Thank you. I will buy a 2.5" without power supply then. I just tried to convert my main one from NTFS to FAT32 but every program just offers the conversion to the file system "logic" ("logisch" in German). I didn't even know this existed.
With the external hard drive format in FAT 32, you can put wii games and Gamecube games, on the same partition.
The USB ports on the Wii are not meant to be used to power a USB hard drive. You might get away with it on a low-power 2.5" drive, but know that you are taking a risk.
I would always choose NTFS over Fat32 for reliability. But there are exceptions. I cannot get Nintendont to load GC games off my NTFS formatted Wii backup drive and wish that either Nintentdont would be updated to support NTFS (unlikely) or that I had formatted it with Fat32.
(NTFS is not some exotic file system. It was developed in the early 90s to be more secure and reliable than FAT and achieved both goals without issues. Given that this journaling file system has been available for over a quarter of a century, it is unfortunate it is not more widely supported.)
Given my experience I would recommend to anyone wishing to run both GC and Wii games of an external hard drive to format it with Fat32 and make sure it has its own power supply.
I would always choose NTFS over Fat32 for reliability. But there are exceptions. I cannot get Nintendont to load GC games off my NTFS formatted Wii backup drive and wish that either Nintentdont would be updated to support NTFS (unlikely) or that I had formatted it with Fat32.
(NTFS is not some exotic file system. It was developed in the early 90s to be more secure and reliable than FAT and achieved both goals without issues. Given that this journaling file system has been available for over a quarter of a century, it is unfortunate it is not more widely supported.)
Given my experience I would recommend to anyone wishing to run both GC and Wii games of an external hard drive to format it with Fat32 and make sure it has its own power supply.
The USB ports on the Wii are not meant to be used to power a USB hard drive. You might get away with it on a low-power 2.5" drive, but know that you are taking a risk.
I would always choose NTFS over Fat32 for reliability. But there are exceptions. I cannot get Nintendont to load GC games off my NTFS formatted Wii backup drive and wish that either Nintentdont would be updated to support NTFS (unlikely) or that I had formatted it with Fat32.
(NTFS is not some exotic file system. It was developed in the early 90s to be more secure and reliable than FAT and achieved both goals without issues. Given that this journaling file system has been available for over a quarter of a century, it is unfortunate it is not more widely supported.)
Given my experience I would recommend to anyone wishing to run both GC and Wii games of an external hard drive to format it with Fat32 and make sure it has its own power supply.
NTFS is a more secure and reliable file system only because Microsoft added a lot of overhead into it and the OS has "unlimited" resources and memory to take advantage of it. When it come to an alien OS (e.g. Wii) and homebrews, it is up to the homebrew libs to take advantage of it and unfortunately, due to limited resources and probably laziness, NTFS doesn't have the security and reliability as it is in the windows/Mac OS. Heck, FAT32 have a dual FAT structure for simple security and even that is not made use of in Wii homebrews.
That "overhead" is journalling and other improved metadata structures. Please point out evidence that the NTFS homebrew libraries don't have the "security and reliability" as in Windows. (Mac OS doesn't have built-in NTFS write capabilities last I checked.)
The main reason NTFS isn't supported is because libntfs requires significantly more memory than what is available to the ARM CPU while running a GameCube game. Remember that GameCube has 40 MB RAM total, plus additional RAM is needed for DI emulation, patching, and memory card emulation, as well as the fact that IOS is still running.
It's kind of odd to say "only because Microsoft added a lot of overhead into it" as if it's possible to add significant new features to a operating system without increasing system resource utilization; it seems like an unnecessary dig at MSFT for creating the most robust and reliable FS of the era. The only people who whined about it at the time were those that demanded that new features be included in a free update that used less memory than the previous version. The statement "and the OS has 'unlimited' resources and memory to take advantage of it" is odd since it neither had unlimited resources nor indeed any memory at all. There's no question that people running NT back in the mid-90s had more system memory on average than those who ran a 16-bit Windows shell on top of DOS. But Operating Systems do not have memory as you know. Even so we are talking about 386's with 12 megs of RAM here (NT 3.1's system requirements). It's a shame that games consoles from nearly a decade later were so underpowered that even today they cannot be made to utilize a quarter-of-a-century file system that worked on a 386 with a mere 12 megs of RAM.
