Week of August 11, 2002
Xbox-Linux 0.1 released!
>> As announced in previous news the first xbox-linux CD has now been released.
You can download it from the xbox-linux site here and you can check the full README here.
"EUROPE -- August 16 2002 -- Today the Xbox Linux project (http://xbox-linux.sourceforge.net/) announced that it had succeeded in fully booting Linux on the Microsoft(R) Xbox(TM) Gaming System. The free operating system Linux is able to be booted either from flash memory, or (more easily) from a CD inserted into the machine. (The Xbox still needs to have a modchip fitted to allow it to run unsigned code; however these are widely available and start from $30)."
"In the first release Linux boots into a network-enabled state, running a web server and telnet, which allows you to log into the box from another machine. Although there is no audio or video output and input device connectivity yet, users have full control on the Xbox through the network, an Xbox with Linux can already be used as a network server, and by developers to add more features to Linux on the Xbox.
Future releases of Xbox Linux are planned to fully support all Xbox hardware (video, audio), as well as standard keyboards, mice, webcams etc., so that it can be used just as an ordinary computer, but at a significantly lower price. The Operating System is made available under terms known as the GNU GPL, which mean that the software may be copied freely at no charge."
It's a linux "BIOS" (all the info is on the 4MB of the ROM) , so you can upload the .bin version in your openxbox or homebrew , but thanks to a special boot technique there is also a fully working .iso version (boots from cd , all you need is a modchip (nomatter which one) to run the unsigned code of the bootcd).
Njoy
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(Saturday 17 August 2002 01:06 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Linux Boots!
>> The guys at Xbox-Linux did it! Linux now boots. Heres some screenshots:
Visit Xbox-Linux For more info :)
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(Friday 16 August 2002 23:15 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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4 new tutorials
>> *Adding Mod Chip Enable/Disable and BIOS Flash ROM Write Enable/Disable Switches To Your XBox (by Captain Dunsel) : here
*How to Use the XDK in a network (by Sonic-Iso) : here
*How to use the XDK to run DVD movies (by Sonic-Iso) : here
*How to use the XDK to play a game (by Sonic-Iso) : here
Thanks to Captain Dunsel & Sonic-Iso for their great tutorials.
You can check all our tutorials here
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(Friday 16 August 2002 22:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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boXplorer v0.96
>> A new version of boXplorer has just been released :
What's new :
"- BUGFIX: Rename function did not trim leading and trailing spaces.
- New file operation : "Calc. Used Space..."
- Rewritten Move file/folder function - now allowing moving folders across different drives.
- All file operations improved to give more accurate info on errors and success.
- Progress bar when copying/moving/deleting files.
- Drive Select and Main Menu selector now wraps.
- Use left analog stick or hold down D-Pad buttons to navigate thru lists, menues, editor, etc.
- Correctly display large free/total space on Drive Selection screen (for those big HDDs)
- "Exit to Dashboard" added to Main Menu.
- "Shutdown Xbox" added to Main Menu (thanks ausCoder!).
- On edit screen (Rename and New Folder functions) simple onscreen help is displayed.
- Automatic retry (3 times) on failed file copy - may help copy files from some bad DVDs/CDs.
- And other cosmetic changes."
Not download 'cause build with MS SDK.
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(Friday 16 August 2002 21:53 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Xbox-Linux bootcd
>> Unlike the candyiso SuSe 7.0 release earlier today that works throught x86 emulation , we have recieved information a "real" linux bootcd *might* be released very soon.
You will NOT need a new special linux bios and linux will not modify your xbox (HDD , ...).
"For all those who wonder how the XBE bootloader works:
The boot CD is a ISO9660/UDF hybrid CD that gets recognized by the Xbox kernel. It contains a default.xbe, that excapes the Xbox kernel environment and copies the "Xbox Linux" ROM image from the BIOS project to 0x3f00000 (63 MB). This image is just modified so that it runs at this different location. Then it jumps into the Linux BIOS, booting it as if it was in your flash ROM.
Linux was able to mount its boot CD after booting, so it would be no problem to create a bootable distrubution already, like the dclinux one."
Note that this news is still unconfirmed.
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(Friday 16 August 2002 18:15 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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NoSolder mod name + website
>> We have more info about the no-solder mod.
It's name is Xodus-Chip and the official webpage is here.
"Specifications:
No Wires, No Solder, No Catch !
No technical experience needed at all.
Flash upgradeable.
All bios features currently available on competing "mods"
More info to follow soon."
We're still trying to find out if this modchip is real or just a lame joke.
More news soon...
