Want to play games burned to your Xbox 360? To play with copies of games (backups), you will need to flash the DVD drive of your Xbox 360 so that it launches a custom firmware. This will allow the player to play the burned discs and a clean flash of the console allows you to continue to connect to Xbox Live. The flashing process varies slightly depending on the model of DVD player you have.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Rip DVD Drive
Step 1. Update your Xbox
Before you start disassembly and flashing, you'll need to make sure your Xbox 360 has been updated recently. This is because flashing software is designed to work with the latest updates and you may encounter errors if your Xbox is not up to date.
See this guide for details on updating your Xbox
Step 2. Open the Xbox 360
To flash the DVD drive, you will need to extract it from the console. To do this, you will need to remove the exterior panel of the Xbox.
See this guide for step-by-step instructions on opening your Xbox 360
Step 3. Remove the DVD drive
Gently pull the DVD player out of the console. Make sure you don't pull the cables that connect the player to the Xbox circuit.
Step 4. Unplug the drive
After pulling out the player, disconnect the two cables that connect the player to the console. You should now be able to extract it completely.
Step 5. Identify the manufacturer of the DVD drive
There are four different brands of DVD players that your Xbox could use. Some readers will require more tools than others. You can identify the reader by examining their sticker. You just need to know the manufacturer to determine what tools and processes you are going to use.
The four manufacturers are Lite-On, Samsung, BenQ and Hitachi
Part 2 of 4: Configure JungleFlasher
Step 1. Download the flash software
To flash your drive, you will need to download the software designed for this purpose. There is a program called JungleFlasher, which is specially designed for flashing Xbox 360 players. You can download it for free from the developer's site.
- You will also need the firmware files for your player. Download the iXtreme LT + 3.0 firmware files from the iXtreme site. JungleFlasher is not included in these files for legal reasons. Firmware files modify the functions of the Xbox 360 DVD drive, allowing you to install custom software.
- If you are flashing a Hitachi drive, you will need to download additional Hitachi iXtreme LT + 3.0 files.
Step 2. Unzip the JungleFlasher archive
After downloading JungleFlasher, extract the folder to your computer, in an easy-to-access location. You don't need to install JungleFlasher in order to use it. Place the JungleFlasher folder on your desktop or at the root of your hard drive, for quick access during the flash process.
Step 3. Copy the firmware files to the JungleFlasher directory
Once you have extracted JungleFlasher, extract the archive containing the iXtreme LT + 3.0 firmware files. Open the extracted folder then open the firmware folder. Copy all the files to the folder in the JungleFlasher directory.
Step 4. Copy the necessary DLL files
Open the JungleFlasher directory, then open the libusb folder. Copy the libusb0.dll file from this folder and place it in the root directory of JungleFlasher, where the JungleFlasher.exe program is located.
Open the PortIO folder and copy the two files to the root directory of JungleFlasher
Part 3 of 4: connect the player to a computer
Step 1. Gather your accessories
You will need several accessories to connect the DVD player to your computer so that it can be flashed.
- A USB connector (Xecuter X360USB, X360USBPRO).
- A Power-to-Molex DVD adapter (Xecuter CK3 Lite). It is not required if you are using the Xecuter X360USB tool, as it is already integrated. If you are using the X360USBPRO tool, you will need it.
- A probe (TK CK3 PROBE 3, TX SPUTNIK360 UNLOCK PROBE, MAXIMUS 360 SCORPION TOOL V2). This accessory is only needed for the Lite-On reader. No other DVD player requires this accessory.
- A Molex power connector (Molex to USB also works).
Step 2. Unmount your Lite-On DVD drive
If you are flashing a Lite-On DVD player, you will need to remove the cover panel on the DVD player in order to access all of the circuitry. Turn the drive over and remove the four screws that hold the panel in place. Remove the panel to expose the circuit.
You only need to do this for Lite-On readers. If you are using another drive, you can skip this step
Step 3. Power on the USB connector
If you are using the Xecuter X360USB tool, connect the Molex adapter to it using the Molex cable, then plug the other end into the Molex power connector. Connect the USB connector to the DVD drive using the standard power cable (unless you are flashing a Lite-On drive, if so, see the next step). If you are using the X360USBPRO, connect the CK3 Lite to the DVD player using the power cable, then plug it into the outlet using the Molex power connector.
