Anybody here a expert on doing your XBOX up for emulation?

[Anthony1]

I would like to take the plunge into XBOX emulation.


Problem is, I can barely do anything on the PC, and I'm not really that technically savy. How much would it cost me to send my XBOX to somebody, and have them just hook me up, real proppa like!

I'm assuming that it would entail me getting a big hard drive, like 120 GB or something, and a mod chip, and then having them preload the emulators and stuff on it.


Basically, I would just like to put all the games that I currently have now on it. In terms of putting the Roms and Iso's and stuff on it. I'm just not very good with all the PC stuff, and winzip and winrar and all this stuff. I'm just not very good with it.

Is there somebody that I can trust that I can just send my XBOX to, and a large hard drive? How much should I have to pay for such a service?

Sorry for asking such dumb and basic questions, but I really don't know crap about this, so I'm kindof clueless on this subject.

However, I'm very good with Home Theater & High Definition and stuff like that, so if anybody has any questions on that, I can help them with that.

Thanks.

[zektor]

This is a good question. I would like to eventually get an Xbox and get it modded as well....from a reliable source of course.

[Anthony1]

A buddy of mine, has a friend that knows this guy that will mod Xboxes. But they do it to try to copy the software. Not so much because they are pirates, but because they want to have 4 copies of certain games, instead of one copy. They link tons of XBOXes together for multiplayer games.

Anyways, they don't know a damn thing about emulation. And I don't know if the guy that mods the XBOXes knows how to put a large Hard Drive in.

Thing is, even if I did that, I would still need to get the emulators on there, and all the roms and stuff.

I thought about getting it modded, but then I would still need to get the right stuff on it.

[Darth Sensei]

I plan on buying a brand new one from

http://www.modchipman.com/

fully modded with HD and everything. I've read in other forums that he's very good.

D

[ddockery]

I haven't done it myself (not yet anyway), but the modding would definitel;y be the hardest part. Once you do that, learning winzip etc. is pretty straight forward, I'm I'm sure guys here would help if you have questions.

[NE146]

I and my friends have used modchipman as well. I've had nothing but good experiences with them. But the last I checked at the xbox-scene forums, it looks like he's currently backed up from the holidays :P

That being said, yeah I use my Xbox for emu's so I know a bit about them. However, what I'd highly recommend is going to www.xbox-scene.com and registering on their forums, and reading their tutorials (the links for both are on the top). At the forums, in particular, check out their newbie forums (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?s=f7c886f9e4f302e3480dde47a23c1764&act=SF&f=18)and of course, the emulation forums (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?s=f7c886f9e4f302e3480dde47a23c1764&act=SF&f=17). Here in particular, is a great newbie guide (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=ST&f=17&t=130395&s=21d158bdf06796fd83c3271d504c8546)to Xbox emulation. If these links don't work, try again in an hour or so.. their forum software sometimes craps out from overload LOL

If you can't get any answers from there or are confused about something, you can just ask me and I'll try my best to answer. Basically, for emu's, once you got your xbox modded, you simply FTP the programs to the xbox and voila.

<EDIT> Actually... for convenience sake I'll just PASTE the noobie emulation guide I linked to above right here: Makes it easy. :) But again, those forums and tutorials are a great resource beyond this:


For someone new to the xbox emulation scene, there usually are a lot of questions. This “guide” is an attempt to address some of these questions, and hopefully help you getting your favourite old console games up and running. Please note that emulation on the xbox isn’t a god-given right, but a privilege based on a lot of hard work from a few dedicated programmes out there.

------------------------------------------------ WARNING ------------------------------------------------------

But first, a fair word of warning: most xbox-scene forum participants and moderators do not look kindly on requests for emulators, roms/iso’s or web pages where you can find these kind of files. That’s because most emulators are compiled using illegal copies of the MS XDK, and that having roms/isos that you don’t rightfully own is considered piracy. And yes, in the eyes of the law it’s still considered piracy even if the game is 10 years old and not for sale anymore. So please read, follow and respect the general xbox-scene rules (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=SR&f=17). Violations of the rules will usually result in your post being locked and trashed. Love it or hate it – it’s one of the rules of this forum, and crying about it doesn’t help!

That said, the xbox-scene main site does have a PC tools and a homebrew software section, where you can get information on what software is available to use with your xbox, and what it does. Read more here (http://www.xbox-scene.com/tools.php) and here (http://www.xbox-scene.com/software.php). Please note that homebrew software often is made using the MS XDK, which legally makes it undesirable to distribute them freely. That’s why you wont find any direct links to ready-to-run programs on this site There are however ways to get a hold of these. Read more here (http://www.xbox-scene.com/articles/xbins.php).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That’s it for the well-meant warning. Now let’s down and dirty with setting up your xbox for your emulation needs. Below is an attempt at a step-by step guide that hopefully will guide you through the necessary step on setting up your xbox.

