The Xbox 360 is a powerful tool for launching games. It is noteworthy in that it has a large number of features that are not publicly well-known, but nevertheless are actively used by gamers. Among them is the installation of the Freeboot Xbox 360 module. What is Freeboot? What is its specificity and what additional features does it give the user of the console?
What is Freeboot?
Among the most popular game consoles in the world is the Xbox 360. It has a number of modifications. Among them - Freeboot. Thus, the most common console for which Freeboot is intended is the Xbox 360. What is “modification” in this context? This term refers to the introduction of adjustments to the hardware configuration of the console. That is, we are not talking about reprogramming the console: it is supplemented by a chip that carries a certain function.
But it should be noted that the electronic component installed in the console is designed to give the device capabilities that are not publicly advertised, moreover, they are not too welcome by the manufacturer. Therefore, Freeboot should be seen as a way of entertainment or as part of the hobby of IT professionals, and not the target tool for gaining access to pirated content.
Let's consider what are the features of the Freeboot modification (due to the fact that it is shared mainly with the Xbox 360, the common name for the solution sounds like Freeboot Xbox 360 or, which also will not be an error, Xbox 360 Freeboot).
Games that can be run on an appropriately modified device are presented in a wide range. Among those - well-known gamers from around the world GTA, Mortal Kombat. Xbox 360 Freeboot becomes, in principle, a universal tool for launching games.
Freeboot Installation Specifics
Installation of the modification in question can be carried out quite quickly. In some cases, this process takes about half an hour. But a much longer procedure is possible. It all depends on the version of the motherboard that is installed in the console. It is also important which one is installed on the dashboard device. On Freeboot Xbox 360, you can run a special manager program with which you download images of computer games. Thus, the owner of the console gets the opportunity to use gaming products that are compatible with the Xbox 360, as well as those that can be taken from various DLC sources.
Are there any alternatives to Freeboot?
There are very few direct analogs of the modifier. At the same time, firmware is sometimes used as such. Xbox 360 Freeboot games launches directly from the disk - that is, installed in the console, or external. The firmware downloads applications from special media. In general, it has fewer features than the corresponding hardware modification of the console. Therefore, many users prefer to install the chip instead of flashing the Xbox 360 Freeboot.
Modification Capabilities
What does installing the console with the appropriate modification give? The owner of the console has the opportunity to run games from a hard drive or flash drive. There are also various emulators for the Xbox 360 Freeboot, which allow you to run games designed for other platforms. Using the modifier, you can also install various programs on the console. Another noteworthy solution opportunity is launching games from a PC using auxiliary devices. Among other important functions of Freeboot is the launch of games adapted to any region.
What type of discs can I use with the console? In principle, any, contrary to the common point of view, according to which the console spoils from pirated disks. The main thing is not what type of software is installed on the media — pirated (the criteria for which, strictly speaking, are not always obvious) or licensed — but the quality of the disk.
Therefore, the gamer, in order for his console to work correctly, you should check the surface of the media, its appearance. And if on this part the disk is in perfect order, then the console will retain its functionality.
This is the basic information about the Freeboot Xbox 360. What is the hardware modifier of the console, we learned. Now let's move from theory to practice. Consider the main aspects regarding the installation of the chip.
Is the modification easy to install?
How complicated is the installation of the module in question? Much depends, as we noted above, on the particular console model. Therefore, some of the points in the instructions below may not work. However, if you follow the appropriate algorithm, it is highly likely that Freeboot will be successfully installed. So, we choose (instead of flashing the Xbox 360) Freeboot - a hardware solution. Where to begin?
Work with Glitch
The first thing to do is install Glitch correctly. The main requirement for its installation is the possibility of subsequent removal without harm to the basic functions of the console. The best way to glue Clitch and attachment parts is sealant. Liquid plastic may also be suitable.
It is important that the chip does not come into contact with the console elements. Therefore, you can use more plastic in order to form a noticeable layer between it and the prefix board (about 3 mm).
Reading data from NAND
The next task is to remove data from the NAND console. NAND is a flash memory technology, which is characterized by large volumes, as well as high speed. It is used not only in game consoles, but also in mobile gadgets, cameras, players, etc. Memory made using NAND technology is also characterized by a high degree of reliability.
