins are also hard to line up, and may need more than just the screw to "encourage" the contacts to hit. The solderless chip screw in.

Be really careful with wires when taking it apart. MS was really cheap on the flimsy cables. Have the hex screwdrivers, in both sizes, you'll need them.

Understand most chips will cause banning from live, has nothing to do with games.

Gamer nerds in gamer forums are often terrible to talk to. You'll very likely be lambasted as a newbie asking questions. They lack social skills. For obvious reasons.

Lastly, this is not easy. It will take time. Have patience.

[yoda313]

Hello,

Thanks for the help guys.

I'll be looking up more info soon. Thanks again.

Kevin

[ps2daddy]

Hello,

Ok I signed up for the www.xbox-scene.com and have been reading the faq's and guides on and off for awhile now. I also saw some modchips for about $50US and that's the range I'd be happy with.

BUT how much are the solderless chips??? I guess they aren't COMPLETELY solderless I know you still have to open the xbox to install them. I've never soldered before so I think I'd probably melt the whole thing down to scrap metal on my first try

I've gotten a lot of good pre-advice from ps2daddy and hardcorreus among others here. I appreciate the help I think I'm almost ready to take the mod plunge. I was just looking at the scene's faq list and I'm going to try to figure out what version my xbox is before I even try to buy a modchip.

So personal stories of grief/struggles/triumphs etc... would be appreciated. I am signed up on www.xbox-scene.com under yoda313 and have yet to make my first post. I'm trying to read up as much as I can before I start asking fifty or more questions in one weekend over there.

Thanks again.

Kevin

(also - still hoping that having the chip off will still allow me to play original retail games on LIVE without being banned (I know you can't play backups online )

To identify version
http://www.llamma.com/xbox/Repairs/determine_version_of_xbox.htm

You said that you have a refurbished xbox if its a 1.5 or lower you can try this
http://shop.system-mods.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=156
or
http://www.consolesource.com/ecomm/customer/search.php?substring=xecuter&in_category=6

It completely solderless but you have to open it but I would recommend using a fiberglass pencil to clean the contact points of the mobo coating

The spiderchip is completely solderless also and works on every version
http://www.consolesource.com/ecomm/customer/product.php?productid=2094&cat=&page=1
http://www.spiderchip.com

I have bought from consolesource before but I have not bought from systemmods but they should be cool

I perfer xecuter chips but the spiderchip is probably fine

After you install the chip you will need to install a bios and then it will work
You have to look on the net to find the correct bios if you use the how to use xbins tutorial on xbox-scene and get an irc and ftp program you can find any file that you would ever need

Basically you will have to know how to make make a bios disk (put a bios file with a dummyfile on a disk and make an iso) You might have to learn how to make the right size bios file if your chip requires it (If you go to the xecuter sight it has tutorials on this basically any chip you get check out the site for best info for what size bios you need)
Learning how to use ftp programs,xbox iso creation programs, understanding what a dashboard is and how to edit it, how to install and remove apps and where to put them on your xbox, and using dvd burning software from isos is a must.
xbox-scene has great tutorials on all of that stuff


Right now the big theory is that microsoft is banning by the HD key now and not the regular eeprom number.
http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EEppZupZFpAuUjEVQQ.php

If you want to play live safely you couldnt use a new larger HD to play live safely since you signed up on the original HD you could switch the drives back and forth the original drive would allow you to play with the chip disabled.

The idea situation would be to signup with live after you mod it and install the largest HD that you want and not switch your HD

If you werent worried about xboxlive you could mod you xbox without opening it up with a memory card save and install a bigger HD by formatting it on your computer

Some say they have played live fine with the ltools uxe and ude exploits with a cold boot from an original game but others say they got banned I would say try at your own risk
I would not recommend trying to play live with a softmod though unless you know how to unban yourself (not too hard to do) or dont mind loosing an xboxlive subscription

[yoda313]

Hello,

Ps2daddy - thanks for the PM

It completely solderless but you have to open it but I would recommend using a fiberglass pencil to clean the contact points of the mobo coating

The spiderchip is completely solderless also and works on every version

That sounds like the approach I'd like to take

If you want to play live safely you couldnt use a new larger HD to play live safely since you signed up on the original HD you could switch the drives back and forth the original drive would allow you to play with the chip disabled.

