Is Dual Hdd + No Dvd Possible? Options

[TinyBilbo]

Hi All
I want to run my xbox as a network storage solution (the quick bootup means I can turn it on and off at will).I don't need the dvd.I've got 2 spare 250g drives as well.Is it possible to have both drives installed at the same time (without a switch) so that I can access the full 500g.
I already run a a hacked M8+ bios so I know I can turn off the dvd drive check - but there don't seem to be any options to have 2 HDD's at the same time.
The xbox-scene tuts all seem to rely on some sort of switch mechanism.
I run the M8+ on a flashed TSOP
If anybody has any thoughts or solutions they would be greatly appreciated.
TIA
Tiny

[lordvader129]

not with your bios

if you want to use it a pure storage solution you can run a linux distro on it and that should be able to use both HDs simultaneously

[StrictPuppet]

I have been just thinking about doing this myself. Been looking @ prices on NAS devices, which can be really expensive, and was thinking the exact same thing,why not just make my own out of an xbox. I havent looked into it yet, but as i recall, the only way to be able to access two hdd's @ the same time is if the box is running linux( look @ the Xbox-Linux Project webpage) which would be fine if thats all you are gonna use it for. Just make linux load, and run a script that sets up the network and shares the drives, all automatically when you turn it on. You can even make it work without the a/v cable connected by jumping the appropriate pins on the a/v connector( I believe there may also be a bios patch for that)... keep us posted how you make out.... I am prolly not gonna start on mine till next week.

[TinyBilbo]

Thnks guys
LordVader129
Just found a thread that basically said the same - was really hoping to run xbmc as the frontend - don't care about games - but wanted to play the avis,mp3s being stored locally.
Also I wanted the quickbootup that xbmc has.I played around with a linux distro a while back and was not impressed with the boot time.
I don't mind changing the Bios to something else (so long as it plays xbmc and avis) if it will let me have 2 drives simultaenously or were you refering to the cromwell (linux) bios? If I can have a bios that runs only homebrew (xbmc) that's fine - if so which Bios?.

StrictPuppet

Thnks for info - i considered it but not too sure if its the way to go for me since I wanted xbmc functionality.Still I could flash the onboard TSOP with both M8+ (and fit a switch) and the Cromwell (Linux) bios and reboot depending on what I needed - but will the cromwell bios see the FatX partitions? (i.e. both drives)
Also let us know how you get on with whatever linux distro you use

So maybe the only solution is to slap the two 250g on to a raid card into my PC and go out and buy a 400g for the xbox

Thanks again guys

Tiny

This post has been edited by TinyBilbo: Oct 18 2005, 02:38 AM

[TinyBilbo]

sorry to be a bore guys, but does anyone know if its possible to to run xbmc under the cromwell bios? And will Xbmc see the the 2 drives or is this only possible with the cromwell AND a Linux distro?

TIA again..

Tiny

[oxjeremy334]

No, xbmc must be ran through a hacked bios that allows booting of unsigned code (AKA an illegal bios that won't allow the dual hdd).

[TinyBilbo]

oxjeremy334

Thanks for the info - suspected as much . will be looking at the various linux distros to achieve what I want.Will post any any findings in a few weeks.

Tiny

[oxjeremy334]

I think that there is a legal version of a media center that was previously in the works, but I cannot remember the name nor how it was supposed to be accessed...