no problem, I am here to help

here is a question for you..is it possible to run evox off of cd and do a backup the the hd and ftp into it and grab like that? without having to install evox to the hd?

Hi all,
I don't know if anyone has posted the same question but I've got a classical homebrew mod with a 512k eprom and switch. I've programmed it with evox2.5 and original bios. If I switch to original bios, can I play xbox live? Thank you!

Let me see if I understand correctly it is not possible to play backup games,
when you want to play live. Because the modchip has to be disabeld.

Are there tutorials how to install a switch for your modchip.

Yes, check out the tutorials at XS main page

Thnx shanafan

another question:
I use a Enigmah mod chip but I'am reconsidering to buy another chip. You are using the matrix modchip which seems to be the easiest to install. But is it possible to install a switch with this chip. I'am asking this because you have a second Xbox to play Live.

greetz

The Matrix have dipswitches on it so you can disable it. But, you can also install external switches on it to make it easier to switch modes without opening the Xbox up.

ok a relative noob at this so heres the story
got an executer V1 installed,(with a on/off swithc) installed Evox thanks to slayer and his auto installer in a V1.x with upgraded HDD
now trying to run eeprom management to lock the HDD but the screen just says loading and stays there. does this mean the hdd is already locked or that it cant be locked???
when i patch c for live it basically loses the evox screens and allows me to boot with modchip off would this be ok for xbox live? as i can alternate between my upgraded hdd and the retail hdd no problem.

QUOTE (Bclay @ Feb 9 2003, 07:29 PM)

ok a relative noob at this so heres the story got an executer V1 installed,(with a on/off swithc) installed Evox thanks to slayer and his auto installer in a V1.x with upgraded HDD now trying to run eeprom management to lock the HDD but the screen just says loading and stays there. does this mean the hdd is already locked or that it cant be locked??? when i patch c for live it basically loses the evox screens and allows me to boot with modchip off would this be ok for xbox live? as i can alternate between my upgraded hdd and the retail hdd no problem.

I suggest using Configmagic or even your PC for un/locking your HD. I myself have never heard of EEPROM Management.

The reason you lose your EvolutionX screens when you update your MS dash with Live is because xboxdash.xbe was before your EvolutionX dash, and since the Live CD updates files, it looks for xboxdash.xbe and updates it, thus overwriting your EvolutionX dash

As my tutorial says, I recommend using EvolutionX off a CDRW if you have an unflashable modchip, like yourself

QUOTE (Mekapo @ Jan 31 2003, 04:45 AM)

Shanafan thank you so much for this invaluable tutorial I was a beta tester for live and then when it went public i was banned. I was pissed off and followed the news for the way around it for a while and then got discouraged. I finally decided tonite to trudge through the message boards to see how exactly it was done. I was figuring it would be immensly painful and then i saw "New Tutorials" in the main page news. And there was your trusty little tutorial. I'm gonna get a friends unbanned eeprom in the next few days and try it out. My main question right now is if you both use the same eeprom and go online at the same time, can u access the same game at the same time? Just wondering if you knew anything on the topic. Once again thanks for making an easy to read tutorial, much love Mekapo

I echo Mekapo's statements, and am pretty much in the same boat. I too was a beta tester, and was banned. How ever, because I'm such a newb, instead of swapping Eeproms, My nephew got an Xbox for christmas, and is never going online. So I figured I'd trade systems with him, and get his virgin Xbox modded with a switch so that I could use my Xbox live. My question to you now, is what's the best chip to go with in regards to ease of use and external switch? I initially thought Matrix, but hearing about the X2Pro in this thread has given me second thoughts. I don't have any huge hardrives or other bios in my Xbox, but would like to leave that possibility open in the future.

Thanks for any input, and thanks again for making this Faq.

Thanks for the feedback

The Matrix is the best modchip out there for Live because (IMO):

1) Switches are already built onto the modchip
2) Mode 3!
3) Very easy to install the modchip

With the 1 meg add-on coming out soon, the Matrix (again, IMO) will be the best modchip out there.

