Xbox Original - what to do with it

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

As mentioned in the Bargains Thread, Splinter Cell can be used to "soft mod" the original Xbox. I have an xbox and a copy of Splinter Cell. This is the extent of my knowledge.

Has anyone done this? What can I do with it? How do I do it? I guess I must need some sort of method of transferring the mod to the xbox, usb?

Basically it seems a shame to have a perfectly good xbox sat there doing nothing, so I am looking for ideas.

Thanks, y'all.

[EDIT] I meant to ask if it was legal also, don't want to get anyone in trouble.

Doctor Glyndwr · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 32624

Bobbyaro wrote:

As mentioned in the Bargains Thread, Splinter Cell can be used to "soft mod" the original Xbox. I have an xbox and a copy of Splinter Cell. This is the extent of my knowledge.

Has anyone done this? What can I do with it? How do I do it? I guess I must need some sort of method of transferring the mod to the xbox, usb?

Me. About fifty times. Probably the best uses for it afterwards are running Xbox Media Centre (AVI/MP3/etc playback software) or emulators (MAME, SNES, Megadrive emulators are all very good).

To do this you will need conductive paint, a couple of Torx screwdrivers (T8 and T10 I think), and Xbox1 memory card, and ideally, access to a hacked Xbox. It's not hard though.

Dr Lave · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 5979

Yeah you can do lots, and it's awesome.

Of the top of my head You also need an Xbox memory card, and a special adaptor to connect said memory card to your PC (via usb) - which can all be got for not much at all (or you could borrows someones card I guess).

Then you install the softmod, then you can install all the programs you might like. Like MAME and Xbox Media Centre (which is awesome).

There is a good auto install DVD about that you can pop in to do all the hard work for you. I think Mr D did a wonderful write up about it.

Dr Lave · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 5979

richardgaywood wrote:

Bobbyaro wrote:

As mentioned in the Bargains Thread, Splinter Cell can be used to "soft mod" the original Xbox. I have an xbox and a copy of Splinter Cell. This is the extent of my knowledge.

Has anyone done this? What can I do with it? How do I do it? I guess I must need some sort of method of transferring the mod to the xbox, usb?

Me. About fifty times. Probably the best uses for it afterwards are running Xbox Media Centre (AVI/MP3/etc playback software) or emulators (MAME, SNES, Megadrive emulators are all very good).

To do this you will need conductive paint, a couple of Torx screwdrivers (T8 and T10 I think), and Xbox1 memory card, and ideally, access to a hacked Xbox. It's not hard though.

For the soft mod? Why ever do you need those things?

Grim... · **Posted:** Wed Jul 02, 2008 13:31

I thought you could just bang some stuff from the Internet onto a CD and that was it.

devilman · **Posted:** Wed Jul 02, 2008 13:32

Lave wrote:

richardgaywood wrote:

Bobbyaro wrote:

As mentioned in the Bargains Thread, Splinter Cell can be used to "soft mod" the original Xbox. I have an xbox and a copy of Splinter Cell. This is the extent of my knowledge.

Has anyone done this? What can I do with it? How do I do it? I guess I must need some sort of method of transferring the mod to the xbox, usb?

Me. About fifty times. Probably the best uses for it afterwards are running Xbox Media Centre (AVI/MP3/etc playback software) or emulators (MAME, SNES, Megadrive emulators are all very good).

To do this you will need conductive paint, a couple of Torx screwdrivers (T8 and T10 I think), and Xbox1 memory card, and ideally, access to a hacked Xbox. It's not hard though.

For the soft mod? Why ever do you need those things?

I was wondering that - something to do with upgrading the hard drive maybe?

I soft-modded my xbox and then barely did anything with it. It was fun to try though as the DVD drive was on the way out anyway.

Doctor Glyndwr · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 32624

Oh yeah, I misread bobby's post about doing it as a softmod. I always reflashed the TSOP when I did 'em. They're right Bobby, ignore those bits of my post.