I can buy that, and if that's the case there is nothing more to say. I'd still rather have all my external hard drives in NTFS format as - security features aside - it is more fault tolerant. But knowing that there is a memory limitation when running in Gamecube mode the prevents implementing the homebrew NTSF library is all I need to know. Maybe I'll repurpose a USB thumbdrive for just Gamecube games. Thanks for your reply.
I just tried to explain the situation in layman's terms and I myself is just a layman in this aspect.
I never used a Mac so I don't know. If even a Mac doesn't fully support HTFS (I am sure Mac can do it if Apple wanted to) what do you expect from Wii Homebrew?
I thing Wii lib (from devkitpro which most hoembrew uses) would not implement the full features of NTFS system as that will take a lot of resources from the limited Wii resources and IIRC, early USBloaders have problems writing to NTFS reliably.
Even now, usbloadergx offer a function to update the second FAT of the FAT32 partition in use manually - If that is not don't automatically in Wii FAT lib, what do you expect it will do with the NTFS lib?
I guess we can stop the "debate" right here as I am not a pro, I just know NTFS is not well supported by Wii homebrews
For a long time now I've noticed a stuttering in about 30% of Wii games in both of my old Western Digital drives (500GB; 2TB).
I was told in this thread that the drives might be too old (and they are). So I tested it again with new equipment and wanted let you know the results:
-Transcend 2TB drive (without external power cable): still stuttering, but less than before. Whenever it stutters, the loading light blinks
-SanDisk 64GB USB-Stick: No stuttering (!)
However, I put only one game on the SanDisk USB-Stick for test purposes.
Could it be that USB-Sticks are just faster at loading?
Gamecube games do not have no stuttering issue, by the way.
Most notable is Zelda TP (Wii PAL version) in which Link even stops his movement from time to time (in other games the stuttering mostly noticeable with regards to the pointer; i.e. it gets "stuck" for a brief moment)
I was told in this thread that the drives might be too old (and they are). So I tested it again with new equipment and wanted let you know the results:
-Transcend 2TB drive (without external power cable): still stuttering, but less than before. Whenever it stutters, the loading light blinks
-SanDisk 64GB USB-Stick: No stuttering (!)
However, I put only one game on the SanDisk USB-Stick for test purposes.
Could it be that USB-Sticks are just faster at loading?
Gamecube games do not have no stuttering issue, by the way.
Most notable is Zelda TP (Wii PAL version) in which Link even stops his movement from time to time (in other games the stuttering mostly noticeable with regards to the pointer; i.e. it gets "stuck" for a brief moment)
Hello.
I have noticed such "stuttering" on Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock PAL a few weeks ago.
(it was in this case a Rip form an original Disc by the way)
Only on that Game all other Guitar Hero(s) on the same HDD works without that.
But maybe it has really to do with old(er) HDDs.I turned it on a moment ago and Windows says "Drive has to be repaired..."
It is a SEAGATE ST3250820A in an USB Case from an Discounter,it think both 12-13 years old.
HDD check tool(s) says it is STILL ok,maybe the spare sectors and this things are slowly running out ot stock.
Maybe it is time to replace it.
USB Stick(s) works for playing also well.I do not complain about it,I still use it since 2-3 years.
But it depends on so many factors that you do not can 100 percent rely on them.
Also the cIOS(es) you use has a big part in it
The best dependable solution for USBLoaderGX IS a HDD (not too NEW and not too OLD.)
A SSD Drive is a waste of money...
Thank you.
I don't have Guitar Hero, otherwise I would have tested it.Hello.
I have noticed such "stuttering" on Guitar Hero Warriors of Rock PAL a few weeks ago.
My Zelda TP was also taken from an original disk. I used a special disk drive for PC to get the .iso. But I'm pretty sure it has nothing to do with it.
