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[caster420]

QUOTE(Martinchris23 @ Nov 9 2007, 01:59 PM)

Proper Usage: firmtool OriginalFile HackedFile

How does this tell me what it does? There isn't even a readme file attached to explain. How am I supposed to know that the utility not only copies the key, but also spoofs the destination firmware? The only person who knew this information prior to first use was you, since you wrote it!!! Therefore, why would I even try the utility let alone suggest it to someone else when it's not even documented in the release?

It tells you to use your original firmware file, then your hacked firmware file - pretty straight forward.  I explained it when the firmware was first released, in the original BenQ iXtreme thread.  Yes, there is no readme because i have been working on finished a 32-bit version and both will be released in a package once it is finished.  Firmtool can accept benq, hitachi, or samsung original firmwares and patch benq or samsung hacked firmware.

QUOTE(Martinchris23 @ Nov 9 2007, 01:59 PM)

As I said, FWTB is my app of choice for this purpose because I know before using it what it can and can't do. You shouldn't throw your toys out of the pram because someone else suggests using another tool than yours, especially since you didn't actually make it clear what it could do to begin with.

Then you would know to check and see what 360 Firmware Toolbox does to the firmware when you spoof and/or use it to patch benq firmware.  Take a look at the BenQ firmware patched with 360FWTB - it doesnt change the drive serial, nor does it completely patch all of the version string sets in the firmware.  

I didnt throw it out there because it was my app.  I threw it out there because it has been stated over and over again, in multiple threads, not to use 360FWTB with benq firmware until it fully supports it.  I was correcting your 'guesswork' in regards to 360 Firmware Toolbox - I guess Maximus forgot to mention in the readme exactly what bytes it modifies in the firmware.

Caster.

This post has been edited by caster420: Nov 9 2007, 08:24 PM

[Audioboxer]

Viva Pinata lags slightly and is terribly noisy on 8x for me.

The drive is constantly thrashing/seeking (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

This post has been edited by Audioboxer: Nov 9 2007, 08:41 PM

[caster420]

Here you go Martinchris, made it just for you...

-------------------------------------------------------
firmtool v1.0 by caster420
-------------------------------------------------------

PURPOSE:
-------

   Firmtool was created to allow users to easily create Samsung/BenQ
   Xtreme/iXtreme firmware patched with the correct information from
   their BenQ/Hitachi/Samsung original firmware.  

FEATURES:
--------

   Firmtool supports original firmware from all drives currently
   shipped with an Xbox 360 console.  It will detect the firmware
   version, locate, check and copy the key, copy the version strings
   if different from the hacked firmware (aka spoofing), and copy the
   drive serial (for BenQ firmware only).

USAGE:
-----

   Simply place your original firmware file (orig.bin) and the hacked
   firmware (hacked.bin) file in a directory with firmtool.exe. If in
   windows, open a command prompt window and goto the chosen directory.  
   
   Then type:
   firmtool orig.bin hacked.bin

   If firmtool completes without any errors or warnings, then the
   hacked firmware is ready to be flashed to your dvd-rom.

   *** Note: Filenames are not fixed but must conform to the 8.3 dos
             standard.

KNOWN ISSUES:
------------

   - When firmtool is too deeply embeded in a directory, it will fail
     to execute.  Simply move it to a directory located closer to the
     root of your filesystem and it will execute properly.

CONTACT ME:
----------
   Send me a PM on xbox-scene, xboxhacker, 360mods.net, or on EFnet.

THANKS TO:
---------
commodore4eva, carranzafp, garyOPA, Iriez, momdad, Textbook, Lahey,
bigd23, modfreakz, uberfry  
   

[penguinofdoom564]

QUOTE(caster420 @ Nov 9 2007, 01:18 PM)

I didnt throw it out there because it was my app.  I threw it out there because it has been stated over and over again, in multiple threads, not to use 360FWTB with benq firmware until it fully supports it.  I was correcting your 'guesswork' in regards to 360 Firmware Toolbox - I guess Maximus forgot to mention in the readme exactly what bytes it modifies in the firmware.

