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GBAtemp.net’s Guide to Flashme
GBAtemp.net is not held liable for any damage done as a result of this Guide
What is Flashme?
Flashme is a hacked firmware replacement for both the DS and DS Lite. It looks and acts exactly the same as the original DS firmware except for the fact you will not need a Passme or Passcard to boot DS roms anymore.
The standard version of Flashme removes the DS intro screen (including the Warning screen) when booting up. If you wish to keep this boot up screen please use Flashme_Stealth, which leaves it intact.
What you will need
- A DS/DS Lite
- AC Adapter
- A Passme2 + Compatible game/Passcard device
- A GBA flashcart
- An insulated conductive tool to bridge the SL1 connection
- A small Phillips head screwdriver
Flashme files v8a (latest versions as of 2.5.07)
These files will work for both the original DS and DS Lite, the installer will detect which DS you have. Noflashme will also work fine on a DS Lite
Flashme (DS startup and health & warning screen removed)
Flashme_Stealth (startup and warning screen left intact)
Noflashme (Flashme Uninstaller, all versions, all DS's)
Flashme_noauto (boots slot-1 flash card first, rather than slot-2, warning screen removed)
Flashme_stealth_noauto (boots slot-1 flash card first, rather than slot-2, warning screen left intact)
Are there any risks involved?
Yes, but the only risk is if your DS turns off while you are installing Flashme. This could result in a brick (non-functioning unit). If you take precautions to prevent your DS from losing power there is nothing to worry about.
The only other thing to note is that you void your Warranty by installing Flashme.
Installation Instructions (on a DS Lite)
1. Make sure you have everything you need and have your DS charged on a full battery. It is also recommended to plug in the AC adapter as a precaution.
2. Copy Flashme or Flashme_Stealth to your flashcart
3. Unscrew the battery cover. Make sure you hold the battery into place to prevent it falling out.
4. Using your Passme2 or Passcard device boot up the flashme installation file (Settings may depend on your passme or flashcart device, if you are inexperienced a Passcard device may be preferable as it requires no setting up). On an EZ-Flash 4 I believe you can get it to work by changing the extension of flashme from .nds to .bin. So try that if you are having troubles.
5. If you receive a warning screen telling you your Firmware is not recognized do not panic. This is normal for later DS Lites. However be aware that if you install flashme on an unrecognized firmware you may run into complications if you uninstall flashme at a later date. Uninstalling flashme is not recommended or necessary at any stage. Later versions of Flashme can be installed on top of your current version of Flashme, you do not need to uninstall it first before installing any possible later version.
6. If you received the warning screen wait 5 seconds and it will tell you to press START to continue anyway.
7. The next screen will advise you that losing power during the installation can harm your DS. Press the button combination X, B, X, B to continue.
8. The installation will now begin. At the bottom of the screen 0% will be shown. You now have to bridge the SL1 connection to make the percentage rise. The SL1 hole is the hole on the left underneath the battery cover. You will need a metal conductive tool that will fit inside the hole. Please remember to insulate the entire tool except for the very tip with something non-conductive. I insulated my nail head with scotch tape. People have reported that a toothpick covered in foil and then insulated with tape works well for bridging the SL1.
9. The hole next to the SL1 is known as the VR. If your flashing tool makes contact with both the SL1 and VR your DS will turn off so be careful when bridging the SL1. Also on the left hand side of the SL1 hole on the DS Lite only is a thin piece of metal not seen unless you open the DS Lite. This piece of metal connects back to the VR so if your flashing tool makes contact with this tiny piece of metal and the SL1 the DS will also turn off. That is why the flashing tool MUST be insulated.
10. If the SL1 is bridged you should see the installation percentage increasing. Installation will only take about 20 seconds. If the percentage is not moving you have not bridge the connection correctly. Wiggle your tool around slowly and carefully until the percentage starts going up. If you lose the connection at a certain percentage of the installation don’t worry, just make the connection again and the installation will continue automatically.
11. Once the percentage reaches 100% you can safely turn off your DS. Do NOT turn your DS off before it reaches 100%.
12. Enjoy your new homebrew enabled DS! You will now never have to worry about a passme or passcard device again! You may now commence celebrating.
Video overview of the SL1 hole + General Flashme tips
How to make a DS Lite Flashing tool (filmed and provided by Gamerman1723, thanks!)
Quick Installation Overview
1. Unscrew the battery cover on your fully charged DS/Lite and plug in the AC Adapter.
2. Boot up the flashme install file with your Passme2/Passcard and flashcart.
3. Press the button combination to begin the installation.
4. Bridge the SL1 connection.
5. Wait until the installation reaches 100% before turning off your DS.
Things to Remember
- Have your DS fully charged before beginning.
- Insulate your flashing tool with something non-conductive.
- Remember to hold your DS battery in place during the installation to avoid it falling out.
- If the installation has begun do not turn off your DS until it reaches 100%
Although on paper the installation may sound a bit daunting don’t be put off! Flashme is a wonderful addition to any DS. Not having to worry about a passme device again is something worth 10 minutes of your time to install. I’ve flashed both my original DS and my DS Lite without any problems what so ever, so have countless other members of GBAtemp.net. Enjoy and flash responsibly!
Tips for using your newly flashed DS
- When a flashcart is inserted into the DS's GBA slot flashme will detect it and automatically boot to the flashcart menu not the original DS menu. If you don't want to boot to the flashcart when you turn it on hold in SELECT as soon as you power on your DS, It will then go straight to the normal DS menu. Alternatively if you don't have a flashcart inserted your DS will boot up exactly like normal.
- You can also hold in A+B+START+SELECT to force flashme to boot if you feel the need. Nearly all flashcarts don't need this anymore though.
- As of version 8a the key combinations have changed, hold Select to boot from slot-2 instead of slot-1 if the noauto flashme version is installed. Also recovery mode is now activated by pressing START + SELECT.