X2 has pogo pins coming out to allow you to install without soldering, but right now, they are not available. X2 also doesn't feature onboard switches like the Matrix

QUOTE (shanafan @ Feb 12 2003, 06:34 PM)

Thanks for the feedback The Matrix is the best modchip out there for Live because (IMO): 1) Switches are already built onto the modchip 2) Mode 3! 3) Very easy to install the modchip With the 1 meg add-on coming out soon, the Matrix (again, IMO) will be the best modchip out there. X2 has pogo pins coming out to allow you to install without soldering, but right now, they are not available. X2 also doesn't feature onboard switches like the Matrix

Thanks shanafan. This proves why you are the Man.

Does Opjose still come around?

I haven't been on the forums alot since the initiall fervor right after Xbox live went public.

Gotta be able to play people in the Capcom Fighting games!

You'll still be able to utilize downloadable content with a matrix in place right?

I hate to be so bothersome, but I want to be 100% sure before I commit. Worse comes to worse, I could just buy a second Xbox, but I'd rather not if I can avoid it. That money would be much better spent on finishing my new pc i'm putting together.

Thanks again for the quick reply.

Yeah, with the modchip off, you can use Live to its fullest. Just make sure you follow my tutorial closely for the Matrix.

Sadly, opjose isn't around anymore (on XS that is)

If I dont have broadband (therefore no XB live ) my Xbox will have no negative effects if I have a chip? even if I try to access live content?
I seem to remember reading that it would render the xb useless even if I wasn't on 'live', is this true? or would I still be able to play backups and imports etc?

Signed,
Ignorance

hehe thanks i got my answer on my n00by question "Why doesnt it load the normal M$ bios when i use the external homebrew switch for the x2 lite with a 80gb hd?"

Because i didnt lock it with config magic

I`m such a n00b

QUOTE (johnrichardandrew @ Feb 15 2003, 07:25 AM)

If I dont have broadband (therefore no XB live  ) my Xbox will have no negative effects if I have a chip? even if I try to access live content? I seem to remember reading that it would render the xb useless even if I wasn't on 'live', is this true? or would I still be able to play backups and imports etc? Signed, Ignorance

If you do not have broadband access to your Xbox, then you will be safe. The modchip detecting software is accessed remotely by your Xbox

Not having Live is totally fine. Your Xbox will work flawlessly but you just won't be able to go online to Live with it.

QUOTE (007jamesbond @ Feb 15 2003, 09:05 AM)

hehe thanks i got my answer on my n00by question "Why doesnt it load the normal M$ bios when i use the external homebrew switch for the x2 lite with a 80gb hd?" Because i didnt lock it with config magic I`m such a n00b

Glad you read here instead of asking this question.

Good work!

Hey, does anybody know if I need to delete any unsigned programs on my hard drive to get on Live? I've installed a switch for my Enigmah, and it works great. Instead of transferring all my emulators and roms off the hard disk, I want to keep them on and access them via an Evox CD. From what I understand, Live doesn't do any hard disk searching so I should be safe right? Any advice appreciated.

QUOTE (terabeast @ Feb 19 2003, 03:43 PM)

Hey, does anybody know if I need to delete any unsigned programs on my hard drive to get on Live? I've installed a switch for my Enigmah, and it works great. Instead of transferring all my emulators and roms off the hard disk, I want to keep them on and access them via an Evox CD. From what I understand, Live doesn't do any hard disk searching so I should be safe right? Any advice appreciated.

The ONLY way right now to be banned is using your modchip activated when playing on Live. Live does not search your HD or DVDROM for any information related to emulators, backups, or whatever

ok a n00b question, why should you need a modchip with a flashcapacity of 1024kb instead of some cheapmod with flashcapacity 256kb cause its not possible to play with backups online, so i dont see any reason?

ok dont laugh too much of a n00b question?

QUOTE (007jamesbond @ Feb 20 2003, 07:57 AM)

ok a n00b question, why should you need a modchip with a flashcapacity of 1024kb instead of some cheapmod with flashcapacity 256kb cause its not possible to play with backups online, so i dont see any reason? ok dont laugh too much of a n00b question?

Honestly, don't know. Ask the modchip board

Sorry, I am new with this...

How long does it take for them to ban you?
I accidently clicked on the live option in the dash a 2 or 3 times, but every time I turned off the box as soon as the animation started.

Do you get a special message if you are banned?

Does it only prevent you from logging into games, and not stop you from looking at your friends list and other account info?

