Hacking What is Haxchi or CBHC? FAQs and info

C0mm4nd_

Aspirant Wii U homebrew dev :P
OP
Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
697
Trophies
0
Website
127.0.0.1
XP
540
Country
Italy
FAQs & Info


Table of content
Haxchi


CBHC

General information


Haxchi - Info


Q: What is Haxchi?
A: It's a vulnerability into the DS emulator. It allows us to write our code into the rom.
It's used to get a persistent homebrew launching method without the need of the browser exploit anymore. (Bye bye internet browser)


Q: Is the NDS game still playable ?
A: NO, haxchi replaces the NDS game's ROM. if you launch the legit NDS game it will launch haxchi instead.


Q: Can I use a non legit NDS game to install and use Haxchi or CBHC ?
A: NO! :!: you risk to brick your console. You need a legit NDS game, bought from eShop. if you install (or inadvertently replace!) the NDS game using WUP installer, it will not launch anymore as non legit game are not correctly signed.
you need a good signed game to launch the NDS game which contains haxchi code inside it.

Haxchi and CBHC use a DS game to boot into CFW. However, in order to be able to boot a pirated DS game, you need to already be running CFW. If you try to boot a pirated DS game before you run CFW, it will fail to run.
If you install haxchi inside a pirated game, it will not launch. But that's all, you can use your console but not launch the pirated NDS game as you didn't launch CFW yet.
If you install CBHC with haxchi inside a pirated game, your console will NEVER boot anymore. that's why you NEED to be sure haxchi is working fine before setting it as custom boot (CBHC is haxchi's NDS game channel launched at boot).

If you prefer a visual understanding:
Good setup:
Haxchi : Boot wiiu menu signed NDS NDS can launch haxchi CFW non signed titles can now be launched
CBHC : Boot signed NDS NDS can launch haxchi CFW wiiu menu non signed titles can now be launched

Bad setup:
Haxchi : Boot wiiu menu unsigned NDS : NDS cannot be launched unless you patch your console first (browser hax>HBL>CFW).
CBHC : Boot unsigned NDS : NDS cannot be launched without CFW, console will never boot anymore. console is as useful as a brick !
or CBHC : Boot signed NDS normal NDS game Wii U Menu : This can be fixed, see brick recovery


Haxchi - Installation


Q: Which NDS virtual console game can be used to install Haxchi?
A: These games are currently supported.

Q: I heard that Brain Training (or Brain Age) can be downloaded for free. Is this true?
A: Yes, but only if your NNID was registered before June 2014

Q: Can I use WUP Installer to install the NDS game?
A: No, you need an official DS game. If your console is European, you should be able to download Brain Training for free.

Q: Do I need signature patches for installing Haxchi?
A: No, you don't.

Q: What is signature patches?
A: It allows you to launch non official application. It's removing Nintendo's official application verification.

Q: Do I need a custom firmware for installing Haxchi?
A: No, you don't. In fact you should NOT use any CFW before running the installer. Be sure you are on a clean console state. No patches or CFW applied.

Q: What should I do before installing Haxchi?
A: Be sure you don't have a Coldboot solution already installed! (CBHC or Coldboothax, for example). Uninstall your Coldboot solution first or you could end in a bootloop if haxchi's config is not "coldboot ready"!

Q: Why I can't install Haxchi if I already have Coldboot?
A: You could end in a reboot loop brick. Uninstall your Coldboot solution first !

Q: Can I install Haxchi to USB?
A: Yes, but if you are using the installer, it will only install haxchi on NAND games, so you must move it in the NAND, then re-moving into the USB. Though, Haxchi will only work when your USB is plugged.

Q: Can I have my NDS game on both USB and System NAND?
A: Yes, but System NAND will have priority at Haxchi launch time.

Q: So can I use this dual location to have haxchi and the original NDS game at the same time?
A: Nope, System will always load the NAND version

Q: What should I do when installing Haxchi?
A: Be sure you have "haxchi" folder on the root of your SD card (sd:/haxchi/) and run the installer.

Q: I'm using NDS Brain Training, but the installation doesn't work!
A: Brain training has 2 different versions. Delete your game from your WiiU's data management menu, and go to eShop to download the latest, update version.

