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GAF Wii Homebrew thread: Homebrew, emulators, USB disc installs! Easy tutorial!

Dash Kappei said:
So, I'm still on 4.0 (or 4.1, the one with the SD Channel) as I didn't have a reason to upgrade and I didn't want to risk a brick (also it seemed kinda messy to me).
Now I need to use the Wii Shop, or I will next week, but I guess I'm out of luck with the Wii Shop only update on the Wiki if my Wii isn't hooked up to the net?
I can't check the Wiki atm but I seem to remember you needed an internet connected Wii anyway...
The problem is that since the connection will be rather wonky, if the Wii drops out browing the Wii Shop there's no problem, kinda different if it's going to happen while the Wii is updating firmware/whatever, right?

The way WiiSCU works is that it downloads ALL the data required BEFORE trying to update your Wii Shop Channel. So even if the power goes out or something, it should be fine. I'm still on 4.1 and I was able to use WiiSCU to update my Wii Shop Channel and downloaded my Doc Louis' PUNCH-OUT!! today!
 
So my Wii is stuck on 3.3E...

I want to update it so I can sell it (want to buy a black Wii), and I've been reading the faqs extensively, but I'm facing a couple of problems, such as the options I'm given on screen don't match the ones on the faq and Homebrew Browser doesn't really load, just gets stuck on a boot screen saying "attempting to connect to server". lame

Can I just uninstall all this homebrew stuff and start all over again?
 
jts said:
So my Wii is stuck on 3.3E...

I want to update it so I can sell it (want to buy a black Wii), and I've been reading the faqs extensively, but I'm facing a couple of problems, such as the options I'm given on screen don't match the ones on the faq and Homebrew Browser doesn't really load, just gets stuck on a boot screen saying "attempting to connect to server". lame

Can I just uninstall all this homebrew stuff and start all over again?
If what you are wanting to do is put it into a clean state, the best approach is probably to delete your Wii Shop account, then perform an update, then do a system format. That will clear out most of everything. The risk of bricking is something you will have to take in this situation.

If you are wanting to actually install stuff, then which steps don't match your options?
 
Clipper said:
Yes, you need to update BootMii. You need to download it with your PC. Configurable (unlike other USB Loaders I might mention) is designed to be as forwards and backwards compatible as possible, so you should not have a problem going directly to 45, which is the latest version (the b versions are betas).

Keep checking back, though, as v46a will be releasing sometime very soon and contains an awesome new feature currently only called TODO #32 which I am not allowed to divulge.

Haven´t been online for a while. Thanks for the tip, works like a charm.
 
Clipper said:
If what you are wanting to do is put it into a clean state, the best approach is probably to delete your Wii Shop account, then perform an update, then do a system format. That will clear out most of everything. The risk of bricking is something you will have to take in this situation.

If you are wanting to actually install stuff, then which steps don't match your options?
Well, never mind, I'm stupid.

When I was reading the faq on how to install IOS249, I chose the option "I am on firmware version 3.2 or less", when I actually was on 3.3. That's why the options didn't match.

The thing is, somehow I managed to successfully update to 4.2 anyway :D

Now I'll just install the shop, the latest homebrew browser, and call it a day. Goodbye launch Wii.
 
so, uh, i have the homebrew channel installed but have no use for it. i have no interest in keeping it or using any of its features in the future. but i DO wanna buy stuff from the store again. if i delete the hbc, will i be able to update the wii and access the store again?
 
jarosh said:
so, uh, i have the homebrew channel installed but have no use for it. i have no interest in keeping it or using any of its features in the future. but i DO wanna buy stuff from the store again. if i delete the hbc, will i be able to update the wii and access the store again?
An official update has a very minor chance of bricking your system whether you have the HBC installed or not. However, having the HBC allows you to do a Wii Shop update or a full update without the risk of the official update.
 
