Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2006 6:59 pm Post subject: Noob here - req advice about SID4.5 & softmodding in gen
Evening all!
First off, I'm a complete noob and I'll freely admit it.
I'm a new xbox owner, it literally arrived today. I've been eyeing up these forums for quite a while now, and I'm wondering if someone could offer me a bit of help?
For obvious reasons I want to softmod my xbox, but I was wondering if someone could give me a bit of help with the following questions. I know that a few of the below questions are answered around the board, but there seems to be multiple answers for each!
1) I have a PAL crystal xbox - is there any way to find out what version it is and whether it will be compatible with SID 4.5?
2) On a number of tutorials I've seen here, it mentions reinstalling the msdash halfway through the softmod process, then re-softmod the xbox. Is this only necessary if the xbox doesn't already contain the latest dash?
4) I'll be using the splinter cell savestate. What's the best app to use to get this to a usb stick/mega x-key? I've read that action replays can be unreliable so I'll stay away from them.
5) Once the softmod is complete, can I use AID to add other apps to the xbox, or can this only be done with chipped xboxes?
6) Is there any kind of guide anywhere with regard to the functions available in the modded dash, or is it self-explanatory?
7) Same with running emulators and where to save ROM's. Is this explained anywhere or is it obvious? And can ROMs be run from a CD/DVD?
Sorry for the questions, but I want to be sure I know what I'm doing before I attempt this. I'm an expert at making a complete hash of things!
Thanks in advance for your help,
Tez
drmarvin V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Dec 13, 2004 Posts: 37 Location: Canada
Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 12:19 pm Post subject:
Hi there, I'll attempt to shed some light on your questions, so I hope it helps.
Quote:
1) I have a PAL crystal xbox - is there any way to find out what version it is and whether it will be compatible with SID 4.5?
I have no experience with PAL boxes, but I would assume that since it's new, it should be a 1.6, which works fine with SID 4.5
Quote:
2) On a number of tutorials I've seen here, it mentions reinstalling the msdash halfway through the softmod process, then re-softmod the xbox. Is this only necessary if the xbox doesn't already contain the latest dash?
I have never heard this before, and I have certainly never had to install an MS Dash halfway through the process. SID does everything for you.
Quote:
4) I'll be using the splinter cell savestate. What's the best app to use to get this to a usb stick/mega x-key? I've read that action replays can be unreliable so I'll stay away from them.
I have read a lot about different memory sticks, and the USB ones are supposed to be sketchy about compatability. What I did was follow the "Alternative" directions given on this page.
http://www.how2xbox.com/ar.htm
It's a pretty easy solder job, and it's a nice little compact unit after you are done.
Quote:
5) Once the softmod is complete, can I use AID to add other apps to the xbox, or can this only be done with chipped xboxes?
I have found that I can do anything I want with my softmodded XBox. I have even upgraded the hard drive to a 160 gig HD, and now it's full of emulators, applications, and games I have dumped to the HD so I don't have to put in the DVD's.
Quote:
6) Is there any kind of guide anywhere with regard to the functions available in the modded dash, or is it self-explanatory?
The dashes I have tried (EvoX, UnleashX, AvaLaunch) are all pretty simple. EvoX is easiest, but UnleashX is a lot prettier, with animated features. Most configuration can be done from the menus, although I have found it's best to make more complicated networking changes directly in the config files.
Quote:
7) Same with running emulators and where to save ROM's. Is this explained anywhere or is it obvious? And can ROMs be run from a CD/DVD?
If you use AID, you are pretty much set, because it will install all the emulators for you. Then, each emulator folder should have a folder called "roms" or "disks" or something where you can FTP them to your XBox. It's also possible to run ROMs from a DVD, if you have the emulator configured properly.
Hope all this help.