Q: Can I use different picture logo, background or sound for that channel?
A: Yes. Replace the files in sd:/haxchi/ folder and run the installer again.


Haxchi - Uninstallation


Q: How to uninstall Hachi?
A: You can delete the NDS game from the Wii U data management menu.


Haxchi - Update


Q: How to update haxchi?
A: Run the installer again. Follow the same requirements than the first install (NO USB plugged, etc.)

Q: Do I have to delete the NDS game first?
A: No.

Q: Do I have to reinstall the NDS game first?
A: No.

Q: Can I skip versions?
A: Sure.


Haxchi - Usage


Q: What can Haxchi do?
A: Haxchi can launch different programs based on the controller's pressed button.

Q: What can be launched from Haxchi?
A: It can launch the homebrew launcher or any homebrew without using the Homebrew Launcher, it can load a firmware's fw.img from SD card, it can patch current System menu to add CFW features but it can't launch .rpx (you must load them from HBL).

Q: How do I change the config.txt button layout?
A: Edit the file in a text editor, and follow the installation step again (with the same requirement: no USB plugged, etc.)

Q: Can I boot Mocha CFW with Haxchi?
A: Yes, but use it only if you need redNAND. Booting into a Custom firmware SysNAND using Mocha is unnecessarily longer while Haxchi can do it faster, unless you need WUP Server.

Q: Why should I launch Mocha only for redNAND?
A: If you want only a CFW to launch or install games, it's a LOT faster to only patch sysNAND.

Q: I want only sysNAND patches. What should I do?
A: Install latest Haxchi version. By default, "sysmenu" is set to button B. You can of course change the button to your liking by editing the config.txt file.

Q: Can I autoboot Haxchi at console boot?
A: Yes/No.
No: If you try to autoboot the normal version of Haxchi, you will end in a reboot loop which can brick your console
Yes: You need a special version of Haxchi to be launched at console boot named ColdBoot Haxchi.
Look at CBHC FAQs below.

Q: I don't want coldboot, what should I do now?
A: You can read this for more information about how the console, haxchi and CBHC are working.


CBHC - Info


Q: What is CBHC?
A: It's an updated Haxchi, compatible with coldboot option. It will REPLACE the normal version of haxchi. You can't have both at the same time.

Q: What is coldboot?
A: It's a method to launch an application automatically when booting the console. Coldbooting haxchi let you launch the NDS game automatically at console's boot.

Q: So, why would I want CBHC instead of Haxchi?
A: CBHC is automatically patching the console into a CFW state at console's boot. You don't need to run Haxchi channel manually before launching a "non signed application" (for example, eshop games (like VC or eShop-only titles) or DLC installed with WUP installer).
(Yes, it's only a shortcut for lazy peoples who don't want to run haxchi manually)


CBHC - Installation

Read brick causes here before installing, if you know how users bricked I hope you'll not do what they did.

Q: Do I need Haxchi before installing ColdBootHaxchi (CBHC)?
A: No, but it's recommended. If CBHC installation fails and you haven't installed haxchi first you will have a partial CBHC.

Q: Can I use WUP Installer to install the NDS game?
A: No, you need an official DS game or YOU WILL BRICK. There's a reason why it's recommended to install Haxchi and test it FIRST. If you want to skip Haxchi install AND test, you can fail CBHC installation and get a partial CBHC.

Q: Do I need signature patches for installing CBHC?
A: No, you don't.

Q: Do I need a custom firmware for installing CBHC?
A: No, you don't. In fact you should NOT use any CFW before running the installer. Be sure you are on a clean console state. Do NOT run CFWs before installing CBHC!

Q: How can I install CBHC?
A: Unplug USB device (HDD,Pendrive), load CBHC Installer, select your title, press A.

Q: I don't want to unplug USB :C
A: You must. If you don't unplug USB(HDD, Pendrive), you'll probably have a partial CBHC.

Q: What is a partial CBHC?
A: It's a state when your console launch your original title or your haxchi title. (Read Brick Recovery below)

Q: Why CBHC installer renames the VC title in "Don't touch me"?
A: Because you mustn't touch that title! (DO NOT DELETE OR MOVE TO USB)

Q: I saw an user brick his console because he moved the title into a folder... Is it true?
A: Nope, that user probably bricked for another reasons.