Clipper said:
An official update has a very minor chance of bricking your system whether you have the HBC installed or not. However, having the HBC allows you to do a Wii Shop update or a full update without the risk of the official update.
thing is: i might have to send in my wii to get it fixed soon so i don't want the hbc installed either way. so really, what i wanna know is: will the wii "know" that i once had the hbc installed and will that cause problems updating the official way? or can i update "safely" (relatively speaking) once the hbc is gone?
 
jarosh said:
thing is: i might have to send in my wii to get it fixed soon so i don't want the hbc installed either way. so really, what i wanna know is: will the wii "know" that i once had the hbc installed and will that cause problems updating the official way? or can i update "safely" (relatively speaking) once the hbc is gone?
As I said, the risk of updating is there whether it is installed or not. The risk is the same and the Wii does not discriminate. I guess deleting it makes it more likely that Nintendo would fix the console if it bricks during the update, but you can't fully delete it, so they may still find it depending how diligent they are in their search.

The "safe" update is only possible using homebrew.
 
comedy bomb said:
So I downloaded the shop update, put it on the SD card and I can click on it in my homebrew menu, but it doesn't do anything. Any suggestions?
It doesn't do anything at all, or it gives some sort of error?
 
comedy bomb said:
Nothing at all. The page that asks me if I want to run it comes up but that's it.
Hmm, I'm not sure why it wouldn't work. Perhaps you need to install IOS249. Try WiiSCU first:

++ What you should install first

* [[[Homebrew Channel]]]

++ What you need

* SD Card
* Wii connected to Internet

++ What to download

* WiiSCU from [*http://wiibrew.org/wiki/WiiSCU this page].

++ Installation procedure

# Remove all GameCube memory cards and controllers.
* This step is very important. **Do not** ignore it .
# Unrar the WiiSCU rar and copy the "Wii System Channels Updater" folder to sd:/apps
* I.e., you should have "sd:/apps/Wii System Channels Updater/boot.dol", "sd:/apps/Wii System Channels Updater/icon.png" and "sd:/apps/Wii System Channels Updater/meta.xml" when you are done.
# Start WiiSCU in the Homebrew Channel.
# Read the startup message, then push 1 when prompted to continue.
# Select the "Install IOS61 ?" option and set it to "-Trucha" with the D-pad.
# Select the "Wii Shop Channel ?" option and set it to "Yes" with the D-pad.
# Select the "Install/Update All Selected" option with the D-pad and Push A to "Go".
# You will be asked to confirm your action. Push A again.
# Wait as the tool downloads the needed information from the Internet and installs it on your Wii.
# Select Exit with A to close the application.
 
So lately, any homebrew application that I start using Homebrew Channel has like a 66% chance of treating me to a black screen and making my Wii hardlock. It doesn't seem to matter what application it is and how old/new it is. I assume this has something to do with my upgrading to HBC 1.06. My firmware is 4.1E, I have some cIOSes installed but have no idea what they are. Is this a common problem with a fix (Googling around doesn't make it seem likely) or do you think I should reinstall the HBC using Bannerbomb?
 
magicalsoundshower said:
So lately, any homebrew application that I start using Homebrew Channel has like a 66% chance of treating me to a black screen and making my Wii hardlock. It doesn't seem to matter what application it is and how old/new it is. I assume this has something to do with my upgrading to HBC 1.06. My firmware is 4.1E, I have some cIOSes installed but have no idea what they are. Is this a common problem with a fix (Googling around doesn't make it seem likely) or do you think I should reinstall the HBC using Bannerbomb?
It's not a common problem. I suggest either trying another SD card, or copying the stuff in there somewhere, reformatting the card and then copy the stuff back.
 
Thing is, I already reformatted my SD card and redownloaded everything using Homebrew Browser but it started happening again. It could be possible that the card is on its way out, though. I'm gonna try another, then.
 
