Actually, I have tons of Ritek DVD-R media that is compatible. So that should work. The HTTP flash might as well, but I don't know.
I do not know if it's a clone. I thought all white ones were clones... either way, I downloaded the 4983 BIOS and resized it to 512k, then made a 100 MB dummy file. The first disc I burned I did incorrectly, but I know exactly what I did wrong so once I have the chance I can do it again. I'm thinking a BIOS disc will make it easier for me to flip the switch over and flash the other bank with the older Cromwell BIOS (it has two banks, and I'd like to keep the Flashbios 3.0.3 around).
Though I guess it would be easy enough for me to move the Xbox right next to my computer so I can quickly switch the bank over.
As for the backup, I just meant I wanted to back up my saved games. What's this eeprom thing? If I just keep my old hard drive around will I be able to get that stuff at a later date? Because I don't really have much use for an 8 GB hard drive at the moment.