Hacking WiiFlow - an open source GUI USB-Loader

[Tetsuo Shima]

It doen't work for me, always code dump. I deleted wiiflow.ini before installing, but it can be that I have not he required cios version (I don't remember wich version I have of Hermes Cios, but it was working with wiiflow 4.1, at least it could start). I'll continue my test tomorrow, now I need some sleep.

 

[Thornhill33]

Well done Fix94, I've just tested it with d2x v9 beta : everything works like a charm :
- Covers download / update : OK
- Wii games : OK (3 tested)

Fix94 , 2 minor bugs to note after further tests :

- changing USB port 0/1 in the startup settings did not reboot automatically after I pressed 'B' button : I had to do it myself
- after I power off then connected back the HDD cable to USB port 0 without switching back the port setting in the startup setting, Wiiflow code dumped at next start (instead of displaying a "select partition/install game" message). I had to delete the Wiiflow backup in the Nand from system menu to make it work again (another solution could have been to put the HDD cable to port 1 then change setting in wiiflow).

 

[MassiveRican]

I want to check retroarch out soon and play gb, nes and snes games...
I would like (if its possible) to use wiiflow emuflow as I hear retroarch supports this kind of setup (arg support),

Question.
Can I point wiiflow to retroarch and leave it installed in my apps folder (so I can update retroarch and load from Hbc also if I want to) or do I need to use a special custom version?

You can leave RetroArch where it is so you can always start it up with HBC or postLoader. However I recommend you place the retroarch plugins that Fix94 has in his v7 plugin pack in /wiiflow/plugins that way WiiFlow will work with RetroArch no problem. Unfortunately I think there is some argument support problem that needs to be addressed with 0.9.8.3.1 which has many video/audio/control bug fixes for most of the cores, not yet mind you. Fix has been very busy lately but I would love to see WiiFlow support RetroArch to it's fullest.

Hi,

Did anyone manage to make Wiiflow work properly with /wiiflow folder on NTFS partition ?

I tested Wiiflow 4.0.x and 4.1 with CIOS d2x-v10 with several partitions layout : whenever /wiiflow folder is on the NTFS partition, the following bugs occur (at least these ones, there could be others) :

- unable to select an alternative langage in settings (the selector is locked to "default"), although the <lang>.ini file is in /wiiflow/languages folder
- alternative theme can be selected but doesn't work properly (messed-up colours/display, no coverflow).

Game selection/start is OK.

It seems Wiiflow is unable to properly load some resources from NTFS partition : This is weird because others resources (games, caches) load properly.

Same test/config/folders with wiiflow folder on FAT32 partition behaves properly.


Here are various partitions layout with detailled results.:

Spoiler: Details

-Test1 : 2 partitions, USB1: FAT32 with /apps/wiiflow (without .ini) and USB2: NTFS with /wbfs folder

Wiiflow properly creates :
. /apps/wiiflow/wiiflow.ini on FAT32 partition USB1:
. /wiiflow folder on NTFS partition USB2:

Then, after adding <lang>.ini file in /wiiflow/languages and theme .ini+folder in /wiiflow/theme, wiiflow is unable to handle them (langage locked to default and theme not properly displayed).

-Test2 : 1 NTFS partition USB1: /apps/wiiflow (without .ini) + /wbfs folders

Wiiflow properly creates :
. /apps/wiiflow/wiiflow.ini on NTFS partition USB1:
. /wiiflow folder on NTFS partition USB1:

Then, after adding <lang>.ini file in /wiiflow/languages and theme .ini+folder in /wiiflow/theme, wiiflow is unable to handle them (langage locked to default and theme not properly displayed).

-Test3 : 2 partitions, USB1: FAT32 with /apps/wiiflow (without .ini) and USB2: NTFS with /wbfs folder

Wiiflow properly creates :
. /apps/wiiflow/wiiflow.ini on FAT32 partition USB1:
. /wiiflow folder on NTFS partition USB2:

Then, I move auto-generated /wiiflow folder on FAT32 partition USB1: and after adding <lang>.ini file in /wiiflow/languages and theme .ini+folder in /wiiflow/theme, wiiflow is behaving properly for both langage and theme selection.

