(guide posted and translated with permission of the original author)

UPDATE:
there is a new softmod method for vWii - it works WITHOUT USING AN ORIGINAL DISC: it is called WUPHAX, from the great @FIX94 - Click Here to go to the thread/guide !
​

Requirements:
- WiiU with 2.1.0/2.1.3/3.0.1/3.1.0/4.0.0/4.0.2/4.0.3/4.1.0/5.0.0/5.1.0/5.1.1/5.1.2/5.2.0/5.3.0/5.3.1/5.3.2/5.4.0/5.5.0 System Menu (versions lower than 2.1.0 do not have vWii installed - not tested with greater versions)
- SD NON-HC (better if blank/clean to avoid potentially fatal installation of old Wii non-compatible WADs - 4Gb but better 2Gb or smaller; 4Gb can be HC and HC cards will not work; 2GB are surely not HC)
- Original Lego Batman Wii game (look for notes below for other supported games)

- You must play at least 1 time with LEGO BATMAN in vWii mode


Preliminary steps (files needed/SD card preparation)

Lego Batman savegame exploit; download and extract data.bin in folder SD :\private\wii\title\RLBX (X is a variable letter related to your Lego Batman Wii region: P = PAL, E = NTSC, J = JAP) <-- (necessary to launch vWii executable files from the root of SD card)

HackMii Installer (at least version 1.2 - alternative download link here); download and extract \hackmii_installer_v1.2 folder content in SD root <-- (to be launched when using the above exploit in order to install The Homebrew Channel, a very useful homebrew)

d2x cIOS Installer Mod v2.2 (this version patch on the fly original IOSes dumping them directly from your vWii); download and extract folder \d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2 in SD :\ apps <-- (needed to install cIOS)

d2x cIOS; download and extract folder \d2x-v10-betaXX-alt-vWii INSIDE \d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2 folder; choose version d2x-v10-beta52-vWii or d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii according to this pros/cons official chart:

(d2x cIOS is a Custom IOS necessary to execute Loaders)

Configurable USB Loader Mod; download and copy the latest .dol file in SD :\apps\USBLoader renaming it to boot.dol ; if something is not working for you it is alternatvely possible the use of Wiiflow or USBLoader GX, other 2 great loaders ! Remember to use the loaders .DOL file and NOT the WAD installation channel and/or forwarder ! Old Wii WADs may lead you to brick the vWii mode if not correctly recompiled for vWii !). <-- (Loaders are needed to launch game backups)

xyzzy; download and copy \xyzzy folder inside SD\apps\; this homebrew will save your vWii keys

Dump Mii NAND; download and copy \DmpMiNND folder inside SD\apps\; this homebrew will dump vWii NAND to SD

YetAnotherBlueDumpMod; download the 3 files you can find in the previous link and copy them inside SD\apps\HBC; this homebrew will dump clean vWii IOS

========================================
Your final SD\ folder structure should be like this:

\SD ROOT

\apps

\d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2

\d2x-v10-beta52-vWii

DIPP.app
EHCI.app
ES.app
FAT.app
FFSP.app
MLOAD.app
SDHC.app
USBS.app​

\d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii

DIPP.app
EHCI.app
ES.app
FAT.app
FFSP.app
MLOAD.app
SDHC.app
USBS.app
boot.dol
ciosmaps.xml
icon.png
meta.xml​

\DmpMiNND

ARMsource.html
boot.dol
icon.png
meta.xml
PPCsource.html​

\HBC

boot.dol
icon.png
meta.xml​

\USBLoader

boot.dol
icon.png​

\xyzzy

boot.dol
icon.png
meta.xml​

\licenses

APACHE-2.0.txt​

\private

\wii

\title

\RLBX (where X can be E or P or J depending on the game region)

data.bin​

\wiiload

\lin32

wiiload​

\osx

wiiload​

\win32

wiiload.exe​

wiiload.tar.gz​

boot.elf
bootmini.elf
========================================

So after extracting all those homebrews in the correct folders of your SD root (2 or 4 GB) that MUST NOT BE SDHC (if SDHC the bathaxx exploit cannot be run) proceed to step 1.


STEPS

1) Start Virtual Wii (vWii) from WiiU dash and ONLY AFTER IT SHOWS UP insert the prepared SD card (if you insert it earlier the savegame can be deletd)

2) Install exploited savegame
In vWii mode go to Options -> Saved Data -> SD Card -> Click on the icon related to your game version -> select COPY -> YES

3) Execute exploit/Install HBC
Go back to vWii menu ad launch the game -> load the saved game (100%) and you will found yourself in the bat-cave; take the right elevator -> enter the trophy room and get into the upper-left door to go to "Wayne Manor" -> with nunchuck bring the cursor over the enabled character in the lowest row (see minute 1:03 of the following video) to execute the exploit (boot.elf). Follow on-screen procedure to complete HBC Install.

