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

EatChildren said:
Is there any limit to HDD size that causes the Wii to spazz out? I'm thinking of getting the 500GB Seagate FreeAgent Go, and partitioning 250GB for the Wii and the other 250GB for whatever other junk I need to store.

Also, does the ripping program scrub the images? If not, is there any value in scrubbing the images?
There used to be a 1TB limit, although I don't know if it still applies. Your plan is fine as I have a 1TB drive with a 250GB Wii partition.

Configurable can optionally remove the update partition, which can make it a little smaller. It doesn't scrub them. The only benefit would be saving a bit of space, but you'll never run out with 250GB so it's probably not worth the trouble.
 
Clipper said:
There used to be a 1TB limit, although I don't know if it still applies. Your plan is fine as I have a 1GB drive with a 250GB Wii partition.

Configurable can optionally remove the update partition, which can make it a little smaller. It doesn't scrub them. The only benefit would be saving a bit of space, but you'll never run out with 250GB so it's probably not worth the trouble.

Awesome. My neighbour has two partitions so he can use it for Wii games as well as general computer files, and since I've got a ton of stuff I want to keep but cant be bothered burning I figure I'll make it multi-purpose. 250GB - 300GB should be plenty for Wii games.

Might go get one tomorrow. I can get the Seagate FreeAgent GO 500GB for ~AU$160 which isn't too bad.
 
Nabs said:
i love my wd passport but still recommend the seagate to all my friends. being able to disable spindown is a huge plus, and eliminates any future headaches.
So is the WD Passport just not good for Wii games?
Currently looking at one because a white one would really match my white Eee PC and Wii....
 
FSLink said:
So is the WD Passport just not good for Wii games?
Currently looking at one because a white one would really match my white Eee PC and Wii....

I am using a WD 320 gig passport drive and it has been excellent.

Edit (again): I have installed USB Loader GX on my friends Wii and whenever I try to access any of the network functions (eg: download covers or update) the program crashes and I get a code dump.

Has anyone else had this problem? I know the network is working ok because I used it to run the downgrader earlier and then updated to 4.0 firmware after installing IOS249
 
pubba said:
Edit (again): I have installed USB Loader GX on my friends Wii and whenever I try to access any of the network functions (eg: download covers or update) the program crashes and I get a code dump.

Has anyone else had this problem? I know the network is working ok because I used it to run the downgrader earlier and then updated to 4.0 firmware after installing IOS249
GX seems to have been having a lot of problems with their covers and so on for the last week or two as the new cover sites all work out what they are doing. Their forum thread is inundated with a bunch of people getting code dumps and so on in multiple features, especially with network stuff. I would suggest either reverting to a much earlier version of the loader (deleting the config folder at the same time) and downloading covers manually, or switch him to Configurable, which may not look as snazzy, but it works.
 
Kenobi said:
Eh, I guess I wasn't clear. Yes, they were in reference to games I already own. Punch Out, Star Fox, Street Fighter...just some off the top of my head. I wanted to AVOID doing the re-downloading. Well, I guess that's that.

EDIT: And anyway, we are all open about using USB Loader. I'm sure there's a nice chunk of peeps on here that are using it to d/l ISO'S but whatever.

That doesn't make any sense, why would you do that?

About your Edit: You say you're *sure* people here are using it to pirate games? Easy on shitting on people mate, but I guess that since you're sure enough to say so, then I'll be glad to see you name names or kindly just shut the fuck up.

What you're asking for is piracy, no question about it.
USB Loader can be used to rip your own games if you didn't know that.
 
Now that Cfg USB Loader has network updating (v35 release candidate is up for download), and I have it installed and running off a Fat32 partition on the Wii's HDD instead of the SD card, I figured it was time to figure out a way to access my Wii (SD card, HDD) straight from my PC.

You know, because now I'm too fucking lazy to pop my devices back and forth between the Wii and PC just to change a couple of files in a config.txt.

I just finished setting up FTPii (on the Wii) and FireFTP (Firefox extension)... and I must say, being able to access the SD card and HDD from my PC's browser, over the network, is REALLY fucking ace.
 
Clipper said:
...I would suggest either reverting to a much earlier version of the loader (deleting the config folder at the same time) and downloading covers manually, or switch him to Configurable, which may not look as snazzy, but it works.

I tried installing an older version and deleting the config files but the problem persisted.

