edit: I can't emphasize this enough.
If there are errors, check the guide under T5 first, then learn how to report from there ><

Converting .3DS/3DZ to .CIA Pictorial

​

Hopefully noob friendly!​

UPDATED! V5.1.4b @ UTC+8 2.45am 24-Nov-14:​

http://filetrip.net/3ds-downloads/utilities/download-quenopack-3ds-to-cia-5-1-4b-f33005.html​

​

Updated calling routine:​

Most questions all in front, so that users can doze off after​

Included the most recent exinjector & rsfgen.py​

Testing 32-bit compatibility​

​

Note: Haven't updated tutorial, but the prompts should be fool proof.​

Table of contents.​

T1 - Disclaimer​

T2 - Basics​

T3 - Requirements​

_____What you need to know, what programs to have.​

T4 - The Main Tutorial​

_____Steps 0, 1 & 2.​

T5 - Reference code (and how to report errors)​

_____Reference code 1 - 5, Faux errors, how to report errors​

T6 - [The not so] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)​

_____Is it region free, does .3DZ work, help w/ errors, what not to do​

T7 - User Guides and Credits!!!​

_____Valiant effort by our community.​

​

Control+Find the header number (eg: T5 ) to jump to the section!​

T1 - Disclaimer

​

gbaTEMP and I shall not be responsible for your own misdoing and misdeeds. ​

Use at your own risk! ;P​

T2 - Basics

What are .cia files?​

Basically a somewhat stripped down decrypted version of .3DS files.​

You can't just rename .3DS > .CIA, you have to carry out a set of slightly complicated steps,​

which I have tried to get it dummified.​

Make sure you follow the steps concisely.​

Now, purpose of this tutorial is to guide users to convert 3DS games (not warez, not dev apps) to .CIA files for installation.​

​

Does not matter whether .3DS or .3DZ, and scene roms won't need to add 'header' to go online (GW users should know what's I'm talking about)​

T3 - Requirements

​

First off, these are the requirements:​

1. Using a 3DS that is FW 4.1-4.5 (also known as FW 4.X)
   I recommend that these users get a Gateway 3DS.
   .
2. A DS flashcart that works on your 3DS, for loading DS profile exploit
   Supercard DStwo or GW blue card (r4i) works.
   Gateway loader works fine. (cannot link you the link)
   .
3. Install 2.7 Python. You can find it will a quick Google search.
   Or just download the one for your computer from here:
   https://www.python.org/download/releases/2.7/
   ...
4. This package.
   Paste it on your desktop, in a folder named "CIA"
   http://filetrip.net/3ds-downloads/utilities/download-quenopack-3ds-to-cia-5-1-4b-f33005.html
   
   Please the files in the folders they were in.
   The program reads the stuff based on the location!
   I will not provide the 7.x key. To find it, simply search the guy who leaked it. ><
   .
5. A game backup (rom)
   .
6. Patience, and not fearful of looking at folders with multiple items!

Okay, let's get started.

T4 - The Main Tutorial

​

Video Version:It's based on older revisions, but still counts.
Thanks to TeamNinja for uploading, and DrWhoJan who brought it to our attention!

Spoiler

Step 0: Tools usage and folder placement

Spoiler

Okay before we begin,
a short reminder: strictly please use only the tools I provided for this tutorial:
http://filetrip.net/3ds-downloads/utilities/download-quenopack-3ds-to-cia-5-1-4b-f33005.html

The folder layout and location of the files are to be the same,
as I have optimized the calling procedure of the .bats (the programs).

Unless you have a working understanding of reading those and modifying them to your liking,
I suggest you follow as I have provided

As an addition, follow the images to unblock the .rar, before unzipping:

Step 1: Decrypting the Rom

Spoiler

1a. Getting ncchinfo.bin

Spoiler

Go to CIA\Step 1
Paste your rom in this folder.
Rename it to "rom.3ds"

Drag the rom.3ds onto ctrKeyGen
A file called ncchinfo.bin will be in your directory.

