Common terms:
Firmware (wii > settings > top right): A number, to say which Version of wii you are using, each firmware update, adds and removes things, the differences and such will be mentioned below.
Region code (the letter at the end of the firmware number): Each one stands for which region youre in, updating out of region will give you a "semi brick", E = Pal/Europe, J = Japan, U = United States.
Homebrew channel or HBC: This is a program, used to run specially made programs, to do various things on the wii, from region free, to running back ups.
semi brick: Breaking your system, and limiting its power to less than normal, it is usually fixable, and usually has no adverse affect after its fixed.
brick: Breaking your system, to a point where it does next to nothing, it is sometimes fixable, but its a case by case thing, these are not good and should be avoided.
twilight princess: the legend of zelda game for the wii, and can install homebrew channel on all wiis as of today.
twilight hack beta 1: a special hacked save using LOZ twilight princess, that allows, anyone to install homebrew channel, on any wii. it only works on 3.3 or lower.
twilight hack beta 2: a special save, that only works on 3.4, and will not work, on anything else.
Firmware:
3.1 and lower: older firmwares, that should be updated to 3.2, there are 3 ways to do this, update then downgrade. use anyregion changer, or wii update manager and swap a update (modchip only).
3.2 (the best firmware): It can use any homebrew app, it can use wads, normally. Can play any game without issue (some edits needed), and has starfall, which prevents bricks, and lets you block updates/region free, along with wiiware support.
3.3 (there are 3): the original one, is just like 3.2, but since they all look the same, they are all considered bad, fake signed games get blocked (can be removed but is kinda annoying), and wads get blocked.
3.4 (very bad): same as above, but allows nintendo to freely update your wii, this could be a problem down the road.
IOS's, and other wii tech:
Wad: more or less the exe of the wii, they are just installer, there are currently 3 types, IOS, Virtual console, and wiiware, they can brick your wii but its very rare.
IOS: how the wii runs, there are various IOS's, each one does 1 and 1 exact thing, they are required to run some games, and do a lot of different things.
Cios 36: a special made IOS, which is only to support homebrew apps, like gamma.
Cios 37: firmware spoof, to give 3.2, all that 3.3 has, used to fix a lot of games like wiiware titles.
Cios 249: a special made IOS, used by gamma users, to fix various issues.
IOS 38: A IOS, originally from Animal crossing, and is needed to run, it adds wiispeak support.
IOS 53: A IOS, originally from need for speed, which adds support for 3rd party, usb wheels.
IOS 55: A IOS, originally from need for speed, its assumed *by me* to add, additional 3d support, it is needed to run this game, and several others.
IOS 50/51: used for the shop channel, and can be used to patch the fake sign bug fix.
Other IOS's: there are MANY others, but i only mentioned the newest ones, that people ask a lot. there are tons used by the wii that are not worth mentioning, there is also other required ios's like the mario games, update.
Scrubbed: a game where useless data, is changed to make it easier to compact.
brickblocked: removes the update from the game.
regionfrii: a program which changes the IOS's region to whatever you want.
.Elf: old program format for the homebrew channel, its only supported on beta 8 or lower.
.Dol: current program format for the homebrew channel, its supported on all newer, and should work on all older Homebrew channels.
Homebrew apps:
Gamma/ISO loader/backup loader: a program used to boot updates, on a wii without a modchip, it isnt 100%. it might never be perfect but it does work well enough for some people.
starfall: a all in one program, patchs the wii menu, giving you various add ons. region free, blocked updates, recovery menu, and others. it only works on 3.2, and is a tad fickle takes a few tries to work right.
Anyregion changer: changes your wiis language, and region 100%. this can brick your wii if misused.
Gecko OS: a force boot program, which can make some games work, give you errors booting it normally wont give you. lets you load cheat codes, and region free on a unmodded, or a modded wii without region free.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wii cIOS Explained
Question 1: What is cIOS?
cIOS either stands for Custom Input/Output System or Custom Internal Operating System. I tend to get the feeling that it actually means Custom Input/Output System because of what it does. cIOS is quite simply a modified/patched Nintendo system IOS.
Question 2: OK, so what's an IOS?