The idea situation would be to signup with live after you mod it and install the largest HD that you want and not switch your HD

If you werent worried about xboxlive you could mod you xbox without opening it up with a memory card save and install a bigger HD by formatting it on your computer

Some say they have played live fine with the ltools uxe and ude exploits with a cold boot from an original game but others say they got banned I would say try at your own risk
I would not recommend trying to play live with a softmod though unless you know how to unban yourself (not too hard to do) or dont mind loosing an xboxlive subscription

Ok so my situation now is original hd with LIVE signed up already. If I chip it now I assume I should still be able to DEACTIVATE it and restore it so I can play live????

Would I be able to do a HD Restore on the xbox and reset it for LIVE after playing with the mod for awhile??? Maybe like every other weekend or something???

Because I've got it hooked up wirelessly down stairs now but I'd have to lug it upstairs to use a patch cable for a solid 100mb connection instead of the max 54mb on my wireless G hookup.

Thanks again for all the tips. I think I'm getting the hang of the lingo.

Kevin

[yoda313]

Hello,

The Spider Chip is the first chip to achieve what many thought was not possible: Solderless installation on Xbox 'v1.6'. It is also compatible (and solderless) with Xbox v1.0 to v1.5. Even better, it comes with a low price tag, lower than regular non-solderless chip. Nevertheless Spider chip is produced with the highest standards of quality, and comes inside a metal box to ensure safe delivery. Spider Chip comes with a modified (enhanced) Cromwell(info) bios, which allows you to lock/unlock HDD and to reflash the chip from a CD. Flash is Upgradeable to provide limitless posibilities in the future!!

With the Spider Chip, you can completely modify the way your Xbox acts by using this chip, it has all the features of any other chip and is very reliable and easy to install thanks to its solderless capabilities. The Spider Chip offers solderless installation on Xbox V1.0, V1.1, V1.2, V1.3, V1.4, V1.5, V1.6 and V1.6B. There is an extra port on the chip for the upcomming Spider Chip programmer.


One Solderless chip for ALL current existing XBox. Works on All Versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, & 1.5, 1.6
comes with a modified (enhanced) Cromwell(info) bios, which allows you to lock/unlock HDD and to reflash the chip from a CD.
Flash Upgradable - for limitless functions
Plays all Homebrew software
Plays All Backups of Originals and Imports
The external on/off switch (which is included) is optional. If the switch is not connected, the chip is always ON.
Can boot between original and modchip bios
Plays unsigned code - Run Debug Executables
There is an extra port on the chip for the upcomming Spider Chip programmer.
Solderless installation on Xbox V1.0, V1.1, V1.2, V1.3, V1.4, V1.5, V1.6 and V1.6B. There is an extra port on the chip for the upcomming Spider Chip programmer.
Plays Original and Backup DVD Movies
Eject trick hack
DVD Reset
In Game Reset (IGR)
EvoX harddisk patch, install a bigger harddisk.
Auto detect EvoX Dashboard
Flash Upgradable with Programmer

Ok this looks like a very good deal. I believe I have a very early version xbox that's refurbished.

I have:

THOMSON Dvd Drive
2002-07-30 - manufacture date

K 1.00.4034.01
D 1.00.5960.01

I already have LIVE. I read in that description for the spiderchip that it can turn off the chip and play original games. That SHOULD be enough to play LIVE with the chip OFF correct???

Also - what kind of special screwdriver would I need for this operation????

This consolesource website looks good since it accepts paypal

Thanks again.

Kevin

[ps2daddy]

Hello,

Ps2daddy - thanks for the PM

It completely solderless but you have to open it but I would recommend using a fiberglass pencil to clean the contact points of the mobo coating

The spiderchip is completely solderless also and works on every version

That sounds like the approach I'd like to take

If you want to play live safely you couldnt use a new larger HD to play live safely since you signed up on the original HD you could switch the drives back and forth the original drive would allow you to play with the chip disabled.