This was beautifully reported and tested, it's very easy to understand. I left USB2:NTFS behind for /wiiflow folder due to codedumps, and because WiiFlow did not work properly about a year ago. I'm not sure if it's something that Fix94 wants to look at or even has the time for. It's great that you reported it, and I think you should post it up on the WiiFlow SVN page.

If you want a quick fix however you can refer to my setup which has just the /wbfs on USB2:NTFS partition and USB1:FAT32 with all WiiFlow folders and files. I know it can be a huge pain especially if you don't have the space on your first partition which would cause you to backup and reformat partitions. Unless you trust a third party app to expand your first partition which can be risky, but gratifying and time saving if it works.

I need some clarification on how emuflow works:
If I've understand correctly, plugins are basically the emulators dol files with some modification by wiiflow developers to be able to work with wiiflow, right?
So if one emulator receives an update I can't use it unless it gets turned into plugin form? I hope to be wrong.

I believe that Fix94 fixed that issue and as long as the plugin accepts arguments it should work. All you would have to do is replace the current plugin dol with the updated one in the plugins folder under /wiiflow/plugins. Get some sleep and we can set up your Source Menu, it'll be easier than you think.

 

[kineticUk]

Unfortunately I think there is some argument support problem that needs to be addressed with 0.9.8.3.1 which has many video/audio/control bug fixes for most of the cores, not yet mind you. Fix has been very busy lately but I would love to see WiiFlow support RetroArch to it's fullest.

Thank you MassiveRican for the information...

I hope the great FIX94 has time in the future to check this out, and finds a way to get it all sorted. I don't use any plugins but retroarch installed inside my apps folder with wiiflow pointing to that directory would rule (them all).

And just for info, the retroarch developers said they might be able to sort it out but would need to talk to FIX94 to better understand how wiiflow works etc RetroArch - A new multi-system emulator

 

[MassiveRican]

Thank you MassiveRican for the information...

I hope the great FIX94 has time in the future to check this out, and finds a way to get it all sorted. I don't use any plugins but retroarch installed inside my apps folder with wiiflow pointing to that directory would rule (them all).

And just for info, the retroarch developers said they might be able to sort it out but would need to talk to FIX94 to better understand how wiiflow works etc RetroArch - A new multi-system emulator

Yep they sure did which makes me gitty with anticipation at the prospect of WiiFlow/RetroArch collaboration. I wanted to make Fix94 aware but u beat me too it

something im not doing right is preventing my install of wiiflow r880 from creating a cache for my wii/gc games.
recrating a cache for emunand and plugins seems to work splendidly though.
is there any way to intentionally create the covers cache that im unaware of?
my wiiflow folder with the covers in on an NTFS partition...
any light shed upon this subject would be much appreciated.

I would say to read thornhill33 and my post just above this one. WiiFlow settings folder on root of NTFS partition does not play nicely. I can't say that a fix is around the corner so a quick fix would be to re-do your setup to read from a FAT32 partition.

 

[matto21]

Well then, lets try to get wiiflow working with port 1, here is r881: r882:
http://www.mediafire.com/?mz5rkr7xpu6txix
Everyone who missed my log message here it is again:
-added support for usb port 1, you can find the setting in the global settings under startup, it will only work with d2x v9 beta, d2x v10 alt or hermes cIOS 5.0 or later, setting is saved in the NAND save, so individual for every wii, wiiflow will reboot after you change it
I would really like to get some reports how it works.