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(Friday 16 August 2002 17:11 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Bochs x86 v1 + Linux + Win95 for Xbox !!
>> Bochs x86 for XBox v1 has been released today :
"This is an x86 emulator for the XBox. This basically emulates a PC and allows you to install DOS, Linux, Windows, etc onto it. There is also a virtual SB16 card to output SB16 sound (except for MIDI which doesn't work yet.) There is no network support in this version, though - so don't get your hopes up about running a linux server. The linux-xbox project will work much better than any emulation anyway. I ported Bochs primarily to play old DOS games."
"I've tried installing DOS, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, Windows 95, and Redhat.
They all installed fine and they all work. Windows 95 runs pretty slowly. I didn't try any X11 stuff in linux, but I suspect it would also be slow. Also, Windows 95 takes f-o-r-e-v-e-r to install. *Be patient* It *will* finish. Once it's installed it runs at a somewhat acceptable speed. Like I said, this is really an emulator for playing old DOS games. If you're expecting to play games like DOOM, though, I have some bad news. It's too slow to be playable. Bochs is pretty accurate, but the cost is speed. You'll be able to play hundreds of other old DOS games though."
You can find the full nfo here.
Short after this release CANDYiSO released :
Windows 95 for Bochs XBOX , Windows 95 OSR2 for Bochs XBOX.
and
SUSE LINUX 7.0 XBOX for Bochs XBOX.
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(Friday 16 August 2002 12:29 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Get CD-R's to work on Xbox ?
>> From precisionmods.com :
"Until now, it has been a common misconception that CDRs don't work on most Xboxes. Our very own tech guru, Mark ( a.k.a. gAm3 Fr3aQu3), has discovered the proper way to burn games on any CDR that will work on your modified Xbox!"
Read tutorial here : here.
I tried it , but it didn't work for me (it's strange anyway , I don't see how a burning program can make sush a big difference) ... let me know if it works on your xbox.
UPDATE: The author mailed and told us this "trick" only works with a Philips CD/DVD Drive , not with the Thomson Drive.
Can anyone with a Philips drive (shouldn't be alot of people , very few Philips drives have been used) confirm this ?
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(Friday 16 August 2002 04:14 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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XBOX error codes explained
>> Superfro wrote a nice guide explaining what all error codes mean you can get while booting.
"When you attempt to boot, a 'you need service' message comes up, and has a LED style number on the top left hand corner. Here is what they mean."
You can read the document here.
Thanks to Zed for mailing me this info.
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(Thursday 15 August 2002 12:40 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Complex 1.02
>> Another new BIOS release : Complex 1.02 (based on MS 4627 BIOS)
"Release Info:
We've patched both the retail and debug bios so they now play xbox original DVDS"
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(Wednesday 14 August 2002 15:01 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Nosolder modchip ?
>> From xboxhacker.net :
"A modchip is in the works which will implement all the features of current mods (including debug support), but will require no wires or soldering whatsoever! Prototype has just been tested and it is a success. It will be fully flash-upgradable and extremely easy to install. The name and more details will be released soon.
This info is from a reliable source so do not go discounting it."
2becontinued ...
We didn't receive any information about this new project , so we can't confirm this news.
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(Wednesday 14 August 2002 14:21 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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X-Marbles Release 0.5
>> X-Marbles had just been released by mastermind.
From readme :
"First release. Just got this up over the weekend,
This is about 90% my own code, originally modified from a code sample over at Code Project for a Pocket PC game (Bubbles). The gameplay matches a popular Java game online.
There's no sound, no keyboard support, and name entry is clumsy, but it's a rush job.... I'm headed off to vacation."
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(Wednesday 14 August 2002 10:37 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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BetaMod Patcher v0.01 BETA released!
>> Our PS2 affiliate PS2OWNZ posted a nice new tool for xbox betamod (enigmah beta & Xtender1.0) users :
"Our long-time MODerator IPS has released a cool little utility for those who still are using a BETA X-Box mod-chip. What it does, is to allow the default.xbe file to be patched so that your back-up will work with the BETA X-Box mod-chip!"
For information & download : visit ps2ownz.com
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(Wednesday 14 August 2002 00:13 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Remote Control Support for XBMediaPlayer
>> From xboxmediaplayer.de :
"Remote Control Support is Here!
Big thanks to Woodoo - with his help I've just finished adding remote control support to XB Media Player!
Now that we have a heck of a lot more buttons to play with I might just get round to adding some more features :)"
I guess it will be added to the XBMediaPlayer B6 release.
