Tutorial  Updated

Full vWii Softmod

(guide posted and translated with permission of the original author)





Requirements:
- WiiU with 2.1.0/2.1.3/3.0.1/3.1.0/4.0.0/4.0.2/4.0.3/4.1.0/5.0.0/5.1.0/5.1.1/5.1.2/5.2.0/5.3.0/5.3.1/5.3.2/5.4.0/5.5.0 System Menu (versions lower than 2.1.0 do not have vWii installed - not tested with greater versions)
- SD NON-HC (better if blank/clean to avoid potentially fatal installation of old Wii non-compatible WADs - 4Gb but better 2Gb or smaller; 4Gb can be HC and HC cards will not work; 2GB are surely not HC)
- Original Lego Batman Wii game (look for notes below for other supported games)
RLBPWR.png

- You must play at least 1 time with LEGO BATMAN in vWii mode


Preliminary steps (files needed/SD card preparation)

Lego Batman savegame exploit; download and extract data.bin in folder SD :\private\wii\title\RLBX (X is a variable letter related to your Lego Batman Wii region: P = PAL, E = NTSC, J = JAP) <-- (necessary to launch vWii executable files from the root of SD card)

HackMii Installer (at least version 1.2 - alternative download link here); download and extract \hackmii_installer_v1.2 folder content in SD root <-- (to be launched when using the above exploit in order to install The Homebrew Channel, a very useful homebrew)

d2x cIOS Installer Mod v2.2 (this version patch on the fly original IOSes dumping them directly from your vWii); download and extract folder \d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2 in SD :\ apps <-- (needed to install cIOS)

d2x cIOS; download and extract folder \d2x-v10-betaXX-alt-vWii INSIDE \d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2 folder; choose version d2x-v10-beta52-vWii or d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii according to this pros/cons official chart:
PE6zcF6.png

(d2x cIOS is a Custom IOS necessary to execute Loaders)

Configurable USB Loader Mod; download and copy the latest .dol file in SD :\apps\USBLoader renaming it to boot.dol ; if something is not working for you it is alternatvely possible the use of Wiiflow or USBLoader GX, other 2 great loaders ! Remember to use the loaders .DOL file and NOT the WAD installation channel and/or forwarder ! Old Wii WADs may lead you to brick the vWii mode if not correctly recompiled for vWii !). <-- (Loaders are needed to launch game backups)

xyzzy; download and copy \xyzzy folder inside SD\apps\; this homebrew will save your vWii keys

Dump Mii NAND; download and copy \DmpMiNND folder inside SD\apps\; this homebrew will dump vWii NAND to SD


YetAnotherBlueDumpMod; download the 3 files you can find in the previous link and copy them inside SD\apps\HBC; this homebrew will dump clean vWii IOS

========================================
Your final SD\ folder structure should be like this:

\SD ROOT
\apps
\d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2
\d2x-v10-beta52-vWii
DIPP.app
EHCI.app
ES.app
FAT.app
FFSP.app
MLOAD.app
SDHC.app
USBS.app​
\d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii
DIPP.app
EHCI.app
ES.app
FAT.app
FFSP.app
MLOAD.app
SDHC.app
USBS.app
boot.dol
ciosmaps.xml
icon.png
meta.xml​
\DmpMiNND
ARMsource.html
boot.dol
icon.png
meta.xml
PPCsource.html
\HBC
boot.dol
icon.png
meta.xml
\USBLoader
boot.dol
icon.png​
\xyzzy
boot.dol
icon.png
meta.xml
\licenses
APACHE-2.0.txt​
\private
\wii
\title
\RLBX (where X can be E or P or J depending on the game region)
data.bin​
\wiiload
\lin32
wiiload​
\osx
wiiload​
\win32
wiiload.exe​
wiiload.tar.gz​
boot.elf
bootmini.elf
========================================

So after extracting all those homebrews in the correct folders of your SD root (2 or 4 GB) that MUST NOT BE SDHC (if SDHC the bathaxx exploit cannot be run) proceed to step 1.