Now, go to CIA\For 3DS SD Card
Copy the launcher you use over to your 3DS SD card.
I will not provide slot0x25KeyX.bin, so find it yourself.
When you the value, HXD into a blank file, and save as slot0x25KeyX.bin

Spoiler: slot0x25KeyX.bin guide

hxd website: http://mh-nexus.de/en/hxd/

Also copy and paste ncchinfo.bin into the root of the 3DS SD card.

Now insert SD card back into your 3DS

1b. Getting xorpads

Spoiler

Go to your 3DS.
Run System Settings > Other Settings > Profile > Nintendo DS Profile

Spoiler

The program will load and run.
Allow it to run until it tells you, that you can turn off your 3DS.

Once done, insert your SD card back on your computer.
Copy only these xorpads to this directory:
CIA\Step 2
Not every rom provides exefs_7x.xorpad. If you do see it, you must copy it!
Only copy manual.romfs.xorpad if you want to have a user manual option on home screen.

If you game has Download Play support, and you want it,
copy this too:

Step 2: Decrypting + Compiling the .cia!

Spoiler

Move rom.3DS to CIA\Step 2

Drag and drop or Double click on 'decrypt and make.bat'

Hit enter, and it will run.
The latest update has all the questions at the start of the process,
so one may mostly doze off and wait after doing so.
The image that says it all!

When you see this, you are at the end of the program!
If you see install.cia, it means you were successful!

"But Queno138, I want to repack another rom, must I unpack again?"

Spoiler

No!
This feature allows you to repack, as long as you have the items there.
It's been around since, 2.0? I just never properly documented it.

After this image, go up to (continue)

Installation Success!

Spoiler

Custom rsf guide:

Spoiler

T5 - Reference Codes (and how to report errors)

Reference codes has appeared in the batch program, for ease of referencing.

Genuine Errors

Spoiler

Reference code 1: Required .bins not located.

If the required .bins for the operation is not found,
it means that either you deleted it, or it could not be extracted, due to decryption error.

Associated with (and fix):
1. Invalid slot0x25KeyX.bin for FW 7x games (refer to guide on how to acquire it correctly)
2. Files have been moved (kindly keep them in the same place as guide dictates)
3. Decryption error. (Delete everything and try again.)
4. Mismatched tools (Ensure you are using the tools provided)


Reference code 2: rom.3ds not located.

Decryption cannot be done without the exact file, "rom.3ds"

Associated with (and fix):
1. rom name is not rom.3ds (Kindly rename the rom to rom.3ds)
2. rom not in folder (kindly place rom.3ds in Step 2)


Reference code 3: xorpad not located.

Xorpads are required for decryption

Associated with (and fix):
1. xorpad not named as per guide (simple, eg: 01.exefs_norm.xorpad)
2. xorpad not in directory (don't forget to transfer over the xorpad from 3DS SD card)


Reference code 4: Tools folder not found

Tools are required for the operation.

Associated with (and fix):
1. Tools folder has been renamed. (It needs to be named "tools")
2. Tools folder has been moved. (Move it back to the original directory)
3. Tools folder lost. (Redownload and extract the whole package)


Reference code 5: Folders located before decryption

This message only pops up when you have chosen to decrypt a rom.

Associated with:
1. Exefs, Encrypted_bin, decrypted, xorpad folder exists. (delete them before decrypting new rom)
2. Selected choice by accident. (ignore, proceed to pack rom.)

Faux errors:

Spoiler

Some of the text displayed tends to scare users.
If you get any one of these, please don't report, as it's not an error.