Well done Fix94, I just tried with d2x-v10-beta53-alt: everything works like a charm
tried with 2 HDD connected port USB0 and USB1 everything works
With cIOS Hermes does not save in emunand

Problems installing a wii game with R882
Settings do not change the language
the languages ​​folder is located in the wiiflow
only occurs with all hard drives NTFS with all the applications and games inside

 

[bostonBC]

Well then, lets try to get wiiflow working with port 1, here is r881: r882:
http://www.mediafire.com/?mz5rkr7xpu6txix
Everyone who missed my log message here it is again:
-added support for usb port 1, you can find the setting in the global settings under startup, it will only work with d2x v9 beta, d2x v10 alt or hermes cIOS 5.0 or later, setting is saved in the NAND save, so individual for every wii, wiiflow will reboot after you change it
I would really like to get some reports how it works.

Very nice! I tested it on a 32GB flash drive and one of my 2TB monsters and it worked perfectly!

Thanks so much for the ultra fast fix, I really appreciate it.

 

[TeenTin]

font_weight does control the boldness but doesn't seem to work very good. It seems to depend on the font being used. zero actually tells wiiflow to use the default which is bold on. for no bold try setting it to 1. The font_weight under the [GENERAL] section will affect all fonts unless it is specified under the specific label such as [GAMEINFO/PUBLISHER] . I've tried messing with font_weight myself but didn't have much luck. Anything over 8 doesn't seem to have any affect and like I said it depends on the font used.

Successful ! Thank you very much for you help indeed !!

 

[MassiveRican]

With cIOS Hermes does not save in emunand

That's to be expected. AFAIK Hermes cIOS does not support emusaves.

 

[MassiveRican]

Does the WiiFlow Channel Installer work with vWii? Basically does it install the WiiFlow hidden channel so when playing emulators it returns to WiiFlow? I don't know jack about vWii yet lol.

 

[AbdallahTerro]

Does the WiiFlow Channel Installer work with vWii? Basically does it install the WiiFlow hidden channel so when playing emulators it returns to WiiFlow? I don't know jack about vWii yet lol.

That's exactly the main purpose of making the installer since the hidden channel cannot be installed on vWii using the conventional methods

 

[PrimeX]

I have WiiFlow 4.1 for vWii and WiiFlowChanel v1.1 and I have the following problem. Whenever I enter WiiFlow after a reboot, the only Game Partition seen is NAND. I cannot switch to USB1. Right now I found the following workarounds:
1. Exit WiiFlow and enter again and the USB1 is visible and can be selected - all the games work
2. When I first load WiiFlow I connect my drive in the WiiFlow loading time. Surprisingly, if I do this the USB1 is seen from the begining - all the games work

So no one else has this problem?

 

[FIX94]

You only get this problem if the ios you use doesnt like your hdd, it can differ alot, play around with the force cios load and try both d2x v10 and v10 alternative.

 

[MassiveRican]

^^ sorry no Wii U to confirm yet.

 

[Maxternal]

I assumed the WIIH channel is found at 00010003-57494948 since it's a hidden channel but I might be wrong.

Programming derp.
This should have been 00010008-5749494.
Now we'll see when I have time to fix it ...

For now just adding |--DWFA to the end of the arguments= in the INI should make it work.

 

[Tetsuo Shima]

I don't know what to do. Previously, version 4.1 could at least start and see my HD partition on port1 (port0 is busted). After fiddling with cios in the settings menu it didn't work anymore: black screen for a minute or two then the wiiflow logo appears and after that it code dumps.
So I deleted both wiiflow folders (in the root and in the app folder of my SD) and did a fresh install with r882 posted above. Same thing.
So I reverted back to version 4.1.... same thing again. Why?
USB Loader GX still works.
I have Hermes CIOS 5.1 and d2x v8 final.
Maybe I can try to install d2x v10, but sincerely it doesn't make any sense... The first time Wiiflow could start with the exact same CIOS configuration.
If I disconnect my HD, I only get a black screen that stays forever with blue flashing light on the wii.
If I try to connect it to port0 (the one that is busted) the wiiflow logo appears but stays there.
Please help.

