Converting .3DS to .CIA for Dummies!

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:

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!


Step 0: Tools usage and folder placement
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:
2CnQzzS.jpg

Step 1: Decrypting the Rom
1a. Getting ncchinfo.bin
Go to CIA\Step 1
Paste your rom in this folder.
Rename it to "rom.3ds"

PL7i0Of.jpg


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

PP2d2Vb.jpg


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
S5pjz4H.jpg


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

pxb4yYC.jpg


Now insert SD card back into your 3DS

1b. Getting xorpads
Go to your 3DS.
Run System Settings > Other Settings > Profile > Nintendo DS Profile
n0AavEQ.jpg

5Rc1S0H.jpg

NwOqJMT.jpg

2IjMk6y.jpg

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

yLff9EH.jpg

YlpCabp.jpg


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.

Fo9jCzq.jpg

If you game has Download Play support, and you want it,
copy this too:
5KvoodX.jpg

Step 2: Decrypting + Compiling the .cia!
Move rom.3DS to CIA\Step 2

XipcAm6.jpg


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

tLI1w0u.jpg


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!
VZ2EdYp.jpg


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

WCurpGN.jpg

"But Queno138, I want to repack another rom, must I unpack again?"
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.
5JC08On.jpg


After this image, go up to (continue)

Installation Success!
gCXgRFI.jpg

Custom rsf guide:
OeBfnFQ.jpg


T5 - Reference Codes (and how to report errors)



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

Genuine Errors
Reference code 1: Required .bins not located.
4KYeogO.jpg

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.
Uxw5lzg.jpg

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.
FR5pUbq.jpg

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
R9j5cda.jpg

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
tWxh7lf.jpg

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:
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.
VkD4En9.jpg

DcQ4XQY.jpg

Reference code not shown/code persists:
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:​
put this into a .bat
Code:
c:\Python27\python.exe" ctrKeyGen.py %1
then drag and drop the rom.3ds onto the .bat

Or

Code:
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!:​
gamesquest1; the first ever decrypting guide I could understand:​
ryanrocks462, which I also cross refer to:​
Versehell's also very comprehensive guide:​
Liomajor's first most automatic guide:​
piratesephiroth's Exinjector!​
Kyogre123's savedatafiler tutorial​
relys and the NCCH/SD programs!​
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.
 
I have a pretty interesting question.

I have a 3DS with firmware 4.1.0.7-E With Devmenu installed and running.
I tried to use the NCCH Decryptor launcher.dat file on CFW but when I go to DS PROFILE, it comes back with "An error has occured....." message.
I reboot, use the GW NDS card and launch ROP to enable launcher.dat for GW instead of Homebrew.
It works this time.

I'm guessing ROP can't be launched from within DEVMENU and I'm guessing DEVMENU can't be launched with ROP setting it to GW 4x Launcher.dat either.

Any feedback would be great. Trying different things to see if I can get it to work on CFW.

....what?

When we try to enter the launcher, we don't do it in emunand/gateway mode.
So likewise, it should not, and can not be done, if you are already in cfw mode.

You can't perform launcher-ception.

(unless I'm understanding you wrong, it sounds like you want to use the ncch decryptor in cfw mode)
 
magicrat my advice is update your console to any version above 4.1 i had nothing but trouble with 4.1,i'm now on version 4.3 & my 3ds is very stable. i used Professor Layton & the miracle mask retail game to update from 4.1 to 4.3 :)
 
magicrat my advice is update your console to any version above 4.1 i had nothing but trouble with 4.1,i'm now on version 4.3 & my 3ds is very stable. i used Professor Layton & the miracle mask retail game to update from 4.1 to 4.3 :)

I might try that. I have animal crossing (E) which updates to 4.5
 
I believe that rsfgen.py (the second option for RSF) will decided if the exefs needs to be compressed.
(It reads the exheaderinfo.txt and another bin for you, then implements for you.)
I asked this multiple times but couldnt get a straight answer really and was hoping you woul be kind enough to provide me with one. I compiled .cia files out super mario bros. 3 nes and super mario bros. deluxe .3ds roms. I successfully installed them, but when I hover over the games before I start them (while on the home menu) There appears to be this frustrating white block under under the image. How can i get this to go away?
 
I asked this multiple times but couldnt get a straight answer really and was hoping you woul be kind enough to provide me with one. I compiled .cia files out super mario bros. 3 nes and super mario bros. deluxe .3ds roms. I successfully installed them, but when I hover over the games before I start them (while on the home menu) There appears to be this frustrating white block under under the image. How can i get this to go away?