On a completely fresh install, I can't get USBLoader 46a2 to recognize anything, even the SDHC card it's running off of. It only lets me select a WBFS device, and reports only an IOS249 version/FAT32 mount: NONE on main menu even though I've tried setting both configs ios=222-mload and 223-mload. I've also tried reinstalling IOS249 and then 222/223, but no luck.

Unfortunately, I don't have a spare drive to reformat WBFS and play with.
 
Mandoric said:
On a completely fresh install, I can't get USBLoader 46a2 to recognize anything, even the SDHC card it's running off of. It only lets me select a WBFS device, and reports only an IOS249 version/FAT32 mount: NONE on main menu even though I've tried setting both configs ios=222-mload and 223-mload. I've also tried reinstalling IOS249 and then 222/223, but no luck.

Unfortunately, I don't have a spare drive to reformat WBFS and play with.
So the drive is formatted to FAT32 with no WBFS partition? When you start up, it should say it can't find a WBFS partition and allow you to go to a partition selection menu by pushing A. You should then select a FAT partition with the D-pad and push A. After a few seconds, it should send you to either an empty console or gui.

If that's not happening, it's weird (unless this drive never used to work before). Ensure that it says v46a2 at the bottom-right of the splash screen as it loads. Also, ensure you got the latest version of the cIOS222/223 installer.

If you can give more info of exactly what you see at each menu screen, we might be able to solve this.
 
Clipper said:
So the drive is formatted to FAT32 with no WBFS partition? When you start up, it should say it can't find a WBFS partition and allow you to go to a partition selection menu by pushing A. You should then select a FAT partition with the D-pad and push A. After a few seconds, it should send you to either an empty console or gui.

If that's not happening, it's weird (unless this drive never used to work before). Ensure that it says v46a2 at the bottom-right of the splash screen as it loads. Also, ensure you got the latest version of the cIOS222/223 installer.

If you can give more info of exactly what you see at each menu screen, we might be able to solve this.

The problem probably runs deeper; I've since run through BootMii installer (refuses to read SD card for BootMii portion, HBC and DVDX install fine) and HBB (refuses to read SD or USB.)

Starting up USBExplorer in particular, I don't even get to the splash screen, it times out after 30s trying to mount the drive. I've checked it's in the proper USB port (by trying both) and have the same behavior when attempting to load from SD card.
I get a menu asking to select WBFS device, offering options of USB Mass Storage or SD/SDHC.
There's a short status readout below with the following:
FAT32 mount: none
CFG base: sd:/usb-loader
Loader Version: 46a2
IOS249 (Rev 14)

I'm using an iPod as the external drive, which Google indicates others have had success with; its OSD of whether it's mounted or not turns on when it's physically connected to the Wii, but turns -off- when I attempt to select USB Mass Storage Device until the Wii's next reboot. The Wii itself is running 4.2, had to update it to get it to recognize my SD card at all.
 
Mandoric said:
The problem probably runs deeper; I've since run through BootMii installer (refuses to read SD card for BootMii portion, HBC and DVDX install fine) and HBB (refuses to read SD or USB.)

...

I'm using an iPod as the external drive, which Google indicates others have had success with; its OSD of whether it's mounted or not turns on when it's physically connected to the Wii, but turns -off- when I attempt to select USB Mass Storage Device until the Wii's next reboot. The Wii itself is running 4.2, had to update it to get it to recognize my SD card at all.
Yeah, there is something weird with your SD. What firmware is the Wii on?

And here's something to try that might make things better/worse: add "device=usb" into sd:/usb-loader/config.txt.
 
Clipper said:
Yeah, there is something weird with your SD. What firmware is the Wii on?

And here's something to try that might make things better/worse: add "device=usb" into sd:/usb-loader/config.txt.

Wii firmware is 4.2J.

Currently copying everything else off the SD, gonna reformat it and see where I get with that and that added line in config.
Out of curiosity, is it possible that whatever's parsing the FAT has issues with non-ASCII filenames? I've seen other devices have issues with them, and that would certainly explain its refusal to mount either.
 
