Try playing (Cars: Race-o-Rama) or new games that might have the wave 4 video layer without an update to “1.6 ixtreme” and the “Special Activation Disk” and you might be unpleasantly surprised that its not working. Currently the “Hitachi 1.51″ ixtreme firmware also works, but none of the other drive firmwares are acting with the same civility and respect. “Unless . . .” we bring 1.4 ixtreme into the discussion. This firmware will work with anything. You sacrifice security & features, so don’t think it comes without a price. If your getting tired of the what seems like an endless, extreme firmware update wave, then this might be for you. I recommend it for anyone who does not get on xbl(1.4 ixtreme, note: some drive 1.4 fw versions not available).

So, to recap, we need to use this “Boot Disc’ until a new firmware(ixtreme 1.61?) with the “special activation” that will be built in, eliminating this boot disc step(let’s hope it’s ready soon).

http://www.sendspace.com/file/5ed5xr burn to a DUAL LAYER disk, (do not set a layer-break and when imgburn prompts, tell it to burn to the first layer only). [ Description: One Shot Boot, Name: activate.rar ]

1.6 ixtreme is Released for all drives except “Hitachi”.
Use 1.51 for “Hitachi” until 1.6 is ready.

Features:
-Strict Wave 3 compliance! hybrid (modified disks) will not boot!
-Strict drive speed compliance - 12x only for game discs!
-Support for SS V2!
-Integrated 0800 for game dumping including SS v2!
-Full support for all known game exceptions! eg ddr etc!
-One shot boot mode! - allows a one off boot of gamedisc without -stealth/partition checks (will still use stealth), use activate.iso disk to activate each time!
-Support for easy drive key/version info cmd, same as liteon!
-Strict stealth/wave checking, one shot boot mode will boot wave(x)!

(1) http://robinhoodsplayground.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=117

I am offering updates contact me: at TeamXmods((at))gmail.com
$40 updates for returning customers [PROMO]

Thanks to ****Podger*** and others from xboxhacker.net there is no longer a need for the passkey when flashing your 79 Hitachi drives. This news is tremendous. Before this tool the 79 Hitachi was by far the most difficult and troublesome xbox360 drive to mod. Tutorial in comments.

Passkey No Longer Needed!

UPDATE 12-30-08 The lite-on is now moddable with iXtreme 1.5! If your purchasing a new xbox-360 with manufacturing date after 8/11/08 chances are it will have the “lite-on” dvd-drive that is currently (read only) and unmodifiable. You may also find these in recently repaired systems from Microsoft service center. The drive tray looks just like a BenQ/Phillips drive, so it is difficult to identifying systems that have this drive. See the comments for a tutorial on Lite-On detection.

Currently there is no way of conventionally mod/flashing this version of dvd-rom, but it is possible to dump the “lite-on” so that you can get the key and just spoof it as another drive (Hitachi/Samsung/Benq). It’s not super easy and extra hardware is needed, but probably worth it if you really need that new xbox modded. If you can find the “Benq drive” decently priced that’s the ideal way to go.

A great “Tutorial” for spoofing the lite-on (source: Xboxhacker.net) can be found in the comments.

Looks just like a BenQ…

Read the rest of this entry »

Super Mario Galaxy has new copy protection that was quickly cracked and is now working 100%. If you have a wiikey modchip installed (recommended chip) your update fix can be applied by downloading the bootdisc file by clicking here. After downloaded you can burn(no padding required) it to dvd-r or +rw (cdr wont work) insert the disc and follow the instructions. Use this update on your wii that won’t play the new games(smg, mh2, etc.).

[03.26.08] Wiikey released 1.9s (as in smashbros) beta released! (Click Here for Tutorials and more info)
[01.11.07] Wiikey update 1.9g (as in galaxy!) beta released!

We are pleased to announce that BETA HOTFIX v1.9g of the Wiikey firmware is now available to download. Please note that this is a BETA HOTFIX released as an immediate response to feedback from users regarding SMG. There are three iso’s in the update, one for each system region(jap, pal, us).

If your new to firmware flash modding the Benq xbox 360 dvd-drive, here are the files and info your going to need to make things easy. Click here to download this file with video tutorial.

If you are looking for modding services click here for Installers by Region. You can get a direct quote from me Jason@TeamXmods by clicking here.

