In previous post we told you that from Microsoft is preparing a new big and important dashboard update, where the main change is that current DVD drives can read a new type disc format (software or hardware different and not fully understood but this is irrelevant).
The main concerns are, however, focused on saved games (of course). Following statement:
- Our backups will possibly no longer work. BUT reflashing to LT + will re-enable backups to be played with the exception of AP25 games which no longer work. This is probably because M $ added more AP25 challenges (but that's not confirmed yet).
Because it is quite clear that if you have LT + currently installing the new dashboard will preflashne DVD it your original company and will have preflashvane again. But what is clear is that the end of the old firmove. LT + apparently now will be absolutely essential in a game on (ie when the games start to seek new update).
Another problem comes with the following statement:
- It's also possible the update will change the way our DVD Drive keys are encrypted, thus it's recommended to have a backup of your key and OFW before you update the dash.
This worries me. If you do not understand what this means, in short, that will block the holes through which we draw the key of DVDs and will they be able to update the hack if you do not have the original key.
Everything said so far is as true as it can rely on the data around the internet at this time. The problem is that such information is proved only when many people were burned and it is too late.
Considering that the Bulgarian is not used to be interested in such works, then many people will be affected by the changes without realizing it ("Hey, update:) Let me take it!"). I have always warned you. You see new update, wait a day or two before you put it, just to see what the feedback!
This publication designed to minimize the people who would affected by the update, if only hypothetically. To do so:
1. From today, April 7, 2011, stop taking any updates. Testing of the dashboard is at least 2 weeks (and has already begun), and rarely lasts more than a month.
2. Make sure you have backup software on DVD(and only the key is sufficient):
- For different reasons and I'm very rarely thought about to give the key of the DVD to its owner, but keep them.
- If you can not track down your key, as soon as possible, create a new backup (for yourself or take it to someone as you see fit)
3. Moving to LT + seems mandatory. As mentioned earlier, not knowing exactly what will make the new dashboard. However, the possibilities are:
- Will not touch the name of the DVD, but if not LT + will not be able to start up saved games -> preflash will need to LT +
- In any of the above scenarios will change the way you pull the switch on the DVD-> flash to LT + would not be possible without the presence of old backups until you invent a new way of reading drive
- In any of the above scenarios will change the way you back-up -> this will be a problem(including LT +)
Recommendation:
1. Do not put the next update!
2. Get your backup and put LT +
AAnd don't forget that Non-Jtag games are not running the new dashboard!
forahobby Administrator
Joined: May 22, 2003 Posts: 23944 Location: NSW, Australia XP: 3,060,024
Here's a conformation post on what is going on as well for those with patched ap2.5 games, and some other interesting finds that M$ has thrown in as well.
>> As you might have read on our forums or elsewhere the last few days, the Beta Dashboard Microsoft released to members accepted into the System Update Preview Program is indeed flashing the firware of some DVD drives (only fat/slim lite-on and fat BenQ afaik). The new beta dashboard, which has also been leaked online already, seems to be 13141/13142 for those who updated through LIVE and 13140 for those who got the green update disc. Besides flashing these drives with a new Original Firmware, it also has a new set of AP2.5 challenges.
While there’s still much to find out and analysed, Defosho posted a nice FAQ/Round-up of some findings – make sure to read his thread for the latest info, but here’s what’s in it at time of writing:
Quote:
1) The physical DVD drive is flashed with new firmware
Some drives are being flashed during the initial update process. This is overwriting your current drive firmware, whether it is custom or original. This is the reason why all backups are failing to boot for some people after the update, because you no longer have custom firmware. Re-flashing back to a CFW will allow current backups to start working again, except for the 4 AP25-active titles listed below that have a new challenge set in 13141/2.
Flashing back to a different drive firmware could result in unknown consequences as the kernel/hv may be expecting to be communicating with a drive with updated OFW.
In the newly flashed drives, you may find that you can’t retrieve your drive key. More information to follow…
The new OFW flash files from the $SystemUpdate are in the $flash_oddupd[<]x[>].xex files.
The new firmware versions are as follows:
Slim LiteOn: PLDS DG-16D4S 0272
Phat BenQ: PBDS VAD6038 04421C
Phat LiteOn: PLDS DG-16D2S 02510C
Please don’t post speculation about other drives, please PM me if you have verifiable information.
2) A new AP25 challenge table
Data from 13141/13142 dash:
- 4 known games are in the table – all known language versions of AC:B, Fable III, NFS:HP and Halo Reach.
- These 4 games each have a new set of challenges so the current available patches will not work with a LT+ CFW.
- Call of Duty MW2 and Black Ops have been removed from the table so unpatched and patched backups should work with a LT+ CFW. Confirmation to follow.
- Read my AP25 FAQ for more information about the table.
AP25 continues to be a successful anti-backup measure. Do not dismiss it.
What’s next?
New CFW versions based on the new OFW is likely to be needed. Don’t expect anything for some time, this won’t be affecting anyone with a retail dash for a while yet.
There’s also some information from C4Eva on IRC:
[c4eva] currently beta dash will flash benq, phat liteons and slim 9504!
[c4eva] hitachi is ignored!
[_w*****] is it for protection or for the new disc format?
[c4eva] w*****:unsure maybe, could be just ensure stock drive for xgd3 testing, will know more soon!
[c4eva] there is no problem in dumping/key extraction for any of the new fw from beta dash!already looked at them all! will wait and see what is used for public release!
Members who got accepted in the System Update Preview Program also received a XGD3 Halo Reach disc (a silver one for those who got the dash upgrade through LIVE and a green one of those who have to update with the disc). Team Xecuter has some info about the new XGD3 format:
[QUOTE]
The data reads larger than a DVD+R DL – but that may be faked / new protection so we will see.
The disc updates dash to 2.0.13140.0
Testing begins…….
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