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

Can you get it to clever things like record TV, as I have no sky plus or anything, or is that a bit too much?

I think I shall look into this, it sounds fun.

Quote:

Oh yeah, I misread bobby's post about doing it as a softmod. I always reflashed the TSOP when I did 'em. They're right Bobby, ignore those bits of my post.

TSOP?

Cras · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 49237

Bobbyaro wrote:

Can you get it to clever things like record TV, as I have no sky plus or anything, or is that a bit too much?

No, it doesn't have a TV Tuner.

Doctor Glyndwr · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 32624

Bobbyaro wrote:

Quote:

Oh yeah, I misread bobby's post about doing it as a softmod. I always reflashed the TSOP when I did 'em. They're right Bobby, ignore those bits of my post.

TSOP?

A flash ROM chip inside the Xbox which stores the BIOS code. The mod method I used to use flashed this with modified code. The softmod technique came along later, it leaves the TSOP alone but loads some modified code at boot time instead. It's easier to do and pretty much the same functionally as the reflash method I use.

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

Craster wrote:

Bobbyaro wrote:

Can you get it to clever things like record TV, as I have no sky plus or anything, or is that a bit too much?

No, it doesn't have a TV Tuner.

Boo, I was hoping to be able to use the SCART input somehow.

So where can I obtain these items required? Anyone know? Or shall I stop being so lazy and actually search for them myself?

Dudley · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 8679

You don't need any items other than an xbox1 memory card with some kind of PC link.

Zio · **Joined:** 31st Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 6093

richardgaywood wrote:

Bobbyaro wrote:

Quote:

Oh yeah, I misread bobby's post about doing it as a softmod. I always reflashed the TSOP when I did 'em. They're right Bobby, ignore those bits of my post.

TSOP?

A flash ROM chip inside the Xbox which stores the BIOS code. The mod method I used to use flashed this with modified code. The softmod technique came along later, it leaves the TSOP alone but loads some modified code at boot time instead. It's easier to do and pretty much the same functionally as the reflash method I use.

Though the TSOP method allows you to use a larger hard drive - the softmod doesn't.

Bobbyaro, you should definitely do this. A modded Xbox is excellent fun.

Especially if you're the manager of a videogames store at the time you get the large hard drive installed.

LewieP · **Joined:** 29th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 7600

If you want, and are in no hurry, if you get an Xbox memory card, and post it to me, I'll happy stick the files you need onto it for you (I still have them on my xbox from when I softmodded)

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

Thank you, that is very kind. I shall be looking around for stuff later. can't search at work, damn net blocker *.

One thing I wondered was if it was possible to use the joystick ports as USB slots (with an appropriate adaptor)?

*(I can't search for "xbox 360", but can for "xbox360")

MrD · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 2139

The joystick ports ARE USB ports, you use them with a USB memory stick to load the softmod.

Please read at your convenience.

Conversely you can plug Xbox controllers into your PC using the opposite cable. You need to install a driver for them, though. http://www.redcl0ud.com/xbcd.html

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

Aaah, I was getting confused. I thoght I had to use an adapter with the memory port.

I reckon I can build one of those out of an old joystick and stuff!

MrD · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 2139

I bought a 49p Xbox extension cable and a 49p USB extension cable from GAME, sliced 'em both in two and matched up the wires to get both types of cable. The wire colours don't match, so I had to download a wiring diagram (which I can't find now) and do some multitesting.

You can buy the cable pictured from a Play-Asia link inside the Guide. It's very high quality.

You can use an adaptor through the memory port too, if you like; the Xbox pad is a USB hub!

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

MrD wrote:

You can use an adaptor through the memory port too, if you like; the Xbox pad is a USB hub!

Yes, I just saw that, I should be able to bastardise the pad to do what I want without too much hassle, but if not I can always chop cables.

LewieP · **Joined:** 29th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 7600

There is really no need to fiddle with hardware like that.