Now we start to get into the nuts and bolts. Despite popular belief, an IOS is NOT the firmware built into the Wii. In fact, as far as I can tell, there is no firmware built into the Wii, except for what is built into the DVD Drive itself. For those of you who aren't particularly tech savvy, Firmware is a piece of very low-level code that communicates directly with hardware. You can think of it like this: Hardware<->Firmware<->Software. All computers use firmware to directly control hardware. Most software takes advantage of easy to use calls to hardware, with the heavy lifting accomplished by the firmware. For instance, when a software designer needs to detect if there is a CD in a CD/DVD Drive, they code a call to the firmware, which in turn actually asks the drive if there is a disc and returns the answer to the software.
As stated previously, the IOS for the Wii is NOT firmware. You can think of IOS files as "system files" which are stored on a "system on a chip" or SOC within the Wii. The Wii's SOC is called Starlet. Here's what you really need to know about IOS - the system files that it stores are the codes that the Wii uses to communicate with the Wiimotes, nunchuks, balance board, USB Instruments, DVD Drive, Gamecube Controllers, etc. Many IOS versions co-exist, since different games potentially need different IOS features. For instance, when Rock Band first shipped, it included an update that installed IOS37. IOS37 had some codes built into it that the Wii uses to control the USB Microphone for that game. It is important to understand that there are many IOS versions sitting on your Wii side-by-side. They do not overwrite each other and there are codes on the different games that tie to IOS versions.
Question 3: Neato - so what's the big deal with cIOS? Why do I need it?
Some smooth coders got together at some point and figured out how to patch and modify the system IOS to unlock various features of the Wii that would not typically be available. The first widespread implementation of this technique was DVDX - whereby a standard DVD could be read by the Wii's DVD drive (typically the Wii's DVD drive can only read Wii and Gamecube games). Based on DVDX, the homebrew application MPlayer was able to read DVD movie discs, and the DVD was opened up as a storage medium for various homebrew applications. The first disc backup loaders were also borne out of this customized/patched IOS.
Question 4: Um, woah...how does the cIOS work with my Nintendo's stock IOS? Does it overwrite it?? OMG AM I GOING TO BRICK MY Wii?!?!
The short answer is no. Because many IOS's co-exist on the Wii, it is possible to grab a stock one, patch and modify it, and add it as a brand new IOS for use with homebrew applications that can use it. This is absolutely critical and it's a huge step that the coders found a way to do it. All customized IOS versions install as an IOS in the 200+ range. All stock system IOS's are in the 30-50 range. Installing cIOS is safe because it never modifies your original IOS, it just adds another one. You can also easily remove the cIOS without adversely affecting the stock functionality of the Wii. The only way to brick your Wii when messing with IOS is to delete or modify a standard system IOS such as IOS36 or IOS38. Stay away from the system ones!
Question 5: Whew! OK good, so what is IOS249 and how does it relate to IOS36 or IOS38?
There has been a lot of work done on updating and improving the cIOS. When the USB Loader started to get popular, Waninkoko had been releasing cIOS36rev_(version). cIOS36 is a customized IOS based on system IOS36. It installs as IOS249. Subsequently, most revisions and updates (despite what version of official Nintendo IOS they are based on) will install as IOS249. IOS249 is the IOS that enables most of the hardware hacking such as USB Hard Drive Loading and DVDX. When new games come through with additional patches/IOS requirements, the coders will release a new cIOS to be sure to include all of the patches that are included with that update. That is why suddenly we are looking at cIOS38_rev13 instead of cIOS36_rev13. For maximum compatibility, I would suggest getting the latest stable cIOS release. What constitutes stable? Well...you'll need to do your homework and read forums/release notes.
It's worth noting that we are at a point where the new releases of patched Nintendo IOS's will install as IOS249 (except for the IOS222 as explained below). If you have IOS249 installed, that should be your de facto IOS for homebrew and other Wii hacks. An updated cIOS249 (whether from cIOS36_rev[version], cIOS38_rev[version] or beyond) is all you need. When a new one comes through, just download the new WAD file and use the WAD Manager to install it over the old cIOS249 (it will choose all of the correct settings for you...just install it). If you have a problem with a newer or buggy cIOS, then just grab an older version's WAD file and install it. It's that easy.
Question 6: So...what about uninstalling cIOS?