All I get is "You console cannot connect to Xbox live" when I pick my gamertag. This is especially annoying because the mod is out now.

ok im sorry if this is a stupid question but i have yet to mod my xbox and so i dont know too much. but if you get banned from xblive, would it be possible to just switch out the hardrive and get unbanned? would that change the EEPROM? sorry once again if this is a totally bogus and idiotic question =)

QUOTE (ninjatech @ Feb 22 2003, 03:28 AM)

How long does it take for them to ban you?

Depends. Some says immediatly, some say takes days.

QUOTE (ninjatech @ Feb 22 2003, 03:28 AM)

Do you get a special message if you are banned?

No, you get the 'Cannot connect to Xbox Live' message.

QUOTE (ninjatech @ Feb 22 2003, 03:28 AM)

Does it only prevent you from logging into games, and not stop you from looking at your friends list and other account info?

If you are banned, you will not be able to connect to Xbox Live, period.

QUOTE (ninjatech @ Feb 22 2003, 03:28 AM)

All I get is "You console cannot connect to Xbox live" when I pick my gamertag. This is especially annoying because the mod is out now.

Check your XYZ number. It's explained on another pinned thread. From what I read, if you have a Y: ####-6#### and Z: ####-190D, you are banned.

QUOTE (viper11203 @ Feb 22 2003, 02:11 PM)

would it be possible to just switch out the hardrive and get unbanned? would that change the EEPROM?

No, you need a new EEPROM from an unbanned Xbox. You can not just change the information (MAC/SERIAL/Etc.) in the EEPROM, either. Those info are checked against the XBox Live Key in the EEPROM.

I have a few questions regarding a Matrix chip and Xbox live:

• Do the games have to be on DVD to play Live or can you play off the hard drive?
  
• Does the hard drive have to be locked? In the HD locking tutorial it says locking the HD is NOT necessary for Xbox live?
  

QUOTE (Eyedea @ Feb 24 2003, 08:11 PM)

I have a few questions regarding a Matrix chip and Xbox live: Do the games have to be on DVD to play Live or can you play off the hard drive? Does the hard drive have to be locked? In the HD locking tutorial it says locking the HD is NOT necessary for Xbox live?

1. Yes the game not only has to be on DVD, it has to be the original game. How could you play off the HDD or with a copy of the game if you can't have the modchip on while playing on live?


2. Yes, the HDD has to be locked. You cannot go on live with a modchip on therefore you need to lock the drive so you can access the real xbox dashboard. If your HDD is unlocked and you have the modchip turned off, you will not be able to do anything.

QUOTE (darylzero @ Feb 24 2003, 09:36 PM)

1. Yes the game not only has to be on DVD, it has to be the original game. How could you play off the HDD or with a copy of the game if you can't have the modchip on while playing on live? 2. Yes, the HDD has to be locked. You cannot go on live with a modchip on therefore you need to lock the drive so you can access the real xbox dashboard. If your HDD is unlocked and you have the modchip turned off, you will not be able to do anything.

1. OK, just wondering.

2. I access my legit xbox dash with my hard drive unlocked, didn't know if that mattered or not.

QUOTE (Eyedea @ Feb 24 2003, 08:39 PM)

QUOTE (darylzero @ Feb 24 2003, 09:36 PM) 1.  Yes the game not only has to be on DVD, it has to be the original game.  How could you play off the HDD or with a copy of the game if you can't have the modchip on while playing on live? 2.  Yes, the HDD has to be locked.  You cannot go on live with a modchip on therefore you need to lock the drive so you can access the real xbox dashboard.  If your HDD is unlocked and you have the modchip turned off, you will not be able to do anything. 1. OK, just wondering. 2. I access my legit xbox dash with my hard drive unlocked, didn't know if that mattered or not.

you access it with the modchip on. Turn off your modchip, then try to acces it.

QUOTE (darylzero @ Feb 24 2003, 09:41 PM)

you access it with the modchip on.  Turn off your modchip, then try to acces it.

Understood.

So what exactly will locking my hard drive do for me other then let me boot the MS dash?

Also, once I lock the hard drive will I be able to still transfer files back and forth to it via my network and use it the same way I am now?

QUOTE (Eyedea @ Feb 24 2003, 11:40 PM)

QUOTE (darylzero @ Feb 24 2003, 09:41 PM) you access it with the modchip on.  Turn off your modchip, then try to acces it. Understood. So what exactly will locking my hard drive do for me other then let me boot the MS dash? Also, once I lock the hard drive will I be able to still transfer files back and forth to it via my network and use it the same way I am now?