CBHC - Uninstallation

ah yes, people "uninstalling" because its "unsafe"; just so you know, doing that over and over can cause a brick on its own if the NAND sector that is being written to happens to be close to death, that is one of the very few factors I cant exactly protect for, the NAND sector of the system.xml actually being factory-damaged already so both installing AND uninstalling have that risk. Really though, with the wiiu chip pretty much anything can break even without cbhc, also on top of that to the few people that said to not install injects, when using the cbhc included cfw it protects against installs with a same title id, I bet op used mocha or something because he thought its "better" and overwrote himself; really all I can do is warn for all of that in my main thread and thats about, bricks will always happen for stupid reasons like that.
oh also you should note even a system update could cause a dumb brick for the same nand related reasons.

Q: How can I uninstall CBHC?
A: Unplug USB (HDD, Pendrive) device, load CBHC Installer, press B.

Q: Can I format my Wii U to remove CBHC?
A: No! You'll brick. It will only delete the NDS channel (the one you SHOULDN'T DELETE).


CBHC - Update


Q: Can I install new versions without uninstalling older ones?
A: Yes, of course.

Q: How should I update CBHC?
A: Just run the installer again.

Q: Can I skip versions?
A: Sure.

Q: Do I have to reinstall Haxchi before updating CBHC?
A: No! You could have a partial CBHC if you install the normal Haxchi version. It will overwrite the ColdBoot Haxchi version.


CBHC - Usage


Q: Is CBHC still using my config.txt button layout?
A: No. CBHC has a menu where you can choose the action on screen, or hide it and autoboot that choice.

Q: Then what options can I choose from the boot menu?
A:
1. Boot System menu with CFW features. (default)
2. Boot a patched firmware from sd:/fw.img
3. Boot Mocha CFW
4. Boot Homebrew Launcher

Q: Can *homebrew title* be added into Autoboot menu?
A: Nope

Q: Can you remove "CBHC by Fix"?
A: N-o-p-e (If you want do it by yourself)

Q: Can you remove "Autobooting..."?
A: Y... NOPE!

Q: So I can use this to run Mocha CFW?
A: Yes, but please, use Mocha CFW only if you need redNAND. Booting into a Custom firmware SysNAND using Mocha is unnecessarily longer while CBHC can do it faster, unless you need WUP Server.

Q: Why should I use CBHC with Mocha only for redNAND?
A: If you want only a CFW to launch or install games, it's a LOT faster to only patch sysNAND from CBHC.

Q: I want only sysNAND patches. What option should I choose?
A: Choose "Boot System menu". It loads patches, wupserver and support for FTPiiU Everywhere.

Q: What is WUP Server? Do I need it?
A: Usually you don't need it. It's a tool for developers to edit the console's files from a program on the computer. But sometimes it can be useful for the user. (If you need to modify console files FTPiiU Everywhere is better).

Q: What is FTPiiU Everywhere?
A: It's a homebrew letting you browse and edit the console's files using a FTP client on your computer.



WARNINGS AND PREVENTION


Q: Do I have to get the NDS from eShop? Can I just install the needed NDS game using WUP installer instead?
A: DO NOT USE WUP INSTALLER!
If you install a fakesigned NDS game with WUP Installer then the console can't launch that channel before the signature check is patched by Haxchi or CBHC. You need signature patch enabled to launch channels installed with WUP installer.
if you install Haxchi with a fake signed channel: The channel will not work.
if you use CBHC with a fake signed channel: You will FULL BRICK you WiiU! (see "Brick 3" section below)

Q: Is there anything I should know to prevent bricking my console?
A: Yes, there are different things:
1. Do NOT format your console before uninstalling CBHC!!! If you did a NAND backup before the System Format you should be able to flash it to "unbrick".

These shouldn't be possible if you are using an updated version of CBHC, but for users with the old version still installed:
2. Do NOT delete or move or copy CBHC's channel manually to USB after installation. If you want to delete CBHC, run the installer again and select the uninstall option.
3. Do NOT reinstall and overwrite your NDS game using WUP Installer! Beware of batch installation !