If you want to uninstall cIOS, all you need to do is use Any Title Deleter, or the WAD Manager (if you have the cIOS WAD that you used to install it originally) to delete IOS249. NEVER, EVER delete any IOS with a lower (2-digit) suffix. IOS30, IOS34, IOS36, IOS38, etc. should never be touched. If you remove one, you very well could brick your Wii.
Question 7: What the heck is IOS222
One current limitation of cIOS249 is that when you have a hard drive plugged into the Wii, the Wii doesn't like to accept a second USB device (such as a Rock Band microphone or a USB LAN Adapter ). I'm sure eventually this will be solved in cIOS249, but should you not want to wait, you can install cIOS222 by coder Hermes. This specialized cIOS was developed specifically to attempt a fix for the second USB port use issue. The USB Loader GX actually lets you choose whether you'd like to use cIOS222 or cIOS249 to load games. Generally you'll want to use cIOS249, but if you're in need of a Rock Band or USB LAN Adapter fix, you can load with cIOS222.
cIOS either stands for Custom Input/Output System or Custom Internal Operating System. I tend to get the feeling that it actually means Custom Input/Output System because of what it does. cIOS is quite simply a modified/patched Nintendo system IOS.
Question 2: OK, so what's an IOS?
Now we start to get into the nuts and bolts. Despite popular belief, an IOS is NOT the firmware built into the Wii. In fact, as far as I can tell, there is no firmware built into the Wii, except for what is built into the DVD Drive itself. For those of you who aren't particularly tech savvy, Firmware is a piece of very low-level code that communicates directly with hardware. You can think of it like this: Hardware<->Firmware<->Software. All computers use firmware to directly control hardware. Most software takes advantage of easy to use calls to hardware, with the heavy lifting accomplished by the firmware. For instance, when a software designer needs to detect if there is a CD in a CD/DVD Drive, they code a call to the firmware, which in turn actually asks the drive if there is a disc and returns the answer to the software.
As stated previously, the IOS for the Wii is NOT firmware. You can think of IOS files as "system files" which are stored on a "system on a chip" or SOC within the Wii. The Wii's SOC is called Starlet. Here's what you really need to know about IOS - the system files that it stores are the codes that the Wii uses to communicate with the Wiimotes, nunchuks, balance board, USB Instruments, DVD Drive, Gamecube Controllers, etc. Many IOS versions co-exist, since different games potentially need different IOS features. For instance, when Rock Band first shipped, it included an update that installed IOS37. IOS37 had some codes built into it that the Wii uses to control the USB Microphone for that game. It is important to understand that there are many IOS versions sitting on your Wii side-by-side. They do not overwrite each other and there are codes on the different games that tie to IOS versions.
Question 3: Neato - so what's the big deal with cIOS? Why do I need it?
Some smooth coders got together at some point and figured out how to patch and modify the system IOS to unlock various features of the Wii that would not typically be available. The first widespread implementation of this technique was DVDX - whereby a standard DVD could be read by the Wii's DVD drive (typically the Wii's DVD drive can only read Wii and Gamecube games). Based on DVDX, the homebrew application MPlayer was able to read DVD movie discs, and the DVD was opened up as a storage medium for various homebrew applications. The first disc backup loaders were also borne out of this customized/patched IOS.
Question 4: Um, woah...how does the cIOS work with my Nintendo's stock IOS? Does it overwrite it?? OMG AM I GOING TO BRICK MY Wii?!?!
The short answer is no. Because many IOS's co-exist on the Wii, it is possible to grab a stock one, patch and modify it, and add it as a brand new IOS for use with homebrew applications that can use it. This is absolutely critical and it's a huge step that the coders found a way to do it. All customized IOS versions install as an IOS in the 200+ range. All stock system IOS's are in the 30-50 range. Installing cIOS is safe because it never modifies your original IOS, it just adds another one. You can also easily remove the cIOS without adversely affecting the stock functionality of the Wii. The only way to brick your Wii when messing with IOS is to delete or modify a standard system IOS such as IOS36 or IOS38. Stay away from the system ones!
Question 5: Whew! OK good, so what is IOS249 and how does it relate to IOS36 or IOS38?