Edit: one more thing: in wiiflow folder the file wiiflow.ini is not created

 

[matto21]

I don't know what to do. Previously, version 4.1 could at least start and see my HD partition on port1 (port0 is busted). After fiddling with cios in the settings menu it didn't work anymore: black screen for a minute or two then the wiiflow logo appears and after that it code dumps.
So I deleted both wiiflow folders (in the root and in the app folder of my SD) and did a fresh install with r882 posted above. Same thing.
So I reverted back to version 4.1.... same thing again. Why?
USB Loader GX still works.
I have Hermes CIOS 5.1 and d2x v8 final.
Maybe I can try to install d2x v10, but sincerely it doesn't make any sense... The first time Wiiflow could start with the exact same CIOS configuration.
If I disconnect my HD, I only get a black screen that stays forever with blue flashing light on the wii.
If I try to connect it to port0 (the one that is busted) the wiiflow logo appears but stays there.
Please help.

Edit: one more thing: in wiiflow folder the file wiiflow.ini is not created

loader settings under Startup Settings select like this:
Force Load cIOS = ON
Force cIOS Revision = 249
with cIOS Hermes select 222
USB Port = 1

 

[Maxternal]

I don't know what to do. Previously, version 4.1 could at least start and see my HD partition on port1 (port0 is busted). After fiddling with cios in the settings menu it didn't work anymore: black screen for a minute or two then the wiiflow logo appears and after that it code dumps.
So I deleted both wiiflow folders (in the root and in the app folder of my SD) and did a fresh install with r882 posted above. Same thing.
So I reverted back to version 4.1.... same thing again. Why?
USB Loader GX still works.
I have Hermes CIOS 5.1 and d2x v8 final.
Maybe I can try to install d2x v10, but sincerely it doesn't make any sense... The first time Wiiflow could start with the exact same CIOS configuration.
If I disconnect my HD, I only get a black screen that stays forever with blue flashing light on the wii.
If I try to connect it to port0 (the one that is busted) the wiiflow logo appears but stays there.
Please help.

Edit: one more thing: in wiiflow folder the file wiiflow.ini is not created

A couple of things that might come into play.
IOS58 can see both USB ports but it seems to load port1 FIRST automatically if it's not told otherwise.
D2X v8 and v10 ONLY load port0
D2X v9 and v10alt CAN load either one but seem to also just load port0 automatically unless told otherwise.
Hermes 5.0 and 5.1 as well as Hermes/Rodries 5.1mod I haven't had much experience with but it kinda seems that they would be similar to D2X v9

When you said 4.1 at least SAW what was connected to port1 it was because it was loading with IOS58 and doesn't change to D2X until it loads a game. IOS58 doesn't really care what port is used but will choose port1 over port0 if there's something plugged into both.
When you LOADED a game with 4.1 it then switched to D2X to be able to load the game. The problem is that your particular version, v8, can ONLY do port0.

Updating to r882 would only work if it was told specifically to run off of the Hermes cIOS since the only change with r882 would have been that it was not able to tell v9 or v10alt to switch ports ... but you have v8 so that doesn't apply.

EDIT : 'd for talking too much.

 

[PrimeX]

thx Fix, I'll follow your advice and I'll be back with feedback

 

[Thornhill33]

I don't know what to do. Previously, version 4.1 could at least start and see my HD partition on port1 (port0 is busted). After fiddling with cios in the settings menu it didn't work anymore: black screen for a minute or two then the wiiflow logo appears and after that it code dumps.
So I deleted both ...

As Fix94 said, the startup settings are stored in the Wii Nand (as wiiflow save), so deleting anything on HDD will not help.
You have to delete the wiiflow save in the NAND (through Wii System Menu => Wii Settings => Data management => Wii => Wiiflow ).

After this, Willflow will start with default settings : USB port 0 / no force ios.

The current problem you have is that d2x-v8 won't be able to use port 1 for launching games (you need d2x-v10-alt or d2x-v9 as Fix94 said).