Once you've got the files onto an Xbox memory card, you just plug it into the controller, transfer the files onto the xbox hard drive, then boot Splinter Cell, load the save, and follow the on screen instructions. Peice of piss.

Doctor Glyndwr · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 32624

This thread is making me want to get my haxx0red crystal Xbox back out for... well, I dunno what for, really. Something.

The Rev Owen · **Posted:** Wed Jul 02, 2008 16:44

I gave my haxxored Xbox to my brother. I'm starting to regret it.

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

Yeah, but I don't have an xbox memory card, and I do have all the wires and stuff (I am a real cheapskate). Although not an extensive search, I haven't found a memory card for less than £15, and I could buy a 360 game for that much.

devilman · **Posted:** Wed Jul 02, 2008 16:53

Bobbyaro wrote:

Yeah, but I don't have an xbox memory card, and I do have all the wires and stuff (I am a real cheapskate). Although not an extensive search, I haven't found a memory card for less than £15, and I could buy a 360 game for that much.

I'll have a look and see if I can find mine tonight. If I do, do you want to borrow it?

DBSnappa · **Posted:** Wed Jul 02, 2008 16:58

richardgaywood wrote:

This thread is making me want to get my haxx0red crystal Xbox back out for... well, I dunno what for, really. Something.

It's that deafening silence in your life that needs filling

DBSnappa · **Posted:** Wed Jul 02, 2008 16:59

The Rev Owen wrote:

I gave my haxxored Xbox to my brother. I'm starting to regret it.

I gave my one to a neighbour's son. I still have a vanilla one though.

MrD · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 2139

My 2nd-hand-when-I-got-it Xbox's hard drive is dead. Long live the hard drive. :(

Luckily, it's not impossible to replace a hard drive on a soft mod xbox. I've just... never done it before.

Dudley · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 8679

It's not too tricky, just requires some minor level knowledge.

MrD · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 2139

Yep. And finding where I put the backup of my hard drive with the eeprom and the doodiedoo.

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

devilman wrote:

I'll have a look and see if I can find mine tonight. If I do, do you want to borrow it?

That is most excellent of you!

I dug out my xbox controller last night and ripped to pieces. after a brief buzz through with a home made circuit checker I allocated the correct pins, ripped apart an old USB - PS2 adapter, and I* am going to solder on the port this lunch time. That combineed with a memory stick should work.

*may be my colleague, who is much better at soldering than I am.

devilman · **Posted:** Thu Jul 03, 2008 23:46

Well I had a nose around and I've found the memory card, adapter and Splinter Cell. Only thing I've not found is the PC Disc to install the software to use the memory card. However, the memory card should still have the Splinter Cell saved game on it so if you want me to pop it all in the post, just pm me your address and I'll arrange it.

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

Well, thank you, but rather unbelievably, my modifications actually worked!! So I now have a USB port attached to my controller and the xbox sees the USB memory stick as a MU.

Using software called Xplorer 360 I can get the saved games onto the Xbox. Sadly it ends there and SplinterCell can't see the saved games! Think I may have the wrong files or something.

I then gave up as I had the bigger issue of my 360 dying. :'(

myp · **Posted:** Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:21

What is up with all these 360s dying at the moment? I'm sure it's more than normal - is it the weather or something?

devilman · **Posted:** Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:25

It's a plague spread through beteo. *scrubs 360 with dettol*

myp · **Posted:** Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:27

I'm going to hermetically seal mine in an ice chamber.

Doctor Glyndwr · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 32624

myoptika wrote:

What is up with all these 360s dying at the moment? I'm sure it's more than normal - is it the weather or something?

I doubt it makes enough difference to push them over the edge. The ambient air temperature has only gone up a few degrees, after all; its running at 60-80degC internally so those extra few degrees probably don't have a massive effect. In fact the fault mode, if the rumours are correct, are more around heating/cooling cycles anyway, rather then raw heat.