There has been a lot of work done on updating and improving the cIOS. When the USB Loader started to get popular, Waninkoko had been releasing cIOS36rev_(version). cIOS36 is a customized IOS based on system IOS36. It installs as IOS249. Subsequently, most revisions and updates (despite what version of official Nintendo IOS they are based on) will install as IOS249. IOS249 is the IOS that enables most of the hardware hacking such as USB Hard Drive Loading and DVDX. When new games come through with additional patches/IOS requirements, the coders will release a new cIOS to be sure to include all of the patches that are included with that update. That is why suddenly we are looking at cIOS38_rev13 instead of cIOS36_rev13. For maximum compatibility, I would suggest getting the latest stable cIOS release. What constitutes stable? Well...you'll need to do your homework and read forums/release notes.
It's worth noting that we are at a point where the new releases of patched Nintendo IOS's will install as IOS249 (except for the IOS222 as explained below). If you have IOS249 installed, that should be your de facto IOS for homebrew and other Wii hacks. An updated cIOS249 (whether from cIOS36_rev[version], cIOS38_rev[version] or beyond) is all you need. When a new one comes through, just download the new WAD file and use the WAD Manager to install it over the old cIOS249 (it will choose all of the correct settings for you...just install it). If you have a problem with a newer or buggy cIOS, then just grab an older version's WAD file and install it. It's that easy.
Question 6: So...what about uninstalling cIOS?
If you want to uninstall cIOS, all you need to do is use Any Title Deleter, or the WAD Manager (if you have the cIOS WAD that you used to install it originally) to delete IOS249. NEVER, EVER delete any IOS with a lower (2-digit) suffix. IOS30, IOS34, IOS36, IOS38, etc. should never be touched. If you remove one, you very well could brick your Wii.
Question 7: What the heck is IOS222
One current limitation of cIOS249 is that when you have a hard drive plugged into the Wii, the Wii doesn't like to accept a second USB device (such as a Rock Band microphone or a USB LAN Adapter ). I'm sure eventually this will be solved in cIOS249, but should you not want to wait, you can install cIOS222 by coder Hermes. This specialized cIOS was developed specifically to attempt a fix for the second USB port use issue. The USB Loader GX actually lets you choose whether you'd like to use cIOS222 or cIOS249 to load games. Generally you'll want to use cIOS249, but if you're in need of a Rock Band or USB LAN Adapter fix, you can load with cIOS222.
Downloads
cIOS249r14
Waninkokos firmware updater 4.1
Patched IOS60
Wad Manager
Use your Wii as a media player with MPlayer CE
Homebrew Browser for downloading wiibrew from the wii a must have
NeoGamma use to play back up games from dvdr, sd, usb this is another must have
Ocarina Cheat Manager copy ocarina folder to apps folder on your sd card and copy pc to your hard drive there is tons of videos on youtube if your confused on how to use it also if you use ocarina from the homebrew channel it only works with original games not back ups if you want to use cheats on back up games use NeoGamma
Link to a codes for tons of games make sure download is for the region of the game also to download click the game title you want and you will see a download link at the top centered under the game title just right click and save target and then open ocarina load the txt file select the cheats you want enabled also there is sometimes values such as XX you have to choose what you want the values to be such mario kart replace xx with 0F and that is bullet bill then click store name/id and store mods make sure your sd card is in the computer then click export to GCT and your done
IMAGE BURN the best free software for burning wii .iso files
WBFS Manager is fantastic just format a usb memory stick with WBFS Manager copy your back up .iso files to it and plug it in the usb slot in the wii load NeoGamma and choose load games from usb that easy
Waninkokos firmware updater 4.1
Patched IOS60
Wad Manager
Use your Wii as a media player with MPlayer CE
Homebrew Browser for downloading wiibrew from the wii a must have
NeoGamma use to play back up games from dvdr, sd, usb this is another must have
Ocarina Cheat Manager copy ocarina folder to apps folder on your sd card and copy pc to your hard drive there is tons of videos on youtube if your confused on how to use it also if you use ocarina from the homebrew channel it only works with original games not back ups if you want to use cheats on back up games use NeoGamma
Link to a codes for tons of games make sure download is for the region of the game also to download click the game title you want and you will see a download link at the top centered under the game title just right click and save target and then open ocarina load the txt file select the cheats you want enabled also there is sometimes values such as XX you have to choose what you want the values to be such mario kart replace xx with 0F and that is bullet bill then click store name/id and store mods make sure your sd card is in the computer then click export to GCT and your done
IMAGE BURN the best free software for burning wii .iso files
WBFS Manager is fantastic just format a usb memory stick with WBFS Manager copy your back up .iso files to it and plug it in the usb slot in the wii load NeoGamma and choose load games from usb that easy
How to upgrade wii to 4.1 firmware
What you will need:
a) Homebrew Channel already installed
b) cIOS249r14
c) Waninkokos firmware updater 4.1
d) Patched IOS60
e) 300+ free blocks in your Wii memory
Copy the app and wad to your SD card and do the following:
1) Install cIOS249 rev14.