DrMarvin
Ken34 Xbox-HQ Member Xbox Version: v.1.0 Modded: SID 4.5 Evox
Joined: Jan 26, 2006 Posts: 63
Posted: Thu Feb 09, 2006 12:57 pm Post subject:
Phatez, I use to be like you, when I first got into it, I wanted to do as much research as possible so i dont mess anything up, but the guys here made SID 4.5 sooooo easy and GUI friendly that it is almost impossible to mess it up, even if your a n00b, that coupled with the AID disc and your golden easily!!! After I went throught the installation on both my and my brother's xbox, it is very easy, and the best part....FAST!!! it is even easy to uninstall as well, because I have done it to upgrade from SID 4 to SID 4.5, easy thing to do, thier installers here are golden man. as for transferring the needed saves to your box for the installer, I used Action replay, but I heard others have had trouble with it, I dont know why. I didnt know my Xbox version till I booted up SID 4 the first time, even before you start to install the softmod, it will show you all your info while in the SID menu, and there you can tell your version, but I dont think version matters, it probably works on all. Just make sure you have the latest dashboard for your xbox, just do that by playing any recent xbox live game, like halo 2 and it will update your retail dash. also, just download SID 4.5 and follow the FAQ, it is filled with pictures which is great. _________________
PhatTez Xbox-HQ User Xbox Version: v.1.0 Modded: SID 4.5 Evox
Joined: Feb 07, 2006 Posts: 17
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 6:28 am Post subject:
Guys, what can I say, you rock!
Well, I haven't softmodded yet, because when I go into any shops asking about xbox action replay or mega x key, all I get is blank looks... I've ordered a mega x key from the net, so hopefully that will arrive today or tomorrow.
Ken34, you say yo play a new Xbox live game to update the dash (I have version 5659). Do I actually need to connect to xbox live to update the dash? I don't currently have a crossover cable to connect Xbox & PC, xo I'll have to buy one if I do.
Cheers again for all your help!
Tez
PhatTez Xbox-HQ User Xbox Version: v.1.0 Modded: SID 4.5 Evox
Joined: Feb 07, 2006 Posts: 17
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 7:18 am Post subject:
Oh, and if I do need to connect to xbox live to update my dash, do I need an xbox live account in order to do it?
Thanks again,
Tez
gus738 Xbox-HQ Newbie
Joined: Aug 10, 2005 Posts: 1 Location: USA California Watsonville
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 9:28 am Post subject:
ok
the latest ms dashboard may may not be required depending on what you want to do . a pal crystal clear xbox am i correct ??? hmmm sounds like a 1.4 i have the blue halo 2 crystal xbox similir hardware ... so ur lookin at 1.4-1.5
and no it doesnt matter what it is sid4.0 or 4.5 wii work ....
auction replay does work its just that some ppl have issues with it or cant get it to work with their pcs....
now u need the latest retail ms dash files 5960 for in case you want to be able to play xbox live and have the softmod as well... its called dual boot = retail what it does ? power on xbox normal and goes diretly to softmod eject tray opend and patches everyting back to normal as if xbox retail which means safe for xbox live.
so if u want to do that above option then u need latest dashboard....
u dont need xbl acc. to get that latest dashboard.. just put like halo 2 or some new games and it will auto update w/out u eve knowing....
now thr is some changes between sid4.0 and 4.5 but since your in pal i recommend staying in 4.5 even thou 4.0 is more safer then 4.5 but u can catch on that later on the other theard. under softmod installer deluxe . take it from ken34 its not easy but its not hard its just more about reading reading reading and understanding most of all... i learned that the hard way well good luck on your moddingand welcome to xbox-hq _________________ Xbox 360 Premium edition
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PhatTez Xbox-HQ User Xbox Version: XBOX V1.4 Modded: SID 4
Joined: Feb 07, 2006 Posts: 17
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 1:28 pm Post subject:
Once more, you guys are fantastic!
Yes you got it right, it's a PAL xbox crystal. quite a sexy little thing really.
I'm not sure if I ever would use Xbox live, but I'd like the option just in case I do every fancy it, so I will go for the dual boot option.
