Learn basic information you need to hack/ flash your Xbox 360 to play burnt games on Xbox 360.
Written by Carson Q: What does having "Hacked Firmware" let me do?
A: All it does is modify your DVD drive's firmware to allow it to play burnt (backup) games
Q: What tutorial should I use?
A: Use none other than Textbook's, it is by far the best:
Code:
http://rapidshare.com/files/160488511/Textbook.2008.pdf
Q: Can I still play Xbox Live?
A: Yes, but see Question below
Q: Will I get banned from Xbox Live?
A: There is always a chance you will get banned. Microsoft usually has about 2 ban waves a year, when they discover new methods to detect backup games. However, if you stay up to date with the latest firmware, you should be fine. Don't let this scare you though, you probably won't get banned.
Q: What if I figure out they are banning, and flash my firmware back to the original before I go online?
A: Let's say Microsoft has found a way to detect iXtreme 1.4. They would start collecting logs immediately looking for people that they detected, and flag the account. When the fall updates comes around, they would ban all those flagged accounts. Flashing it back would be futile, since they already have logs of you playing burnt games. This is all assuming that they found a way to detect it.
Q: What if I only play backups offline, and legit games online?
A: It doesn't matter. When you play the game, the 360 logs all the info. It would send the info to Microsoft as soon as you logged into Live.
Q: Do I have to open my 360?
A: Yes. There are tutorials everywhere, try YouTube.
Q: What all do I need to do it?
A: It depends on what kind of DVD drive you have. To find that out, you'll need to open your 360. Here are some pages that might help you determine what drive you have:
Xbox 360 DVD Drive Database Xbox 360 DVD Drive Comparison How to determine which version DVD drive you have in your Xbox 360, Samsung, Hitachi, Benq
These are the chipsets you will need to flash your drive (Chipsets are in your motherboard. Find out what you have by using the program CPUZ)
Samsung MS25: Most will work (VIA and NForce 3/4 best). SIL, Promise and NForce2 DO NOT WORK.
Samsung MS28: VIA work best. Especially "VIA VT 6421" series.
Hitachi 46/47/59: Pretty much everything works. So these are the best, you for sure don't have to buy anything
Hitachi 0078FK: Pretty much everything works except SIL chipsets which DO NOT.
BenQ: VIA or NForce SATA chipsets work best.
Q: What is this new "Lite-On" drive I am reading about?
A: For the last few months, Microsoft has been replacing DVD drives that they recieve for repair with the new Phillips "Lite-On" drive. The reason for this is because it is not able to be flashed (As of October 1st). However, you can dump the key, and write the key to another DVD Drive that is able to be flashed.
Q: Will it void my warranty?
A: Yes. Unless you save the sticker (Hairdry it off). When you send it to the repair center, they do NOT check the DVD Drive for hacked firmware. I have sent in 5+ flashed 360's. If you are paranoid, just flash it back.
Q: Can I still play original games?
A: Yes.
Q: Is it hard?
A: In my opinion, no. If you can follow directions, then you shouldn't have any problems. It should take you like an hour your first time.
Q: Can I mess up my 360 doing this?
A: You have to try pretty hard to break it. The only possible thing is doing a "bad flash" with a Hitachi. But once again, don't let this worry you. Like I said, almost no one breaks their 360 flashing it.
Q: Should I buy this "Blaster 360" thing?
A: No. It is a waste of $80. All it does is make it so you won't have to open your 360 next time you want to update firmware, if you have a compatible drive.
Q: How often do I have to update my firmware to stay safe?
A: Personally, I'd update every time an update is released, just to stay safe. I'm gonna estimate you will need to update maybe... 3 times a year? But once you do it a few times, it will be really easy.
Q: How do I stay up to date with the latest updates?
A: Code:
http://xbox-scene.com/
Q: Where am I gonna get all the programs to flash it?
A: Xbins. It is an mIRC channel. I'd recommend you get this program called "Easy Xbins", makes things much easier if you aren't familiar with IRC:
Code:
http://rapidshare.com/files/160489121/xbins.exe
Q: How can I backup my own games?
A: You'll need a Kreon DVD Drive for your computer, with custom firmware. I'd really recommend you buy one from this guy:
April Special New Sata Kreon Drives $44 Shipped USA - Scenyx Entertainment Community
He'll put custom firmware on it for free, and he is where literally almost everyone gets theirs.
Q: What kind of DVD's do I need to burn games?
A: The Xbox 360 can ONLY read DVD-DL (Dual Layer) discs for games. The best kind is Verbatim. Most others won't work. You will also need a DVD-DL Burner.
Q: Where is a good place to download games?
A: Code:
http://www.xbox360iso.com/
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If you have any questions you think I should cover, please post
Flashing your Xbox 360 Beginner FAQ (Please Read First)
