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[ChadH]

Taking into account that (allegedly) non modified consoles are also being affected, we need to consider what could possibly be detected on modified and non modified consoles, that might indicate a console has been modified.

A few people have mentioned disk speed which I think might be the most likely cause. Suppose that some recent games have an additional bit of code that times how long it takes for the intro screen (for example) to load. If the drive is running slower than before, then that would take longer to load, and indicate a backup is being run.

However, suppose somebody is running that same game (original this time) on a non modified 360, but the disk is a bit grubby. The intro may take longer to load due to the slightly dirty disk (dirty enough to slow the process down, but not too dirty that the box throws up a dirty disk error), and therefore the box is assumed to be modified.

I've heard rumour that Microsoft are unbanning consoles, which probably indicates that whatever method they are using is  bit on the flaky side. For anyone who is banned, I would recommend phonin, and trying to get your box unbanned. Deny all knowledge of a modification, and see whether they will unban you. If they do, then we know that they're still unable to specifically detect the modification, and are using methods that give them a rough idea - something that they'd have to stop doing in case they ban non modified consoles again.

[sudo911]

It would be interesting now to see if MS will persue all the people who have been playing pirate games now that it looks like they have a full list of what people have played, along with people's details from paying by credit cards.

Anyone feeling paranoid?  

Sudo911.

[MrPacE]

I just wished I knew what to do for the best. Seems that the criteria for a banned xbox is so random...

1 - Reflash firmware to original = reports of banned boxes
2 - Jitter Detection firmware installed = banned boxes if it has or hasn't been installed
3 - Modded AFTER the Spring update = boxes banned

Not one set of 'specifics' is sticking out... no matter what firmware you have, when it was modded etc etc there seems to have been a box banned in all 'groups'. Perhaps they are rolling out the ban's in alphabetical order ?

There does seem to be a lot of talk about people playing back-ups of Crackdown though. Now this is the bit that concerns me. Although I've not played it, my son does. He never goes 'online' with it, but needless to say the xbox signs into Live when it's turned on. And why Crackdown? I've unplugged my xbox from Live, it's not been signed in since Tuesday and I think Lost Planets was the last game to be played. Hope it becomes clearer soon.

[---=Snyper=---]

QUOTE(rjtd @ May 19 2007, 12:18 PM)

Was anyone banned without having the Spring update?

You have to have the update to even login to XBL.

[Phat Phreddy]

QUOTE(Midnight Tboy @ May 19 2007, 05:05 PM)

one thing I'm wondering, kinda tying in with the Jarua theory that seems to be the most probable one.

Has anyone been banned who flashed their 360 once and only once before they even used the 360, ie straight out of the box?

My sammy old machine ringed out on me but my new box with hitachi 78 I modded it before I even booted up for the first time. (with the pre jitter fw)

As of yet, I havent dl'd the spring update, and cant til next week at least as I have to go away for a week, but be interesting to hear if anyone has or hasnt had a straight-outta-box flash done and been banned?

That would be me also.. Machine sold pre modded with a sammy drive last sept.. No way to know what FW they used..

Fall update but not spring..

As of yet not banned according to the network connection test.. It offers me the spring update..

Maybe I will get banned later, maybe the spring update will trigger it (tho I wont be applying that to see if any fixes come up).. Live technically doesnt exist in my country so not so bothered..

[Mana]

anyone with a samsung 4.x been banned?

[Phat Phreddy]

QUOTE(---=Snyper=--- @ May 19 2007, 06:38 PM)

You have to have the update to even login to XBL.

Yes but it would seem that if you do a network test and it offers you a spring update as it tries to sign you in and test.. That your not banned.. Banned consoles just fail the test without a prompt to update the dash..

I am pre spring update on an unknown samsung.. I appear as yet to not be banned..

[MickRick]

*** UPDATE 2 ***

The kids have been playing Viva Pinata and Shrek The Third this morning with the console logged on to Live. Still no ban here. WTF is happening?

[SirPablo]

QUOTE(MickRick @ May 19 2007, 12:55 PM)

*** UPDATE 2 ***

The kids have been playing Viva Pinata and Shrek The Third this morning with the console logged on to Live. Still no ban here. WTF is happening?

Mick I have a theory, check this topic out

http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=603956

Let me knwo if your in that situation

Tar

Pabs

[Foozler]

I can't help but think that the "flashed with firmguard before going on live" theory might have some merit.  At least that is the case for me.  I had flashed with firmguard right out of the box.  I have since updated to 2.4 and am not banned as of yet.

[Phat Phreddy]

QUOTE(sudo911 @ May 19 2007, 06:09 PM)

Only noticed the posts this morning in relation to the bannings, but did not use Live since before the Srping update. I have 5.2 of the firmware. I powered on the 360 today and went to sign in to LIVE without any games in the xbox. I got a failure signing into Live, and when I went to test the connection I got a pass for all of the tests, other than xbox live. There was no screen saying I was banned, and a blank dialog box. There was an option for the status codes alright.

It's no confirmation that I have been banned, although the fact that I cannot sign into Live is bad. I never did the Spring Update, downloaded Halo3 beta, or successfully played Crackdown online.

Any thoughts? Is it just Live is down now?

Sudo911.

Compare your error codes with the ban codes.. Simple no ??

[SirPablo]

QUOTE(Foozler @ May 19 2007, 12:59 PM)

I can't help but think that the "flashed with firmguard before going on live" theory might have some merit.  At least that is the case for me.  I had flashed with firmguard right out of the box.  I have since updated to 2.4 and am not banned as of yet.

Any chance you can post that on my topic, just so we can keep all the info in one place with regard the theory, Thanks

[chemicalthunder]

I reckon they're just rolling the bans out and they know what they're doing. Soon people that arn't banned right now will be banned. Its just a matter of time. Maybe in a few days when you log on it won't connect.

My theory is that the first time you logged on, live would have got your details, if these have changed, or are not correct to what the box should be, you're probably banned. Sure there's always some mistakes, how many consoles do they brick with updates? My brother is on his third xbox. The last one was screwed with an update, and wont boot now.

I'm pretty sure the biggest computer software corporation in the world would be able to employ someone to figure out how to find boxes that are running pirated software.

[Phat Phreddy]

QUOTE(rjtd @ May 19 2007, 06:18 PM)

Was anyone banned without having the Spring update?

Yes there is a vid out there showing a pre spring update kernal and the live banned error codes..

[rjtd]

I think it is fair for them to block backups on their live service. Just like PC games, if you want to play online, you should buy the game.
Previously to this ban, there was no real advantage of having the original game, so nobody was compelled to buy them, and that was really bad for developers and MS, so I can undestand that they were pissed of with it.
Now, with the ban, more people will start buying games, and the developers and MS will be happier, and modders us alone. There is now a real advantage to stay "legal", and people now have to decide (it's no longer a always-win situation).
That way no part will win 100% the game. MS gets 50% for banning on live, while modders get 50% for being allowed to play backups.

This post has been edited by rjtd: May 19 2007, 01:20 PM