Like I've said, I don't have the necessary cables to connect to xbox live, so if Halo 2 or something else modern would update my dash without me connecting, that would be brilliant.
Hopefully my mega x key will either be waiting for me when I get home or it will arrive tomorrow, so I'll let you guys know how it goes when it goes!
This is simply the best and most helpful forum I've ever had to pleasure to be a part of!
Cheers to all!
Tez
gus738 Xbox-HQ Newbie
Joined: Aug 10, 2005 Posts: 1 Location: USA California Watsonville
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 4:09 pm Post subject:
remember you can do single boot for now and change it later as well. _________________ Xbox 360 Premium edition
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Ken34 Xbox-HQ Member Xbox Version: v.1.0 Modded: SID 4.5 Evox
Joined: Jan 26, 2006 Posts: 63
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 5:38 pm Post subject:
gus738 wrote:
remember you can do single boot for now and change it later as well.
also, if he wanted to use xbox live after he installed the softmod, he would have to uninstall the softmod in order to create a new account right? then re-install it? the good thing about uninstalling is, it is easy and you can leave all of your apps etc. intact and it would just uninstall the softmod itself, then you would create your xbox live account, then re-install the softmod. _________________
gus738 Xbox-HQ Newbie
Joined: Aug 10, 2005 Posts: 1 Location: USA California Watsonville
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 5:40 pm Post subject:
umm ken34 no he wont need to unisnstall since 4.5 has acces to xbl and sid4.0 doesnt have that option to load xbl dash. _________________ Xbox 360 Premium edition
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S E Blue Halo 2 Crystal Xbox
XBOX V1.4
Phillips DVD-ROM
UnleashX
200GB HD MAXTOR
Joined: Jul 13, 2005 Posts: 866 Location: Kansas City MO
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 6:52 pm Post subject:
This so far is correct on the help provided but 1 thing.
SID 4 is peeky with PAL xboxes, so go with SID 4.5 since it has these issue fixed.
You don't need the MS dash 5960 to install SID 4.5, you only need it if you plan to use xbox live feature via the Ndure Method, while other install methods will work flawlessly. _________________ Xbox v1.1
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Ken34 Xbox-HQ Member Xbox Version: v.1.0 Modded: SID 4.5 Evox
Joined: Jan 26, 2006 Posts: 63
Posted: Fri Feb 10, 2006 10:55 pm Post subject:
gus738 wrote:
umm ken34 no he wont need to unisnstall since 4.5 has acces to xbl and sid4.0 doesnt have that option to load xbl dash.
oh ok, thanks for the clarification. _________________
PhatTez Xbox-HQ User Xbox Version: v.1.0 Modded: SID 4.5 Evox
Joined: Feb 07, 2006 Posts: 17
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 1:43 am Post subject:
OK, I have my mega x key & the splinter cell save saved to it...
Now, what I wanna ask you wonderful guys is, I don't have access to 5960 dash, I currently have 5659.03. Can I install the softmod using SID4.5, then update my dash to 5960 using AID3?
I do want to have the dual boot softmod
if I do this will I have to reinstall the softmod?
Again, sorry for the questions, I just want to make sure before I go ahead.
As I've previously stated, if something can go wrong, it will go wrong for me!!!
Cheers,
Tez
PhatTez Xbox-HQ User Xbox Version: v.1.0 Modded: SID 4.5 Evox
Joined: Feb 07, 2006 Posts: 17
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 2:07 am Post subject:
Right then...
Just thought I'd have a look, & when I try to save the game saves to HD, the only option I get is delete. Is this a dash-related problem? If so, I'll probably need to upgrade to 5960 before I can even soft-mod, which renders my above question obsolete.
Please give me advise, oh wise ones!!!!!!
Cheers yet again,
Tez
Ken34 Xbox-HQ Member Xbox Version: v.1.0 Modded: SID 4.5 Evox
Joined: Jan 26, 2006 Posts: 63
Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 2:38 am Post subject:
you do know when you highlight the save, you have to press right to actually highlight the save itself right? _________________
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