(video found on youtube searching for "bathaxx" - thanks to the original author !)

NOTE: remember to use, as already said, a NON-HC SD card

4) Backup vWii mode keys
From HBC launch xyzzy -> select "SD Card" when requested -> press A -> wait 10-20 seconds (ignore error messages) -> when asked press A to go back to HBC; the file will be copied in SD :\keys.txt

5) Backup vWii mode NAND content
Start HBC -> launch latest version of the great Dump Mii NAND tool (by Maxternal) tool;
the automatic dump procedure will last from 20 to 60 minutes (in my experience it depends on the SD card you are using); the files (nand.bin and keys.bin) will be dumped in sd:/apps/DumpMiNND/ folder; at the end of the dumping procedure your WiiU will reboot.

Edit by Cyan:
6) Dump your IOS for eventual vWii semi-brick fix (optional step but recommended !)
Launch YetAnotherBlueDumpMod
Go to System Titles and dump each IOS individually to a wad.
When prompted to fakesign the ticket or TMD, say No to both. It's a tedious process, but it could save a lot of trouble in the future.

If you don't have CLEAN IOS, you won't be able to fix semi-bricked vWii.
You can't create wads from a NAND dump or from using ShowMiiWads. You NEED to use YetAnotherBlueDumpMod.
so please, don't skip this step (but you can do it after step 7 if you want).


7) Install d2x cIOS on different bases/slots
Start HBC and launch d2x cIOS Installer Mod v2.2 -> press a wiimote key ->
- at "Select cIOS" press right and select "d2x-v10-beta52-vWii" or "d2xv10-beta53-alt-vWii"
- at "Select cIOS base" select "56"
- at "Select cIOS slot" select "249"
press A to install -> cIOS 249 installed.

Repeat the above procedure for IOS57:
- at "Select cIOS" press right and select "d2x-v10-beta52-vWii" or "d2xv10-beta53-alt-vWii"
- at "Select cIOS base" select "57"
- at "Select cIOS slot" select "250"
press A to install -> cIOS 250 installed.

Repeat the above procedure for IOS58:
- at "Select cIOS" press right and select "d2x-v10-beta52-vWii" or "d2xv10-beta53-alt-vWii"
- at "Select cIOS base" select "58"
- at "Select cIOS slot" select "251"
press A to install -> cIOS 251 installed.

8) Now you can execute your preferred homebrew (that needs a cIOS) under HBC. Some homebrews can request IOS236 (see optional steps below on how to install it)

==========================================================================================================================

IMPORTANT NOTES

1 - Step 2 can be substituted with one of those games and their exploits:

- Super Smash Bros. Brawl
exploit name: SMASH STACK

- LEGO Star Wars - The Complete Saga
exploit name: RETURN OF THE JODI

- LEGO Indiana Jones - The Original Adventure
exploit name: INDIANA PWNS (alternative download link here)

- Yu-Gi-Oh 5D's Wheelie Breakers
exploit name: Yu-Gi-OWNED! or Yu-Gi-Vah [but you must connect the scart and use the save 50Hertz + configure output 576I for France <-- directly from wiiubrew]

- Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
exploit name: ERI HAKAWAI


2 - DO NOT PLAY WITH IOS and cIOS both for vWii and real Wii, they are DIFFERENT and use a Wii IOS or cIOS with vWii (and vice versa) CAN BRICK YOUR vWii !!!

3 - Do not play with System Menu, channels or vWii titles to avoid unwanted vWii bricks !

4 - Some 2.5" external hard drivers can need additional power supply (even if they were perfectly working in a real Wii); try to use an Y cable to power them up:

there are different Y cables depending on your 2.5" Hard Disk USB interface:

WHILE CHOOSING THE CORRECT Y CABLE BE ALSO VERY CAREFUL AT IDENTIFYING MICRO USB 3.0 A or B MALE CONNECTOR BECAUSE Micro A Male DOES NOT FIT IN Micro B female (for what I know Micro A female-only does not exist, only Micro B-female or Micro AB-female exist):

5 - USB port to use is the UPPER one (considering the WiiU laying on a table as a standard DVD player):

(you can use the lower one for additional optional Y-Cable power supply)

6a - If you receive an error (dump error) using Configurable USB Loader (both with alt or normal cIOS version):

Try to use Wiiflow or USBLoader GX


6b - If you have black screen (always with CFG USB Loader) starting a game that was perfectly working BEFORE 4.x update (es. Wii Fit/Wii Fit Plus) try to set the "Video" option to "Game Default" (and not "System Def.") as showed in the following picture:

7 - If you connect your external USB games-backup-hard-drive before turning WiiU on you will receive the annoyng "Format USB Disk" screen:
- Here is UStealth solution by brilliant jayjay123 !
- Alternatively you can press B button at power on bypassing WiiU System Menu and entering directly in vWii mode.