C4eva has released new hacked firmwares for the BenQ Xbox360 dvd drive. iXtreme BenQ v1.1 rev 2 and a regular Xtreme version. Beware of using the Xtreme FW online without properly stealth patched games or you will get banned. With the ixtreme Rev2 you have the option to choose a custom drive read speed. Most people use fast 12X because its fast loading(12X is the default speed for unmodded drives) and sound levels stay the same. The 8X setting is also nice if your drive is too loud for you or your having trouble reading dvd+r dl verbatim media. Special thanks goes to C4eva.

If you buy a new xbox 360 chances are you will receive the 79fk-fl Hitachi, BenQ, or less likely the Samsung dvd-drive. These new 79 drives require a 9 wire passkey chip installed if you want it to play backups. The 79FL is mod-able with the Maximus 79passkey. There is also another obstacle in the way of modding these new 79 drives. Black epoxy covers the connection area preventing access. This is not normal epoxy, its very strong. The suggested removal technique is using a (heat gun) or Weller® (pyropen) with a hot air nose tip.

I decided to try my (rotary tool $35) or dremel and scrape the epoxy off uncovering the traces. I then used a razor blade to finish it up. I would say it worked great for me but I’m not sure I would recommend it to anyone who thinks they may mess something up because its real easy to brick your drive like this. The hot air gun is also a risk, but may be easier if your not skilled with a dremel.

Again, contact someone to do this for you if your not confident yourself. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Email: Teamxmods (@) gmail (dot) com
Contact Us: Jason@TeamXmods

UPDATE 11-04-08 The passkey is no longer needed - this guide is old way of modding the 79.

A new firmware replacement for the TS-H943 xbox360 drive..
Features:
(v1.2) Extra verification performed on Stealth backups

Note: The extra features added in both 1.1(not public) and 1.2 release are directly related to security. A security-hole was found after 1.1, which lead to the jump in version numbers.

We strongly advise that you upgrade from 1.0 to 1.2 in the near future for the safety of your xbl account. Currently, 1.0 is safe, but in the future there will undoubtedly be new checks that 1.2 addresses!

The Hitachi Version of iXtreme is currently available also.

This technique does not require you to heat-up the sticker in anyway. You just need to separate one side of the sticker from the case (note: the entire sticker does not need to be removed). This tech is incredibly simple, just requiring patience and a little work. The blowdryer + razor tech didn’t work for me, but many have said it did work for them. Maybe a combination of both methods would work best.

You can now send your xbox 360 in for repairs if ever in need. Microsoft’s servicing department hasn’t been known to do this, but they could perform a ultraviolet light check and see that one side of the sticker has been removed. I don’t think this will constitute warranty voidance or become standard practice, but use at own risk.

Sticker Removal Instructions

“When you have the face plate and the side vents off Just lever the 1st clip (on the left) a little while pushing the case apart slightly, so the clip stays open, working your way from left to right towards the seal do each clip the same. When you get to the clips closest to the seals try and get them both open while the seal is still attached, a little levering should do the trick Then just gently lift the case by the seal while at the same time pulling it apart and you will find the seal gives way to the pressure and one end always slides off intact leaving the whole sticker in tip top condition. by Whirlers

Works every time for me, just takes a little practice.

Imgburn is very similar to DVDdecrypter but for xbox 360 backups I think ImgBurn is better. ImgBurn and CloneCd are the best programs available for burning xbox360 backups. If you dont have ImgBurn you can Download it Here. Xbox Backup Creator is also great and recommend for people with keron drives for its simplicity. If your just burning .iso .dvd files use ImgBurn. It has all the features you need built in and works extraordinarily well. Follow these steps exactly and you wont waste any of your expensive dvd+r dl discs.

Before you do anything Check and See if you have your booktype on your burner set to Dvd-rom. If you have the Pioneer 111D you can skip this step because it comes set already.

1. Open .dvd file in a text editor.

2. Copy layerbreak.

3. Open ImgBurn.

4. Goto Tools -> Settings…

5. Goto the Write tab.

6. Change Layer Break to User Specified and paste the layerbreak in the Sectors in L0: box.

7. Save the settings and delete the LayerBreak=… line from your .dvd file and then save.

8. Return to ImgBurn and click the Open icon. Select your .dvd file. Make sure verify is on!

9. Select your dvd burner. (Ensure booktype is set to DVD-ROM!).

10. Change write speed to 2x/2.4x.

11. Insert DVD+R DL disc and burn!