Reference code not shown/code persists:

Spoiler

If code persists, or error with no code:
Do us a favor and save each other some time.
Before showing errors,
ensure that:
1. you downloaded the lastest package.
2. followed the tutorial to the latter
3. did not use express

​

If error still occurs:
1. What Game you are using
2. Inform me if you are using CFW or GW
3. Tell me what error you get in game (or if you don't reach there)
4. screenshot \exefs, \decrypted, \xorpads, \step 2
5. show me the error page on the normal bat

this way, easier for me to identify the error.

T6 - [The not so] Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What must I not do?​

Don't go into sysnand and check data management. (content will be deleted)​

Don't forget to back up data when necessary (to prevent losing saves)​

Don't forget to read T5 of my guide regarding errors. (to not plague this thread)​

Don't format 3DS for no reason (I mean, imagine one day you need to upgrade, and can't connect to NNID or something)​

Don't update firmware in CFW (cause it stops working)​

How to install .cia files​

What, you're here without knowing!?​

Basically, get Devmenu or bigbluemenu (can't tell you where)​

Will I be able to delete them afterwards?​

Devmenu and BBM has options for deleting them.​

Just don't delete your updates or important warez by mistake.​

Check the ID against http://3ds.essh.co/​

Does this require FW 4.5 like other exploits​

.....​

You think?​

</sarcasm> YES​

Does this work with trimmed roms?​

YES! (link)​

Does this work with FW 7.X games?​

GW = YES!​

CFW = NO.​

And before you ask, if there were any workarounds​

(well, besides obviously getting a GW that is so worth it now),​

I'll be happy to share.​

Does your tutorial contain "region free and firmware spoofing"?​

YES!​

​

Does the package support download play?​

YES!​

​

Does this work with .3DZ?​

YES!​

After all, it's just a file extension. doesn't affect conversion.​

Does your tutorial contain "user manuals"​

YES!​

I have an existing save on Gateway. Why is it not on the .cia game?​

Imagine the .cia game being like an eshop game.​

Every game comes with a new save.​

Are saves brought forward?​

NO.​

Because that's not how the mechanics of conversion works.​

Gateway makes the redcard 'find and see' the saves, not the homepage apps.​

What about nand saving/card2?​

NO.​

But ONLY for card2, you can use savefiler or save data transfer tool.​

If you were already playing your roms as a card2, go ahead and transfer ​

Why can't I modify to card2 then transfer?​

By making it card2, you broke the header,​

which the 3DS will check if the save is corrupt before transfer.​

Based on the chain of events mentioned, it is considered corrupted.​

Can user manuals be repacked together?​

YES!​

Take note that if using different region game,​

enable region free.​

Does this work with VC roms?​

NO (link) or YES? (link)​

Try it yourself!​

Does this conversion method work with Dev apps (devmenu and SDK stuff)​

NO!​

However, link to show you how to get them converted: (link)​

Do I need .rsf files?​

Up to you. The batch program will generate one for you,​

but if you follow the prompt, you can insert your own.​

Not all work at the moment.​

Can I load games above 4.5 on CFW?​

From what I know, some games require firmware spoofing​

and the FW6/7 games is a big NO​

Where can I find slot0x25KeyX.bin/7.X keys?​

Can't tell you where. But I know who has it (the guy you leaked it, duh)​

get it, type it in hex using HXD, save as slot0x25KeyX.bin​

Paste it into your SD card.​

Why do I see no errors but there is no .cia?​

Most likely you are using express. IF you are noob, just don't.​

Chances are it's decryption or your key 7 is wrong.​

Go to section T5, it'll teach you something.​

It says not enough memory, why? I have x GB ram.​

Well, your computer probably already runs a lot of processes,​

and packing the rom can take up to 2-3x it's original size.​

Don't tell me you got 16GB ram.​

Just go o into safe mode, and launch the .bat there.​

As long as the folders are still there,​

you can choose to continue with repacking, without re-depacking.​

​

If it still doesn't work,​

rename _makerom.exe to makerom.exe and try again.​

​

I've already added a new makerom to circumnavigate that,​

but I still recommend keeping your processes low.​

Help, can't drag and drop on python​

try either option:​

Spoiler

put this into a .bat

c:\Python27\python.exe" ctrKeyGen.py %1

then drag and drop the rom.3ds onto the .bat

Or

regedit
 
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Python.File\shellex\DropHandler]@="{60254CA5-953B-11CF-8C96-00AA00B8708C}"
 