Step 4. Connect the probe (Lite-On only)
Connect the reader and the USB connector using the probe cable. Connect the end of the cable to the power connector of the DVD player using the push button. Connect the other end of the cable to the USB connector.
Attach the probe to the small wire that comes out of the probe cable. It should light up
Step 5. Connect the USB connector to the DVD drive using a SATA cable
This will ensure the transmission of transmitted data between your computer and the DVD player.
Step 6. Connect the USB connector to your computer
Plug the connector into a USB port on your computer. Avoid using a USB hub, as it will not provide enough power. You can use an extension cable if you cannot reach the USB port. More lights should appear on the USB connector when it is plugged into the computer.
Part 4 of 4: flash the drive
Choose the section according to the DVD player used by your XBOX 360:
Samsung
Hitachi
BenQ
Lite-On
Flash Samsung Drive
Step 1. Launch JungleFlasher
Once the drive is connected to the USB tool and your computer, you can start JungleFlasher to begin the flashing process.
Step 2. Check the status of your key
Click on the DVDKey 32 tab. It will display all the key information of your DVD drive, which is essential for flashing. In the "Drive Properties" section, the "DVD Key" entry should display "Unverified."
Step 3. Unlock the drive
Click on the MTK Flash 32 tab, then click on the "Sammy Unlock" button. If you have never flashed the drive before, click Yes, otherwise follow the instructions in the dialog box.
Step 4. Wait while the drive is unlocked
You will see the text at the bottom of the window. Once the drive is unlocked, look for the "drive properties" section in the MTK Flash 32 tab. The "vendor" field should read "vendor mode".
Step 5. Copy the old firmware
Click the Read button. JungleFlasher will start reading Samsung firmware files. At the end of playing the files, you will be prompted to save the original firmware as a backup. Choose a location that you can easily find if you want to restore your original firmware files.
Step 6. Load the new firmware
After saving the firmware, you will be prompted to load the Samsung LT + firmware files. Click Yes to continue.
Step 7. Save your drive key
Click on the button
Save the drive key and save this key in a safe place. This will come in handy if you want to restore your disk later.
Step 8. Register your custom firmware
Click on the button
Save File to save your custom firmware files. This will make flashing of the same drive much easier in the future.
Step 9. Install the new firmware
Click the MTK Flash 32 tab, then click the Write button. You can monitor the writing process in the text box at the bottom of the window. This process will take a little while.
Step 10. Exit seller mode
Once the firmware writing is complete, click the Outro / ATA Reset button to exit vendor mode of your DVD player. This will prevent your XBOX from getting banned immediately on Xbox Live. The "DVD key" entry in the "Drive properties" section should show checked.
Flash Hitachi drive
Step 1. Launch JungleFlasher
Once the drive is connected to the USB tool and your computer, you can start JungleFlasher to begin the flashing process.
Step 2. Check the version of your HITACHI player
Click on the tab
Hitachi GDR3120. If the "78/79" option is selected in the "Disc revision" section, you will need to burn an additional CD to unlock the drive. Click on the "insert CD 79 Unlock" link, which will open your browser and attempt to download a file. Save the file and then extract it.
Burn the BIN file to a blank CD, using your favorite image burning program. See this guide for more details
Step 3. Switch to B-mode
On the Hitachi GDR3120 tab, click the Send-B mode button. A window with the instructions will appear, but these can be skipped because you are using a USB connector.
Step 4. Insert the release disk
Once you're in B-mode, click the Open button to open the drive drawer. Insert the disc then click on the Close button. Click the 79 Unlock button to play the disc. The player will eject the disc automatically as soon as the operation is complete.
This step is only necessary if you have a version 79 player
Step 5. Empty the data from the drive
In the "Flashing options" section, verify that the "empty drive" option is selected, then click the button
read the source. Save the backed up drive data file to an easily accessible location, in case you want to restore the drive later.
Step 6. Save your drive key
Click on the button
Save the drive key and save the drive key in a safe place. This will be useful if you want to restore your disk later.
Step 7. Flash the LT + firmware
Go back to the Hitachi GDR3120 tab and select "Flash LT +" in the "Flash options" section. Click on the button
Flash LT +. Click Yes when the program indicates that the flash ratio is stable.
Step 8. Wait for the flashing process to finish
You can see the progress in the text box at the bottom of the window. Once the flashing process is complete, return to the Hitachi GDR3120 tab. Turn the DVD player on and off (you can simply remove the player's power cable to reset it).
