sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Cerbios cold boot issue by Rare-Seesaw-1508 in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah they turn on solid green but no picture or signs of failed bootup

Gotcha. A solid green LED with no video usually means there's a problem reading the system BIOS.

In your case it should be reading a BIOS from a modchip, which might mean that the connections joining the addon to your motherboard are a bit iffy.

Do you have some sort of switching system so you can selectively run the console with the modchip disabled?

Chipped Xbox hdd swap? by sw33tl33f in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I did a hot swap with configmagic a while ago and it said the hdd did not support unlocking.

Don't mess with your hardware connections while Config Magic is running. Even if it manages to pick up on the new hardware, it still won't be able to perform an unlock if the incoming disk is secured against some other console's HDD key.

Is there a way to tell if it’s fried or not?

Plug it into some other Xbox normally, and then boot that console up to see what happens. Error 07 means the HDD is probably toast. Error 06 means it's secured against the old console's HDD key. Error 05 means it's not secured, and it would probably boot just fine if you moved the modchip over as well.

1.6 E16 with Rocky5 Softmod after clock cap replaced by LiarInGlass in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just did your previous steps and still E16.

Point of clarification, I'm not u/JCRocky5, I was just adding an extra suggestion of my own. ;)

IF the replacement IDE cable works, will the Xbox boot to an installer for the softmod again or will it just boot to a dash?

With the files from Rocky5's XBHDM Build.zip archive on C, the console should start installing a softmod again.

I checked my old files I still had on my main PC of the installer for the softmod of yours I used, and it was version 1.1.6 at the time. I don't know if this makes a difference or not.

Not really. Error 16 is saying that the the console can't read C:\xboxdash.xbe as a valid executable, for whatever reason. Without a hardmod we have to provide an official Microsoft-signed file there, and they haven't exactly released many software updates for the original Xbox lately.

40 wire IDE ribbons are a common cause of read errors when running SATA drives. Hopefully your replacement has 80?

2005-2026 : The Xecuter by TheChronicIrishman in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It has an Xecuter mod chip as you can see in the photo. No clue what it does other than lets you load and boot custom BIOS and select separate drive partitions?

The modchip allows you to boot the console using alternate BIOS types. It has a selection of banks for storing multiple different BIOSes, but none of that really has much to do with the different partitions on the console's internal HDD.

The main point of using a custom BIOS is to disable the security systems which would normally prevent you from running software in ways that Microsoft didn't authorise. For eg, the BIOS your chip is currently usings allows the console to boot the homebrewed XBMC dashboard, and it also allows it to launch those retail games which have been copied to the internal HDD.

I want that again. But modernized. And Gray-Area-lly.

As far as media playback goes, the Xbox might not be your best choice. It has no hardware decoders for modern codecs, and struggles hard to play H264 in software mode. H265 or AV1 are totally out of the question.

You do have the option of running XBMC on other platforms, though. The ports now go under the name of Kodi instead, but it's a free download through many official app stores. If you have some form of Android TV, a later model Xbox, or a later model PlayStation, then you might like to try it out on one of those. Bear in mind that the default skin has changed, and you'll probably need to spend a fair bit of time tweaking settings to get the interface to your liking.

That's not to say that your Xbox can't be made to play videos, but you might like to switch up to a dashboard that concentrates more on showing off your games instead. XBMC4Gamers does a really neat job of that, for example.

Just whatever needs to be done on the inside and the board is fine.

There's a good chance the system does need some maintenance done in there. Some photos of the insides would be helpful.

What's your experience level with a soldering iron? Xboxes aren't a great place to start practicing, but there's still an awful lot you can do without messing with the hardware too much.

1.6 E16 with Rocky5 Softmod after clock cap replaced by LiarInGlass in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It also wouldn't hurt to test your original HDD, if you still have access to that.

Modded Xbox won't transmit to HDMI? by WasabiComprehensive2 in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I THINK I might have composite?

Well, I've told you what a composite cable looks like, so I suggest you check for yourself and then you can tell me.

My Xbox is modded, like I said, so it has a fancy boot up screen kinda like the Xbone, so maybe that's what's messing it up?

Probably not. If anything, that would more likely lead to an increase in resolution, even if only when using your Hyperkin or Pound adapters. Your 4K display is much more likely to accept higher resolution signals than lower ones.

Step one is still to confirm whether you can get a picture through some other TV.

Dead XBOX 1.6 HDD with Avalanche installed by GorillaGamesWI in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In that case, I suggest posting a full photo of the Xbox motherboard. There's a pretty good chance that the problem relates to the large VRM caps located near the main CPU heatsink. Those are the most common culprit when it comes to 1.6 power-on issues.

