Avalaunch and XBMC

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dwight

Junior Member
Jan 2, 2005
22
0
Sydney, Australia
Hi,

I'm just about to go out and buy an XBOX then order in the whole X3 mod kit from my local supplier - I just have a few (definately newbie) questions... PLEASE bear with me! (And yes I have read the read me and searched...)

After I install my X3 and run it for the first time, what do I see? Is there some kind of dashboard or what. Does the X3 allow me to copy games to my HDD and does it allow me to install and then launch things like Avalaunch and XBMC. Is the Avalaunch a set of bios as well or is it a program.

Cheers
 
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dcarpenter85

Junior Member
Dec 15, 2004
19
0
THE Ohio State University
dwight said:
Hi,

I'm just about to go out and buy an XBOX then order in the whole X3 mod kit from my local supplier - I just have a few (definately newbie) questions... PLEASE bear with me! (And yes I have read the read me and searched...)

After I install my X3 and run it for the first time, what do I see? Is there some kind of dashboard or what. Does the X3 allow me to copy games to my HDD and does it allow me to install and then launch things like Avalaunch and XBMC. Is the Avalaunch a set of bios as well or is it a program.

Cheers
Click to expand...
The first thing you will see (given you install everything correctly) is the 256k back up bios. It is a blue screen and it is called flashBIOS 3.0.3. This screen will give you information about your xbox, such as the name of your HD, DVD drive, etc.

From here you will need to have either a disc made with the bios you want, or an ftp/http connection set up between your box and your pc. The flashBIOS will allow you to flash your chip with the bios of your choosing. I'm assuming you will be using the newest x3 bios and they can be find by doing a little searching... try xbins or google for it.

After flashing (make sure the proper bank is selected on the external switch before flashing) Your xbox will boot up into the x3 bios's config menu. From here you can do just about anything that you want.

Both avalaunch and xbmc are programs, more specifically dashboards. xbmc can be used as either a program or a dashboard.

From here, you should be able to find great tutorials on how to install a dashboard and or programs. Avalaunch has a nifty feature that lets you copy games straight to your hdd with no external programs such as dvd2xbox. If you just do a little searching and read some FAQ, all your answers will be found. Good luck with your install and i hope you enjoy your new box.


Welcome to the community!
 
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icecreamguys

VIP Member
Nov 8, 2004
318
0
Utah
Wow! I remember feeling this way, once...

Exciting..

Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to Dashboards, but if you put Avalaunch on, it will let you download XBMC automatically (provided you are connected through your internet connection)

When you first install the chip, you should see the Flashbios utility. You will have to flash a bios to your chip before you can do anything with it.

I recommend, as well as others, the FTP method over the CD method, but either will work.

After that, on the next boot, you will see the X3 Live Config screen that will let you configure almost everything imaginable.

As far as copying games over, I find DVD2XBOX the easiest to use. You can download that automatically through Avalaunch, as well.

Calm down. It all comes with time.
 
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icecreamguys

VIP Member
Nov 8, 2004
318
0
Utah
Sorry dcarpenter85,

Looks like I replied the same time as you!
 
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dwight

Junior Member
Jan 2, 2005
22
0
Sydney, Australia
Hey thanks guys - quick replies!!! You've made it all a bit clearer for me now - I'll probably end up using Avalaunch as my dashboard because my friend has it.

I'll try that DVD2XBOX copy program for NFSU2 - my favourite game - and then hopefully upgrade my HDD later on.
 
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C0Ld_BuG

VIP Member
Feb 23, 2004
463
0
dwight said:
Hey thanks guys - quick replies!!! You've made it all a bit clearer for me now - I'll probably end up using Avalaunch as my dashboard because my friend has it.

I'll try that DVD2XBOX copy program for NFSU2 - my favourite game - and then hopefully upgrade my HDD later on.
Click to expand...
Just a tip don't go on XBL with the original and then upgrade the HDD and think you will still be ok...you will have to edit the EEPROM on your xbox to prevent being banned.
 
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dwight

Junior Member
Jan 2, 2005
22
0
Sydney, Australia
The EEPROM? What's that and how do I do it?

I have another question - when I go into Avalaunch or whatever and select a game to play that I have copied to the HDD, can I play on XBL or will I be caught - is there anyway to played games on the HDD on XBL without being banned?
 
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C0Ld_BuG

VIP Member
Feb 23, 2004
463
0
Don't worry about editing your EEPROM. Just don't use Live until you upgrade the HDD. You will definately get caught playing with your modchip enabled. The only way you are gonna play Live is by purchasing the game and playing it with the chip disabled.
 
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dwight

Junior Member
Jan 2, 2005
22
0
Sydney, Australia
Ok, I don't think I will be playing online that much anyway.

Am I right to think that when you say not to use XBL until I have installed the new HDD because XBL keeps a record of the HDD serial and the XBOX serial together or something like that?

When I install another HDD do I have to do anything? I read something about a format program or something built into the X3.

Also, I want to try and get a 1.6 XBOX (after being dudded with a Version 4 PS2 that you have to mod yourself, and they're much more difficult to get apart.) I read the distingishing FAQ - Can I get the Serial Code off the XBOX box before I buy it (and I am a PAL person, Australia, can you get PAL 1.6's?)
 
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C0Ld_BuG

VIP Member
Feb 23, 2004
463
0
The X3 has a built in HDD upgrade. It will format it and then you can lock it as well. From what I remember(I haven't bought an xbox in a long time)I think you can see the MFG. Date without opening the box. Pretty much anything after April 04 will be a 1.6. And yes there are 1.6 PAL xbox's.
 
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dwight

Junior Member
Jan 2, 2005
22
0
Sydney, Australia
Ok, last question I hope (thanks a lot for being so patient!) -- how do I get Avalaunch onto the XBOX, there is no download option on the Avalaunch website...
 
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dwight

Junior Member
Jan 2, 2005
22
0
Sydney, Australia
Haha well then I'll get that all....

Because it's all quite expensive for me (I'm 14), I'm going to be doing this bit-by-bit. What precautions do I need to take (like not using XBL until installing a new HDD) when doing it in this order:

1) Buy XBOX
2) Install Mod Chip
3) Upgrade HDD
4) LCD and Pro Switch

...5) XBL (some time later)

And can you play LAN games with copied to HDD games?
 
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C0Ld_BuG

VIP Member
Feb 23, 2004
463
0
Don't use Live until you have your new HDD in. Make sure you use the Xecuter bios b/c it won't even let you connect to Live with the chip enabled so you don't accidently get banned. And that order seems fine to me...except you should try and get the HDD and the chip at the same time...and I don't know how good you are at soldering but you might wanna practice at it...have a friend do it or get the Xapt3r.

EDIT: Yes you can play lan games with games running off of your HDD.
 
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dwight

Junior Member
Jan 2, 2005
22
0
Sydney, Australia
I'vw done some soldering before and it seems pretty easy. What do you mean make sure I use the Xecuter bios - isn't that what gets caught, should I use the standard M$ bios?
 
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C0Ld_BuG

VIP Member
Feb 23, 2004
463
0
No...well not most ppl...most ppl get mod chips so they can run unsigned code...when you get your chip it will have a FlashBios on that will let you flash another bios to it. If you get the X3 you'll use the X3 bios...you get the 2.6 you'll use either the X2 4983 or the 4981. Now go and do some research. Xbox-scece.com has everything you will need to know and more.
 
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