STEPS

1) Start Virtual Wii (vWii) from WiiU dash and ONLY AFTER IT SHOWS UP insert the prepared SD card (if you insert it earlier the savegame can be deletd)

2) Install exploited savegame
In vWii mode go to Options -> Saved Data -> SD Card -> Click on the icon related to your game version -> select COPY -> YES

3) Execute exploit/Install HBC
Go back to vWii menu ad launch the game -> load the saved game (100%) and you will found yourself in the bat-cave; take the right elevator -> enter the trophy room and get into the upper-left door to go to "Wayne Manor" -> with nunchuck bring the cursor over the enabled character in the lowest row (see minute 1:03 of the following video) to execute the exploit (boot.elf). Follow on-screen procedure to complete HBC Install.

(video found on youtube searching for "bathaxx" - thanks to the original author !)

NOTE: remember to use, as already said, a NON-HC SD card

4) Backup vWii mode keys
From HBC launch xyzzy -> select "SD Card" when requested -> press A -> wait 10-20 seconds (ignore error messages) -> when asked press A to go back to HBC; the file will be copied in SD :\keys.txt

5) Backup vWii mode NAND content
Start HBC -> launch latest version of the great Dump Mii NAND tool (by Maxternal) tool;
the automatic dump procedure will last from 20 to 60 minutes (in my experience it depends on the SD card you are using); the files (nand.bin and keys.bin) will be dumped in sd:/apps/DumpMiNND/ folder; at the end of the dumping procedure your WiiU will reboot.

Edit by Cyan:
6) Dump your IOS for eventual vWii semi-brick fix (optional step but recommended !)
Launch YetAnotherBlueDumpMod
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 a lot of trouble in the future.

If you don't have CLEAN IOS, you won't be able to fix semi-bricked vWii.
You can't create wads from a NAND dump or from using ShowMiiWads. You NEED to use YetAnotherBlueDumpMod.
so please, don't skip this step (but you can do it after step 7 if you want).


7) Install d2x cIOS on different bases/slots
Start HBC and launch d2x cIOS Installer Mod v2.2 -> press a wiimote key ->
- at "Select cIOS" press right and select "d2x-v10-beta52-vWii" or "d2xv10-beta53-alt-vWii"
- at "Select cIOS base" select "56"
- at "Select cIOS slot" select "249"
press A to install -> cIOS 249 installed.

Repeat the above procedure for IOS57:
- at "Select cIOS" press right and select "d2x-v10-beta52-vWii" or "d2xv10-beta53-alt-vWii"
- at "Select cIOS base" select "57"
- at "Select cIOS slot" select "250"
press A to install -> cIOS 250 installed.

Repeat the above procedure for IOS58:
- at "Select cIOS" press right and select "d2x-v10-beta52-vWii" or "d2xv10-beta53-alt-vWii"
- at "Select cIOS base" select "58"
- at "Select cIOS slot" select "251"
press A to install -> cIOS 251 installed.

8) Now you can execute your preferred homebrew (that needs a cIOS) under HBC. Some homebrews can request IOS236 (see optional steps below on how to install it)

==========================================================================================================================

IMPORTANT NOTES

1 - Step 2 can be substituted with one of those games and their exploits:
RSBE01.png

- Super Smash Bros. Brawl
exploit name: SMASH STACK


RLGE64.png

- LEGO Star Wars - The Complete Saga
exploit name: RETURN OF THE JODI


RLIE64.png

- LEGO Indiana Jones - The Original Adventure
exploit name: INDIANA PWNS (alternative download link here)


RYOEA4.png

- Yu-Gi-Oh 5D's Wheelie Breakers
exploit name: Yu-Gi-OWNED! or Yu-Gi-Vah [but you must connect the scart and use the save 50Hertz + configure output 576I for France <-- directly from wiiubrew]


RT4EAF.png

- Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
exploit name: ERI HAKAWAI


2 - DO NOT PLAY WITH IOS and cIOS both for vWii and real Wii, they are DIFFERENT and use a Wii IOS or cIOS with vWii (and vice versa) CAN BRICK YOUR vWii !!!

3 - Do not play with System Menu, channels or vWii titles to avoid unwanted vWii bricks !