Caster.

Really? It has? I had to use FWTB because I run 64-bit windows and Firmtool is a 16-bit app, which it won't run. All I did was load up the hacked firmware file and paste in my drive's key, the ROM versions matched (64930C) so I figured it was alright. It's been working fine, been connected to Xbox Live too. Am I fucked now?

This post has been edited by penguinofdoom564: Nov 9 2007, 11:52 PM

[Toddler]

I think Martinchris will need this as well:

(IMG:http://freshgear.net/gallery/rude/thumbs/GenuineBitch.gif)

QUOTE(penguinofdoom564 @ Nov 9 2007, 04:50 PM)

Am I fucked now?

There's nothing 100% about any of this stuff, that's just what you accept when you mod.  But you want to be doing all that you can to mitigate against risks, and for that, Firmtool is currently the better tool.  Caster has updated it every step of the way to do as thorough a job as possible.  Although it doesn't have a GUI, which to some is a showstopper.  (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

QUOTE(Audioboxer @ Nov 9 2007, 01:37 PM)

Viva Pinata lags slightly and is terribly noisy on 8x for me.

The drive is constantly thrashing/seeking (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

Are you referring to the original or Party Animals?  Party Animals tested fine for me on 8x, obviously louder but no hiccups...5x had the slightest dropout during the FMV intro.

[penguinofdoom564]

QUOTE(Toddler @ Nov 9 2007, 05:04 PM)

There's nothing 100% about any of this stuff, that's just what you accept when you mod.  But you want to be doing all that you can to mitigate against risks, and for that, Firmtool is currently the better tool.  Caster has updated it every step of the way to do as thorough a job as possible.  Although it doesn't have a GUI, which to some is a showstopper.  (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

I'm very comfortable with the command line...like I said though, I run XP x64 on this machine and while it does run 32-bit apps it won't run 16-bit. Firmtool is 16-bit so it doesn't run, period.

I'm asking if something besides the key is transfered when you run firmtool. Obviously the firmware I made has the key since it runs games and such, but it is it missing something else? I can use another computer and run firmtool if I really have to though and get a properly made file. And if it was missing a piece of information from the original FW, are bans for that instant or logged and then done in waves? I can still connect to Live which leads me to believe it's okay for now.

edit- and it just occured to me that I could have fucking made the firmware when I was booted into DOS to use dosflash. Damnit.

This post has been edited by penguinofdoom564: Nov 10 2007, 12:10 AM

[Toddler]

QUOTE(penguinofdoom564 @ Nov 9 2007, 05:08 PM)

I'm asking if something besides the key is transfered when you run firmtool. Obviously the firmware I made has the key since it runs games and such, but it is it missing something else?

Yes, there is more to it than the key.  Does the extra stuff like your drive's serial number matter?  No one knows.  The only way we will ever know is if Microsoft is logging it and people start getting banned at some point.

QUOTE(penguinofdoom564 @ Nov 9 2007, 05:08 PM)

I'm very comfortable with the command line...like I said though, I run XP x64 on this machine and while it does run 32-bit apps it won't run 16-bit. Firmtool is 16-bit so it doesn't run, period.

Workarounds: boot floppy/USB, VMware (32-bit guest OS will run on 64-bit host), email it to a friend, etc.

This post has been edited by Toddler: Nov 10 2007, 12:20 AM

[penguinofdoom564]

Well fuck. Hopefully they're not logging that shit  

I just used another PC on the network to make a proper one with firmtool. Gonna flash it now.

[caster420]

QUOTE(penguinofdoom564 @ Nov 9 2007, 05:50 PM)

Really? It has? I had to use FWTB because I run 64-bit windows and Firmtool is a 16-bit app, which it won't run. All I did was load up the hacked firmware file and paste in my drive's key, the ROM versions matched (64930C) so I figured it was alright. It's been working fine, been connected to Xbox Live too. Am I fucked now?