2) Install IOS60patched.wad with wad manager.
3) Restart your Wii.
4) Now run Waninkokos Firmware-Updater_4.1 make sure the wii is connected to the internet and choose network installation and follow any prompts until it's finished.
a) Homebrew Channel already installed
b) cIOS249r14
c) Waninkokos firmware updater 4.1
d) Patched IOS60
e) 300+ free blocks in your Wii memory
Copy the app and wad to your SD card and do the following:
1) Install cIOS249 rev14.
2) Install IOS60patched.wad with wad manager.
3) Restart your Wii.
4) Now run Waninkokos Firmware-Updater_4.1 make sure the wii is connected to the internet and choose network installation and follow any prompts until it's finished.
3.1-4.1 Softmod for ANY Wii
New 3.1-4.1 Softmod for ANY Wii
This guide will fully modify your Wii to safely play backup games
Make sure you do the steps in the right order or you could run into problems, and read the guide through a couple of times before trying it. Read ALL OF IT! Most problems arise from people not reading the instructions properly or not using a compatible SD card, a plain 2gb one is best. If you are buying a new one try and get a Sandisk.
All you need is an SD card formatted to FAT32, an internet connection on your Wii and these files: DOWNLOAD
Before you start make sure Wiiconnect 24 is off as it can stop bannerbomb working, you may turn it back on once you have completed the guide.
If you get errors during any of the steps format your card with this tool.
TAKE OUT ALL GAMECUBE MEMORY CARDS/CONTROLLERS
1. INSTALL BOOTMII AND THE HOMEBREW CHANNEL
a). Put all the files from ‘copy to sd card.rar’ onto the root of the SD Card. It should look like this when done.
b). Insert the SD card into Wii.
c). Go to Wii Options, then go to Data Management > Channels > SD Card, then you will get a message saying "Load boot.elf?" , select 'Yes' and the Hackmii installer will run.
d). Install Bootmii as boot2 if you can, if not then install it as an IOS then go back and install the Homebrew Channel.
If you are connected to the Internet the Homebrew Channel will ask to update - say no until you have completed this guide.
2. BACK UP YOUR NAND (OPTIONAL)
Making a NAND backup with Bootmii is highly recommended, it will recover your Wii from 99.9% of bricks.
Use the same SD card you used to install Bootmii and make sure there is at least 530mb free on it.
Bootmii is very fussy about what SD cards it uses, so avoid generic ones and try and use a Sandisk or similar.
a) Put the SD card into the Wii, if you installed Bootmii as boot2 then it will load, if it is installed as an IOS go to the Homebrew Channel, press 'home' on your wiimote and select 'Launch Bootmii'.
b) Use the power/reset/eject buttons to navigate the Bootmii menu and select the icon with the gears on it. If those buttons don't work then you will have to use a Gamecube controller.
c) Now select the icon with a green arrow pointing from the chip to the SD card and follow the on screen instructions.
D) In about 10 mins you will have a NAND backup, it is normal to have up to 80 bad blocks so don't worry if you get some.
e) Put the SD card into PC and copy the NAND backup somewhere safe, you can now delete it from your card. If you installed Bootmii as boot2 then also copy the Bootmii folder to your PC and either delete or rename it, otherwise it will load every time you switch your Wii on.
If ever you get bricked then copy the bootmii folder and NAND backup onto your card, do steps a) & b) again, using Priiloader to get to HBC if necessary, then select the icon with the arrow going from the SD card to the chip. It is not recommended to restore your NAND if you have Bootmii installed as an IOS.
