Hacking Wii Newbie need firmware update advice.

[sunflowerhx]

Hi

We have been given a used Wii with some backup DVD games.

The firmware is version V3.1U.
I tried some newer backup games and it ask for Firmware Update.

I have no idea whether its a soft or hardware hack, as the family who gave us the console also don't know.

1. My question is how to upgrade the firmware safely?
2. How to know what hack is installed?

Sorry I am new to Wii, so please limit the jargon lol.

Thanks all
Sunny

 

[raphamotta]

See if you have one of these games installed :

• Kawashima: Motto Nou wo Kitaeru Otona no DS Training [JPN]
  Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! [USA]
  Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training [PAL]
• Catch! Touch! Yoshi! [JPN]
  Yoshi Touch & Go [USA]
  Yoshi Touch & Go [PAL]
• Mario Kart DS [JPN]
  Mario Kart DS [USA]
  Mario Kart DS [PAL]
• New Super Mario Bros. [JPN]
  New Super Mario Bros. [USA]
  New Super Mario Bros. [PAL]
• Yoshi's Island DS [JPN]
  Yoshi's Island DS [USA]
  Yoshi's Island DS [PAL]
• Yawaraka Atama Juku [JPN]
  Big Brain Academy [USA]
  Big Brain Academy [PAL]
• Sawaru: Made in Wario [JPN]
  WarioWare: Touched! [USA]
  WarioWare: Touched! [PAL]
• Mario & Luigi RPG 2x2 [JPN]
  Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time [USA]
  Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time [PAL]
• Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber [JPN]
  DK: Jungle Climber [USA]
  Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber [PAL]
• Hoshi no Kirby: Sanjou! Dorocche Dan [JPN]
  Kirby: Squeak Squad [USA]
  Kirby: Mouse Attack [PAL]
• Kaitou Wario the Seven [JPN]
  Wario: Master of Disguise [USA]
  Wario: Master of Disguise [PAL]
• Star Fox Command [JPN]
  Star Fox Command [USA]
  Star Fox Command [PAL]
• Touch! Kirby's Magic Paintbrush [JPN]
  Kirby: Canvas Curse [USA]
  Kirby: Power Paintbrush [PAL]
• Zelda no Densetsu: Daichi no Kiteki [JPN]
  The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks [USA]
  The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks [PAL]
• Super Mario 64 DS [JPN]
  Super Mario 64 DS [USA]
  Super Mario 64 DS [PAL]
• Zelda no Densetsu: Mugen no Sunadokei [JPN]
  The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass [USA]
  The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass [PAL]
• Atsumete! Kirby [JPN]
  Kirby Mass Attack [USA]
  Kirby Mass Attack [PAL]
• Pokemon Ranger [JPN]
  Pokemon Ranger [USA]
  Pokemon Ranger [PAL]
• Oideyo Doubutsu no Mori [JPN]
  Animal Crossing: Wild World [USA]
  Animal Crossing: Wild World [PAL]
• Pokemon Fushigi no Dungeon: Sora no Tankentai [JPN]
  Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky [USA]
  Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky [PAL]
• Pokemon Ranger: Batonnage [JPN]
  Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia [USA]
  Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia [PAL]
• Pokemon Ranger: Hikari no Kiseki [JPN]
  Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs [USA]

If yes, try to run if and if it runs and shows the homebrew browser or other thing but the game itself, then you probably have haxchi. If no, follow this guide :

https://gbatemp.net/threads/guide-community-noob-guide-to-wii-u-hacking.451297/

As you firmware is so old then you probably does not have any CFW installed. Anyway, it's safe to update

 

[Shadow#1]

Hi

We have been given a used Wii with some backup DVD games.

The firmware is version V3.1U.
I tried some newer backup games and it ask for Firmware Update.

I have no idea whether its a soft or hardware hack, as the family who gave us the console also don't know.

1. My question is how to upgrade the firmware safely?
2. How to know what hack is installed?

Sorry I am new to Wii, so please limit the jargon lol.