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Python.NoConFile\shellex\DropHandler]@="{60254CA5-953B-11CF-8C96-00AA00B8708C}"
 
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Python.CompiledFile\shellex\Drop Handler]@="{60254CA5-953B-11CF-8C96-00AA00B8708C}"

​

​

What is the express.bat in your package​

It's a program NOT for noobs.​

It doesn't ask questions; simply repacks if there are folders,​

decrypt and unpack if there are xorpads​

Doesn't prompt, just runs.​

It has some preset settings.​

It won't decrypt the whole romfs.bin. Creates its own rsf.​

Due to it's nature, error prompts might be skipped.​

So I repeat,​

It's a program NOT for noobs.​

Help, my errors aren't resolved!​

Do us a favor and save each other some time.​

Before showing errors,​

ensure that:​

1. you downloaded the lastest package.​

2. followed the tutorial to the latter​

3. did not use express​

​

If error still occurs:​

1. What Game you are using​

2. Inform me if you are using CFW or GW​

3. Tell me what error you get in game (or if you don't reach there)​

4. screenshot \exefs, \decrypted, \xorpads, \step 2​

5. show me the error page on the normal bat​

​

this way, easier for me to identify the error.​

​

Wondering if you have a faux error?​

Ctrl Find "T5"​

​

​

T7 - User Guides and Credits!!!

Palantine and the CFW and CIA guide that (almost) started it all!:​

http://gbatemp.net/threads/4-x-only-cia-cfw-complete-guide.373532/​

​

gamesquest1; the first ever decrypting guide I could understand:​

https://gbatemp.net/threads/tutorial-how-to-decrypt-3ds-roms-for-dummies.372653/page-2#post-5136907​

​

ryanrocks462, which I also cross refer to:​

https://gbatemp.net/threads/tutorial-how-to-decrypt-3ds-roms-for-dummies.372653/​

​

Versehell's also very comprehensive guide:​

http://gbatemp.net/goto/post?id=5149679#post-5149679​

​

Liomajor's first most automatic guide:​

http://gbatemp.net/threads/release-...into-repacked-roms.373839/page-7#post-5153600​

​

piratesephiroth's Exinjector!​

http://gbatemp.net/threads/release-exinjector-inject-original-exheaders-into-repacked-roms.373839/​

​

Kyogre123's savedatafiler tutorial​

http://gbatemp.net/threads/how-to-put-savedatafiler-on-homescreen.373756/​

​

relys and the NCCH/SD programs!​

http://gbatemp.net/threads/release-3ds_ctr_decryptor-void.370684/​

​

ground, whom I never spoke to, but I thank your efforts in Exheader research!​

​

Vappy's, rsfgen.py!​

​

​

​

Also to neimod, 3DSguy, 3Dbrew, and many others that slipped my mind!​

​

​

And last but not least,​

everyone on gbatemp ​

​

I'm not reinventing the wheel, I'm merely gathering all information into one.

 

[Queno138]

Excuse me,how to rebuild a manual?How should I define the rsf document?

you talking about the manual to a game right.

Sorry I have no clue myself.
was reading up on the commands in ctrtool (since we do get the xorpad for it [it being the manual]),
but I can't seem to locate which one it is. maybe it's tmd? I dunno T.T

 

[thinhvnn]

Every game I've tried,working fine but only Fire Emblem Awaking and Fantasy Life isnt working

 

[Queno138]

Every game I've tried,working fine but only Fire Emblem Awaking and Fantasy Life isnt working

So I've heard.
-----

adding to the list of games not working:
Mario Kart 7 with 1.1 (EUR) - personally confirmed
Fire Emblem Awakening
Fantasy Life

 

[CraddaPoosta]

Queno, I can't get Mario Golf to work, either. Stuck at the same place you are. Can't even get Mario Tennis to convert at all, and that one has additional .xorpads, like one for Download Play, and Main.exfs_norm.