The idea situation would be to signup with live after you mod it and install the largest HD that you want and not switch your HD

If you werent worried about xboxlive you could mod you xbox without opening it up with a memory card save and install a bigger HD by formatting it on your computer

Some say they have played live fine with the ltools uxe and ude exploits with a cold boot from an original game but others say they got banned I would say try at your own risk
I would not recommend trying to play live with a softmod though unless you know how to unban yourself (not too hard to do) or dont mind loosing an xboxlive subscription

Ok so my situation now is original hd with LIVE signed up already. If I chip it now I assume I should still be able to DEACTIVATE it and restore it so I can play live????

Would I be able to do a HD Restore on the xbox and reset it for LIVE after playing with the mod for awhile??? Maybe like every other weekend or something???

Because I've got it hooked up wirelessly down stairs now but I'd have to lug it upstairs to use a patch cable for a solid 100mb connection instead of the max 54mb on my wireless G hookup.

Thanks again for all the tips. I think I'm getting the hang of the lingo.

Kevin

If you dont want to stick in a larger hard drive you might want to go with a softmod you can install and unistall with a few button presses and you dont need a chip cost less than $15 if you have a action replay max
To cost runs about $50 if you dont have that and you can play your backups just fine

[ps2daddy]

Ok this looks like a very good deal. I believe I have a very early version xbox that's refurbished.

I have:

THOMSON Dvd Drive
2002-07-30 - manufacture date

K 1.00.4034.01
D 1.00.5960.01

I already have LIVE. I read in that description for the spiderchip that it can turn off the chip and play original games. That SHOULD be enough to play LIVE with the chip OFF correct???

Also - what kind of special screwdriver would I need for this operation????

This consolesource website looks good since it accepts paypal

Thanks again.

Kevin

Sounds like a version 1.3

Also here is an easy way to tell your version
http://www.verbalstreet.com/labs/xbox/xbox.html

To need a Torix 10 and 15 screwdriver and llamma.com has take apart instructions

Yes if you used your original HD and turn off the mod and boot from your original bios live should be fine with the stock HD

[stiltman]

snipped for my pleasure

Thought you'd never post in this thread!

[yoda313]

Hello,

If you dont want to stick in a larger hard drive you might want to go with a softmod you can install and unistall with a few button presses and you dont need a chip cost less than $15 if you have a action replay max
To cost runs about $50 if you dont have that and you can play your backups just fine

So what's this softmod??? And I wouldn't mind buying a action replay max if it would allow me to burn/play backups offline + do streaming video + play emulators.

Thanks again

Kevin

[yoda313]

Hello,

There are three main gamesave exploits which all work similarly and are based on the games; 007 Agent Under Fire, Mech Assault and Splinter Cell. For each of these there are various different packages available. To use one of these you will need:
an original (i.e. not a backup) copy of the game in question
a copy of the relevant gamesave exploit package
an XBOX memory device with some way of transferring the game save to it from your PC e.g. an Action Replay or Mega X-Key. Alternatively you need a friend with a chipped or soft-modded XBOX who can transfer the game save to a standard XBox Memory Card.

Is this what you mean by softmod with action replay ps2daddy???

If so I'd be much happier buying one of the used copies of the games above and an action replay to do a "NO OPEN" hack of the xbox.

Thanks again for all the advice

I have the link saved for the game hack if you need it pm'd

Kevin

[handyguy]

Be careful of a softmod, it can be deleted by running certain MS dvds, which changes the dash back to the msdash. Get a real mod chip.

PS2 mod solder points are tiny, some as big as a period like this: .

Try soldering that.....

Modding any xbox can keep you from using MS Xbox servers, but you can get a switch for the xbox, dns patch for a game for the ps2, or use xbconnect.com they don't care.

Of course, then you have to get games.....

[ps2daddy]

Be careful of a softmod, it can be deleted by running certain MS dvds, which changes the dash back to the msdash. Get a real mod chip.

PS2 mod solder points are tiny, some as big as a period like this: .

Try soldering that.....

Modding any xbox can keep you from using MS Xbox servers, but you can get a switch for the xbox, dns patch for a game for the ps2, or use xbconnect.com they don't care.

Of course, then you have to get games.....