3. GET A CIOS
Note: Follow the next steps through read fist
a) Go to Homebrew channel and run Trucha Bug Restorer, load IOS36, press 1, read the warnings then select 'downgrade IOS15', select to load IOS from SD card then let it do its job, keep an eye on what it is doing and make sure you select 'load from sd card' when it asks & don't get any errors.
b) Run Trucha Bug Restorer again, this time select to load IOS15 on first screen using dpad left/right, then select the IOS36 menu & install patched (select 'yes' on all 3 patches) IOS36 to slot 36, again using IOS from SD card.
c) Run Trucha Bug Restorer again, load IOS36 and this time select restore IOS15.
d) Run cIOS38 r14 installer, select IOS36 as the one it should use and then select wad install.
Thats its all done please read guide on upgrading to firmware 4.1 its a must have for SDHC cards also your Wii memory is more efficient
This guide will fully modify your Wii to safely play backup games
Make sure you do the steps in the right order or you could run into problems, and read the guide through a couple of times before trying it. Read ALL OF IT! Most problems arise from people not reading the instructions properly or not using a compatible SD card, a plain 2gb one is best. If you are buying a new one try and get a Sandisk.
All you need is an SD card formatted to FAT32, an internet connection on your Wii and these files: DOWNLOAD
Before you start make sure Wiiconnect 24 is off as it can stop bannerbomb working, you may turn it back on once you have completed the guide.
If you get errors during any of the steps format your card with this tool.
TAKE OUT ALL GAMECUBE MEMORY CARDS/CONTROLLERS
1. INSTALL BOOTMII AND THE HOMEBREW CHANNEL
a). Put all the files from ‘copy to sd card.rar’ onto the root of the SD Card. It should look like this when done.
b). Insert the SD card into Wii.
c). Go to Wii Options, then go to Data Management > Channels > SD Card, then you will get a message saying "Load boot.elf?" , select 'Yes' and the Hackmii installer will run.
d). Install Bootmii as boot2 if you can, if not then install it as an IOS then go back and install the Homebrew Channel.
If you are connected to the Internet the Homebrew Channel will ask to update - say no until you have completed this guide.
2. BACK UP YOUR NAND (OPTIONAL)
Making a NAND backup with Bootmii is highly recommended, it will recover your Wii from 99.9% of bricks.
Use the same SD card you used to install Bootmii and make sure there is at least 530mb free on it.
Bootmii is very fussy about what SD cards it uses, so avoid generic ones and try and use a Sandisk or similar.
a) Put the SD card into the Wii, if you installed Bootmii as boot2 then it will load, if it is installed as an IOS go to the Homebrew Channel, press 'home' on your wiimote and select 'Launch Bootmii'.
b) Use the power/reset/eject buttons to navigate the Bootmii menu and select the icon with the gears on it. If those buttons don't work then you will have to use a Gamecube controller.
c) Now select the icon with a green arrow pointing from the chip to the SD card and follow the on screen instructions.
D) In about 10 mins you will have a NAND backup, it is normal to have up to 80 bad blocks so don't worry if you get some.
e) Put the SD card into PC and copy the NAND backup somewhere safe, you can now delete it from your card. If you installed Bootmii as boot2 then also copy the Bootmii folder to your PC and either delete or rename it, otherwise it will load every time you switch your Wii on.
If ever you get bricked then copy the bootmii folder and NAND backup onto your card, do steps a) & b) again, using Priiloader to get to HBC if necessary, then select the icon with the arrow going from the SD card to the chip. It is not recommended to restore your NAND if you have Bootmii installed as an IOS.
3. GET A CIOS
Note: Follow the next steps through read fist
a) Go to Homebrew channel and run Trucha Bug Restorer, load IOS36, press 1, read the warnings then select 'downgrade IOS15', select to load IOS from SD card then let it do its job, keep an eye on what it is doing and make sure you select 'load from sd card' when it asks & don't get any errors.
b) Run Trucha Bug Restorer again, this time select to load IOS15 on first screen using dpad left/right, then select the IOS36 menu & install patched (select 'yes' on all 3 patches) IOS36 to slot 36, again using IOS from SD card.
c) Run Trucha Bug Restorer again, load IOS36 and this time select restore IOS15.
d) Run cIOS38 r14 installer, select IOS36 as the one it should use and then select wad install.
Thats its all done please read guide on upgrading to firmware 4.1 its a must have for SDHC cards also your Wii memory is more efficient
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