But the procedure for obtaining the necessary data from the prefix is ​​preceded by the installation of some additional equipment. Actually, in order to carry out the removal of NAND, you need SPI Flasher, as well as a modified microcircuit (this element is installed at the end of the work).
You must connect the game console to the computer in order to read the NAND dump. The first step is to supply power to the console. Using SPI Flasher, NAND can be removed. The console will communicate with the computer via a USB cable. You can recognize the fact that SPI Flasher is functioning correctly by hearing a characteristic sound from a PC.
It is necessary to download special software on the Internet - NANDPro. Open it and then run the file called Read Nand.bat. After that, the command line will appear on the screen . It will be the key tool in the process of installing the Freeboot modifier.
Typically, all the user needs to do is press the spacebar. After that, NAND will be read. This process takes about half an hour. Once NAND is cleared, the command prompt window closes. Now we need another file - nand.bin. You must create a folder on the desktop of the PC and move this file there. After that, repeat the operation with Read Nand.bat. This procedure removes another NAND image.
Image Comparison
Actually, for what purpose did we repeat the operation? The fact is that installing on your Xbox 360 Freeboot with your own hands is a process that requires special care. It is necessary to verify the two resulting images, since if they contain errors, this can lead to the failure of the console.
We move the available images to one folder. One of the files should be renamed so that it does not accidentally replace the other. To check the correctness of the files you need to download a special program. The Jtag Tool is best suited for this purpose. You need to download it, run it and go to the Advance tab, then NAND Compare. Check images for damaged blocks. Ideally, the program should display a message that non-matching blocks are missing. But if errors are still detected, then NAND should be removed again.
Work with Multi Builder
The next type of software that we will need is 360 Multi Builder. Version 0.82 will do. After we installed it in the my360 folder located in the Data directory (where the program is installed), we need to place the NAND image, after renaming it to the nanddump.bin file. After we launch the program.
In its interface, you must select the 1-Trinity option, put the number 1, then press Enter, and then immediately, any other key. After that, a special file will be encoded, which will then need to be installed in the console. Finding it is quite simple: you need to enter the folder in which the Multi Builder program is installed, then go to Data and find the file you need there. It should look like this: image_00000000.ecc. You need to copy it to the Nandpro folder. After that, open the command line and enter the following there: nandpro usb: + w16 image00000000.ecc. Now you can press the spacebar.
The file will start writing to the console. Installation of 50 blocks is supposed. Once the process is complete, you can close the command prompt window. After that, we proceed to the stage of work with the hardware of the console.
Work with hardware and additional software
The next step is soldering the wires to the modifying microcircuit. After - we launch the console using the composite cable. If we have not made any mistakes in the hardware, then a special LED will light up on the main microcircuit of the console. The prefix should boot. Next, we have to work with its software interface.
As soon as the console starts loading, the Xell Menu should appear on the screen. At one of the loading stages, the display will show an important parameter - CPU.Key. It must be rewritten and stored in a safe place. After - create a plain text document with the name cpukey.txt and enter the appropriate data into it. It must be moved to the my360 folder - in the Data directory located inside the folder where the Multi Builder program is installed. It should also contain the familiar nanddump.bin file.
After that, you must run the Multi Builder program. In the corresponding interface, you need to set the number 1, and then press Enter. After that, the program will request files like RawFlash. You need to go into the Data folder, find there a file called updflash.bin, and then rename it to nandflash.bin. After that, you need to download Rawflash software and copy the existing file - nandflash.bin to the appropriate folder, and then write everything to an empty USB flash drive.
We launch the console by first inserting the same flash media there. During the download process, 400 blocks will be written. Upon the successful completion of this process, the Freeboot modification will be successfully installed in the console.
What to do after installation
Once we have installed the Xbox 360 Freeboot, setting up the appropriate interfaces is our next step. First of all, we need special software. In particular, it is the shell of Xexmenu. Another useful program is FreeStyle Dash, a “dashboard” with many features. You may also need Dashlaunch - the loader of the previous utility. Designed to process files in NAND memory.