I'm sorry bout i don't know about that.
 
Does anyone happen to have a working .rsf for Cubic Ninja? The one I tried to make with the batch script makes the game stay looping on the 3ds screen.

Thanks in advance hehe. :lol:
 
....what?

When we try to enter the launcher, we don't do it in emunand/gateway mode.
So likewise, it should not, and can not be done, if you are already in cfw mode.

You can't perform launcher-ception.

(unless I'm understanding you wrong, it sounds like you want to use the ncch decryptor in cfw mode)


Based on the following two tutorials:
http://gbatemp.net/threads/4-x-only-cia-cfw-complete-guide.373532/
http://gbatemp.net/threads/tutorial-converting-3ds-to-cia-for-dummies.373722/

I've completed installing the CFW and I can access that when I go to DS PROFILE and hold the L buttom

After a fresh reboot without launching the DS exploit to launch CFW, I've place the launcher.dat & msetforboss.dat (from QuenoPack 5.1.3) and the ncchinfo.bin (just generated) and slot0x25KeyX.bin (setup correctly) on to the SDCARD.
NOTE: The ROP Multiloader is still set to Launcher.dat Homebrew 4x
Now I go to access "System Settings > Other Settings > Profile > Nintendo DS Profile" and it comes back with the message "An error has occured.....".

Now I reset the 3DS, launch Gateway DS card (Blue) and ROP Multiloader.
Change this to Launcher.dat Gateway 4x and do another reboot
Now I go to "System Settings > Other Settings > Profile > Nintendo DS Profile" and the files placed on the SD CARD from QuenoPack 5.1.3 now load the NCCH Decryptor.

So what I am saying, when ROP Multiloader is set to Homebrew 4x it doesn't load NCCH.
When it is set to Gateway 4x NCCH Decryptor does load.

No launcher-ception things going on there.
 
magicrat my advice is update your console to any version above 4.1 i had nothing but trouble with 4.1,i'm now on version 4.3 & my 3ds is very stable. i used Professor Layton & the miracle mask retail game to update from 4.1 to 4.3 :)


I've done the nand SDCARD part from http://gbatemp.net/threads/4-x-only-cia-cfw-complete-guide.373532/

  1. If you have not already done so, boot the Gateway Launcher and select "Format Emunand". Be careful, as this will erase all the files on your SD card.
  2. On your SD card navigate to "sdmc:/Nintendo 3DS/<id0>/<id1>/dbs/". Create two files in this folder named title.db and import.db . Put the SD card back in your 3ds and go to System Settings, and attempt to manage the SD software. Let the 3DS do its repair process.
  3. Mount your SD card on your computer. Make a backup of the card with Win32DiskImager.
  4. Open Hex Workshop as administrator. Select Disk-> Open Drive. Choose "All" from the drop down menu and select the disk with the size matching your SD card. Once opened, the very beginning should say "GATEWAYNAND"
  5. Choose Disk->Restore Sectors and select your saved nand.bin. Change "Starting Sector" to be "1".

so my SD CARD has a hidden partition I assume with a copy of the nand. If I update the system firmware, I'll have to do all the steps again won't I......
 
So what I am saying, when ROP Multiloader is set to Homebrew 4x it doesn't load NCCH.
When it is set to Gateway 4x NCCH Decryptor does load.

No launcher-ception things going on there.

Select one:
  • Use GW mode (option 1) to launch the launcher.dat version of the xorpad generator
  • Use option 3 to launch msetforboss.dat
  • rename msetforboss.dat in launcher.dat and use option 2
:rolleyes:
 
If I update the system firmware, I'll have to do all the steps again won't I......

The CFW should still work, but with the old firmware wersion.

Probably it's worth to make a new CFW from the new version. But make a backup of your SD before doing it (or use a different SD), so if you have problems, you can still rollback to the old CFW
 
Mmm... the smea homebrew is out if you have cubicninja game, is based on edit the qr code -.-
Other games scans qr codes, maybe can use them as replacement of ninja cube?

We can uptade the launcher of the gw sd, for 2.6 maybe if works better ?.

It's possible in the future to make compatible new games to CFW?
may be uptading firmware in emunand...

Have a nice day.

PD: Newer versions gettsme a lot of errors, i use version 5.0.0. Much games do the install.cia but freeze on the 3ds logo or sd card error on off 3ds.
But when i get them from internet they work fine :/ .
Thinking the problem is that i use CFW 4.4 to do the install.cia and the internet are doing with the GW.
 