8 - After updating to firmware 4.0.0 you may see HBC forced to 4:3:
Here is a WORKAROUND by the great JoostinOnline !

OPTIONAL STEPS

=================
cIOS236 INSTALLATION
=================
This cIOS can be necessary to launch some homebrews (which doesn't use ahbprot).

1) Download IOS36-64-v3864.wad (look for "sendspace kl6o78" and download the .rar file from sendspace - thanks to someone of that forum for that hint), extract the .WAD and place it in your SD root

2) From HBC launch IOS236 Installer MOD v7 Special vWii Edition and follow on-screen steps to install cIOS236.


=================================
WIIFLOW CHANNEL FORWARDER INSTALLATION
=================================

1) Download Wiiflow Channel Forwarder WAD

2) Copy it in your SD card, preferibly in SD :\wad folder

3) Install it from Multi Mod Manager homebrew -> Wad Manager option

OTHER CHANNEL FORWARDERS CAN BE FOUND IN THIS THREAD !

 

[Sora1995]

I can't seem to select d2x v10. It stops at v6. Any suggestions?

 

[PetitMagique]

I can't seem to select d2x v10. It stops at v6. Any suggestions?

Your ciosmaps.xml file is probably incorrect. I followed this guide as well and was unable to select the d2x v10 files. You can edit it yourself, the structure is obvious once you open it, or download this package from another tutorial:

https://sites.google.com/site/compl...2x-cIOS-Installer-vWii.zip?attredirects=0&d=1

Also take a look at this tutorial (just pay attention to specific instructions for wiiu), as it cleared up a lot of my questions. Also make sure to install v52 to 249 and v53-alt to 250 and 251 or wiiflow will not work.

Tutorial: https://sites.google.com/site/completesg/backup-launchers/installation

 

[JoCheung2]

I used the LEGO Batman exploit for my vWii, but after the exploit I accidentally clicked exit instead of following the rest of the steps for backing up the system and installing homebrew. When I restarted the game to redo the exploit it says:

This installer cannot continue!

There is no usable or vulnerable IOS installed on this Wii. Please note that we will not use fakesigned IOSes due to security reasons.

Is there a way for me to continue through the steps or am I pretty much screwed from here?

 

[nabbestia]

Hi, I'm buying lego batman , but I would like to know if the exploit is still working in 5.5.x firmware, thanks

 

[Jakic007]

Yes, it does because vWii firmware is not updated. Just Wii U firmware.

Sent from my ONE A2003 using Tapatalk

 

[robertorpg94]

in my installation does not appear to \ d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii option in the selection heats, but dx2-v6, what should I do?

 

[PetitMagique]

in my installation does not appear to \ d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii option in the selection heats, but dx2-v6, what should I do?

See my post below:

Your ciosmaps.xml file is probably incorrect. I followed this guide as well and was unable to select the d2x v10 files. You can edit it yourself, the structure is obvious once you open it, or download this package from another tutorial:

https://sites.google.com/site/compl...2x-cIOS-Installer-vWii.zip?attredirects=0&d=1

Also take a look at this tutorial (just pay attention to specific instructions for wiiu), as it cleared up a lot of my questions. Also make sure to install v52 to 249 and v53-alt to 250 and 251 or wiiflow will not work.

Tutorial: https://sites.google.com/site/completesg/backup-launchers/installation

 

[phant0mg33k]

Awesome TUT using this on 5.5.1 I was able to use my old wii WBFS drive with brawl on it right after I was done with this TUT. The HBC forwarded wad is needed if you want HD the first install of it it will be HD until you reboot. Still none the less, vWii hacking reminds me a lot of playing with TN-V on the vita. Thanks again man

 

[ChicagoMel]

Has this been tested on 5.5.1?

Do I need a separate SD card or can the files go on the Wii U card? Edit: ok blank is better, I'll buy one. Which is the type I need? Or, what do y'all use?

And can I achieve playing gc games this way?

 

[Toni456]

I just followed this guide and after getting a 2GB SD card everything went smoothly but i do have a question, i am aware that playing with ios or cios can quite easily brick the vwii but is this the same with wad channels like homebrew forwarders?