Then your HDD might be formatted to NTFS. It shouldn't happen on a FAT32 (unless it is broken).
That's very old. To be safe disk drives should be replaced every few years or at least have backups of them.It is a SEAGATE ST3250820A in an USB Case from an Discounter,it think both 12-13 years old.
HDD check tool(s) says it is STILL ok,maybe the spare sectors and this things are slowly running out ot stock.
Maybe it is time to replace it.
Since the problem became more prominent over time, and considering that it doesn't happen on my USB stick, I think it does not depend on the cIOS. BTW the cIOS does not show up in my SysCheck; I just know that I downloaded the following through ModMii.
cIOS202[60]-v5.1R
cIOS222[38]-v4
cIOS223[37-38]-v4
cIOS224[57]-v5.1R
cIOS249[57]-d2x-v8-final
cIOS250[56]-d2x-v8-final
cIOS222[38]-v4
cIOS223[37-38]-v4
cIOS224[57]-v5.1R
cIOS249[57]-d2x-v8-final
cIOS250[56]-d2x-v8-final
Last edited by UltraDolphinRevolution,
The USB Loader is the best! The only and boring problem I have is when I play an VC game or Wiiware games with the Emunand. The game starts, but I can´t exit or turn the system off. If I select the "Return to System menu" or pressing the power button the wii freezes with a black screen and the green light stay on. Can somebody help me? I already had tryed a lot of things and searched on google but nothing. Thanks!
Thank you for your Tips and Advices.
I still use all three Formats.
Because the USB Sticks and HDDs for the Wii are "created" for over 2 years and since then I did not change anything.Except 2-3 Games I do not have greater or for me important issues.
Your cIOSes looks good and ok.
I do prefer my USB Sticks.For ME they work great and reliable and I am satisfied.But not every USB Stick is working correctly or some stops working without any warning.Or causes "strange" issues.We should have to use what the creator(s) and developer(s) suggests to avoid any troubles with the USBLoader GX.
If someone will use USB Sticks/Thumb Drives/Pen Drives,no Problem.If then comes to troubles/issues it is possibly more meaningful to follow the Suggestions and use HDDs.
Thank you.
Good evening everyone. I'm experiencing something strange with the "video dol patch" setting of USB Loader GX, when I try to force progressive with "The Simpsons Game" : although I do get 480P, image seems to be zoomed and a bit stretched vertically. It is the only game which gives me incorrect aspect ratio, as most 576i games work perfectly when forced (some (like Little King Story and Mad World) don't display any image at all).
Usually I'd go for the NTSC version of the game (hello Mad World), but it seems that French dubbing isn't available for this game, and I am pretty attached to these voices because they remind me of my childhood... Well anyway, please find below two pictures to illustrate my point.
First, the 576i picture. You can see Homer's entire head at the bottom left of the screen :
Then the 480p version : Homer's head is cropped, and the clock on top right looks thinner :
Do any of you know of a trick to at least "move" the image a litte bit higher, as the bottom of the screen seems to be cropped more than the top ?
Thank you in advance for any suggestion.
Usually I'd go for the NTSC version of the game (hello Mad World), but it seems that French dubbing isn't available for this game, and I am pretty attached to these voices because they remind me of my childhood... Well anyway, please find below two pictures to illustrate my point.
First, the 576i picture. You can see Homer's entire head at the bottom left of the screen :
Then the 480p version : Homer's head is cropped, and the clock on top right looks thinner :
Do any of you know of a trick to at least "move" the image a litte bit higher, as the bottom of the screen seems to be cropped more than the top ?
Thank you in advance for any suggestion.
Good evening everyone. I'm experiencing something strange with the "video dol patch" setting of USB Loader GX, when I try to force progressive with "The Simpsons Game" : although I do get 480P, image seems to be zoomed and a bit stretched vertically. It is the only game which gives me incorrect aspect ratio, as most 576i games work perfectly when forced (some (like Little King Story and Mad World) don't display any image at all).