Flash the BenQ drive
Step 1. Launch JungleFlasher
Once the drive is connected to the USB tool and your computer, you can start JungleFlasher to begin the flashing process.
Step 2. Unlock the drive
Click on the Hitachi GDR3120 tab and then click on the Unlock BenQ button. The DVD player will automatically unlock.
Step 3. Wait while the drive is unlocked
You will see a message in the box at the bottom of the window. Once the drive is unlocked, look for the "Drive Properties" section of the MTK Flash 32 tab. You should read "Vendor Mode" in the "Vendor" field.
Step 4. Copy the old firmware
Click the Read button. JungleFlasher will start reading BenQ firmware files. When the reading is complete, you will be prompted to save the original firmware as a backup. Choose a location that is easy to find if you want to restore the original firmware files.
Step 5. Load the new firmware
After saving the firmware backup, you will be prompted to load the BenQ LT + firmware files. Click Yes to continue.
Step 6. Save your drive key
Click on the button
Save the drive key and save the drive key in a safe place. This will be useful if you want to restore your disk later.
Step 7. Register your custom firmware
Click on the button
Save File to save your custom firmware files. This will make flashing of the same drive much easier in the future.
Step 8. Install the new firmware
Click the MTK Flash 32 tab, then click the Write button. You can monitor the writing process in the text box at the bottom of the window. This process will take a little while.
Step 9. Exit vendor mode
Once the firmware writing is complete, click the MTK Flash 32 button to exit vendor mode of your DVD player. This will prevent your XBOX from getting banned immediately on Xbox Live. The "DVD key" entry in the "Drive properties" section should show checked.
Flash Lite-On Drive
Step 1. Launch JungleFlasher
Once the drive is connected to the USB tool and your computer, you can start JungleFlasher to begin the flashing process.
Step 2. Find the MPX01 point on the Lite-On DVD player circuit
Flip your disassembled Lite-On drive to find the circuit board. Point MPX01 is located on the DVD player circuit and this is where you will need to probe during the flash process. You will find this point next to the big chip installed on the circuit.
Step 3. Prepare to survey the reader
Open the DVDKey 32 tab in JungleFlasher. Click on the PhatKey button and wait a few moments for the program to load. A window with the message “Intro MTK seller failed” will appear. You are now ready to probe the reader.
Make sure the light on the probe is on, indicating that it is powered on
Step 4. Probe the reader
When the window appears, press and hold the button on the probe cable. Keeping the button pressed, press point MPX01 with the probe. Release the button on the probe cable while continuing to hold the probe in focus. Click the Yes button in the JungleFlasher window.
Step 5. Remove the probe and reset the reader
When the following window appears, you will need to remove the probe and reset the reader. Remove the probe and turn off the power to the reader at the USB connector. Wait five seconds, then turn it back on. Click OK in JungleFlasher.
Step 6. Save the key
After clicking OK, you will be prompted to save the extracted key. Save it in an easily accessible location. There will be multiple files that you will need to save in the same location.
Step 7. Load the new firmware
After saving the firmware backup, you will be prompted to load the Lite-On LT + firmware files. Click Yes to continue.
Step 8. Load the registered key
Click the Manual spoofing button in the FirmwareTool 32 tab, click the Load bin key button and select the key you saved earlier.
Step 9. Register your custom firmware
Click on the button
Save File to save your custom firmware files. This will make flashing of the same drive much easier in the future.
Step 10. Erase the drive
Click the MTK Flash 32 tab, then click the Clear Lite-On button. Click the Yes button in the windows that appear. As soon as "…" appears in the text box at the bottom of the window, reset the power to your DVD player either by using the circuit breaker on the CK3 Lite or by removing and reinserting the DVD player power cable..
If you were successful, see Player Properties on the MTK Flash 32 tab. The "seller" field should read "player in seller mode"
Step 11. Install the new firmware
Click the MTK Flash 32 tab, then click the write button. You can monitor the writing process in the text box at the bottom of the window. This process shouldn't take very long.
Step 12. Exit vendor mode
Once the firmware writing is complete, click the Outro / ATA Reset button to exit vendor mode of your DVD player. This is to prevent your Xbox 360 from getting banned immediately on Xbox Live. The "DVD Key" entry in the "Drive Properties" section should read checked.