Thanks all
Sunny

Only really need up to 4.1 fw and doesent matter if it is hardmoded and CFW is superior in every way

 

[Shadow#1]

See if you have one of these games installed :

• Kawashima: Motto Nou wo Kitaeru Otona no DS Training [JPN]
  Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! [USA]
  Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training [PAL]
• Catch! Touch! Yoshi! [JPN]
  Yoshi Touch & Go [USA]
  Yoshi Touch & Go [PAL]
• Mario Kart DS [JPN]
  Mario Kart DS [USA]
  Mario Kart DS [PAL]
• New Super Mario Bros. [JPN]
  New Super Mario Bros. [USA]
  New Super Mario Bros. [PAL]
• Yoshi's Island DS [JPN]
  Yoshi's Island DS [USA]
  Yoshi's Island DS [PAL]
• Yawaraka Atama Juku [JPN]
  Big Brain Academy [USA]
  Big Brain Academy [PAL]
• Sawaru: Made in Wario [JPN]
  WarioWare: Touched! [USA]
  WarioWare: Touched! [PAL]
• Mario & Luigi RPG 2x2 [JPN]
  Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time [USA]
  Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time [PAL]
• Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber [JPN]
  DK: Jungle Climber [USA]
  Donkey Kong: Jungle Climber [PAL]
• Hoshi no Kirby: Sanjou! Dorocche Dan [JPN]
  Kirby: Squeak Squad [USA]
  Kirby: Mouse Attack [PAL]
• Kaitou Wario the Seven [JPN]
  Wario: Master of Disguise [USA]
  Wario: Master of Disguise [PAL]
• Star Fox Command [JPN]
  Star Fox Command [USA]
  Star Fox Command [PAL]
• Touch! Kirby's Magic Paintbrush [JPN]
  Kirby: Canvas Curse [USA]
  Kirby: Power Paintbrush [PAL]
• Zelda no Densetsu: Daichi no Kiteki [JPN]
  The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks [USA]
  The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks [PAL]
• Super Mario 64 DS [JPN]
  Super Mario 64 DS [USA]
  Super Mario 64 DS [PAL]
• Zelda no Densetsu: Mugen no Sunadokei [JPN]
  The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass [USA]
  The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass [PAL]
• Atsumete! Kirby [JPN]
  Kirby Mass Attack [USA]
  Kirby Mass Attack [PAL]
• Pokemon Ranger [JPN]
  Pokemon Ranger [USA]
  Pokemon Ranger [PAL]
• Oideyo Doubutsu no Mori [JPN]
  Animal Crossing: Wild World [USA]
  Animal Crossing: Wild World [PAL]
• Pokemon Fushigi no Dungeon: Sora no Tankentai [JPN]
  Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky [USA]
  Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky [PAL]
• Pokemon Ranger: Batonnage [JPN]
  Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia [USA]
  Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia [PAL]
• Pokemon Ranger: Hikari no Kiseki [JPN]
  Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs [USA]

If yes, try to run if and if it runs and shows the homebrew browser or other thing but the game itself, then you probably have haxchi. If no, follow this guide :

https://gbatemp.net/threads/guide-community-noob-guide-to-wii-u-hacking.451297/

As you firmware is so old then you probably does not have any CFW installed. Anyway, it's safe to update

He's talking Wii not Wii U yea he posted in wrong section

 

[raphamotta]

He's talking Wii not Wii U yea he posted in wrong section

Ow you are right.

 

[sunflowerhx]

Sorry all, Admin please delete this post or move to correct Forum.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

We have been given a used Wii with some backup DVD games.

The firmware is version V3.1U.
I tried some newer backup games and it ask for Firmware Update.

I have no idea whether its a soft or hardware hack, as the family who gave us the console also don't know.

1. My question is how to upgrade the firmware safely?
2. How to know what hack is installed?

Sorry I am new to Wii, so please limit the jargon lol.

Search for signs of software modification:

• Do you have the Homebrew Channel installed?
• Does anything like Preloader or Priiloader start when you hold (Reset) while turning on the Wii?
• Does it show BootMii when you start the Wii with the BootMii files on the SD?

==========

You can easily install the latest softmod with ModMii. This will also update the System Menu. Better (faster, easier) than DVD-R is loading backups from external USB-HDD.

• If there is a modchip installed it should continue to work (though you won't need it if you use USB loading).
  
• If there is cIOScorp (outdated software modification that replaces all IOS with custom versions that support loading backup-DVDs on older drives without modchip right from the Disc-Channel like retail discs) installed the HackMii Installer might refuse to install the Homebrew Channel – use ModMii's HackMii Solutions+Guide option in this case before the main wizard.