Have you gotten any games you patched yourself for online play to properly convert to .cia?

 

[piratesephiroth]

Nice, themes are so easy to repack

 

[Quincy]

So we should be able to download themes soon as well?

piratesephiroth upload to tbp LOL

 

[VerseHell]

I also made a guide for 3ds to cia conversion if it helps, it automatically add the game manual if there's one and it can delete the decrypted files in the end if you want:

Download this : http://jheberg.net/captcha/3ds-cia-conversion-tools-7x-encryption-support-v3/

1.If you still don't have it install 2.7 Python (not 3.4 or any other version)

2. Put your rom in the folder, run rom_tool info.bat, enter your rom name without the .3ds extension and edit the rsf file with the right informations.

3. Drag on drop your rom on the ctrKeyGen.py file, it will gnerate a ncchinfo.bin. Put it on your sd card root.

4. In the For the 3DS SD card. Open slot0x25KeyX.bin in a HEX editor and replace the 0 with the proper key. (Use Google) Put it and the launcher.dat in you sd card.

5. Put the sd card back on your console, go to System Settings -> Other Settings -> Profile -> Nintendo DS Profile and wait for the xorpads to be generated.


Then :

If you want to remove the region lock :

- Run unpack.bat enter your rom name without the .3ds extension

- Follow Gadorach's instructions here : https://gbatemp.net/threads/4-x-only-cia-cfw-complete-guide.373532/page-50#post-5149465 (works with Hex Worshop, just enter 2018 in the search bar)

- Run makerom.bat, enter the filename you want (without extension).

Else

- Just run unpack-makerom.bat, enter your rom name without the .3ds extension.

Added 7.X encryption game support. (only on gateway for now). Dooesn't work with Fantasy Life though, black screen error after the boot screen for me too.

And pokemon x/y saving doesn't work for cfw users (works fine on gateway emunand), same with Animal Crossing, but for both GW and cfw.

 

[Queno138]

Added 7.X encryption game support. (only on gateway for now). Dooesn't work with Fantasy Life though, black screen error after the boot screen for me too.

And pokemon x/y saving doesn't work for cfw users (works fine on gateway emunand), same with Animal Crossing, but for both GW and cfw.

even though I already have 7x keys support,
some games aren't working, which seems to be an issue tied to those games only.

maybe you wanna test those games on your end,
which I posted on my first page.

I'm linking your this post under "need other guides?" on my first page too

 

[Quincy]

Well, thanks to the wonderful help of Queno138 I am now installing the very same game I had problems with earlier. Seems the problem was with a very very very secret key (talk about obvious LOL) that I failed to save to disk correctly!

 

[Queno138]

Well, thanks to the wonderful help of Queno138 I am now installing the very same game I had problems with earlier. Seems the problem was with a very very very secret key (talk about obvious LOL) that I failed to save to disk correctly!

glad that it worked!

it's actually not that obvious,
cause the programs doesn't exactly tell us what is EXACTLY wrong.

Need to trial and error, retrace steps,
or even redo every damn thing to be certain ><
*sigh*

 

[AceyBwoi]

you place the header into the game while it is a .3ds.

It's before the WHOLE decryption process.


lack of header won't fail the compiling,
and I'm not sure if lack of header will result of lack of online capability.

you can give it a try, if you want ><

i gave it a shot and got this hmm

 

[VerseHell]

even though I already have 7x keys support,
some games aren't working, which seems to be an issue tied to those games only.

maybe you wanna test those games on your end,
which I posted on my first page.

I'm linking your this post under "need other guides?" on my first page too

Thanks.