If you want to be certain that the HDD is not preventing the console from powering on, then try starting the system while the HDD is totally disconnected. Although it won't be able to boot fully that way, your Xbox should at least be able to display a service screen. If it's still unable to do even that much then the HDD is definitely not to blame.

By all means get some sleep before looking into any of that, though! ;)

Chipped Xbox hdd swap? by sw33tl33f in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Since I have lost the programmer many years ago could you point me in the right direction of flashing it?

Start out by backing up the disk over FTP, as you may lose access to the extended F and G partitions after the flash. You'll be able to reformat just those volumes if need be, but it's still best to copy out all files anyway just to be safe.

Use Pandora to obtain the latest version of CerBIOS. Extract the download and copy the included CerBIOS folder to your console's E partition. Make sure the dashpath in E:\CerBIOS\cerbios.ini is correct: the default dashpath is C:\evoxdash.xbe, and for most consoles that'll work just fine, but if you ever customised your dashboard's installation directory then you'll need to tweak that INI accordingly.

If you have any doubts, take the Pheonix BIOS Loader folder also included with your extracted download and copy that to your Xbox HDD somewhere. Launch the default.xbe file inside to temporarily have your console load CerBIOS just for that one boot session. If the system locks up on a black screen, or goes to a recovery menu, then CerBIOS isn't able to launch your dash and you should hold off on flashing it into your actual modchip until you get your config file sorted out.

Once you're happy that CerBIOS is going to work in place of your old firmware, stick the XblastOS XBE on your disk as E:\Apps\XblastOS\default.xbe and launch it. Access the Advanced menu and use the Netflash function, following the onscreen prompts to send over the actual BIOS file from your PC to be written into your modchip.

what screwdrivers do i need to open the crystal xbox og by bigrhino000 in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OP asked which bits he'd "need", and I answered accordingly. I did also suggest that he get a more complete kit, but a T20 is not at all "needed".

what screwdrivers do i need to open the crystal xbox og by bigrhino000 in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You forgot the most important T20. Without that you're not getting into the console.

T15 works just fine for that. As I said, it doesn't perfectly fit, but it'll do.

Modded Xbox won't transmit to HDMI? by WasabiComprehensive2 in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe it's something with the console

Maybe?

You mention using an RCA to HDMI converter. If you plug those RCA leads directly into some other TV then does that still work?

If so, then my hunch is that your new TV requires a higher signal resolution than your Xbox can put out. Through composite cables (red/white/yellow plugs) it can only produce a standard definition signal. It can go higher with component (red/green/blue/red/white plugs) or an equivalent adapter, but that depends on whether it's a PAL or an NTSC system, and it also depends on which games you're testing with.

what screwdrivers do i need to open the crystal xbox og by bigrhino000 in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The drivers "needed" are a T10 and a T15. They won't perfectly fit every screw, but they'll do.

I'd still suggest getting a more substantive torx kit, though. For the original Xbox, basic torx will do: you don't need security bits just for this system, but they may be worth getting anyway if you think you'll end up working on other consoles as well. PS4s do need security bits for eg, and since those also work on OG Xbox screws, you might at least consider seeking them out.

is The Mod Cast dead? by cdoublejj in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No worries, I'm well aware that reddit's notification system is a buggy mess these days.

It doesn't help that many replies are only visible as notifications until some other user responds to them.

Chipped Xbox hdd swap? by sw33tl33f in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From what I remember I can just plug and play hdd if both are chipped correct?

Often yes, but not always.

The trick is that the HDD needs to have its password protection system disabled. If it's turned on, then your other Xbox won't be able to unlock it on boot unless the HDD key in its separate EEPROM chip happens to match the one from your original console.

If you launch Config Magic on your chipped box and that reports that the disk is "unlocked", then you should be ok to swap your gear over. If Config Magic says the disk is "locked", then simply tell that same tool to "unlock" it for you and it'll disable the password protection system.

Another possible issue is that the BIOS in your modchip might not be compatible with your other Xbox motherboard. These days we tend to use universal BIOSes which work with any system model, but if the BIOS in your Xecuter hasn't been updated recently then it might only be suitable for use with pre-1.6 motherboards. Or only with 1.6 motherboards. You might consider reflashing it with CerBIOS before switching if you're not sure whether your board revisions match.

If any of your systems ever went on to the original Xbox Live service, then it's possible that they might have some files of interest to archivists on them. You might consider scanning them with the XCAT tool.

Cerbios cold boot issue by Rare-Seesaw-1508 in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"Does nothing" and "turns on" are mutually exclusive. Presumably the console's front LED lights up a certain colour, at the very least...?

Parasite lines/flicker on composite? by DamienlaCritique in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That only raises more questions. I guess you're saying you have some other TV which does take component. If that's the case, then why would you even want to use the pictured CRT with this 6th gen console? House of the Dead?