4 - Some 2.5" external hard drivers can need additional power supply (even if they were perfectly working in a real Wii); try to use an Y cable to power them up:
to_ba82010_300.png

there are different Y cables depending on your 2.5" Hard Disk USB interface:
drbTlM9.png

WHILE CHOOSING THE CORRECT Y CABLE BE ALSO VERY CAREFUL AT IDENTIFYING MICRO USB 3.0 A or B MALE CONNECTOR BECAUSE Micro A Male DOES NOT FIT IN Micro B female (for what I know Micro A female-only does not exist, only Micro B-female or Micro AB-female exist):
gnRaexr.png


5 - USB port to use is the UPPER one (considering the WiiU laying on a table as a standard DVD player):
t45PjF5.jpg

(you can use the lower one for additional optional Y-Cable power supply)

6a - If you receive an error (dump error) using Configurable USB Loader (both with alt or normal cIOS version):

Try to use Wiiflow or USBLoader GX


6b - If you have black screen (always with CFG USB Loader) starting a game that was perfectly working BEFORE 4.x update (es. Wii Fit/Wii Fit Plus) try to set the "Video" option to "Game Default" (and not "System Def.") as showed in the following picture:
KzoA9aK.jpg


7 - If you connect your external USB games-backup-hard-drive before turning WiiU on you will receive the annoyng "Format USB Disk" screen:
- Here is UStealth solution by brilliant jayjay123 !
- Alternatively you can press B button at power on bypassing WiiU System Menu and entering directly in vWii mode.

8 - After updating to firmware 4.0.0 you may see HBC forced to 4:3:
Here is a WORKAROUND by the great JoostinOnline !

OPTIONAL STEPS

=================
cIOS236 INSTALLATION
=================
This cIOS can be necessary to launch some homebrews (which doesn't use ahbprot).

1) Download IOS36-64-v3864.wad (look for "sendspace kl6o78" and download the .rar file from sendspace - thanks to someone of that forum for that hint), extract the .WAD and place it in your SD root

2) From HBC launch IOS236 Installer MOD v7 Special vWii Edition and follow on-screen steps to install cIOS236.


=================================
WIIFLOW CHANNEL FORWARDER INSTALLATION
=================================

1) Download Wiiflow Channel Forwarder WAD

2) Copy it in your SD card, preferibly in SD :\wad folder

3) Install it from Multi Mod Manager homebrew -> Wad Manager option

040212_1056_thefinalfou21.jpg


OTHER CHANNEL FORWARDERS CAN BE FOUND IN THIS THREAD !
 
Last edited by asper,

Davor

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Hello!

I've tried to softmod vWii following steps from the original post, but after I've installed Homebrew channel, I can't use Wiimote to navigate it. I can see all the apps inside HBC, but none of the buttons nor nunchuck seams to work. Is there any solution for this? It's third party Wiimote with motion plus integrated (goigame). Any help would be appreciated.

Best regards,
Davor
 

JoostinOnline

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Hello!

I've tried to softmod vWii following steps from the original post, but after I've installed Homebrew channel, I can't use Wiimote to navigate it. I can see all the apps inside HBC, but none of the buttons nor nunchuck seams to work. Is there any solution for this? It's third party Wiimote with motion plus integrated (goigame). Any help would be appreciated.

Best regards,
Davor
Does it disconnect? If not, try booting the HBC without an SD card.

I seem to remember there being some issues with homebrew and third party remotes. I'm surprised you were able to install the HBC at all.
 

Davor

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Does it disconnect? If not, try booting the HBC without an SD card.

I seem to remember there being some issues with homebrew and third party remotes. I'm surprised you were able to install the HBC at all.

It kinda blocks after starting HBC. If I remove batteries, and then press A, all 4 leds on the remote blink few times, and then it just blocks again. It doesn't react on key presses anymore, until I remove the batteries again. I will try to boot HBC without SD card as soon as I get home, since I'm at work atm. I was able to install HBC without any problems - Wiimote works fine in Lego Batman, and I was able to use DPad to navigate inside HackMii installer. Thank you for your help.

