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]

Im on GW, I used the second RSF mode (1st gives me an error)

As for my Key 7, how do I know if it is correct or not?

EDIT: might the reason be because I don't have enough free space on my SD Card? (i heard you need at least 1.5Gb free, but not sure if thats applicable for the .cia installation)

it's actually in the guide. make sure the checksum is right.

Queno138 your tool is great but why it would not convert such old title as puzzle bubble universe ? i have tried all settings no luck i tried all tools by other developers only one tool did it i think it was 3DS Lazy V1.1 or it could be 3ds_to_cia_v1.06 i can't remember now which one it was but my guess is the Lazy tool. i would love for your tool to be compatible with more games specially older ones. thanks

it's probably liomajor's 3ds_to_cia.

 

[Kingfield]

it's actually in the guide. make sure the checksum is right.

Oh right, yep the checksum is fine. gonna try again now with a bigger SD card. hopefully that was the problem...

EDIT: yeah, nah. gonna try some other games now...

 

[satel]

it's actually in the guide. make sure the checksum is right.



it's probably liomajor's 3ds_to_cia.

i would say it was Lazy tool v1.1 as i just tried it with another awkward to convert game & it worked so it must be this tool but i doubt it supports downlaod play so for me it's only good for games that don't support this feature.

 

[MichiS97]

Sadly, your package doesn't let me create my own rsf anymore. I select that I want to create my own rsf then I'm asked wether I already have the rom.rsf in the folder or of I'll copy it there when prompted, I choose the second option because I can't create the rsf without the exheader.info file which is created by your programm. Then it isssues the same prompt again saying that there's no rom.rsf in the folder, well there obviously isn't. I tried to put a generic rom.rsf into the "Step 2"-folder since I thought that it will prompt me later to put the right rsf in there but no, it uses the generic rsf to build my CIA. Is there any way to get my hands on the exheaderinfo.txt? That would probably solve this problem since I'd be able to put the right rsf into the folder right away. I'm using the latest version, 5.1.4b

 

[Henceforth]

did you unblock the package before extraction?

(Using CFW 4.4 (Usa))

Sorry but i have to say this, after testing a lot of programs to get 3ds to cia.
I have found one that gets me all my errors on games resolved, this
3ds to cia v2.00 (Liomajor). (Link: http://gbatemp.net/threads/release-...nto-repacked-roms.373839/page-13#post-5166605 )

(On the other hand i was using the original program queno138 with my own rsf file, and that works but has less options and is have more steps, other programs give me errors when trying to
use my one rsf so that it is).

At the end, desire in the future someone fix save on pokemon xy and get work new games on cfw.
Have a nice day, and thanks for your help.
See you next time.

(Pd: Games of 4GB takes me like 3hours to install , example this game Bravely Default)

 

[Queno138]

(Using CFW 4.4 (Usa))

Sorry but i have to say this, after testing a lot of programs to get 3ds to cia.
I have found one that gets me all my errors on games resolved, this
3ds to cia v2.00 (Liomajor). (Link: http://gbatemp.net/threads/release-...nto-repacked-roms.373839/page-13#post-5166605 )

(On the other hand i was using the original program queno138 with my own rsf file, and that works but has less options and is have more steps, other programs give me errors when trying to
use my one rsf so that it is).

At the end, desire in the future someone fix save on pokemon xy and get work new games on cfw.
Have a nice day, and thanks for your help.
See you next time.

(Pd: Games of 4GB takes me like 3hours to install , example this game Bravely Default)

is your SD card class 10?

 

[54321]

My key never gets the right checksum. Am I supposed to copy the right side of the colon only or include the left side as well? I've tried multiple times already.

 

[misterb98]

Crosspost from the other repacker. This Region.py ovverides rating issues and fixes Parental controls going off on out of region games.

[Release] ExInjector - Inject original exheaders into repacked roms

 

[Henceforth]

is your SD card class 10?

Yes 32GB class 10.

 

[Queno138]

Crosspost from the other repacker. This Region.py ovverides rating issues and fixes Parental controls going off on out of region games.

[Release] ExInjector - Inject original exheaders into repacked roms

I am using that region.py.

region.py and rsfgen.py is from vappy.

unless vappy had yet another update that I wasn't aware of.

 

[misterb98]

I am using that region.py.

region.py and rsfgen.py is from vappy.

unless vappy had yet another update that I wasn't aware of.