Mandoric said:
Wii firmware is 4.2J.

Currently copying everything else off the SD, gonna reformat it and see where I get with that and that added line in config.
Out of curiosity, is it possible that whatever's parsing the FAT has issues with non-ASCII filenames? I've seen other devices have issues with them, and that would certainly explain its refusal to mount either.
That could be a problem, yes. I had an SD reader that would sometimes blue screen my PC because I had some Japanese directories on there. Only copy back the usb-loader and apps directories to the SD card after formatting and copy the other stuff over later and see if that fixes things.
 
Clipper said:
That could be a problem, yes. I had an SD reader that would sometimes blue screen my PC because I had some Japanese directories on there. Only copy back the usb-loader and apps directories to the SD card after formatting and copy the other stuff over later and see if that fixes things.

Done; sadly, it doesn't fix anything. "device=usb" was also on by default in the USB Explorer release (45) I shoehorned 46a2 into. I'm gonna try a different SD card after dinner or tomorrow, I guess.
 
I did the safe update and then could access the shop channel now there it says there is another update. Is this what I should be doing next?

++ What you should install first

* [[[Homebrew Channel]]]

++ What you need

* SD Card
* Wii connected to Internet

++ What to download

* WiiSCU from [*http://wiibrew.org/wiki/WiiSCU this page].

++ Installation procedure

# Remove all GameCube memory cards and controllers.
* This step is very important. **Do not** ignore it .
# Unrar the WiiSCU rar and copy the "Wii System Channels Updater" folder to sd:/apps
* I.e., you should have "sd:/apps/Wii System Channels Updater/boot.dol", "sd:/apps/Wii System Channels Updater/icon.png" and "sd:/apps/Wii System Channels Updater/meta.xml" when you are done.
# Start WiiSCU in the Homebrew Channel.
# Read the startup message, then push 1 when prompted to continue.
# Select the "Install IOS61 ?" option and set it to "-Trucha" with the D-pad.
# Select the "Wii Shop Channel ?" option and set it to "Yes" with the D-pad.
# Select the "Install/Update All Selected" option with the D-pad and Push A to "Go".
# You will be asked to confirm your action. Push A again.
# Wait as the tool downloads the needed information from the Internet and installs it on your Wii.
# Select Exit with A to close the application.
 
Mandoric said:
Done; sadly, it doesn't fix anything. "device=usb" was also on by default in the USB Explorer release (45) I shoehorned 46a2 into. I'm gonna try a different SD card after dinner or tomorrow, I guess.
What is USB Explorer? Run Cfg from the HBC, not a channel.

Amon37 said:
I did the safe update and then could access the shop channel now there it says there is another update. Is this what I should be doing next?
That method only works for some people. I added it back to the Wii Shop Update page of the tutorial yesterday, but you'll find the other method there too. At least one of the methods should work for you.
 
magicalsoundshower said:
Thing is, I already reformatted my SD card and redownloaded everything using Homebrew Browser but it started happening again. It could be possible that the card is on its way out, though. I'm gonna try another, then.
OK, I tried a different SD card and not downloading the applications using Homebrew Browser, same result. Guess I'll have to wait until an HBC update rolls around.

Looks like there are indeed a bunch of people who're having the same problem and there doesn't seem to be a fix yet. Apparently it's an IOS issue, I really hate fiddling with those damn things.
 
Hmm, apparently I fixed the problem by installing the latest version of all the IOSes listed in WiiSCU (except IOS60 because I read this one can be touchy). I know it's weird, but now all the applications seem to work 100% of the time and also load quicker than before (when they decided to load and didn't crash my Wii). Time to continue to play the shit out of Might & Magic 3 (one of my favorite old school RPGs) in DOS Box Wii!

Also, looks like the MAME build for Wii got updated and works a lot better now, I'm definitely giving it a shot later on!
 