It will allow you to play live with the mod chip disabled for one. Locking the drive makes the xbox think its an 8 gig drive.

And, yes you will be able to transfer files the same way you can now. Obviously you need the mod enabled to do this.

QUOTE (darylzero @ Feb 25 2003, 01:48 AM)

It will allow you to play live with the mod chip disabled for one.  Locking the drive makes the xbox think its an 8 gig drive. And, yes you will be able to transfer files the same way you can now.  Obviously you need the mod enabled to do this.

So by locking the hard drive I am fooling the Xbox into thinking it still has a 8GB hard drive when the original BIOS is loaded but when its loading the Mod Chip's BIOS it still will give me access to my 60GB hard and games so I can play from the dash?

Sorry for all the questions, I just don't want to lock the hard drive and then get caught being unable to use the hard drive in the same way I use currently while it is unlocked.

Also, is this tutorial:

http://www.xbox-scene.com/articles/lock-hdd.php

still the best way to go about locking your hard drive?

QUOTE

So by locking the hard drive I am fooling the Xbox into thinking it still has a 8GB hard drive when the original BIOS is loaded but when its loading the Mod Chip's BIOS it still will give me access to my 60GB hard and games so I can play from the dash?

Locked or unlocked, you will still have 100% access to your HD when your modchip is on.

Download Configmagic to lock your HD. It is the best and easiest way.

QUOTE (shanafan @ Feb 25 2003, 06:56 PM)

Locked or unlocked, you will still have 100% access to your HD when your modchip is on. Download Configmagic to lock your HD. It is the best and easiest way.

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

I replaced my original HD with a 100G HD, it is still unlocked. Do I need to get a "lock key" or something from the original drive to lock the new drive or can I lock it directly using config magic. I read a tutorial about having to connect the original drive on a PC to get a "lock key" or something and then use the same key to lock the new drive. Can't config magic get the lock key from the EEPROM?

QUOTE (avian @ Feb 26 2003, 03:55 PM)

I replaced my original HD with a 100G HD, it is still unlocked. Do I need to get a "lock key" or something from the original drive to lock the new drive or can I lock it directly using config magic. I read a tutorial about having to connect the original drive on a PC to get a "lock key" or something and then use the same key to lock the new drive. Can't config magic get the lock key from the EEPROM?

Use Configmagic to lock the HD, it gives it a password of TEAMASSEMBLY. Just use to Configmagic to un/lock your HD, you don't need to use your PC at all

QUOTE (shanafan @ Feb 26 2003, 10:01 PM)

QUOTE (avian @ Feb 26 2003, 03:55 PM) I replaced my original HD with a 100G HD, it is still unlocked.  Do I need to get a "lock key" or something from the original drive to lock the new drive or can I lock it directly using config magic.  I read a tutorial about having to connect the original drive on a PC to get a "lock key" or something and then use the same key to lock the new drive.  Can't config magic get the lock key from the EEPROM? Use Configmagic to lock the HD, it gives it a password of TEAMASSEMBLY. Just use to Configmagic to un/lock your HD, you don't need to use your PC at all

I don't mean to question you but maybe I don't fully understand how it works. When I boot the xbox with M$ EEPROM, won't it try to unlock the HD with the password that was used to lock the original HD. IF the HD is locked with TEAMASSEMBLY, then the EEPROM won't be able to unlock it. I have read many tutorials on locking/unlocking and this is what I understood from them. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Im confused

I have a a Xecuter 2lite installed with an on and off switch. Installed evolutionX as my dashboard. I took all the necessary precautions.. ie backingup c and e drive of my Xbox. I had LIVE installed b4 I got my Xbox modded.

When I installed evolution i renamed the default.xbe from evolution to xboxdash.xbe. I then copied over the original xboxdash.xbe and renamed it msxboxdash.xbe. I configured the evox.ini file to boot with the original xbox dash by putting this line in ... MSDashBoard = "c:msxboxdash.xbe" if the mod chip is off. Everything is working fine.

My question is, how do I safely get on LIVE without being banned? I read somewhere here in the forum that i need to rename the original dash back to xboxdash.xbe. Will i now need to boot with evolution to play my backups? Isnt there an easier way to set this up without haveing to keep renaming files and booting from disc.

tell me if this is correct.