It's probably just coincidence. Well, that and the fact that every early 360 that hasn't had the rework to have the second GPU heatsink fitted is going to fail.

myp · **Posted:** Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:31

Yeah, I'm expecting my Elite to go at some point just after the extended warranty.

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

I was going to start a new thread, but as this has taken off.

A description of the problem:

Bobby wrote:

I was playing CoD last night, and all of a sudden, the colours went all kinda negative. Lots of greens and pinks and purples. I thought I had knocked a cable, but checked them all and they were fine. I thought it was the TV, so switched to the Xbox (original) which I had plugged in, and that was fine. So not the TV. I then switched back to the 360, still there, I played around with the 60 - 50Hz, turns out my TV can't accept 50 Hz, so changed it back to 60 Hz, still there. So I reset the 360 and it went away, only to come back in about 20 minutes, whilst playing Uno.

Has anyone had or heard of a similar issue?

Doctor Glyndwr · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 32624

Shortly before my 360 suffered RRoD, I had two crashes with graphical corruption. In both cases, the 360 ran for a little while with the corruption, then locked up.

The corruption looked like this:

Sounds like it could be impending RRoD for you.

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

Boo-urns! Sounds like a trip back to Woolies for me on Saturday.

MrD · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 2139

Quote:

Using software called Xplorer 360 I can get the saved games onto the Xbox. Sadly it ends there and SplinterCell can't see the saved games! Think I may have the wrong files or something.

Maybe. Have you deleted every other piece of Splinter Cell content, so that you only have the one used in the softmod?

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

Yeah, I deleted averything. On the file I was using, there was 2 saved games, but I can't copy the second across as it claims to be corrupted. I need to spend a little time making sure I have got it correct. I read somewhere that the file should be zipped, but that was instructions for action replay, not direct MU. I just need to spend the afternoon having a play I think.

devilman · **Posted:** Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:02

I think I'm right in saying that it only works with the original Splinter Cell and not the Classics version - don't suppose that could be it?

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

No, I have the original version. I am sure I am missing something basic, but what it is I can't tell. I can't find anyone else who has had this problem. Grrr, always me! >:(

I also have Agent Under Fire, which you can apparently get a hack for, so may try that one if all else fails.

Dudley · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 8679

I'd try but I used option 3 : Mechassault.

devilman · **Posted:** Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:12

Bobbyaro wrote:

No, I have the original version. I am sure I am missing something basic, but what it is I can't tell. I can't find anyone else who has had this problem. Grrr, always me! >:(

I also have Agent Under Fire, which you can apparently get a hack for, so may try that one if all else fails.

Heh well my next post office trip should be tomorrow morning so the offer of sending the memory card off to you still stands.

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

Thank you for the offer, I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I am not sure I need it any more? From what I can gather, I seem to be stuck beyond that phase!

(At least I think so anyway!!!)

But thank you for the offer again!

devilman · **Posted:** Fri Jul 04, 2008 11:23

Fair enough.

It's just that my memory card should still have the Splinter Cell save on it all ready so it'd just be a case of plugging it in and running the game I'd imagine.

Bobbyaro · **Joined:** 18th Apr, 2008 **Posts:** 11863

Well, again thanks, but by Jove, I've done it! Turns out it was a really simple problem, I had the second file copied one level too high, so It was not finding the correct file structure and declaring corrupt.

Sadly it looks as though my TV is not compatible as everything is grey and fuzzy, and I imagine this to not be the case, but I shall persist and hopefully, by the time the Xbox 2070 come out I should have it modded!

MrD · **Joined:** 30th Mar, 2008 **Posts:** 2139

YAY!

As soon as you softmod your Xbox, make sure to back up both the C and E drives completely.

My backup (which I made not knowing I had to) just saved my Xbox! (Without the mojo, you can't lock the hard drive to the Xbox.)

Be Excellent To Each Other

Xbox Original - what to do with it
That'll teach'em.

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Be Excellent To Each Other

Xbox Original - what to do with it That'll teach'em.

Who is online

Xbox Original - what to do with it
That'll teach'em.