Xbox Modding FAQs

[TheInfamous]

Q. What is a "virgin" Xbox?

A. A "virgin" Xbox is a system that has not yet been modified (hardware of software) or opened up.

Q. Will my "virgin" Xbox play backups, homebrew applications, etc?

A. NO - there are some things that need to be changed with your system before it will play anything other than retail games, CD's, and DVD's.

Q. Can I install a bigger HD in my Xbox?

A. YES, however the Microsoft bios will not read more than 8 gigs total, so you need to get another bios to support it (explained later).

Q. Why won't my Xbox play burned CD's/DVD's & Backups?

A. Because of the parameters set by the bios (explained below). It is a common misconseption that the Xbox DVD will not read the burned discs. This is not true. There are certain brands of CD/DVD media that the DVD doesn't read, but that doesn't mean that it will not read burned media alltogether.

Q. What is a bios?

A. The bios is a small program that is contained on a chip known as the TSOP that is on the Xbox motherboard. The bios sets parameters for your Xbox that the system must follow (i.e. not play "unsigned" code, backups, etc.).

Q. How can I modify my bios to allow my Xbox to play "unsigned" code, backup's, etc?

A. The short answer is that you cannot. However, there are other bios files available that will allow you to play "unsigned" code, backup's, etc.

Q. Where can I download the other bios files?

A. The "Usual Places"

Q. Is this illegal?

A. Technically, yes. The other bios files (other than Cromwell), have been written using a hacked Microsoft bios. Therefore they are illegal to use/distribute.

Q. What is Cromwell?

A. Cromwell is a linux bios that can be loaded by the Xbox. It was NOT written using a hacked Microsoft bios, and is the only bios file that is legal to distribute/use.

Q. Will the Cromwell bios play game backups?

A. NO

Q. How do I go about getting a new bios file loaded to my Xbox?

A. Install a "softmod" or a "hardmod".

Q. What is the difference between a "softmod" and a "hardmod"

A. A "softmod" is a software package that has been loaded to the Xbox which allows it to boot a new bios allowing unsigned code, backups, etc to be run; and a "hardmod" is a hardware modification (i.e. modchip, TSOP Flash) that allows your system to boot a new bios and run unsigned code, backups, etc.

Q. What is "signed" and "unsigned" code?

A. Only games/software that have been "signed" (retail games) are playable in a "virgin" Xbox. Applications, programs, etc. that have been written by the general public are all considered "unsigned" (not verified by Microsoft) and cannot be played in a "virgin" system.

Q. How does a modchip work?

A. The modchip contains a new bios file, other than the one loaded on the Xbox TSOP. When you turn your Xbox on, instead of the Xbox reading the bios file that is contained on your TSOP (see below), it will read the bios file that has been loaded on the modchip.

Q. What is the TSOP?

A. It is a chip that is on your Xbox Motherboard that contains the bios file for your system.

Q. What is TSOP Flashing?

A. It is a method in which you modify your TSOP so that you can load a new bios to it, giving you the same advantages as having a modchip.

Q. Okay, so after all this info, which method is better; TSOP Flashing or installing a Modchip?

A. Which ever method suites the end user best