Well, that's something that micght be progress. New SD card makes Homebrew Channel work fine, but USB Loader still times out trying to load it; trying to load the iPod leads to an immediate crash with the screen frozen, the Wii drive light stuck on, and it no longer responding to the reset button. Cleaning any non-ASCII filenames off and trying again.
 
magicalsoundshower said:
Also, looks like the MAME build for Wii got updated and works a lot better now, I'm definitely giving it a shot later on!
Reading here it still sounds like these is still a lot of work needed but is a massive improvement...if for no other reason than games no longer taking 2 hours to load.

Looking at the supported games list in a way it reminds of the days of old when you would have an emulator for a certain piece of hardware rather than relying on an all-in-one.
 
Can anyone recommend an updated region changer? With all the latest updates, it looks like my Wii-Region-Chapter_v1 no longer loads from my HBC.

Is my only option installing GeckoOS or is there a nice, simple app available like my previous one?
 
Cherubae said:
Can anyone recommend an updated region changer? With all the latest updates, it looks like my Wii-Region-Chapter_v1 no longer loads from my HBC.

Is my only option installing GeckoOS or is there a nice, simple app available like my previous one?
Region changing has not been safe for quite a while now. If you were to run one these days, you are simply asking to be bricked.

What do you need it for? If it's for import gaming, I do recommend either Gecko OS or USB Loading.
 
I think we really need a thread to talk HB games, emulators and new releases.
A thread for those who already have their wii hacked or that actually interested in other aspects of homebrew beside that of USB Loaders; we've already seen, plenty of times, that talking about anything non-loaders related in here is actually impossible.

I would do it and I've been thinking about that for quite some time, I'm just really undecided about what title should I give to it:
The right, fitting title is needed to easily (and meaningly) differentiate it from this thread.

Obviously I'd make the OP with links to this thread, to the GAF Wiki and such, but also set up rules not allowing hacking/loaders/.. talk in there.

Suggestions for the title?
 
Dash Kappei said:
I think we really need a thread to talk HB games, emulators and new releases.
A thread for those who already have their wii hacked or that actually interested in other aspects of homebrew beside that of USB Loaders; we've already seen, plenty of times, that talking about anything non-loaders related in here is actually impossible.

I would do it and I've been thinking about that for quite some time, I'm just really undecided about what title should I give to it:
The right, fitting title is needed to easily (and meaningly) differentiate it from this thread.

Obviously I'd make the OP with links to this thread, to the GAF Wiki and such, but also set up rules not allowing hacking/loaders/.. talk in there.

Suggestions for the title?
I was wondering a short while back whether it might be best to actually take the USB Loader stuff into its own thread instead. However, I couldn't work out how because it made it hard to split out the other stuff here. This thread currently has many tasks that I can identify, and creating a demarcation is important if we do split the thread up. Here's what I can identify off the top of my head:

  • How to Softmod the Wii and troubleshooting
  • Discussion of homebrew apps/games
  • Dealing with system updates
  • USB Loading
  • Other system hacks (Preloader etc.)

It seems that splitting out the homebrew apps/games part with info about the other thread would work, but perhaps it is indeed best to create a new thread for the rest and just leave this thread for the homebrew apps/games discussion.

That also allows us to tackle the problem that we have that people don't know about the wiki, or don't realise that it is actually a complete guide to maintaining a softmodded system rather than just a tutorial for installing in the first place. The new thread could be something like "GAF's Wii Homebrew Guide featuring USB Loading" and I'd be happy to take the responsibility of creating the thread if that seems to be the preferred option.
 
The problem is that almost all of those topics are rather heavily integrated with each other.
It's not like the PSP, which is either in a hacked/hack-able state, or not. (Ok, so granted, there are PSPs out there that can be semi-hacked), but still, the point stands.

Nintendo's IOSes, and the custom IOSes that they spawned are a bit part of just about EVERYTHING, so if these topics are split up amongst two or more threads, you're going to get tons of overlaps in any event, and most likely the same broad category of questions showing up in multiple threads.
 