Excuse me,how to rebuild a manual?How should I define the rsf document?

To add the game manual (if there's one) if you have rom_tool do :

mkdir dir
rom_tool -x dir romname.3ds

The manual will be the CTR-P-XXXX_1_MANUAL.cfa file in the dir folder

and you can add

-content dir/CTR-P-XXXX_1_MANUAL.cfa:1:1

to the makerom command to build it int the cia.

If you use my guide, theses commands are already in the .bat files, so you don't even need to do that.

 

[Quincy]

^LOLOL competing!

Why don't you two team up and create one ultimate noobfriendly dummy guide?

 

[CraddaPoosta]

^LOLOL competing!

Why don't you two team up and create one ultimate noobfriendly dummy guide?

This. So much this.

 

[AceyBwoi]

Nice, themes are so easy to repack

mmmm i can smell custom themes

 

[Queno138]

^LOLOL competing!

Why don't you two team up and create one ultimate noobfriendly dummy guide?

Not competing!

Like I said, just collating stuff around.

Different guides to suit different sort of people!

Thanks.


To add the game manual (if there's one) if you have rom_tool do :

mkdir dir
rom_tool -x dir romname.3ds

The manual will be the CTR-P-XXXX_1_MANUAL.cfa file in the dir folder

and you can add

-content dir/CTR-P-XXXX_1_MANUAL.cfa:1:1

to the makerom command to build it int the cia.

If you use my guide, theses commands are already in the .bat files, so you don't even need to do that.

now that's cool!

I've been wondering about how to add manual!


that means that your tools already decrypted the manual from the get go right!

Because from the beginning, the only xorpads imported into workdir was exefs, exh and romFS.
Didn't import the rest.

XD


QUICK EDIT:

games that have an additional exefs_7x.xorpad (or whatever was its name) dumped
needs to be merged with the norm xorpad.

use mex.py to do so.

I'll edit in the pictorial later!

I'm running late, and running off!

 

[gamesquest1]

It still wouldn't make sense if that's what he meant. :/

The MicroSD means reliance on a new SD card that exists separately from the MicroSD. A standard SD is less expensive, can hold more data per price, and is one card that can store all of your media. Games aren't separate, saves are on-board, everything is manageable from within the native OS; it's just all around better.

well tbh i can still see a few plaes where using the gateway card is better....i.e being able to just copy a game on and not fart about generating xorpads and converting the game to cia, then its simpler to backup your saves and stuff......plus if we are talking about things running natively, the gateway card pretty much replicates the original cart, so its more native than converting the game to .cia and installing it.....but either way if you want to get picky neither option is truly "native", but imho running a cart as a cart is better than running something in a converted form, also its easier for people to share saves using gateway.....and tbh you see more special offers on micro SD cards than standard so that's a pretty weak "advantage"

that's not to say this doesn't have its advantages, one big advantage is that you could effectively run as many 4.x 3ds consoles using just 1 gateway card for booting into emunand, i imagine that would be good for people with children who dont want to be fighting over the gateway card or buying one for each of them, as long as they dont turn the console off they could stay in emunand and run whatever games they like

 

[CraddaPoosta]

Regarding save game data size:

Spoiler

step 1. open notepad
step 2. paste this into notepad

ctrtool -t exheader decrypted\exheader.bin > exheaderinfo.txt

step 3. save as check memory.bat in \workdir
step 4. open the exheaderinfo.txt and look for it!

This works. Perfectly. THANK YOU!!!

 

[Ryft]

Someone on Maxconsole apparantly made a single batch approach to converting .3DS to .CIA. Here's the post if anyone is interested (I do not know if this contains any illegal files, so if it does let me know and I'll remove the link): http://www.maxconsole.com/maxcon_forums/threads/285574-3DS-To-CIA-Converter

 

[hippy dave]

F*ck me that maxconsole forum is a headache to look at. Flashing banners!