Simple guide to install d2x cIOS on vWii + backup NAND and keys
Last update: April 29th 2016
Still a valid hacking procedure as of September 2016.
(see Changelog at the bottom of the post)​

What does it do?:
This guide shows you how to install cIOS into vWii (aka the Wii-mode of Wii U) and backup vWiis keys and NAND.
cIOS is needed to use backuplaunchers like Wiiflow and USB-Loader GX.
This does not enable any hacks in Wii U-mode!

Note: You already need to have Homebrew Channel installed on vWii to use this guide (use one of these exploits)!
​

Lets go:
Download the following package:
www.mediafire.com/?n2zl8v5kn288j9d
(Mirror at the bottom of the post)
All files are up-to-date (as of april 29th 2016)!
Note: To avoid errors, only use the files provided in this archive!
Don´t mix with other d2x-installer versions, meta.xml files etc.
Don´t worry, everything is up-to-date and the latest and greatest version.

It contains:
- Dump Mii NAND v1.2
- d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii
- d2x-v10-beta52-vWii
- FIX94s d2x cIOS Installer 2.2 mod

First we make a backup of your vWii NAND and keys:

1.) Extract the contents of vWii_cIOS_apps_20131218.zip to the root folder of your SD card.
Note: Make sure that you don´t have any original Wii system files (like wads) on your SD Card!
d2x installer could accidentally use them for installation and brick your vWii!
Also make sure that you have at least 528MB of free space on the SD Card for the NAND dump.

3.) Launch Dump Mii NAND from the Homebrew Channel.

4.) The NAND and keys dumping will start automatically (the NAND dump will be stored in sd:/nand.bin, the keys in sd:/keys.bin).
Note: DON´t use this dump on an original Wii!

5.) When finished (depends on the speed of your SD Card), the Wii U will reboot.

5a.) (Optional, but recommended step.)
Dump your IOS one-by-one to wad files for possible semi-brick fix (for more info read this thread):
I.) Download YetAnotherBlueDumpMod from here.
II.) Copy the files to your SD card sd:/apps/YetAnotherBlueDumpMod and launch the app from the Homebrew Channel.
II.) 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 you a lot of trouble in the future.

If you don't have CLEAN (non fakesigned) IOS, you won't be able to fix semi-bricked vWii.
You can't create non fakesigned wads from a NAND dump or from using ShowMiiWads. You NEED to use YetAnotherBlueDumpMod.


Now we install d2x cIOS:

6.) Launch d2x cIOS installer from the Homebrew Channel.

7.) Choose which d2x cIOS version you want to install, beta52 or beta53-alt.
If you don´t plan to use EmuNAND, i recommend beta53-alt.
Note: For info about the differences between beta52 & beta53-alt click here.

8.) Select cIOS : <d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii> (Alternative: beta52)
Select cIOS base : <56>
Select cIOS slot : <249>

9.) Press A to install and wait for installation to finish.

10.) Press A to continue.

11.) Select cIOS : <d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii> (Alternative: beta52)
Select cIOS base : <57>
Select cIOS slot : <250>

12.) Press A to install and wait for installation to finish.

13.) Press A to continue.

14.) Select cIOS : <d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii> (Alternative: beta52)
Select cIOS base : <58>
Select cIOS slot : <251>

15.) Press A to install and wait for installation to finish.

16.) Press B to Exit.

17.) Launch newest Wiiflow or USB-Loader GX or CFG USB Loader MOD from the Homebrew Channel.
Note: To copy game images from PC to your external HDD with the correct folder structure, use Wii Backup Manager.
To fix the 4:3 aspect ratio bug of the Homebrew Channel, see FAQ & Troubleshooting section.

18.) Read the FAQ & Troubleshooting section carefully!

19.) Happy gaming!

FAQ & Troubleshooting:
- there is currently no Bootmii for vWii, so we use Dump Mii NAND.
- there is no Hermes cIOS 222/223 for vWii (don´t install the Wii version!).
- connect your HDD to the upper back USB-Port.
- you need a Y-USB-Cable for some 2.5" HDDs to properly work (even when they worked on the original Wii), because the Wii U USB-ports have a lower power supply.
- if HDD gets detected but no games load or HDD "clicks" you need a Y-USB-Cable
- to prevent the HDD format message on bootup, use U-Stealth.
- some HDDs don´t work with cIOS 249(base 56), so change the cIOS to 250(base 57) or 251(base 58) in your USB-Loader.
- to fix the 4:3 aspect ratio bug of the Homebrew Channel use JoostinOnlines HBC Forwarder or tueidjs aspect ratio fixer (tueidjs fixer doesn't require installing a wad to the console, it's a homebrew to launch from Homebrew Channel before launching other homebrew).
- to (un)install wads i recommend YAWMM_EN 0.5e (english Version) or YAWMM DE 0.5e (german version).
- if you want to start installed wads like VC/Wiiware from SD card, you need to patch IOS80 (system menu), use this thread for guidance.
Note: This is dangerous! If you f*** up IOS80, you will get a brick!
Only use the patch if you know what you are doing!

