Xbox
From Wiki-Scene
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Microsoft's first entry to the world of gaming, the Xbox is a hefty brick of console that would likely inflict critical injury if swung at head height. Unlike the other systems of it's generation (the PlayStation 2 and the GameCube) it had a hard drive and ethernet socket installed as standard features.
However, partly due to loss of profits (something to do with nVidia contracts?), the quick release of it's more powerful little brother (the Xbox 360), and - perhaps - the incredible ease with which it can be modified, it's no longer on the retail market.
Specifications
Un-modded, the Xbox will run retail games and (with a special remote and IR adaptor) play DVD video discs. Included is a harddrive divided up into five partitions - One for system files (such as the Microsoft Dashboard), one where the user may store ripped music CDs, and three used by games for caching.
There were several different versions produced during the system's marketing lifetime, each of which functioned more or less the same under normal circumstances (although the modding potential of each varies). Broadly speaking, however, each uses more or less the same hardware specifications.
An un-modified Xbox has a security system in place that prevents it from running programs that have not been specially "signed" by Microsoft. Although a standard IDE hard drive is used, a special lock must be present for the system to accept it, and likewise the DVD drive uses a custom firmware.
Modded Capabilities
Need notes here on what sort of things a modded Xbox will do. XBMC and the emulators are the main features these days.
Initial Modding
Xbox modding revolves around the idea of loading an edited BIOS into memory that removes the limitations present in the standard version (that is, the console will boot code other then the "signed" data only present on retail game discs, or the Microsoft Dashboard). Once this is done, the user may then execute backed up games or homebrewn code.
A modded system will typically execute an alternate dashboard instead of the Microsoft version. These are used to help the user manage the installation and execution of other programs (such as games!), which can either be stored on disc or the console's built in hard drive.
Note that any attempt to access Xbox Live while using a modified BIOS will result in an instant ban. However, this is not a concern for many users, and X-Link Kai is available for those who wish to game online for free (either with or without a modded system).
For the beginner there are three types of mods to consider, each with it's own strengths and weaknesses. Note that TSOP flashing and modchipping are considered "hardmods".
- By modifying the default Xbox OS (the Microsoft Dashboard) the console can be tricked into booting unsigned code (such as other dashboards). Because the new BIOS is only loaded after the system has completed it's boot process this modification is not compatible with more extensive mods (such as changing the appearance of the startup sequence), and the system must satisfy the console security criteria prior to loading the MS Dash (for example, the hard drive needs to be locked).
- Those with the right equipment can perform a softmod using very little time or money. Depending on the method used, you may not even need to open your console. Although there are many ways to render a softmodded system unbootable, most (indeed, perhaps all) can eventually be repaired.
- Softmodded systems may access Xbox Live by booting them up directly from a game disc (meaning the OS does not load, and hence neither does the mod).
- This process replaces the onboard BIOS (stored in the TSOP) completely, so that the system will ALWAYS use a modified copy from the instant it's powered up. This means the system security is rendered moot - regardless what happens to the files on the hard drive, all future issues can be easily repaired with an boot disc such as Slayers or AID.
- A system must be softmodded prior to performing a TSOP flash and this mod is only compatible with pre-1.6 consoles. You will need to open the Xbox and bridge solder points (either using a soldering iron or a conductive pen).
- Flashed pre-1.2 consoles may access Xbox Live by the use of a special switch that must be added to the motherboard (allowing a choice between multiple BIOS types flashed into the one TSOP). This is not possible with later systems, which must be re-flashed with the original BIOS to access Live again.
- The addition of an extra BIOS holding chip to the motherboard means that the system may then boot either the original (stored in the TSOP) or a modified version (stored in the modchip). A chipped system has all the advantages of a TSOP flashed one, however, you don't need to first install a softmod and chips are available for all console versions. Some modchips offer additional features (such as additional LCD screen support or built in hard drive formatting tools), and many can hold multiple BIOS types.
- In addition to purchase costs, you will need to open your console and have some soldering skill to install a modchip. Although there are solderless versions available, these tend to come loose easily if the console is for eg. transported in a car.
- As nearly all modchips can be disabled at the push of a button (causing the system to load the original, unmodified BIOS on boot up), most are therefore Xbox Live compatible.
Software Installation
Need notes here concerning getting stuff onto the console, and what sort of programs are available (games, emulators, applications, dashboards). Explain that from the console's point of view these are all the same thing, and that it's important to know the difference between a softmod and a dashboard. Keep in mind that softmod installers usually bring a new dashboard with them, while the installation of a modchip does not.
Additional Modifications
Practical
Need notes here concerning useful but optional mods such as hard drive upgrades, VGA adaptors, and RAM increases.
Decorative
Need notes here concerning useless but pretty mods such as case painting, the addition of LEDs, and jewel cleaning/replacing.
Troubleshooting
- If your console tells you to "Contact Customer Service", check here first.
- If your console gives you no video/audio, this is the place to look.
Yeah, there's a bunch of other stuff that can go here. Really want links to category type pages. FTP issues, emulation issues, retail game issues, other software issues, other hardware issues...