Your version strings and key are fine but the iXtreme you flashed to your drive doesnt have a serial.  IF they were to start checking for that (currently it doesnt appear so), it could be a method for detection if you dont patch the hacked firmware with your original serial.

Caster.

Edit - should have refreshed the thread before posting... just flash the new fw and you'll be fine.

This post has been edited by caster420: Nov 10 2007, 12:27 AM

[penguinofdoom564]

Thanks guys. I just reflashed and everything seems good.

The first time I was doing all of this was when I had a different install of Windows on this machine, just regular XP pro. When I tried using Firmtool that time it wasn't copying the key. I realize now that's because it was in too deep of a directory. So as a workaround I used FWTB. That was for the "Fast" firmware. Between then and the multispeed coming out I switched to x64 and was faced with another instance of firmtool not working, for different reasons.

It's all straightened out now though and I learned something.  

[Martinchris23]

QUOTE(caster420 @ Nov 9 2007, 09:09 PM)

Here you go Martinchris, made it just for you...

-------------------------------------------------------
firmtool v1.0 by caster420
-------------------------------------------------------

PURPOSE:
-------

   Firmtool was created to allow users to easily create Samsung/BenQ
   Xtreme/iXtreme firmware patched with the correct information from
   their BenQ/Hitachi/Samsung original firmware.  

FEATURES:
--------

   Firmtool supports original firmware from all drives currently
   shipped with an Xbox 360 console.  It will detect the firmware
   version, locate, check and copy the key, copy the version strings
   if different from the hacked firmware (aka spoofing), and copy the
   drive serial (for BenQ firmware only).

USAGE:
-----

   Simply place your original firmware file (orig.bin) and the hacked
   firmware (hacked.bin) file in a directory with firmtool.exe. If in
   windows, open a command prompt window and goto the chosen directory.  
   
   Then type:
   firmtool orig.bin hacked.bin

   If firmtool completes without any errors or warnings, then the
   hacked firmware is ready to be flashed to your dvd-rom.

   *** Note: Filenames are not fixed but must conform to the 8.3 dos
             standard.

KNOWN ISSUES:
------------

   - When firmtool is too deeply embeded in a directory, it will fail
     to execute.  Simply move it to a directory located closer to the
     root of your filesystem and it will execute properly.

CONTACT ME:
----------
   Send me a PM on xbox-scene, xboxhacker, 360mods.net, or on EFnet.

THANKS TO:
---------
commodore4eva, carranzafp, garyOPA, Iriez, momdad, Textbook, Lahey,
bigd23, modfreakz, uberfry

Thank you (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

The 'known issues' is particulary interesting - I will keep this in mind should I use it.

I'm sure others will benefit from seeing this information too.

QUOTE(Toddler @ Nov 9 2007, 11:07 PM)

I think Martinchris will need this as well:

Right back at you.

(IMG:http://freshgear.net/gallery/rude/thumbs/douchebag.jpg)

[Toddler]

QUOTE(Martinchris23 @ Nov 9 2007, 06:21 PM)

Right back at you.

(IMG:http://freshgear.net/gallery/rude/thumbs/douchebag.jpg)

Yeah I thought about using that one, but I was certain you'd seen it before.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Martinchris23]

QUOTE(Toddler @ Nov 10 2007, 12:45 AM)

Yeah I thought about using that one, but I was certain you'd seen it before.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Actually, it reminded me of the 'Things that Yoda would say in bed' audio clip which still roams the 'net (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[fuch]

So, is the speed of the Non Stealth fw 5x (because the file name is benq-ixC.bin) ?

I prefer this fw because it boots everything (and I don't plug the 360 into the router ever)

But is my only option 5x? I've heard of lag issues with lower speeds than full speed.

[Toddler]

QUOTE(Audioboxer @ Nov 9 2007, 01:37 PM)

Viva Pinata lags slightly and is terribly noisy on 8x for me.

The drive is constantly thrashing/seeking (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I played Viva Pinata for an hour on 8x and then three hours on 5x last night, without a single issue.  The game lags for a fraction fo a second when it autosaves, which it does for me on any speed.