I think that this thread, with all the work that you guys have already done in it, should have everything Clipper listed barred the apps*/games discussions which would go in the new thread, as simple as that.

I'd put a disclaimer in the OP pointing it out, with the GAFWiki banner to hack the Wii a little FAQ pointing at this thread, but really a fitting title is going to do more than half the job in educating the folks coming in there.

*
When I say apps I refer to emulators, silly stuff, Google Earth like app and things like that, NOT USB Loaders/Boot Mii and the likes (as Clipper understood btw).
So again, it's really a matter of finding the correct threads' title.
 
Here are a couple of questions.


1) If the USB loader freezes, what is most likely the cause?
2) I have a USB charging cable in the second slot. I've noticed that when I have it plugged in while using the USB loader, the remote sometimes stops being recognized. No game has ever done this, just the USB loader.
3) Of all games, my copy of Wii Sports froze a few times and forced me to switch IOS to Hermes. Is this my hard drive?
 
Speevy said:
Here are a couple of questions.


1) If the USB loader freezes, what is most likely the cause?
2) I have a USB charging cable in the second slot. I've noticed that when I have it plugged in while using the USB loader, the remote sometimes stops being recognized. No game has ever done this, just the USB loader.
3) Of all games, my copy of Wii Sports froze a few times and forced me to switch IOS to Hermes. Is this my hard drive?

1) IOS or drive
2) Which version of IOS249 were you using? If it were old, that's the cause.
3) That would indeed be spindown. IOS222/223 has better spindown fixes than IOS249 (which didn't have any until rev12).
 
So I was looking at the GBAtemp forum, and it looks like NSMB has some new protection. Here is what was posted:

-The Scrubbed Image without Update Partition won't work
-The Scrubbed Image with Update Partition won't work either
-The 1:1 Image doesn't work either
-It doesn't work on Mod Chips
-It also won't work if you install the new IOS53
-It also doesn't work from cIOSCORP with the new patched IOS53
-It doesn't work on any System Menu
-It won't work from any USB Loader regardless of cIOS used
-It also won't work from any other Loader (NeoGamma, GeckoOS, etc..)
-It only works from the retail Disc!

By not working, I guess an error occurs after a few minutes that prevents you from playing. This is good for Nintendo's battle against pirates, especially since it is a big game, but it sucks that NSMB will be joining the Metroid Prime Trilogy as games I play from disc instead of from the USB Loader.

Also, what is this new IOS53 that they mention?
 
Porthos said:
So I was looking at the GBAtemp forum, and it looks like NSMB has some new protection. Here is what was posted:



By not working, I guess an error occurs after a few minutes that prevents you from playing. This is good for Nintendo's battle against pirates, especially since it is a big game, but it sucks that NSMB will be joining the Metroid Prime Trilogy as games I play from disc instead of from the USB Loader.

Also, what is this new IOS53 that they mention?

It's possible that someone will write a patch for it. I hate loading and disc switching. :/
 
I was debating whether to post about the NSMB Wii thing or not, but I guess now that the cat's out of the bag, we can discuss it.

I have to applaud Nintendo for this move. I personally hope that a fix is not found for the issue. I love the convenience that USB Loaders provide, but I am willing to give up that convenience if it means the death of piracy on the Wii.

I would warn anyone that is considering importing to take note of this news. It may not work with Gecko OS or other import loading tricks. It probably will, but it is uncertain right now.
 
Dragona Akehi said:
It's possible that someone will write a patch for it. I hate loading and disc switching. :/

I'm the same, I know it's only a tiny thing and it takes mere seconds, but it's just so handy having all my games at the touch of a button. Part of me is delighted to see this happen though, and it's always fun watching the chaos that follows.

At the moment I have my Metroid Trilogy disc in the Wii, guess I'll have to swap it over for NSMB... but the effort.....
 
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