(Semi)Brick Recovery


Brick 1: CBHC failed while swapping rom (partial CBHC)

-Case 1, You installed Haxchi first: If you had an option into cfg, boot in HBL
-Case 2, Plain rom: Press Home button, load Internet Browser, load HBL exploit

Brick 2: Bootloop (could be a partial CBHC)

Change Boot option/hardmod

Brick 3: CBHC title not signed/deleted

Hardmod (OTP/Nand backup required)
 
Last edited by C0mm4nd_, , Reason: typo

xtheman

Well-Known Member
Member
Joined
Jan 28, 2016
Messages
5,837
Trophies
0
Location
???
XP
3,790
Country
United States
The first post explains everything you need to do and how you should do it in the first post of the thread.
Ignore him is best. He's mad at the world for some reason... Constantly being negative in every thread I see him in...
I'm not mad at anything. I'm just saying CBHC is something that you should only mess with if you know what your doing. If you need this thread you clearly don't know what your doing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Irastris

DocAmes1980

Well-Known Member
Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2016
Messages
873
Trophies
0
Age
43
XP
975
Country
United States
Good FAQs. People will still ask questions which are answered here and in the first post of the CBHC thread but maybe it will cut down on those. You should add that people don't need to uninstall/reinstall when a new version of CBHC comes out. They can just run the new CBHC installer. Also skipping versions is no problem. A lot of people ask questions related to this.
 

C0mm4nd_

Aspirant Wii U homebrew dev :P
OP
Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
697
Trophies
0
Website
127.0.0.1
XP
540
Country
Italy
Good FAQs. People will still ask questions which are answered here and in the first post of the CBHC thread but maybe it will cut down on those. You should add that people don't need to uninstall/reinstall when a new version of CBHC comes out. They can just run the new CBHC installer. Also skipping versions is no problem. A lot of people ask questions related to this.
Added ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: DocAmes1980

Cyan

GBATemp's lurking knight
Former Staff
Joined
Oct 27, 2002
Messages
23,749
Trophies
4
Age
45
Location
Engine room, learning
XP
15,646
Country
France
You should put the info section first, to explain what is CBHC.
Maybe you could also explain that it's replacing haxchi, because a lot of users think they have both haxchi AND cbhc because they launched both homebrew installation.

CBHC is actually haxchi but with coldboot support, and with removed config.txt support. when installing CBHC (which means "Cold Boot HaxChi") it's replacing the old haxchi with the "cold boot" version.

You could add that CBHC does not use config.txt anymore, only Haxchi (non cold boot) does.

You MUST add that user should NOT install haxchi without uninstalling CBHC first. They will brick!


another question you can add, users don't need a patched system to install CBHC, they can do it from HBL without any sigpatch or cfw.

I'll probably give more Q/A later, as I remember the frequently asked ones.
 

C0mm4nd_

Aspirant Wii U homebrew dev :P
OP
Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
697
Trophies
0
Website
127.0.0.1
XP
540
Country
Italy
You MUST add that user should NOT install haxchi without uninstalling CBHC first. They will brick!
They won't brick.
Failed lot of times CBHC installation (USB plugged)
So
1st time: Title has haxchi, replaced system.xml... cbh with haxchi config
2nd time: Plain title, can't exit to sysmenu. Recovered with browserhax.

Btw, thanks for the FAQs
 

Cyan

GBATemp's lurking knight
Former Staff
Joined
Oct 27, 2002
Messages
23,749
Trophies
4
Age
45
Location
Engine room, learning
XP
15,646
Country
France
no, what I meant is that if you install CBHC (succesfully), but then just replace it with the normal haxchi without uninstalling the coldboot system.xml, then you will be in a reboot loop brick.
Based on your settings.txt, you can fix it (by launching HBL) or not.
if you replace CBHC with Haxchi direct, you will 100% brick (there's no settings.txt at all, and it will always reboot loop)

for the FAQ "can I update CBHC" you can add that they have to unplug USB too.
 