The main reason I chose the USB loader GX was the ability to download updates within the app. I just read in this thread that CFG USB loader does that now, so I will switch back. Hopefully this will fix his problem. Having covers is a nice feature but not a deal breaker for him. His wii is a launch unit and the DVD drive is on its last legs. Being able to rip his game library to HDD is a godsend :D
 
FSLink said:
So is the WD Passport just not good for Wii games?
Currently looking at one because a white one would really match my white Eee PC and Wii....

the wd works great for me. just remember to install the hermes ios from the wiki and you should be set. i haven't tried the recent revs (13) so i can't really say how its gonna work (as far as spin down).

my WD + Hermes 223 + Config USB = absolutely 0 problems. I've used this setting for over a month and haven't had a single issue.
 
Hmm.. I tried installing configurable USB loader on my friends wii and it code dumps at the same time as USB loader GX. ie: When I try to check for updates or download covers.

It's no big deal really, I'll just download the covers manually and put them on a SD card. But I was hoping to get it all up and running properly to show him how cool all this stuff is.

Unrelated question: How do I get the Flow-Z GUI working on configurable USB loader? I saw a video of it online and it looks great.
 
pubba said:
Hmm.. I tried installing configurable USB loader on my friends wii and it code dumps at the same time as USB loader GX. ie: When I try to check for updates or download covers.

It's no big deal really, I'll just download the covers manually and put them on a SD card. But I was hoping to get it all up and running properly to show him how cool all this stuff is.

Unrelated question: How do I get the Flow-Z GUI working on configurable USB loader? I saw a video of it online and it looks great.
Which version did you install? 35rc? There shouldn't be any more code dumps in there. It's weird that the network features seem to be triggering code dumps.

This is a long shot, but try reinstalling IOS249. You should be able to do this without needing to do the 4.0 stuff. Also, try installing Hermes' IOS 222 and use "ios=222-mload" in config.txt. Also try moving the all the stuff off the SD card and copying it back or use a different card (this actually has worked for weird errors of some people).

As for flow-z... To get to the gui mode from the menu, push B. Push d-pad down to switch styles (it will switch through grid, flow, flow-z and several coverflow modes). Once you are in grid-z, use d-pad up to change the number of rows. To default to grid-z mode on startup, add "gui=start" and "gui_style=flow-z". You can also set "gui_rows=x" where x is a number from 1-4. Also, v35rc will save the current gui mode as default if you go to the global options screen and press 2.
 
Probably doesn't deserve a thread yet, but Twiizers did it again: First proof-of-concept DSi hack - in DSi mode, of course. Can't wait for the DSi HBC. By the way, that piece of hardware you see in the video is for debugging purposes and not actually required to run the hack as far as I understand.
 
I'm still not sure how to get the covers to start working again for USB Loader. I added those things to the end of the config.txt file, but it still didn't work. Could someone go through a more step-by-step method on how to get my game covers to work now?
 
BrandNew said:
I'm still not sure how to get the covers to start working again for USB Loader. I added those things to the end of the config.txt file, but it still didn't work. Could someone go through a more step-by-step method on how to get my game covers to work now?
  1. Ensure you are on v35rc
  2. Push 1 twice to get to Global Options then D-pad down to <Download All Missing Covers> and then push D-pad right
  3. Take note of the sites it lists that it is trying. If they aren't the ones in your config.txt then something is wrong.

You can also push D-pad left on the option to forcefully re-download all covers, missing or not.
 
A few questions probably asked a ton before:

- I remember reading that newer Wii's wont run the homebrew SD stunt, is there any truth to that or work around?

- Does any game in my collection work with USB Loader, or are there some games that wont run/be ripped to my hdd?

Thanks in advance for any helpfull answers.
 
Vinterbird said:
A few questions probably asked a ton before:

- I remember reading that newer Wii's wont run the homebrew SD stunt, is there any truth to that or work around?

- Does any game in my collection work with USB Loader, or are there some games that wont run/be ripped to my hdd?

Thanks in advance for any helpfull answers.
Both are answered in the GWHT. Basically, newer Wiis have tighter protection so you have to be careful or you will brick them, but there is a safe way to soft mod them. A handful of games don't work. See the USB Loader page for a link to the thread with them.