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(Tuesday 13 August 2002 18:34 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Lik Sang acquires OpenXbox (PC-BioXX) project
>> From Lik-Sang :
"Hong Kong, August 13, 2002 - Lik Sang International Limited, world leading online videogame accessories supplier, and the OpenXbox Team (aka PC-BioXX Team), a group of independent developers in Germany, today announced that Lik Sang has acquired the complete OpenXbox project.
"After looking at all available Xbox Mod Chips, Lik Sang decided to completely acquire OpenXbox (aka PC-BioXX), the best possible Mod Chip solution for Xbox users. Worldwide sales are started and a release is expected before end of this month", says Brian Lo, Technical Support Executive at Lik Sang. "Due to the way how all other Xbox Mod Chips work, this OpenXbox (PC-BioXX) is the only Xbox Mod Chip solution with a warrant for future compatibility."
"The full power of OpenXbox (PC-BioXX) has not even been unleashed yet. The development of special tools and BIOS versions designed for OpenXbox (PC-BioXX) are in progress. We are very confident about the success of this product." said a member of the development team.
Larger quantities of the OpenXbox are available before the month is over, retail orders and bulk orders are welcome. The retail price has been set to US$ 59, while bulk pricing is available as follows:
10+ - US$ 45
20+ - US$ 40
100+ - US$ 35"
Click here to place an order (retail & bulk).
Note that when you buy an OpenXbox/PC-BioXX from lik-sang you will get all this :
* OpenXbox - PC-BioXX hardware
* Printer port cable
* Self-adhesive tape
* Installation wires
* Sofware and Manual CD
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(Tuesday 13 August 2002 17:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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New tutorial
>> Added a new tutorial :
How to extract an Xbox iso file (v0.1) : read it.
I also updated a few small things in several other tutorials.
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(Tuesday 13 August 2002 02:07 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Xbox Bios confusion
>> With all the releases today it looks like alot of people are a bit confused.
Todays releases :
*COMPLEX.Bios.Debug.4627.And.MS.Debug.Dashboard.XBOX-COMPLEX
The 4627 DEBUG Bios & DEBUG Dashboard have been converted to run on a retail xbox. Has all 3 hacks : no-patch , no-reset & HDD-swap.
This release is NOT made for normal users , it's only for developpers. (your retail xbox will be transfered into a debug xbox).
You can NOT boot original games with this BIOS & DASHBOARD.
*COMPLEX.Bios.Retail.4132.And.4627.XBOX-COMPLEX
New retail BIOS version for 'normal' users. Has all 3 hacks : no-patch , no-reset & HDD-swap.
There are 2 files in this release , one based on the 4132 BIOS (our guess is that this is a typo and should be 4034 ... 'cause there is no 4132 MS BIOS as far as we know) and the onther is based on the new 4627 BIOS. Several people reported 4627 does not boot originals either (NUKE release) , so use 4132.
*MICROSOFT.DASHBOARD.RETAIL.4627.XBOX-COMPLEX
The new Microsoft dashboard that will come with the new retail Xbox version. (4627)
Nothing really changed here except a new saved-games management. Complex also removed the DVD Region from this dashboard.
*EvoX 2.3
An unofficial EvoX release (not released by Team EvoX). It's based on EvoX2.2
It has all 3 hacks in 1 (like the X-ecuter BIOS) : no-patch , no-reset & HDD-swap.
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(Tuesday 13 August 2002 01:48 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Xbox Mediaplayer B6
>> From xboxmediaplayer :
"More Development Updates
I've finished the new buffering code. It now reads everything sequentially which should give us better performance on high latency seek devices (your dvd drive).
When I was porting Xvid optimizations, I introduced a bug which caused some minor color distortions. I have a new, optimized idct for Xvid which should take care of the problem. I should be integrating it tomorrow.
I'm expecting that the new buffering code is going to take care of a lot of the problems we were having with seeking.
I bought an Advanced A/V pack yesterday. Now I can listen to surround sound on my xbox. This means that AC3 digital output will probably be going in soon.
I found the problem with the AVI audio predelay. This is causing some videos to be out of sync. This will be fixed."
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(Monday 12 August 2002 23:25 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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COMPLEX BiOS Retail to Debug 4627
>> Another big release today. The Retail->Debug converter.
"Release Info:
4627 Debug Kernal converted to work on Retail Xbox. Includes
DVDs. Also supports larger HDDs and No reset oall of the Hacks we know so well and love. This runs debug patched/unpatched code, copied retail, but not Retail DVDs. Look for a future update to run retailn eject.