C0mm4nd_

Aspirant Wii U homebrew dev :P
OP
Member
Joined
Oct 9, 2016
Messages
697
Trophies
0
Website
127.0.0.1
XP
540
Country
Italy
no, what I meant is that if you install CBHC (succesfully), but then just replace it with the normal haxchi without uninstalling the coldboot system.xml, then you will be in a reboot loop brick.
Based on your settings.txt, you can fix it (by launching HBL) or not.
if you replace CBHC with Haxchi direct, you will 100% brick (there's no settings.txt at all, and it will always reboot loop)
Yeah obv.
I'll add something like "Do you see the App "Don't touch me"? Don't touch that app :)"
 

sj33

Well-Known Member
Member
Joined
Oct 22, 2013
Messages
4,072
Trophies
2
XP
4,724
Country
Japan
It is best to target the lowest common denominator and give as many warnings as possible because CBHC is quite a risky exploit. Moreso than A9LH, arguably.

I made the switch to CBHC yesterday and am very glad I did, but I think I read the instructions about 6 times because I was pretty nervous about it.

I burried the 'Don't Touch Me' app inside a folder so it will never be touched. Purely curious, what happens if it is run? I certainly won't be risking it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: QCLasky and fossi

Site & Scene News

Popular threads in this forum

General chit-chat
Help Users
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    Have fun @Xdqwerty. If you see a chocolate candy bar floating in the water, don't eat it!
  • AncientBoi @ AncientBoi:
    :O:ohnoes: Y didn't U Tell ME that ALSO? @BigOnYa :ohnoes: 🤢🤮
    +1
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    Does it taste like... chicken?
    +1
  • S @ salazarcosplay:
    @BigOnYa I wanted to ask you about your experience with seeing south park. Most of the people a bit younger like my younger brother and cousins that are a few younger than me that saw kids found south park funny because of the curse words, kids at school, that seemed like liking the show on a very basic level.

    I could not quite have a in depth discussion of the show.

    How was it for you? As an adult. What did you find the most interesting part about it. Did you relate to the parents of the kids and their situations. Was it satires, the commentary on society. The references on celebrities' and pop culture.
    +1
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    I remember seeing the very first episode back in the day, and have watched every episode since. I used to set my VCR to record them even, shows how long ago.
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    I just like any comedies really, and cartoons have always been a favorite of mine. Family guy, American Dad, Futurama, Cleveland Show, Simpsons - I like them all.
    +1
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    South Park is great cause they always touch on relavent issues going on today, and make something funny out of it.
    +3
  • S @ salazarcosplay:
    @BigOnYa were you always up to date on the current events and issues of the time or were there issues that you first found out thru south park
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    Most of the time yea I knew, I watch and read the news regularly, but sometimes the Hollywood BS stuff, like concerning actors slip by me. I don't follow most Hollywood BS (example: the Kardasians)
    +2
  • S @ salazarcosplay:
    @BigOnYa there were relevant issues before south park was made, that's why i think a south park prequel/spinoff would be great. Randy and his friends in their child hood
    +1
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    Yea, like them running in high school together, getting into stuff, and how they got hitched and had kids. And how the town of South Park was back then compared to now. That would be cool to see.
  • BakerMan @ BakerMan:
    yeah
  • The Real Jdbye @ The Real Jdbye:
    @salazarcosplay if they made a prequel, it would still be about current issues, cause it doesn't make sense to make it about stuff that happened 30 years ago that nobody cares about anymore
  • The Real Jdbye @ The Real Jdbye:
    it's too late
  • The Real Jdbye @ The Real Jdbye:
    the older south park episodes about particular issues usually age poorly since the topic is no longer relevant
  • The Real Jdbye @ The Real Jdbye:
    an exception is giant douche vs turd sandwich, that's always relevant :P
    +1
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    I was gone for like an hour and none of you thought to write or call pos
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    We knew you were going to Sonic to get lunch.
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    Sonics fast I would've been home in 10 mins
  • BigOnYa @ BigOnYa:
    Meet and greet with AncientBoi then?
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    That would've gone slow he's old
    +1
  • ZeroT21 @ ZeroT21:
    sadly the person in question feels too young for his own good
  • K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2:
    We don't question people
    K3Nv2 @ K3Nv2: We don't question people