Best regards,
Davor
 

JoostinOnline

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It kinda blocks after starting HBC. If I remove batteries, and then press A, all 4 leds on the remote blink few times, and then it just blocks again. It doesn't react on key presses anymore, until I remove the batteries again. I will try to boot HBC without SD card as soon as I get home, since I'm at work atm. I was able to install HBC without any problems - Wiimote works fine in Lego Batman, and I was able to use DPad to navigate inside HackMii installer. Thank you for your help.

Best regards,
Davor
What do you mean by "blocks"?
 

Davor

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What do you mean by "blocks"?
It just doesn't respond to key presses anymore (no LED lights on, nor blinking). At least, not until I remove and then reinsert batteries. Then it responds to first key press, all 4 LEDs blink few times, then everything turns off, and does not turn on until I remove and reinsert batteries again. Wiimote works fine in both Wii U and vWii mode (except HBC).

Best regards,
Davor
 

JoostinOnline

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It just doesn't respond to key presses anymore (no LED lights on, nor blinking). At least, not until I remove and then reinsert batteries. Then it responds to first key press, all 4 LEDs blink few times, then everything turns off, and does not turn on until I remove and reinsert batteries again. Wiimote works fine in both Wii U and vWii mode (except HBC).

Best regards,
Davor
That means it is disconnected. When all four lights blink, it's searching for the Wii or Wii U that the remote is linked to. Your remote is not compatible with the HBC. You'll have to buy an official one. Used ones are pretty cheap on eBay.
 

Davor

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That means it is disconnected. When all four lights blink, it's searching for the Wii or Wii U that the remote is linked to. Your remote is not compatible with the HBC. You'll have to buy an official one. Used ones are pretty cheap on eBay.

Will this remote work inside game back-ups? And after I finish installing all the tools and apps (USB launcher) with original Wiimote, will I still need it to start USB launcher, or it starts from the main vWii screen, where my Wiimote works?

Best regards,
Davor
 

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Will this remote work inside game back-ups? And after I finish installing all the tools and apps (USB launcher) with original Wiimote, will I still need it to start USB launcher, or it starts from the main vWii screen, where my Wiimote works?

Best regards,
Davor
Once the game has been started, it should work fine. It probably won't work within a USB loader.
 

digiw0rx

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Trying to go through all the steps, and got to 6) Dump your IOS for eventual vWii semi-brick fix and i've compiled YetAnotherBlueDumpMod but everytime i run it, it asks me to select an IOS, if choose the currently loaded one it gives me an error saying "error opening shared1/content.map, other IOS just give me a stack error

Can anyone help?
 

Davor

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Trying to go through all the steps, and got to 6) Dump your IOS for eventual vWii semi-brick fix and i've compiled YetAnotherBlueDumpMod but everytime i run it, it asks me to select an IOS, if choose the currently loaded one it gives me an error saying "error opening shared1/content.map, other IOS just give me a stack error

Can anyone help?

Hello!

I did all the steps from the first page too, but I was able to dump IOSes successfully. I haven't compiled YABDM, just downloaded files from HBC folder on github (https://github.com/DarkMatterCore/bluedump-mod/tree/master/HBC) and copied them to SD:\apps\YABDM folder. Maybe you should try using those files too, instead of compiling app on your own.

Best regards,
Davor
 
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digiw0rx

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Last edited by digiw0rx,
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Davor

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Hello!

It should work, but it's easier to find 2 Male to -whatever your hard disk has- USB connector (probably micro USB 2.0 or micro USB A/B 3.0), than connecting 2 cables. Since the problem with USB powered disks on Wii U is power related, I'm not sure if long cables will affect it (or 2 interconnected cables).

Best regards,
Davor
 
Last edited by Davor,

superoxide

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Hi everyone,
I just have a couple of quick questions:
1. Interruption (power failure/bad sd card) during Backup vWii mode NAND content and Install d2x cIOS on different bases/slots will it brick vWii, can you repeat it if the first time it was interrupted.
2. Another thing I wanted to know is if you want to change d2x-v10-beta52-vWii to d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii do you just have to repeat the Install d2x cIOS on different bases/slots with d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii

Thanks.
 

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