This is just an information post for people searching the forums. I've seen too many people lately not understanding the difference between the Flashbios and the regular bios. I know others have explained this, this is my attempt to explain it also.
What does a modchip do?
Basically, it allows you to run programs that were not digitally signed by M$ by superceeding the BIOS M$ installed in the XBOX. A modchip makes it possible, but you still need a replacement BIOS and software to run.
What is a BIOS?
It stands for Basic Input Output System. I like to think of it as a little traffic cop that tells the software how to interact with the hardware and vise versa. Modchips work because someone altered (hacked) the M$ bios to do what they wanted it to do.
What is the Flashbios 3.0.x?
Because the USEFUL BIOS has some legality issues (it's hacked!), the legal way to sell modchips is to NOT include the hacked BIOS. BUT, Xecuter cares. They have included a LEGAL BIOS on the Xecuter 3. Now it's not useful for running unsigned code (ie: backup games). IT HAS ONE MAIN JOB, to make it easy to flash the hacked BIOS onto the modchip, and therefore allowing the modchip to do what you actually bought it to do.
Why are there different versions?
Because M$ has changed their design since the first Flashbios came out. If FlASHBIOS 3.0.0 boots for you, then you've got what you need. You don't need 3.0.3.
So what do I need?
Once Flashbios 3.0.x boots, you need to flash a REAL BIOS. At the time of writing this, the current real bios is 1959. If you have a version 1.6 (or 1.6b) XBox, you need 1959_v16plus. FLASH one of those.
Sorry, I still don't understand the difference.
Flashbios 3.0.x = TEMPORARY BIOS USED TO FLASH A REAL BIOS. NOT USED FOR ANYTHING BUT FLASHING.
1959 (or 1959_v16plus) = THE ACTUAL BIOS YOU NEED TO DO ALL THE MODCHIP STUFF YOU WANT TO DO.
If you don't get it still, you might want to sell your modchip to someone who does.
OK, I got the REAL BIOS flashed, now what?
Now what indeed. Now you CAN run programs that weren't digitally signed by M$. Check out http://www.xbox-scene.com/ for what all is available. Don't ask here. These forums are for getting the X3 running, and if you've flashed the latest REAL bios, then our job is done.
I hope this is useful to someone.
What does a modchip do?
Basically, it allows you to run programs that were not digitally signed by M$ by superceeding the BIOS M$ installed in the XBOX. A modchip makes it possible, but you still need a replacement BIOS and software to run.
What is a BIOS?
It stands for Basic Input Output System. I like to think of it as a little traffic cop that tells the software how to interact with the hardware and vise versa. Modchips work because someone altered (hacked) the M$ bios to do what they wanted it to do.
What is the Flashbios 3.0.x?
Because the USEFUL BIOS has some legality issues (it's hacked!), the legal way to sell modchips is to NOT include the hacked BIOS. BUT, Xecuter cares. They have included a LEGAL BIOS on the Xecuter 3. Now it's not useful for running unsigned code (ie: backup games). IT HAS ONE MAIN JOB, to make it easy to flash the hacked BIOS onto the modchip, and therefore allowing the modchip to do what you actually bought it to do.
Why are there different versions?
Because M$ has changed their design since the first Flashbios came out. If FlASHBIOS 3.0.0 boots for you, then you've got what you need. You don't need 3.0.3.
So what do I need?
Once Flashbios 3.0.x boots, you need to flash a REAL BIOS. At the time of writing this, the current real bios is 1959. If you have a version 1.6 (or 1.6b) XBox, you need 1959_v16plus. FLASH one of those.
Sorry, I still don't understand the difference.
Flashbios 3.0.x = TEMPORARY BIOS USED TO FLASH A REAL BIOS. NOT USED FOR ANYTHING BUT FLASHING.
1959 (or 1959_v16plus) = THE ACTUAL BIOS YOU NEED TO DO ALL THE MODCHIP STUFF YOU WANT TO DO.
If you don't get it still, you might want to sell your modchip to someone who does.
OK, I got the REAL BIOS flashed, now what?
Now what indeed. Now you CAN run programs that weren't digitally signed by M$. Check out http://www.xbox-scene.com/ for what all is available. Don't ask here. These forums are for getting the X3 running, and if you've flashed the latest REAL bios, then our job is done.
I hope this is useful to someone.