If you want to make full use of your Wii, you will not get around quite some reading. My advises:

• Take your time
• Install BootMii in boot2 (only possible on very old Wii consoles) and as IOS (all Wii consoles)
• Install Priiloader (all Wii consoles)
  
• Create a NAND image with BootMii as soon as possible

Manual alternative to ModMii: https://wii.guide/ [for the exploits in this guide it assumes your Wii to be on the latest firmware – the only thing that I know can go terribly wrong with a normal disc and/or online update is on region changed Korean Wiis: The infamous 003 error – using ModMii is safe even in this case]

BIG explanation about Wii softmodding (theory, background)

Have fun. If you have any questions or problems, just ask again.

 

[sunflowerhx]

Search for signs of software modification:

• Do you have the Homebrew Channel installed?
• Does anything like Preloader or Priiloader start when you hold (Reset) while turning on the Wii?
• Does it show BootMii when you start the Wii with the BootMii files on the SD?

Thanks so much for your reply.

No Homebrew Channel installed.
No Preloader or Priiloader on start.
Nothing happens when I insert BootMii files on the SD Card (format FAT32) and in the root directory.

Also it was bought in 2008, Model No RVL-001 (JPN)

Can I assume there's a modchip inside and safely update the firmware from the internet??

Regards
Sunny

 

[Alexander1970]

Thanks so much for your reply.

No Homebrew Channel installed.
No Preloader or Priiloader on start.
Nothing happens when I insert BootMii files on the SD Card (format FAT32) and in the root directory.

Also it was bought in 2008, Model No RVL-001 (JPN)

Can I assume there's a modchip inside and safely update the firmware from the internet??

Regards
Sunny

Hello.

Did I read it correct ?
You have a Japanese Wii with 3.1U System Software ?

That means the previous Owner did maybe a Region Change on your Wii (JAP -> US)
And/or also it seems you have no "real" Softmod on it.That takes me to the next Question:
You write in your first Post you have Backup DVD Games.

When you on the Wii System Menu
(it maybe looks like this or similar....)

You have the DISC CHANNEL Symbol in the LEFT UPPER CORNER (on your Wii maybe different).
When you now insert your Backup DVD Game you get an Message to Update your Wiii ?
That maybe means your Backup DVDs can be read and you have an Modchip.

Is your Wii booting like this:
1.Screen


2.Screen


or maybe different ?

Is it possible for you or someone who has experience to Open the Wii and have a look on the DVD Drive Chip or possible Modchip ?
If not please leave it and do not continue and open the Wii.
Thank you.


For maybe the further Steps:
Since we actual do not know you have an Modchip (and which one) or not,it is not recommended to say "Yes Update your Wii and go on."



This is only the next on your To Do List if you DO NOT have an Modchip:

Before you Update anything it is highly recommend to install BootMii as an IOS if possible and the Priiloader too.

https://gbatemp.net/threads/modmii-for-windows-official-support-topic.207126/

If you want to use @XFlak´s ModMii (very recommended for your Wii) to Update your Wii and a "possible" Softmod the Chance of a Brick is very low.
(But something can always go wrong.)

Please read the Instructions form ModMii in Calm and Peace and follow exactly every Step as recommended.Then all should work fine.

If you have Questions or you are unsure about some Step please feel free to ask the Communitiy.
Before something happens.

Good Luck.
Thank you.

 

[sunflowerhx]

You have the DISC CHANNEL Symbol in the LEFT UPPER CORNER (on your Wii maybe different).
When you now insert your Backup DVD Game you get an Message to Update your Wiii ?
That maybe means your Backup DVDs can be read and you have an Modchip.

1. Yes I can play some Backup discs like Mario Kart.
2. But newer ones like Just Dance 2018 - ask for Update the Wii.
3. Screen boots like 1. then 2.

Ok I will try as you suggest this weekend.

Thanks
Sunny

 

[Alexander1970]

1. Yes I can play some Backup discs like Mario Kart.
2. But newer ones like Just Dance 2018 - ask for Update the Wii.
3. Screen boots like 1. then 2.

Ok I will try as you suggest this weekend.

Thanks
Sunny

Thank you for your Feedback.

Just Dance has the latest Version 4.3U on it.The Reason why "suggested" not to Update:

I have no Idea of your Modchip (now I am pretty sure you have one ).
In the very worst Case your Modchip did not work with the newer System Version 4.3U.

For this to avoid is is safer to know with what we are dealing with here.

Please:It is YOUR Wii,you can do as you want and like.
We will not tell you what you are allowed to do and what not.

Thank you.