I am super sorry if my questions get tedious but these are questions I have with recent conversions:
1. How come every time I boot emunand with gateway, some of my cia files always show up as presents. This gets really annoying :/ how do I stop that.
2. Can I receive updates for my cia files? Meaning, can I do wahoo updates.
3. How come after I installed a few cia files, I go to eshop and go to settings and try to re download games I had before, but they aren't there in the "redownloadable" software section. I also tried to input my game codes in but they say they have already been redeemed. I do have the same club Nintendo account linked.

Please, I would love it for someone to answer these questions. I appreciate it very much, thank you.
 
Mmm... the smea homebrew is out if you have cubicninja game, is based on edit the qr code -.-
Other games scans qr codes, maybe can use them as replacement of ninja cube?

We can uptade the launcher of the gw sd, for 2.6 maybe if works better ?.

It's possible in the future to make compatible new games to CFW?
may be uptading firmware in emunand...

Have a nice day.

PD: Newer versions gettsme a lot of errors, i use version 5.0.0. Much games do the install.cia but freeze on the 3ds logo or sd card error on off 3ds.
But when i get them from internet they work fine :/ .
Thinking the problem is that i use CFW 4.4 to do the install.cia and the internet are doing with the GW.

does it display error then end program (and go to red screen), or display errors but continues running?

I am super sorry if my questions get tedious but these are questions I have with recent conversions:
1. How come every time I boot emunand with gateway, some of my cia files always show up as presents. This gets really annoying :/ how do I stop that.
2. Can I receive updates for my cia files? Meaning, can I do wahoo updates.
3. How come after I installed a few cia files, I go to eshop and go to settings and try to re download games I had before, but they aren't there in the "redownloadable" software section. I also tried to input my game codes in but they say they have already been redeemed. I do have the same club Nintendo account linked.

Please, I would love it for someone to answer these questions. I appreciate it very much, thank you.

1. I'm not sure how to fix that.
Some say format sysnand, but I personally don't recommend that
2. updates, like from eshop or streetpass?
3. you can't 'redownload' something you didn't buy, because that information is stored server side.
as to the second part of your question, don't get what you're saying.
 
I am super sorry if my questions get tedious but these are questions I have with recent conversions:
1. How come every time I boot emunand with gateway, some of my cia files always show up as presents. This gets really annoying :/ how do I stop that.
2. Can I receive updates for my cia files? Meaning, can I do wahoo updates.
3. How come after I installed a few cia files, I go to eshop and go to settings and try to re download games I had before, but they aren't there in the "redownloadable" software section. I also tried to input my game codes in but they say they have already been redeemed. I do have the same club Nintendo account linked.

Please, I would love it for someone to answer these questions. I appreciate it very much, thank you.

I don't know. I don't have nothing from eshop. That is why i dont have this problem " I boot emunand with gateway, some of my cia files always show up as presents".
Thinking on your problem maybe is, that you have games that you get frome eshop before and now you install that games on format .cia , that mess with your 3ds
removing them from your eshop, and make them new every time you go to emunand.

To not get more problems, no install games that you have in the eshop in cia form.
Try to use a new sd , and download the eshop games , maybe work (¿) .
 
does it display error then end program (and go to red screen), or display errors but continues running?

The new version gets diferent errors before go to red screen lot of the times,
with the first option to use firmware proof, with the second options works more,
when gets errors don't got the red letters and don't do install.cia.

But when trying the same game (archives) on the old 5.0.0 works great. D:

Only reporting this , for the best of all users.

Using CFW 4.4 . Windows 7 - 64 Bits. Phyton 2.7.
 
This is more of a request than anything.

Some people, like me, need to have parental controls (parents doing parent stuff, can't really blame them). This screws with region free, as parental controls will block any software with an out of region rating. This can be fixed by going into icon.bin and changing the value in the spot of whatever region you happen to be in (I think its 0x2018 for us, set to 89 for E 10+?)

Anyway, I would like to be able to repack BigBlueMenu (which I am getting now that it looks like nobody is writing a free open source alternative :/) with this change, so it will work through parental controls. However, attempting to use this pack on BigBlueMenu fails, as there aren't enough XORpads for what it is used to. Is there a way I can manually decrypt and repack it? I just need to change icon.bin

Thanks!
 
Well when i use 5.1.3 version: Gets loop error for all eternity (could not read rom file):
(first option 1>Firm Spoof yes>remove region yes>manual... no).

Loop: Get working and geting the same error

until you closed.

 

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