1) put an unbanned eeprom in the configMagicFINALdata directory
2) load up configMagic
3) unlock the drive
4) choose the "UPDATE EEPROM" option
5) lock drive
6) restart xbox

i still can't get on LIVE....

QUOTE (phantazma1 @ Mar 4 2003, 12:50 PM)

tell me if this is correct. 1) put an unbanned eeprom in the configMagicFINALdata directory 2) load up configMagic 3) unlock the drive 4) choose the "UPDATE EEPROM" option 5) lock drive 6) restart xbox i still can't get on LIVE....

Did you tell the configmagic.ini where your new EEPROM is at?

QUOTE (zork007 @ Mar 3 2003, 03:20 AM)

Im confused I have a a Xecuter 2lite installed with an on and off switch. Installed evolutionX as my dashboard. I took all the necessary precautions.. ie backingup c and e drive of my Xbox. I had LIVE installed b4 I got my Xbox modded. When I installed evolution i renamed the default.xbe from evolution to xboxdash.xbe. I then copied over the original xboxdash.xbe and renamed it msxboxdash.xbe. I configured the evox.ini file to boot with the original xbox dash by putting this line in ... MSDashBoard = "c:msxboxdash.xbe" if the mod chip is off. Everything is working fine. My question is, how do I safely get on LIVE without being banned? I read somewhere here in the forum that i need to rename the original dash back to xboxdash.xbe. Will i now need to boot with evolution to play my backups? Isnt there an easier way to set this up without haveing to keep renaming files and booting from disc.

Updated FAQ

you dont need evox to boot stuff from cd neways, but get an e or f boot bios and but evox on that drive.

QUOTE (shanafan @ Mar 4 2003, 11:38 AM)

Did you tell the configmagic.ini where your new EEPROM is at?

yeah..... i did that.... but still doesn't work.
maybe i'll try a different eeprom....

are you banned when the first thing after LIVE loads up, it says something like
"network connection not established"?

QUOTE (phantazma1 @ Mar 4 2003, 07:01 PM)

QUOTE (shanafan @ Mar 4 2003, 11:38 AM) Did you tell the configmagic.ini where your new EEPROM is at? yeah..... i did that.... but still doesn't work. maybe i'll try a different eeprom.... are you banned when the first thing after LIVE loads up, it says something like "network connection not established"?

No, not at all. That means your network isn't properly set up. If you get "Xbox Live not found", then that means you are banned. But, it seems like your Xbox isn't hooked up properly to your network

QUOTE (shanafan @ Mar 4 2003, 09:56 PM)

No, not at all. That means your network isn't properly set up. If you get "Xbox Live not found", then that means you are banned. But, it seems like your Xbox isn't hooked up properly to your network

thanks for the info man...

even the xbox customer service couldn't figure out what is wrong with my xbox..
he moved my to the "second stage", which means that an "expert" will call me in
a couple days. haha... i'll determine that...

i'll try some other methods.
it could be my modem that's not supported by live (toshiba)

Well nothing is wrong with your Xbox.

Let me ask you this, are you running EvolutionX? If so, can you FTP?

QUOTE (shanafan @ Mar 4 2003, 11:54 PM)

Well nothing is wrong with your Xbox. Let me ask you this, are you running EvolutionX? If so, can you FTP?

yup. i got the latest version of evox, and i ftp fine. up to 6MB/s.
i figured it might be a router problem, so i directly connected to the modem.
sometimes, it won't even resolve an ip address. i have to turn off/on the modem
a couple times. i even tried setting a manual ip address, gateway, and MAC id.
by the way, does it matter if the MAC id is uppercase or lower case? on my pc,
it's uppercase but when i go to the website with my ports, etc. it's lowercase.
and how the heck am i supposed to open ports? i found place online in which
i have check boxes for tcp/udp, enable boxes, ip address, port number....

do you know what i'm talking about?
<sigh>

thanks for you help.

This may sound simplistic but have you tried switching your ip settings in the xbox live menu to automatic? After you switch it to automatic, then try to connect.

QUOTE (darylzero @ Mar 5 2003, 12:49 PM)

This may sound simplistic but have you tried switching your ip settings in the xbox live menu to automatic? After you switch it to automatic, then try to connect.

of course i had it on automatic!!!


still a no-go

i'm gonna try it at my friend's place. maybe it'll connect there

I went to Live dash and i didnt get banned , i guess is only if you run the game on Live.