 

[sunflowerhx]

For this to avoid is is safer to know with what we are dealing with here.

Thanks for the reply.

Does this mean the ModMii Softmod is also not possible or safe?

 

[Alexander1970]

Thanks for the reply.

Does this mean the ModMii Softmod is also not possible or safe?

Softmod with ModMii is ok.

It gives you the correct Exploit for your Version 3.1U.
What I really not know is it is possible to install BootMii as Boot2 on your Wii.

Maybe the System Update works and all is fine.
I do not know what happens.When we know what you have inside your Wii,it makes the Decision a little easier.
I do not think anybody has any of that when we say YES do it and then maybe you are sitting in front of a Black Screen.
Maybe I am a little too careful......

Thank you.

 

[KleinesSinchen]

Maybe I am a little too careful......

Same here. I do not know a single case where ModMii lead to a brick. Nobody can guarantee everything works like expected (power outage in the wrong moment…)

My knowledge is:

• A normal system update will possibly overwrite outdated softmods like cIOSCORP→ No more using DVD backups from the Disc-Channel if you have no modchip.
• A normal system update softbricks Korean Wiis which have had their region changed (003 Error).
  • Updating a region changed Korean Wii with ModMii's main guide is safe.
• The HackMii Installer will refuse to work in case the console has cIOSCORP → First use ModMii HackMii Solutions + Guide in this case.
  
• I did not find any information about modchips not working after a system update. The only thing Nintendo definitely did trying to stop DVD backups from working is the BCA protection in New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

===========
Question to everybody: Is it possible to start the Syscheck app directly from an exploit? (Never tried that) That would give an answer to "What IOS are installed?" before any modification.

 

[Alexander1970]

===========
Question to everybody: Is it possible to start the Syscheck app directly from an exploit? (Never tried that) That would give an answer to "What IOS are installed?" before any modification.

Unfortunately No,I get an DSi Exception Error.I think it has to do with the unpatched IOS58.

EDIT: Used the IOS58 Installer still no Luck.

 

[XFlak]

Modmii has never had a single reported brick, it doesn't mean it couldn't happen, but if instructions are followed correctly then the only real risk is that of power loss at a critical moment and even then only on certain consoles.

There are unique risks to certain consoles, the example above is that of updating a region changed console. If the update is done officially on a console that was originally korean, then it will 003 brick. It SHOULD(?) be fine to officially update this region changed console in this case because it was not originally korean. Using ModMii will ensure a patched system menu IOS is installed to any console its ever been used on. So if you use modmii, it's not only safe to update regardless of what region changes have been made, it will also install patched system menu ios's to other system menu slots to protect these wii's from accidental official updates (or user error downgrades to LU64+ wii's). You can block updates well sure, but this is another level of brick protection.

Modmii can overwrite cioscorp and dark Corp and install the widely accepted optimal configuration for a softmodded wii today.

Oh and @alexander1970 you emphasized installing BootMii as IOS in an earlier post. You should emphasize installing BootMii as ios AND as boot2, if possible. Otherwise just IOS, but if boot2 is an option that mean that wii is pretty much brick proof after bootmii is installed as boot2 and a nand backup is made. I think your instructions are very thoughtful and detailed and don't mean to criticize.

 

[sunflowerhx]

Softmod with ModMii is ok.

It gives you the correct Exploit for your Version 3.1U.

Just to summaries, Softmod with ModMii will enable my Wii to play latest backups such as Just Dance 2018 without upgrading the firmware to V4.3U. Correct?

That's all I want really is to play latest games on Backup DVD.
If also can play via USB that would be a bonus.

Thanks all for the advice.
Sunny

 

[XFlak]

Correct. But backup disks specifically will need to either use neogamma app, or a priiloader d system menu hack to play backup disks from the disc channel (assuming the wii DVD drive is capable of reading backup discs). USB loading is where it's at anyway, which works on all wiis

 

[sunflowerhx]

I have been reading this guide

https://gbatemp.net/threads/the-ultimate-wii-hacking-guide-for-beginners.306908/

So for my Wii version & requirements, I should follow Method F, sound right??

Method F - I want to Hack my Wii (Only System Menu 3.2 - 4.2) and load BannerBomb from my SD and load back ups from a HDD.
(If you have system menu 3.1 - 4.1 download LetterBomb v1)

 

[XFlak]

You had 3 separate people recommend ModMii and you decided to go off in a different direction?