- don´t install Priiloader, it will brick your vWii!
- don´t install original Wii Channel Forwarder, they will freeze on startup! Use the ones from this thread. (For WiiFlow you can use the official Channel Installer)

Many tools/installers/wads etc. that worked on the original Wii will brick vWii!
So be very cautious on what you install!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changelog:

Spoiler

29. April 2016: Added download mirror as attachment.
22. December 2015: Some minor formating tweaks.
08. November 2015: Additional note under the downloadlink.
01. May 2015: Added note to the downloadlink.
19. February 2015: Added optional step 5a.) (thanks Cyan and JoostinOnline).
18. July 2014: Updated USB-Loader GX, Wiiflow and CFG-USB-Loader MOD links.
27. April 2014: Updated USB-Loader GX link to r1219 (thx Cyan)
21. January 2014: Updated Wiiflow link to 4.2.1.
18. December 2013: Merged d2x beta52 & beta53-alt into one installer (thx Cyan) and updated guide accordingly.
17. December 2013: Replaced xyzzy and FS-Toolbox with Dump Mii NAND v1.2 (thx Maxternal). Replaced d2x beta52 with beta53-alt. Added tools to fix 4:3 aspect ratio bug (thx Cyan).
02. October 2013: Updated USB-Loader GX link to r1218.
20. September 2013: Updated Wiiflow link to v4.2.
30. August 2013: Added link to IOS80 (system menu) patch thread.
23. August 2013: Updated USB-Loader GX link to r1217 and CFG USB-Loader MOD link to r65.
13. August 2013: Added link to HDD format message workaround (thx jayjay123)
04. August 2013: Updated USB-Loader links, added Wii Backup Manager link.
24. June 2013: Added CFG USB Loader MOD v70r61t2 link (thx Warlord698).
10. June 2013: Updated Wiiflow link to 4.1.3.
01. June 2013: Added YAWMM_EN (english version) to FAQ & Troubleshooting (thx JoostinOnline and Fix94).
28. April 2013: Updated Wiiflow link to 4.1.2 and USB-Loader GX link to r1213.
08. January 2013: Updated USB-Loader GX link to r1208.
04. January 2013: Fixed a typo, that could prevent the installer from detecting beta52 (thx yafaiz). Added link to WiiFlow Channel Installer v1.1.
02. January 2013: Added new version of FS-Toolbox (0.4d) and a link to YAWMM DE 0.5e (thx to Excelsiior for both).
01. January 2013: Wiiflow 4.1 link added.
31. December 2012: Removed d2x beta53-alt from the package, because ciosmaps.xml mixup causes errors. Added link to forwarder thread.
29. December 2012: Added new version of xyzzy (1.2.2 (unofficial), thx DarkMatterCore) and d2x beta53-alt to the package.
19. December 2012: Initial version.

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[elunesgrace]

Hey Truth, how do you install USB Loader GX as a channel forwarder?

 

[Cyan]

You can find the forwarder on the official google code page :
http://code.google.com/p/usbloader-gui/downloads/list
(select display "current download" instead of "featured download" in the drop down menu if you don't see the forwarder for vWii)

Then, install this wad using your favorite wad manager.
Place USBLoaderGX's boot.dol on your SD or USB.

There are reports that using this forwarder you can see de-interlace issues, which is only fix after a full shutdown.
if you have this issue, you can launch the loader from HBC.


I'll release the new revision today (1218) with vWii support without cIOS. (it will be useful for users who want to run Homebrew in 16:9 on their gamepad )

 

[crimsonnight]

Just a heads up, there's currently an issue regards WiiWare/wads with people that have followed this guide:
http://gbatemp.net/threads/usb-load...n-trying-to-exit-to-wii-menu-or-reset.355567/
http://gbatemp.net/threads/mighty-channels-return-to-wii-menu.355625/

 

[[Truth]]

Just a heads up, there's currently an issue regards WiiWare/wads with people that have followed this guide:
http://gbatemp.net/threads/usb-load...n-trying-to-exit-to-wii-menu-or-reset.355567/
http://gbatemp.net/threads/mighty-channels-return-to-wii-menu.355625/

The issues have nothing to do with my guide, my guide is not about emunand.