As of now, the games that are uncertain to work (some might and nobody has retested lately) are:

Army Men: Soldiers of Misfortune
Call of Duty 3
FarCry
Mahjong Kakutou Club(Mahjong Fight Club)
Madden '07
Madden '08
Metal Slug Anthology
NBA Live '08
Pangya Golf With Style
Sam & Max Season One
Splinter Cell Double Agent
Super Swing Golf
 
This really sucks. For some reason my Homebrew Browser no longer works. It always loads up to 48% and then just pauses/freezes. What the heck is wrong with this thing? I downloaded the latest HBC update and now I can't use the browser...??

Can someone help me out?
 
Do any of these cover sites have the reverse covers for Pikmin 1 and 2? The ones automatically downloaded were the ones with the border. :(
 
Mr. Wonderful said:
Bring on the "Virtual Console."

lameboy 0.11 can already play just about all GB/GBC out there, so all this will do is get us the GBA side we so desperately need. but 2/3 of it is already possible on a DSi if you have a flashcard.

However, I don't want to diminish how awesome it is that twiizers got it cracked. Some real cool things could come out of this.
 
wsippel said:
Probably doesn't deserve a thread yet, but Twiizers did it again: First proof-of-concept DSi hack - in DSi mode, of course. Can't wait for the DSi HBC. By the way, that piece of hardware you see in the video is for debugging purposes and not actually required to run the hack as far as I understand.
this, mr. anderson, is the sound of inevitability.

now we need some more work on the ds linux, and maybe we'll see a self-hosted-development linux handheld in the not too distant future.
 
Mejilan said:
Now that Cfg USB Loader has network updating (v35 release candidate is up for download), and I have it installed and running off a Fat32 partition on the Wii's HDD instead of the SD card, I figured it was time to figure out a way to access my Wii (SD card, HDD) straight from my PC.

You know, because now I'm too fucking lazy to pop my devices back and forth between the Wii and PC just to change a couple of files in a config.txt.

I just finished setting up FTPii (on the Wii) and FireFTP (Firefox extension)... and I must say, being able to access the SD card and HDD from my PC's browser, over the network, is REALLY fucking ace.
I can understand a laziness about popping devices back and forth, but doesn't needing to run HBC and then a specific FTP program on Wii get to be as bothersome?
 
Well, from the looks of it they buffer-overflowed a DSi-enabled game by using modified save games. In itself its not a practical hack yet, but it'll allow them to study DSi-mode in depth and look for less involved ways to execute custom code.
 
Oh god, I feel really bad for Wii and its developers when I think about it now. Is there anything stopping people from renting these games and copying them to a HDD? :-/
 
jrricky said:
Oh god, I feel really bad for Wii and its developers when I think about it now. Is there anything stopping people from renting these games and copying them to a HDD? :-/
Morality?

Yeah, not everyone thinks piracy is both a crime and immoral, unfortunately.

It's a one time setup.
Yeah. I assume it just uses Wiiload to launch the FTP client, so you only need to go to HBC each time in preparation. We'll know more soon once Mejilan gets time to do a tutorial page for it ;) (he said it would take another week, though).
 
A friend of mine who lives too far out to get internet had another friend add the homebrew channel and some games to his 3.4U Wii. He brought his Wii to me today and wants to buy some legit games like Dr Mario Online Rx and keep his homebrew games. I tried to go to the store, but it said he hadn't agreed to the licence. I assume he needs to update, but will that remove his homebrew or possible brick his Wii?
 
Aw shit - it looks pretty easy to have your games launch from external HDD now - that would be so, so convenient. I may have to make this a project for next weekend. I've already got Homebrew Channel on my wii.

I can't wait for the DSi hacks that will allow loading software on the SD card. I'd love to have classic GB games and homebrew available.
 
Luigison said:
A friend of mine who lives too far out to get internet had another friend add the homebrew channel and some games to his 3.4U Wii. He brought his Wii to me today and wants to buy some legit games like Dr Mario Online Rx and keep his homebrew games. I tried to go to the store, but it said he hadn't agreed to the licence. I assume he needs to update, but will that remove his homebrew or possible brick his Wii?
I read on the FAQ:
Is it safe to update my Wii?

Yes. The current updates will not ruin (brick) or hurt your Wii in any way. However, we recommend not updating since current updates will cause some applications to cease working correctly.
I'm glad to hear it won't brick his Wii, but does "some applications" include NES, SNES, and N64 games?
 
As far as homebrew progress on DSi goes, what we should be hoping and praying for i a region-lock bypass app. Imagine being able to import DSi Cards in the future!
 