Actually they are no games that will messup your softmod
If you tried to update live with a ltools uxe install it gives you an error 21 and leaves your drive untouched
(if you want to update xbox live you uninistall and update and then reinstall)

If you read and understand what you are working with its just as effective for playing backup games if someone removes the wrong files from their c drive the chip wont play your games either but most people understand not to do this just like most people that are in to softmodding know not to update xbox-live without uninstalling

However there are about 4-6 movies that you can run that can affect a softmod but it only (if you never play movies with it you never have to worry about this) Softmod can be reinstalled very easily if this happens
Also most people I know that have and xbox ususally have a dvd player too

it would only take about 5 min to reinstall if something ever happened if you have the mech assult game costs about $10-15 well worth it can play all your backups

Everyone that I done this for is quite happy with it not one out of the 20+ people have had any problems and enjoy playing their backups with with it
been at least 4 months ago for the 1st person

I do have a chip in mines (I love it too )
I had been doing TSOP flashes and modchip installs for about 7 months prior to learning about this but a lot of people seem to like this softmod option lately

Its a personal preference thing I guess you go with what works best for you

[handyguy]

There wasnt even a TSOP option when I got my modded xbox....

I did read the other day about how you can mod the pstwo without a chip, just a switch. That would be nice.

[smearbrick1]

My xecutor was one of the first. The bios is unflashable. I had very little knowledge about soldering and was able to solder the contacts for it. Not really a problem. Never really got into mediaplayer or Linux for Xbox though. Finally found a PSX emu that works. Of course, I just bought a PS2 ... not necessary anymore.

[handyguy]

I did a neokey on my ps2 v1. Left the wire in when I sold it on ebay, but didn't say it had a wire in it.

[tsantsa]

There wasnt even a TSOP option when I got my modded xbox....

I did read the other day about how you can mod the pstwo without a chip, just a switch. That would be nice.

Do you have a link to the ps2 switch information? I would be somewhat interested in reading that one.

[smearbrick1]

The new PS2's don't really have a swap disc option available. Some users are still trying to work out how to get a swap disc to work correctly. It appears that after several swaps, the PS2 shuts down completely and will not work.

[LSchafroth]

Hey yoda,

I have a Xbox and a PS2, I was just curious as to the point of modding a Xbox. Is it just to be able to play a backup of your original game

I did my Xbox so I can play backups. I also play Atari 2600, 5200 games as well as the Atari ST games and applications. I also play PS One games. I play MAME games. All from the hardrive.

If you put in a large drive you can rip all your games to the drive and never have to swap discs again.

LS

PS Plus I use it as a media player. Streams MP3 file from my PC's hard drive over the net and plays them through the sound system.

[yoda313]

Hey yoda,

I have a Xbox and a PS2, I was just curious as to the point of modding a Xbox. Is it just to be able to play a backup of your original game

I did my Xbox so I can play backups. I also play Atari 2600, 5200 games as well as the Atari ST games and applications. I also play PS One games. I play MAME games. All from the hardrive.

If you put in a large drive you can rip all your games to the drive and never have to swap discs again.

LS

PS Plus I use it as a media player. Streams MP3 file from my PC's hard drive over the net and plays them through the sound system.

Hello,

DITTO

I should be able to get it working on a softmod tonight

Kevin

(sorry I missed your post slick rick )

[handyguy]

Ah a search shows the pstwo switch mod, tsantsa:
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~wilc0076/pstwo/

Also shows you how to use the swap magic with it.

[yoda313]

Ah a search shows the pstwo switch mod, tsantsa:
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~wilc0076/pstwo/

Also shows you how to use the swap magic with it.

Hello,

Does the new toploading slim Ps2 make it easier for you modders of the Sony world???

Kevin

(I remember seeing a mod with making the original ps2 a top loader)

[ps2daddy]

Ah a search shows the pstwo switch mod, tsantsa:
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~wilc0076/pstwo/

Also shows you how to use the swap magic with it.

Hello,

Does the new toploading slim Ps2 make it easier for you modders of the Sony world???

Kevin

(I remember seeing a mod with making the original ps2 a top loader)

It makes it easier if you dont mind swapping disks I am a chip man myself

[Hardcoreruss]

Hard to get hold of a ps2 chip now (in the UK at least) that Sony succesfully prosecuted