Usually I'd go for the NTSC version of the game (hello Mad World), but it seems that French dubbing isn't available for this game, and I am pretty attached to these voices because they remind me of my childhood... Well anyway, please find below two pictures to illustrate my point.
First, the 576i picture. You can see Homer's entire head at the bottom left of the screen :
Then the 480p version : Homer's head is cropped, and the clock on top right looks thinner :
Do any of you know of a trick to at least "move" the image a litte bit higher, as the bottom of the screen seems to be cropped more than the top ?
Thank you in advance for any suggestion.
Hello.
This is maybe a little "ordinary" question:
Did you also check the TV settings ? (Wide/Auto/4:3/16:9/Cinema etc.).
I have an similar issue when I use the HDMI Adaptor/Component Cable/Original Cable.The TV settings was on AUTO.
I noticed this first on the USBLoader GX Loading Screen when the Version Number in the Bottom Left corner is "cut off".
Thank you.
Hello Alexander, and thank you for your answer. I'm using a component cable (with or without the OSSC device, I tried both and it doesn't make any difference). My Wii is set to 16:9 ratio. But I don't have any trouble of that kind, except when I set the Simpsons game video patch dol on "all", which is the only way I get progressive (otherwise it stays in a 576 interlaced format). I suppose it's just an incompatibility with the game, like when people can't get the European version of Mad World on 480p. It's a shame though, since the game looks better and is less tiring to the eye. Thank you for your suggestions anyway.Hello.
This is maybe a little "ordinary" question:
Did you also check the TV settings ? (Wide/Auto/4:3/16:9/Cinema etc.).
I have an similar issue when I use the HDMI Adaptor/Component Cable/Original Cable.The TV settings was on AUTO.
I noticed this first on the USBLoader GX Loading Screen when the Version Number in the Bottom Left corner is "cut off".
Thank you.
I bought 3TB WD Mybook to install my library on, I have put WBFS formatted games both a folder called WBFS and Games, but USB Loader GX doesn't seem to list them, USB Loader GX is able to see the drive though and mount it with no issues. Do I have the directory wrong or is something else up? It's currently formatted as NTFS.
Alright I ripped one of my Retail discs and found the problem, the folder needs to be named EXACTLY right. This is kind of a pain since I my collection is a few hundred games and they are stored on my HDD as their full names. Is there a piece of software that will read my .wbfs back ups and write them to the USB drive with the correct naming convention so USB Loader GX reads them? I want to keep the drive as NTFS, but install my WBFS formatted backups without having to rip a few hundred discs again.
EDIT: I think Wii Back Up Manager can install my games, I'm gonna try that. Does USB Loader GX Support 3TB+ drives or should I use another loader? And can WBM install WBFS backups while keeping the drive NTFS?
EDIT: I think Wii Back Up Manager can install my games, I'm gonna try that. Does USB Loader GX Support 3TB+ drives or should I use another loader? And can WBM install WBFS backups while keeping the drive NTFS?
Last edited by blazingwolf,
Hello.
Great to hear you found the Solution with the WiiBackupManager by yourself.
USBLoader GX works fine on HDD´s > 2TB.Issues comes often of too many Partitions,MBR/GPT "misunderstanding" or incorrect formatting the HDD.
If you search through the USBLoader GX Thread or the Wii Forum in general you will find many Threads about that Topic.
Thank you.
Is there a limit to the amount of titles USB Loader GX can display?
I tested the WBM install by installing a few games, USB Loader GX saw and read them. I installed the rest of my collection (600+) titles. And USB Loader GX crashes on the menu. Do I have to shrink my 3TB to a 2 TB partition to get It to work?
I tested the WBM install by installing a few games, USB Loader GX saw and read them. I installed the rest of my collection (600+) titles. And USB Loader GX crashes on the menu. Do I have to shrink my 3TB to a 2 TB partition to get It to work?
I’m reading elsewhere that people have gotten it to work with 1000 titles, albeit slow, so it’s not the title count, might have something to do with the 3TB drive being powered solely by the Wii (although when it was just a few games it loaded and played) or the giant 3TB NTFS partition. I will try to reformat to FAT32 and try again.
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