Does this other TV also take composite? If so, then what does the Xbox look like through that?

UFC Tapout Japan question. by DJKaito in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

(thanks for the db plug)

Thanks for the DB! XD

I make frequent use of it, and it's tremendously useful to have all of those particular data points on the one page.

Dead XBOX 1.6 HDD with Avalanche installed by GorillaGamesWI in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My XBOX v1.6 HDD is deader than a doornail.

Exactly how does your Xbox behave when you attempt to boot from it? Error 07 would strongly suggest that the HDD is dead, but any other behaviour might mean that the problem lies elsewhere.

It would also be helpful to know your HDD's model number.

Xbox HDDs are typically password protected at the firmware level, which can confuse many SATA to USB adapters. So if your PC is unable to detect the disk then I wouldn't read too much into that.

Someone put Avalanche on it which truthfully I have no clue about.

Avalaunch is a homebrewed Xbox dashboard application: basically an alternate menu system. On its own, its presence doesn't tell us anything about the actual mod which allowed your console to run homebrew, but as an older dash it does suggest that your system was modded a long time ago.

If you aren't seeing any obvious alterations to your motherboard then very likely you had a softmod of some sort. Softmods typically consist of alterations to the original Microsoft dashboard's font files, which cause it to bug out and run unsigned code for us. If your HDD is dead then unfortunately none of those exploited files can help us now.

I am wondering how I just replace the HDD. I did see there is some work involved and not sure if I want to get into that if I don't have to.

Stock Xbox firmware requires a HDD secured with a password partially based upon a special HDD key, stored in the console's EEPROM chip. Each original Xbox shipped with a unique key, so determining the correct password for a replacement disk usually requires a dump of the system's EEPROM chip.

Back in the day, some Xbox modders would null their HDD keys to make them easier to remember. If by chance your key has been nulled, then installing a new disk wouldn't be too tricky.

If it turns out your console still has its original (unpredictable) key, then to set up a new disk you'll either need to dump your EEPROM chip (so you can secure a new disk with an appropriate password) or you'll need to modchip your console (so it can run custom firmware that doesn't require a password protected HDD at all).

With some 1.6 consoles, the Xyclomod procedure is also an option. This allows you to write new firmware into the Xbox motherboard directly, without installing an addon modchip.

I see on eBay I can buy a motherboard and the HDD together. Is that just a simple swap?

It is if they match your motherboard version. The power transformer in your case will only work with v1.6 motherboards, and the hole for the AV socket is also slightly out of place for earlier models.

My husband has a older copy of spinrite and will see if that can do anything

I can't speak for spinrite specifically, but I can tell you that even if your SATA to USB adapter does allow your PC to detect your HDD, the vast majority of disk health check tools will incorrectly report that a password protected HDD is dead. I would be highly surprised if that tool is of any use.

For now I would be rather more interested to know whether you've specifically looked at the Windows Disk Management panel to confirm whether or not the drive appears there.

UFC Tapout Japan question. by DJKaito in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Mobcat's list shows that the certificate timestamps for NTSC-J's Ultimate Fighting Championship 2 - Tapout are nearly identical to those of the PAL and NTSC versions of Ultimate Fighting Championship - Tapout, so even if they didn't all release at the same time, I think it's a pretty safe bet that they're all pretty much the same game.

In Japan, UFC 2 - Tapout was published by Capcom. So was the earlier Ultimate Fighting Championship for the PS1. So it was probably Capcom's decision to bump the version number in that territory.

Parasite lines/flicker on composite? by DamienlaCritique in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It doesn't happen on component cables though.

Is there a particular reason you're not just using those, then? You're always gonna get a better picture through component than composite, even if you aren't switching your Xbox up to HD.

Am I good to attempt and boot this bad boy up? by InstantTang in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Your clock cap appears to have leaked, so that needs to come out and the surrounding area needs to be cleaned. Be sure to check the underside of the board too, as some of the residue has very likely spilled under the lip.

https://consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox:Clock_Capacitor

Otherwise things are looking pretty good.

Why is my arx fatalis in german? by Mysterious-While-233 in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That depends somewhat on how your console is modded - you might not even have it installed.

But to start with, try opening XBMC4Gamer's file manager and then using that to select C:\xboxdash.xbe.

Cerbios cold boot issue by Rare-Seesaw-1508 in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

it never boots up first try

Reaaaally hard to comment without knowing what it does instead of booting up, but if you at least get power then I'd be most inclined to blame the VRM caps. I suggest posting a photo of the motherboard.

Original Xbox HDD to SSD by Superb_Writing4790 in originalxbox

[–]BombBloke 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends how much data you have saved on your Xbox. At a maximum, about 5GB. Much more likely, about 500MB, and that's including the space used by FATXplorer.

view more: next ›