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| − | '''Xbox softmodding''' is a process by which an original [[Xbox]] is made to execute arbitrary code without the use of a modchip. Softmodding allows you to play game backups (and store them on the HDD), run emulators, use homebrew software, use Xbox Media Center to watch videos, and upgrade the HDD. | + | ''For information about emulating the Nintendo 3DS, see [https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Nintendo_3DS_emulators Nintendo 3DS emulators] '' |
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| − | The topic of softmodding the Xbox is covered extensively by [http://www.xboxscene.com Xbox-Scene], and most of the tutorials available there are still relevant. However, most of the guides are nearly a decade old: the Windows of the time was XP, most hard drives used IDE cables, and floppy drives were common. Several of the programs used for softmodding, especially those used to upgrade the HDD, will not work properly on modern OS's. The purpose of this guide is to walk you through the entire softmodding process using modern hardware.
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| − | ==Upgrading the HDD==
| + | The Nintendo 3DS is a foldable [https://www.gametechwiki.com/w/index.php?title=Handheld_game_console handheld game console] produced by [https://www.gametechwiki.com/w/index.php/Nintendo Nintendo.] The console was announced in March 2010 and unveiled at E3 2010 as the successor to the [https://www.gametechwiki.com/w/index.php/Nintendo_DS Nintendo DS.] The system features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS video games. As an eighth-generation console, its primary competitor was Sony's PlayStation Vita. |
| − | The Xbox comes packaged with an underwhelming 8GB HDD. 8GB is plenty for game saves, but if you plan to take full advantage of your softmodded Xbox, you're going to need extra space to store games and media files. | |
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| − | ===Overview===
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| − | The Xbox uses a standard 3.5" IDE HDD, the same type you would find in a desktop computer back in the day. Finding a replacement HDD is easy, but preparing it for use as an Xbox drive is a long, tedious process due to a few caveats:
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| − | * The Xbox uses a unique file system that neither Windows nor Linux can recognize. Special software must be used to read, backup, and prepare an Xbox drive.
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| − | * The HDD is locked with a key generated from the Xbox's EEPROM data that is changes from Xbox to Xbox and HDD to HDD. This means you need a HDD that is lockable (most are), and you need extra software to generate a new key. The software used to lock/unlock the drive must be run from a bootable MS-DOS disk.
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| − | * Extra steps must be taken to use a drive larger than 137GB.
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| − | * Although you can upgrade the HDD without having already softmodded the Xbox, you must be able to boot EvoX using either '''007 Agent Under Fire''' or ''MechAssault'''.
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| − | Before getting into specifics, I will outline in general the steps needed to upgrade the HDD:
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| − | * 1. Dump your Xbox's EEPROM data using EvoX.
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| − | * 2. Unlock the original HDD in DOS and use Windows to make a backup.
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| − | * 3. Lock the original HDD and set it aside.
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| − | * 4. Connect the new HDD and use LiveInfo in Windows to generate a new key.
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| − | * 5. Restore the backup of the old drive to the new one.
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| − | * 6. Lock the new drive, connect it to the Xbox, and hope for the best.
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