Install:
Backup your C: drive then copy the content of the C folder over to C:
Copy contents of E folder to E: drive.
use evolutionX or Xflash to flash your bios.
Once XBox boots give it a name. the XDK launcher uses DHCP at first but it can be set to a static ip if you choose. we've included evox added to the launcher to show you where to add folders.
This BIOS require the WAM 4627 SDK installed to be used for debugging"
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(Monday 12 August 2002 23:12 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Dashboard Retail 4627
>> The new 4627 Retail Dashboard
From the nfo :
"Release Info:
Release name tell what this is.
Complex Bonus, we remove the DVD Region from this dashboard, so it's region free :)
Install:
Copy the contents of the directory into the C:\ drive of your XBOX
If you have EvolutionX, rename xboxdash.xbe to msxboxdash.xbe from this dir before copying."
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(Monday 12 August 2002 17:29 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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X-ecuter2 , PSX Emulator & Retail->Debug
>> I found some interesting news on x-ecutermods.com :
"X-ecuter Flash Chip
Flash updateable via LPT or USA port. No further features (In progress) the chip comes blank (no bios installed) you choose what program to flash the bios with, more for the dedicated user and more details to follow
DVD-X 2
To play DVD any region movies without the need for the dongle and remote control unit (Completed - Released)
PSX Emulator
Play your playstation games on your XBOX (in progress)
Debug kernel on Retail machine
To use a retail machine as a fully working debug machine (Completed - not released)"
It looks like Team X-ecuter is working on some cool stuff :)
Keep up the good work guys!
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(Monday 12 August 2002 17:14 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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New Bios Versions!
>> EvolutionX "2.3"/X-Ecutor Clone (Unofficial):
No-patch , HDD-swap AND eject-trick
From .nfo:
"bios exact same as EvolutionX V2.2.bin, except it allows the trick to patch the media type to 0x80000007 to eject without rebooting the xbox."
COMPLEX 1.0:
Same features as the EvoX 2.3 mentioned above but this version should also run debug code and it's based on the new 4627 kernel.
(untested)
Source : xboxhacker.net
For legal reasons we can't post the downloads here. So don't request it.
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(Monday 12 August 2002 14:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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xbconnect
>> From xbconnect.com :
"Still hammering away on 2.0. ]v[atrix and I had a good day designing the initial layout. Things are still a little rough but it is taking shape. You can go see it here.
NFL Fever appears to be running ok with XBC. There are some minor issues synching the game at the begenning. A work around I thought of last night seems to work. Sync up the players with Halo, then swap discs to NFL. I'll be trying to address this issue in 2.0 as well."
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(Sunday 11 August 2002 21:59 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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DVD-X v2.0 *DONGLE & REMOTE FREE*
>> We received this new release :
"DVD-X v2.0 *DONGLE & REMOTE FREE*
Some said it couldn't be done. Some said we had no talent.
Some were wrong.
Enjoy this free release from your favourite kernel hackers ;)
Features:
ALL controls can be accessed via your XBOX game controller.
Sub Menu system features identical to stand alone DVD player.
Fully AC-3, Dolby Digital & DTS Compatible.
Full Multiregion Support.
No dashboard patch needed - this is a stand alone application.
Can be run from disc (CDRW - won't work on DVDR) or straight from Hard Drive
Note:
We have also unlocked the VCD & SVCD capabilities but have not had chance to test correctly.
We recommened using CDRW and with a different DVD ROM Unit (instructions to swap ROM on xbox-scene.com)
Please post your results on the usual places.
Requirements:
Mod that has the eject trick feature enabled
Tested On:
USA 4034 Retail Machine with X-ecuter modchip fitted
Compiled On:
PAL 4034 Retail machine with our own (and very old) debug kernel ;)"
Great release guys :-)
No more need for that overpriced dongle!
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(Sunday 11 August 2002 02:20 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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OpenXDK: Planning Session
>> SiliconIce of XBH would like to inform everyone about an OpenXDK planning session:
I would like to announce a planning session for the OpenXDK project. It will be held Sunday evening at 6pm Central Standard Time (so 0:00 or midnight GMT for you Europeans and 4pm Pacific for you Californians). We will meet in #openxdk on EFNet. The channel will be moderated to keep things orderly.
I am opening a thread here in the Development forum for developers and programmers to post suggestions for topics of discussion. Please post issues you think are important for the OpenXDK project move forward. We would like to get a roadmap ironed out and begin moving forward with development.
(OpenXDK will be an open source development kit for the Xbox and will not include any Microsoft code.)
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(Sunday 11 August 2002 02:15 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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