X3 CE flash bios - unable to read HDD

[nong]

I've installed an X3 CEmodchip into my xbox ver 1.0. When I tried to flash xecuter 3 bios it gives me "Unable to read HDD first sector getting partition table." I've tried different cables and jumper settings. I checked all the connections are tight. I have 2 different HD (both are original xbox) but gives me same error. How could I get it to detect the HDD so I could flash the bios? Much appreciated if someone could help.

 

[nong]

Ok. I've just flash the x3 bios using http. When it finish and turned the xbox off automatically, I turn it on and I didn't get the xecuter rox your xbox logo. It booted normal. It gave me error code 07. How do I boot up so I could get the logo?

 

[ixnay099]

same problem here nong, can't get it to boot to live config. it flashes with no problem, but can't do anything after that. keep getting 06 in top left corner. tried 4 different bios' and same crap. i am using a 120gb hd in mine. and i cant even get the xbox to load a hd preparer.

 

[Acidmatrix]

Try this. Load the X3 Backup by pressing the eject and power. The LED on the switch should turn purple. On the screen you should see the Flashbios. Go down to unlock Hard Drive and click it. Then try to reboot and see what happens.
Error 06 :Cannot unlock Harddrive"

 

[Acidmatrix]

Ok. I've just flash the x3 bios using http. When it finish and turned the xbox off automatically, I turn it on and I didn't get the xecuter rox your xbox logo. It booted normal. It gave me error code 07. How do I boot up so I could get the logo?

Ok sounds like there is something wrong with the Hard Drive, both of them if you get error 7 on both the HD's.
Error 07 "Harddrive timeout"
Check for bent pins on the Harddrive's, or stuck pins in the cable. Set the jumper settings on the Hard drive to cable select, or if that doesnt work try with Master. You can also switch out the IDE cable say from your PC, you know that works so you can try that.

 

[nong]

I tried all of the jumper and master/slave settings. I've also tested out with a pc ide cable already. I've did the pressing power and eject button to flash x3 bios but before i could flash, still it reads unable to read HDD first sector getting getting partition table.

I have 2 theories: 1. the molex on the psu not supply power to the HDD. does that matters on detecting the HD? 2. Both Hard drive is bad and i need to replace them. Most likely it's not bad 'cause both of them gets me same errors when I try every method on both. Hope it's not my luck that both are bad. They are original xbox HDD. 1 is a seagate and the other one is a Western Digital. I just want to save some money and get either one working so I could at least play some games.

Btw, when i try to unlock the HDD it turns off and when I turn it back on, same error. I'll let you guys know if I could get it and what i did if i could get it working again. Until then, I hope to still get help on this problem.

Thanks for everyone for trying to help.

 

[synperz]

Any updates on this issue?

I'm having the same problem. Just updated from older x3 chip to X3CE
V1.3 xbox

 

[Rookio]

Synperz, what exactly is happening? Error 7? Also does your old X3 work? I'm pretty sure there's no difference between them function wise...

 

[CoHPhasor]

my question is,.... where did u get 2 HDs from?

By default ALL Xbox hard drives are mated to the motherboard it shipped with. (Referred to as "locking")
Until the hard drive is "unlocked" BY the motherboard it came with it is a PAPERWEIGHT.
So basically, if you have a Fransteinian Xbox which was parts from several different Xboxes, and the hard drive was NOT unlocked, and is using a motherboard other than what it shipped with it's a dead bird right out the gate.

I'm only ASSUMING I'm right here, otherwise why have 2 HD's?

BUT, let me say this; You have NOT read the top sticky on the TeamXecuter forums, and have provided us with next to NO information.

Help us help you. Read the sticky, come back and post your info, then let us help you.

 

[commodorex000]

yeah, thats the first thing I thought of. "Is he using the stock HD that came with his motherboard?"

but if its truely flashed that shouldnt be an issue.

My guess is that your flashing went wrong. Use the backup flash and try again.

 

[CoHPhasor]

Incorrect Commodore, if he is NOT using the HD that came with the motherboard, and the HD is still LOCKED to the one IT shipped with even with a correct flash he's BONED!

The X3 isn't magical, and there is not a way around the HD lock without the original key. IF he did what I think he could OF COURSE still use the Xbox, BUT he will have to go out and buy a hard drive from Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. (Normal IDE hard drive.)

 

[commodorex000]

ahh, alright.

Isnt there programs out there that can read the password for the locked HD and am unlocking program?

I heard that this exists for DOS.. maybe I could find out more on xbins.org

 

[CoHPhasor]

THat's a tool for unlocking a drive AFTER you have fried the motherboard, BUT only if you have the hard drive's LOCK KEY.
(Which, if you never unlocked it before or had an X3 examine the EEPROM is uselss)

The only other way is to UNSOLDER the EEPROM from the motherboard it shipped with, and solder it onto the board which you wish to access it from.
(NOT for the non-professional tech)

 

[commodorex000]

thats a good question then.. maybe his friend with xbox1 has the EEPROM saved on the x3 chip?

 

[CoHPhasor]

POSSIBLE, but making an assumption on the friend I would say that he didn't UNLESS a friend told him to.
(Remember, his friend was twitchy about the hotflashing etc, letting me assume he knows little)

Of course as commodore suggests, you can ask if your friend backed up his EEPROM to the X3.