Step 1: modify your xbox.
This point might seem given, but some apparently believe that you can use any program on your box, as long as you burn it on a CD and shove it into the DVD tray. The fact is that running non-MS authorized code on your xbox, which includes emulators, requires modification of the machine by either installing a modchip or flashing the onboard bios chip (called TSOP flashing). You can also do a software-modification to your xbox, which enables you to run unsigned code. More on the ins-and-outs of xbox modification are covered in the tutorial section (http://www.xbox-scene.com/tutorials.php?t=0,1,1,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0) or on the appropriate forums. You could also check out mastertito4’s Total n00b guide to everything (http://tc.paing.com/ricecake/mt4/).

Step 2: deciding on what emulators to get.
Many older consoles are emulated well on the xbox. Even some old-school PC games from Lucasart and Sierra are emulated. For a full list over available emulators, check this list (http://www.xbox-scene.com/software/software.php?page=emulators).

So the inevitable question is: which one should you get? For that answer – or more correctly – several opinions, read this (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=ST&f=17&t=116567).
There are several systems that are NOT emulated as of now. These include among others ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Vectrex, Jaguar, 3DO etc. While some of these probably never will be emulated on the box, some probably will. There are however enough emulators and games out there to keep everybody occupied for quite some time.

Speaking of unemulated systems, rest assured that newer generation systems like the PS2, GC and DC are not, and never will be, emulated on the xbox. For an explanation on why, read this (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=ST&f=17&t=55857). So there really is no point in requesting emulators for these systems or posting a “why not”-themed post. Such posts do pop up frequently on the forum, so regulars are getting quite tired of these “requests”, as this example (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=ST&f=17&t=123770&hl=ps2) shows. If you want to play a certain game on a certain console so bad, buy them!

Step 3: acquiring necessary files and games.
So, you have decided on which system you, and what emulator to use. But where to get them? For emulators, there’s a one-stop-shopping solution: xbins (http://www.xbox-scene.com/articles/xbins.php). On the other hand, if you are looking for games/roms/isos, you are not going to find them, or getting help finding them, at this forum. This has been explained before - subject closed!
There is a plethora of places to get these files on the net. My best suggestion is: read, look, search, google, use your imagination. But do not ask here.

Step 4: checking your game files.
Now you probably have your emulator and games ready. Please note that when playing games from older cart-based consoles or arcade games, your game file is known as a rom file. These files are usually dumped from carts or printboards onto a computer. But roms can get corrupted, and if so will not work properly. To ensure that you have what is called a good dump (working rom), use a rom management tool like RomCenter (http://www.romcenter.com/) or ClrMAME (http://www.clrmame.com/). You could also use a goodtool to verify the integrity of your rom, for example GoodN64, GoodSNES, GoodNES, etc. A quick google search will give you their home pages should you need them.

Game files for newer game consoles, like PS1 and Sega CD are usually in .iso or .bin format.

Even if your roms/games are good, it isn’t a given that your game will run as on the original system. Some games, mainly on newer consoles like N64 and PS1, does have compability issues with the emulators. This can range from minor sound/graphic glitches, to the game not working at all. There are several compability lists which list games for the console in question and their compability on current emulator version. Please check these for detail if you game isn’t working. You’ll find them here (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=SF&f=17).

Step 5: deciding on a method for transferring files.
If you are familiar with the capabilities of your modified xbox, this should not be a mystery to you. But if you are not, then here’s a quick walkthrough. To transfer files to your xbox, you have two options:
1. Connect your xbox to your pc by network or crossover cable, and FTP files over to your HD. For more information on how to set up your xbox for FTP connection, please refer to these (http://www.xbox-scene.com/articles/pc-xbox-ip-conf.php) tutorials.
On the PC side, you’ll need an FTP program. There are a lot of different programs out there, some free and some not. For a selection of freeware FTP clients, see NONAGS freeware archive (http://ftp.sunet.se/nonags/ftpc.html), or use you favourite FTP client.
2. Burn files on CD-RW or DVD, and use boXplorer (or other xbox file manager) to copy content to your HD. To read more see here (http://www.xbox-scene.com/articles/iso-backup-guide.php) and here (http://www.xbox-scene.com/software/software.php?page=filemanagers).

Step 6: installing your emulator(s).
When you have decided on a transfer method, it is time to install the emulators.
The basics are:
1. Extract the archive-file that contains your emulators(s). Check that the archive contains a default.xbe file. If not, you probably have the source-code, which will not work as-is. You can compile this if you have the knowledge and correct tools, but if your reading this I guess you have neither. Better get the binary file! As always, this is found in the usual places.
2. Read the readme file that is supplied in the archive. This will give you vital information about the emulator, and possible special considerations regarding the installation.
3. Decide where to put your emulator files on the xbox HD. An often used tree-structure is “F:emulators”emulator name”, but this is entirely up to you.
4. If the emulator gives you opportunity to configure the rompath (the folder where you store your roms), you can change this in the .ini files. This should be done before transferring the files.
5. Transfer the files and roms.