Is Zelda TP still needed for anything Homebrew? Finally got Homrbrew channel and browser working without TP, but i was wondering if i was missing out on anything homebrew by not having it.
 
velvet_nitemare said:
Is Zelda TP still needed for anything Homebrew? Finally got Homrbrew channel and browser working without TP, but i was wondering if i was missing out on anything homebrew by not having it.
Not to my knowledge, unless you count dicking around in TP with Ocarina codes. :D
Seriously though, I don't see why you would need it for your homebrew needs anymore.
 
Vinterbird said:
I have a old 256mb SD card, will that work for homebrew? Or should I invest in a bigger SDHC card?
Any SD Card approved by The SD Association should work. You might want to invest in a bigger card in the future, but for maximum compatibility of both homebrew and non-homebrew applications, I recommend a 2 GB SD card.
 
Vinterbird said:
I have a old 256mb SD card, will that work for homebrew? Or should I invest in a bigger SDHC card?

It'll work, but if you're planning on using homebrew and taking advantage of 4.0's SD card storage for Wiiware/VC games, you may as well grab an 8GB SDHC card. They're like 20$ tops.
 
Dragona Akehi said:
It'll work, but if you're planning on using homebrew and taking advantage of 4.0's SD card storage for Wiiware/VC games, you may as well grab an 8GB SDHC card. They're like 20$ tops.
It is important to note though that older Wii games that use SD Cards, like Excitetruck, will not work with SDHC cards, so keep this in mind Vinterbird.
 
HUELEN10 said:
It is important to note though that older Wii games that use SD Cards, like Excitetruck, will not work with SDHC cards, so keep this in mind Vinterbird.

Thanks a lot. Sounds like the optimal route is a 2/4gb SD card for homebrew, and a 8 gb SDHC for WiiWare/VC games.

Homebrew applications and the homebrew channel, are they run from the SD card itself, or installed to the Wii main memory?
 
Vinterbird said:
Thanks a lot. Sounds like the optimal route is a 2/4gb SD card for homebrew, and a 8 gb SDHC for WiiWare/VC games.

Homebrew applications and the homebrew channel, are they run from the SD card itself, or installed to the Wii main memory?

The Homebrew channel is installed to the Wii. Nearly all (there are exceptions like DVDX) Homebrew Applications are stored and run on the SD Card from the homebrew channel (The homebrew channel, on startup, checks for applications in the apps folder of the SD Card and loads the applications list accordingly).
 
Xavien said:
The Homebrew channel is installed to the Wii. Nearly all (there are exceptions like DVDX) Homebrew Applications are stored and run on the SD Card from the homebrew channel (The homebrew channel, on startup, checks for applications in the apps folder of the SD Card and loads the applications list accordingly).

Oh okay. Is the Wii capable of ignoring the homebrew parts and app folder on the SD card, if I would want to use the same card for storing WiiWare/VC games? Or would I need to seperate cards to do things.
 
Vinterbird said:
Oh okay. Is the Wii capable of ignoring the homebrew parts and app folder on the SD card, if I would want to use the same card for storing WiiWare/VC games? Or would I need to seperate cards to do things.

same card will work fine. Wii reads the "Private" folder on the SD card.
 
Simply because nobody seems to ever read more than a page back, if you're new to homebrew or just checking the thread out again because of the new title, check this out:


luigison said:
I'm glad to hear it won't brick his Wii, but does "some applications" include NES, SNES, and N64 games?
That's old information. Most of them are back to working order now. There are a few that won't work (predominantly the ones that are only used for piracy), but almost everything actually worth using is still compatible, including the emulators.
 
JoshuaJSlone said:
I can understand a laziness about popping devices back and forth, but doesn't needing to run HBC and then a specific FTP program on Wii get to be as bothersome?

No.
 
Metal Gear?! said:
It's been superseded by 13b

http://usbloadergx.koureio.net/downloads

But you can find it at the Older Waninkoko's cIOSs mediafire link on that page anyway
13b is not an upgrade, it's a downgrade. It was only made because 13 was incompatible with some loaders. However, this fix gives it lower compatibility.

velvet_nitemare said:
Trying to install USB Loader and I can't seem to find a link to download cIOS38_rev13.

Halp?
Use the instructions here to download rev 13(aka rev 13a). You could get it from that mediafire page Metal Gear?! linked, but you can never be sure it's the right one when you aren't using the original (on the Softmii site)
 
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