The Iso2God program is designed to convert ISO files to GOD content that can be read by FreeStyle Dash. You may also need the FAT32 Format utility, with which you can reformat various file systems into a universal FAT32.
Let's consider the capabilities of some of the noted types of software in more detail.
Work with FreeStyle Dash
This program can be useful for solving such a problem as installing games: Freeboot Xbox 360, as we recall, can be used as a tool to launch a wide range of gaming products. This type of software includes interfaces for measuring the temperature of the processor and components of the motherboard. With it, you can adjust the rotation speed of the cooling fans of the device.
It can be noted that the program in question does not replace the NXE interface familiar to many users. There are simple and affordable methods for quickly switching between NXE and FreeStyle Dash. So, in order to get into NXE, at the very beginning of loading the console, you need to press RB and hold for a while. To go to the FreeStyle Dash interface from NXE, press the center key, and then press Y.
Work with ISO2GOD
This program allows, as we noted above, to convert ISO format images to GOD files. This type of content, which is noteworthy, can also be read using NXE dashboards. It is only necessary to place the game files in a special folder - HDD \ content \ 000000000000000 \. In order to be able to open files from FreeStyle Dash, you should specify the appropriate path in the settings of this program.
Consider how to use ISO2GOD. You need to download this program on a PC and run. Then, in the window of the software interface, select Add ISO. Next, specify the path to the corresponding image, as well as the coordinates of the output file. After that, you should set options for optimizing the size of the content. For example, if you select Full, the image will be reformatted (subject to the elimination of empty sectors). After the necessary settings are set, click Convert.
The resulting file will be available in the folder specified in the settings. Now you need to copy it to a USB flash drive in the Games folder. After that, you can start the game using the appropriate console interfaces, for example, FreeStyle Dash.
Work with DLC files
DLC content can also be used on the Freeboot Xbox 360. The instructions for using it look something like this. Firstly, you need to download the “unlocked” type DLC, that is, not protected by the corresponding licensing algorithms. Files should be placed in the HDD \ Content \ 0000000000000000 folder. It is permissible to place the main content of games on a flash drive, however, DLCs must be stored on the console’s hard drive.
Patches TU
TU patches can also be used when working with the Freeboot Xbox 360. Instructions for installing them are below.
First you need to select the desired game through the FreeStyle Dash interface. Then press Y, and then select the manage TU option. Then press Y again. After that, the program should download the necessary files. At the end of this process, you can press A, after which the corresponding settings will be activated.
Of course, there are a large number of other types of software for working with the modifier. There are various emulators for the Xbox 360 Freeboot, presented in a wide range. It is up to the practice of using the capabilities of the console - after installing the chip, they will all be available to the owner of the console.
Of course, you can also download various games on the Xbox 360. GTA Freeboot allows you to run, as many experienced gamers note, it is quite correct, although this is a rather demanding game for the hardware functionality of the consoles.
Connect Xbox to PC via Wi-Fi
A noteworthy opportunity that Freeboot gives is the connection of the Xbox to the PC via Wi-Fi. The optimal standard that can be involved in this. - FTP. It allows, for example, downloading games to the console using PC file managers.
In order to implement the corresponding mechanism, it is necessary, on the one hand, to connect the console to the router via a LAN cable. The computer can communicate with the router via Wi-Fi. After that, you need to start the file manager, one of the most convenient options is Total Commander. In this program, press CTRL and N, then enter the IP address. After that, you can use the files.
These are the basic principles of the Freeboot Xbox 360. We learned what a hardware modifier is and how it is better than firmware. The question, of course, is in the correct practice of using the corresponding features of the console after installing the right chip on it. It must be borne in mind that making modifications to the console is an action that actually nullifies the manufacturer’s warranties. In addition, there is a possibility that during the installation of Freeboot there may be failures.
Nevertheless, it is recommended that experienced professionals be trusted with the procedures in question. If, for example, there may be no problems with the installation of the chip, it is enough to follow the appropriate instructions, then, say, solving the question “how to update the Xbox 360 Freeboot” may require higher qualifications.