Step 7: adding the emulators to your dashboard menu.
There are several good dashboards “out there” that replace the original MS Dash. Depending on your dashboard, one way or the other you have to make your emulators accessible for the system. For more information on how to set up your dash, go to the tutorial section here (http://www.xbox-scene.com/tutorials.php?t=0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,1,0,0) and see if you can’t find information for configuring your dash

Step 8: PLAY!
Enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

Step 9: taking care of problems.
There is bound to pop up problems or questions from time to time. If you have a problem or question, do not be afraid of posting it on the board. In essence that is what the forum is here for: share knowledge, answer questions and helping people out.

But more often than not, people have had the same question, and posted it earlier. That’s why I strongly recommend using the search function before you post. Repeating a often asked question will be ignored if your lucky, or in worst case turn into a thorough flaming. To respect this or not is your own decision, but you have been warned.

I hope that you have found this guide both helpful and informative. If you have suggestions for improvements or corrections of errors, please contact me. The same applies if you are interested in contributing to this guide or feel that something is missing.
That’s it. Now go play!

Credits: a huge thanks to all contributors to the xbox-scene forum, and especially the authors of the posts and tutorials that I have shamelessly linked to. You know who you are. Also a big thanks to Iriez for your input and contribution to this guide.
-z-

[Anthony1]

Yeah, I went there and read that, and it was very helpfull. But I still don't want to try to solder anything myself.

I'm going to try to find out, if my friend's buddy who knows a guy that does mods for XBOX, can also put a huge hard drive in for me. I would want to definitely put a huge hard drive in it, if I decide to do this, so that it is somewhat future proof, in terms of all the crap I might end up putting on it.

[DogP]

I've done mine and probably 4 or 5 other ones, but I don't really feel like doing any more (especially after the last one I did - lots of problems because it was a newer version). There are tons of no solder mods though, and setting up the software is very easy (basically just plug the xbox into the network and copy everything using ftp). You can also get away with doing it through exploits like the ones in Mech Assault and 007 (using a memory card), instead of actually installing a mod chip.

DogP

[GameGuru]

If you don't know how to solder then get a solderless chip. I have one and it came lose after a couple days because we did it wrong but after doing it correctly it hasn't become misaligned again it has been 7 months or so and I move it alot. The absolute easiest way to get into X-Box emulation is:

1. Install a solderless modchip
2. Install a bigger hard drive (goes in just like a PC one)
3. Use a Slayer's disc to do all the formatted and installing

If you can upgrade a hard drive and install software on a PC you can do this.

[Chunky]

i'm looking for someone to do me in for Mame only, i don't even want the xbox part of it, with all the arcade roms installed. I don't want to do any kind of mods anymore, for whatever reason i shake too much now.

[Chunky]

i think from reading, there are versions of and xbox 1.1-1.5

is 1.5 the newest? i say because if i run out and buy one it's ok for modding.

or i guess i should just buy a used one.....if thats the case, does version number matter, are some versions easier or just better hardware wise?

[NE146]

All versions are moddable. If you can't do it yourself. Just read above and buy a premodded one from someone. www.modchipman.com is a place that was mentioned. Or of course you can send your xbox to them and have them do it for you. If you don't like sending your xbox via mail, or don't want to buy a pre-modded one, just check for a local installer. You can probably find one in this forum: http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?s=ab3d5d6c61dcfc5fbea04b4c66207385&act=SF&f=29

That way you don't have to worry about the version number. Easy.

[Chunky]

well if you don't want to use xbox live, you can do all of these things without a modchip. It's really cool, one of those guys did mine in about 10 mins. It rocks!, playing mame on it rocks.


the only problem i've had was in the tg-16 emulation, over half of the stuff did not work, but i'm not sure why, but it's still cool for the other stuff, and it can still play normal games no problem. Just no onlineness.

[nesuser2]

if somebody wants, I can ghost my drive if they happen to get the mod done. Getting all the files set up is probably the hardest part. ofcourse.....somebody would have to send me their HD, but that's it. Also, if you get it set up for copying games, emulation is easy. they come hand in hand......

[WiseSalesman]

The solder-less modchip seems like the way to go, to me. It screws down, right? What are the pros and cons of the two?

[nesuser2]

I'm not sure of all the technical differences but I wouldn't put a solderless chip in for any reason. There's not that many wires and only one is a difficult wire, which can be routed to an easy solder point on the opposite side of the board. Also, I would recommend getting one that has USB capabilities. It's too easy to turn it down compared to making a CD within the standards so that you can flash the bios. Then.......you have to find a CDR that the xbox will read. The Executer2.3 pro is $50, the Xbit is $54 or so.......I ended up with the xbit when the ex2.3 got delayed a month so they sent me the xbit for the same price. I really wish i had the executer just cuz I hear so many good things about it. If I went with a chip w/o USB support, It would be the executer lite......and the solderless chip is just personal preference. I just can't stand the idea of something not being soldered down....