Odd, I added the lines 2 and 3 myself. Also, after testing that one didn't work, I updated it and with this one I successfully ran EUR A link between worlds on a US 3ds with parental controls.

The two extra lines simply activate all the region-specific rating settings with the lowest game rating available. Works great.

 

[redunka]

Can someone help me? I made cia of Gaist Crusher God and it gives me black "an error has occured" screen. First Gaist Crusher works fine. I used auto rsf and remove region lock.
P.S. Using Gateway.

 

[Reecey]

I keep getting errors on creating rom files at the end now using the pack. I have tried now Sonic Boom Euro & Pokemon Alpha and the other one Euro and all fail at the end. Anyone know why?

 

[majinspyda]

^its a good site;P

Oh, also Queno138, I read a few pages back that you got Animal Crossing working with option 2, would that fix the save issue with the Pokemon X or Y?

Its weird, its the only game on CFW that has this save issue, plus when I extracted the save with Savedatafiler Pkhex refuses to read it.

My guess is that game is making corrupted saves from the start. I uploaded my "main" sav here if anyone wants to look or compare with there own via hex editor.I think ill make a thread about this soon

Has anybody found an answer to this as im experiencing the same issue. i can get pokesav to read the file however when i upload back into pokemonx.cia the game crashes and returns me to main menu

 

[SMVB64]

Has anybody found an answer to this as im experiencing the same issue. i can get pokesav to read the file however when i upload back into pokemonx.cia the game crashes and returns me to main menu

Interesting, were you using Gateway EmuNand or CFW? I couldn't even open the .sav file savedatafiler created on custom firmware.

 

[majinspyda]

Interesting, were you using Gateway EmuNand or CFW? I couldn't even open the .sav file savedatafiler created on custom firmware.

i am using CFW. i can start the game from scratch and when i attempt to save the game crashes. however it does create a save file which i was able to extract with savedatafiler. When i reupload into the .cia with savefiler the game crashes as well.

EDIT: i uploaded my main file to show i got it extracted

 

[majinspyda]

so to follow up i see that when i extract extdata from pokemonx.cia i notice that it only creates 2 files 0001 and 0002. However the retail version creates way more files inside of the ext data on the sd card.

Im copying the retail version extdata to the sd card for the cia and will see if it resolves this issue

 

[SMVB64]

i am using CFW. i can start the game from scratch and when i attempt to save the game crashes. however it does create a save file which i was able to extract with savedatafiler. When i reupload into the .cia with savefiler the game crashes as well.

EDIT: i uploaded my main file to show i got it extracted

Thanks for the upload, ill do a comparison with mine.

Also from a what a member told me on the forum, the reason why Poke X/Y wont save is due to the fact is needs FW 5.0.0 as a minimum to save data.

So someone may have to create a "save spoof" to get it work on lower firmwares. The only option is that we can try injecting a working save made by a gateway user to our CFW version with savedatafiler? Supposedly auto save works but to get the auto save function we have to save the game once haha

so to follow up i see that when i extract extdata from pokemonx.cia i notice that it only creates 2 files 0001 and 0002. However the retail version creates way more files inside of the ext data on the sd card.

Im copying the retail version extdata to the sd card for the cia and will see if it resolves this issue

[update:] Oh ok, I didn't think of that, it could be just missing files

 

[majinspyda]

Thanks for the upload, ill do a comparison with mine.

Also from a what a member told me on the forum, the reason why Poke X/Y wont save is due to the fact is needs FW 5.0.0 as a minimum to save data.

So someone may have to create a "save spoof" to get it work on lower firmwares. The only option is that we can try injecting a working save made by a gateway user to our CFW version with savedatafiler? Supposedly auto save works but to get the auto save function we have to save the game once haha



[update:] Oh ok, I didn't think of that, it could be just missing files

just copied over the missing files and still have the same issue. it looks like it creates the save file 0001 and 0002 but stops there and crashes. it probably is the 5.0 sdk save issue.


even with a gateway save i used from the community saves it still has the same issue. i will reinstall from scratch and attempt to upload the main file again that i modified to see if that helps

how would we even go about spoofing the save when the rom is utilizing 5.0 sdk? wouldnt we have to attempt to spoof the rom at 4.x sdk?

 

[Dan-the-Rebirth]

hey i tryed to convert the savefilefilter.3ds(renamed csu) to a cia but i get the xorbat are not located error....what did i do wrong??