 

[crimsonnight]

Sorry, I was more suggesting maybe adding a note about how to deal with this

 

[spotanjo3]

First we make a backup of your vWii NAND filesystem and your keys:

1.) Extract the contents of vWii_cIOS_apps.zip to the apps folder on your SD card.
Note: Make sure that you don´t have any original Wii system files (like wads) on your SD Card!
d2x installer could accidentally use them for installation and brick your vWii!

I do not have Wii U but one day I might.. I dont know yet. I want to be ready just in case,,,

Is it necessarily to make a backup ?

And

you mean wads like I have installed game son my original wii system? (I have wads backup somewhere) So I have to uninstalled all of wads that I installed and only original wii itself that came out of box ? I want to understand clearly, thanks.

 

[[Truth]]

Is it necessarily to make a backup ?

Making a backup is always good, don´t you agree?
But no, it is not a must, but highly recommended.

you mean wads like I have installed game son my original wii system? (I have wads backup somewhere) So I have to uninstalled all of wads that I installed and only original wii itself that came out of box ?

Just use a clean SD-Card when installing cIOS, then you are safe.
It´s important to not mix up Wii and vWii wads.

 

[spotanjo3]

I agreed!

However, how do you restore NAND after you backup NAND ? CURIOSITY!

Next, how do you install Wii's wad games to vWii without brick it ? I want to transfer my wad games.

Thank you.

 

[JoostinOnline]

However, how do you restore NAND after you backup NAND ? CURIOSITY!

You can't. This is mainly a precaution in case such a method is created in the future, or if you do something really stupid like deleting a vIOS.

 

[spotanjo3]

Ahh, understood. Thank you very much. Yeah, it is a good idea to back up then. CHEERS!

 

[[Truth]]

Next, how do you install Wii's wad games to vWii without brick it ? I want to transfer my wad games.

You can install VC and Wiiware wads without problem:

- to (un)install wads you can use YAWMM_EN (english Version) or YAWMM DE 0.5e (german version).
- if you want to start installed wads like VC/Wiiware from SD card, you need to patch IOS80 (system menu), use this thread for guidance.

But you have to be carefull with any homebrew wad (forwarder channel, IOS stuff etc.).

 

[nando]

i'm getting black screen when loading games from usb drive with wiiflow. some times they work on cfg after several tries. games work from the sd card.

 

[spotanjo3]

You can install VC and Wiiware wads without problem:

But you have to be carefull with any homebrew wad (forwarder channel, IOS stuff etc.).

Thanks for replying asap. I have decided not to do that until it is 100 percent safe and flexible just like Wii. No complaint, thought. I save all of the wads and VCs in my backup portable hard drive anyway.

 

[[Truth]]

i'm getting black screen when loading games from usb drive with wiiflow. some times they work on cfg after several tries. games work from the sd card.

Try a different HDD or try d2x r53-alt.

 

[nightwaxon]

Followed the guide. Simplicity itself. Forwarders installed, emulators running fine. USB Loader GX (stealth version) runs the games, but these all "black screen" after a while. This is because I am using a self powered USB drive and the clicking is a tell tale sign. No bother, USB Y cable winging its way to my WiiU to correct this issue. Great guide. Many thanks. Best.

The WiiU is a great machine in its own right. But with the addition of USB loading Wii games, Gamecube USB loading on the way and the emulators provide the full Nintendo experience in one box. SUPERB!

 

[visitor q]

This is a great guide, thank you.

 

[PityOnU]

tl

The version of YAWMM link here is rev5e. The latest is rev25.

Am I mistaken, or is the linked version very, very old?

 

[[Truth]]

The version of YAWMM link here is rev5e. The latest is rev25.

Am I mistaken, or is the linked version very, very old?

No, this is the newest version by Excelsiior, modded to work with AHBPROT and without the need to install a custom IOS.

 

[PityOnU]

No, this is the newest version by Excelsiior, modded to work with AHBPROT and without the need to install a custom IOS.

Ugh... All these branches and mods of different homebrew make my head hurt.

Isn't there any way to enforce some sort of standardization? Beyond looking at the version information in your link, I cannot make any assumptions as to which homebrew is new vs. old or Wii vs. WiiU.

 

[DSDisco]

I skipped the backup, went straight for the IOS.