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

Has this been tested on 5.5.1?

Do I need a separate SD card or can the files go on the Wii U card? Edit: ok blank is better, I'll buy one. Which is the type I need? Or, what do y'all use?

And can I achieve playing gc games this way?

You will definitely need a 2gb or lower sd to install the hbc and after that you can use any size sd or sdhc card.

 

[panther666]

del

 

[craftsk8]

I do dumping NAND by Dump Mii NAND. The process freeze on 3316 / 4096 and not moves 4 hour already. I use 512 mb sdcard. I guess it's not enough space for create a dump file. But system don't telling me anything and won't going in reboot. What should I do now? Switch power off? It'll not going to brick vWii if i do this?
PS: sorry for my english ^___^

 

[TotalInsanity4]

I do dumping NAND by Dump Mii NAND. The process freeze on 3316 / 4096 and not moves 4 hour already. I use 512 mb sdcard. I guess it's not enough space for create a dump file. But system don't telling me anything and won't going in reboot. What should I do now? Switch power off? It'll not going to brick vWii if i do this?
PS: sorry for my english ^___^

Nothings being modified, just read, so you should be able to safely pull the plug. To get a good NAND dump you'll need at least 512mb of FREE space on the SD card, so I'd recommend at least a 2gb card if you have other stuff on it as well

 

[Xen0]

Can I do this whole process on the Gamepad as TV?

 

[TotalInsanity4]

Can I do this whole process on the Gamepad as TV?

Yes, *but* you need an HDMI cable plugged into the Wii U to access vWii

 

[Xen0]

actually I didn't even need an HDMI cable. Could just press + on Wii mote and everything went smoothly c:

 

[TotalInsanity4]

actually I didn't even need an HDMI cable. Could just press + on Wii mote and everything went smoothly c:

Oh fancy! Didn't know that was a thing you could do

 

[Bonovox40]

So I followed the tut and everything went fine. Had some trouble seeing the d2x v10 cios file, and then ended up copying it earlier in the SD card path, and it was eventually found.
One strange occurance is after doing the 3 ios file installs and telling the system to reboot, it froze on a black screen, requiring me to pull the plug. Same thing when dumping the nand using the dump mii nand tool per tutorial.

Only issue I have now is that usb loader gx fails to detect my external hdd. 2TB drive formatted as FAT32. The wii backup manager seems to only see the drive if I choose the "find folder" drop down, and browse to the drive's root. (as opposed to the manager natively seeing my PC's internal HDD's)

Besides that, I can transfer over ISO and wbfs files to the drive, and see respective disc covers and such. The hard drive enclosure is using a single USB plug data cable (in the rear-topmost port) BUT the enclosure is AC powered and plugged into an outlet. So technically, it shouldn't be a question of not drawing enough power. (BUT I could test a dual usb Y cable sometime later if the wii U really does require a 2 plug USB cable to work)

Should I change the drive format to FAT or is it possible i'm not loading files correctly on the manager program?

 

[TotalInsanity4]

So I followed the tut and everything went fine. Had some trouble seeing the d2x v10 cios file, and then ended up copying it earlier in the SD card path, and it was eventually found.
One strange occurance is after doing the 3 ios file installs and telling the system to reboot, it froze on a black screen, requiring me to pull the plug. Same thing when dumping the nand using the dump mii nand tool per tutorial.

Only issue I have now is that usb loader gx fails to detect my external hdd. 2TB drive formatted as FAT32. The wii backup manager seems to only see the drive if I choose the "find folder" drop down, and browse to the drive's root. (as opposed to the manager natively seeing my PC's internal HDD's)

Besides that, I can transfer over ISO and wbfs files to the drive, and see respective disc covers and such. The hard drive enclosure is using a single USB plug data cable (in the rear-topmost port) BUT the enclosure is AC powered and plugged into an outlet. So technically, it shouldn't be a question of not drawing enough power. (BUT I could test a dual usb Y cable sometime later if the wii U really does require a 2 plug USB cable to work)

Should I change the drive format to FAT or is it possible i'm not loading files correctly on the manager program?

In USB Loader GX settings, try switching port number from "0" to "1" and messing around with what port the drive is plugged into until you get it working. Then don't touch it so it won't fall apart lol

 

[Bonovox40]

So I switched out for a 2 port usb plug and the HDD was detected now, so that's all good. I just don't get why the 1 port USB didn't work? (because it also has AC power to the enclosure)
Only annoying this is it HAS to still use the AC power. This enclosure can't be powered by the 2 Wii U usb ports. Oh well.
I still want to try the single port USB cable one more time to test if it was a loose connection or really needed a dual cable.