Hacking Question How to update my Switch from firmware 8.1 to 9.1 without a brick?

Bravestarr

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Can someone change the title? I think I need to update the Firmware and not just Atmosphere.

Hi!

Today I tried to install an NSP via Quark and it tells me that my Firmware is too low. I tried ns-usbloader-0.5.2 with an older goldleaf version which threw another error (keys do not match) but with a similar conclusion: firmware is too old. So it is time to upgrade I guess. But how? I love my hacked NSW and I don't to risk my save states, my games or even brick it.

So the problem is that I got the switch in the condition it is now. I have installed several homebrew tools and updated them but I never update the firmware. I attached some screenshots from my switch. Here are the facts I know:

System -> 8.1.0 (AMS 0.9.2)
The switch boots to a tool called "Kosmos" and then after selecting "sysNAND" it boots to "Atmosphere". I have migrated my switch account because some games would not let me start without it. I had to export and import my save games if this makes sense to someone.
I use EXfat. It is much faster and never had problems with it when I used USB to transfer games.
I added a screenshot of the root of my SD card via FTP. And I am on a Mac and have no access to a Windows PC.

Can somebody pls hold my hand and point me to a tutorial or github repository? Or ask more questions if you need more info.
 

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Bravestarr

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Nobody knows? My first question is: Do I need to upgrade to the latest Atmosphere Atmosphère 0.9.4 before or after I try to install the 9.1 firmware with ChoiDuJournx?
 

Chary

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I'm pretty sure updating is best done through ChoidujoiorNX, or however it's called. I know I've updated my FW before, and then I couldn't boot into SX, and had to move the update files to my microSD. Then it booted fine.

So I would assume the best method would be to
Update your CFW
Update your switch through choidujoir
Make sure you pick the exfat option
Done
 

kylum

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I haven’t updated my switch yet myself as I haven’t needed to yet but do plan on it soon. But yes it would be wise to have the latest atmosphere and hekate. Also that everything is working as it should be before proceeding with updating. I can’t speak for kosmos parts as I’ve never used it, no need. Vanilla Atmos hekate and sigpatches have work for my every need.

Oh, even though you got your switch “dirty” it would also be wise to make a complete nand dump. Backup your saves with one of the available hombrews and even the sd card itself if you don’t have backups of the installed games.

If you come across something you don’t understand use the search feature or google as most questions have been asked multiple times.

hope this helps and good luck
 

Bravestarr

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Thank you. Ok, here are my questions then:

1) How do I do a NAND Backup in my setup?
2) Hekate: Do I just put these files https://github.com/CTCaer/hekate/releases on my sd card and replace the files on it?
3.) Atmosphère: I just replace the files on my sd card with this: https://github.com/Atmosphere-NX/Atmosphere/releases/tag/0.9.4

And I do it in this order:

Atmosphère, Hekate and then the ChoidujoiorNX FW update, correct? Why isn't there a comprehensive tutorial since some NSPs ask for the higher FW? Or am I the only person who is afraid to take these steps?
 

chippy

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In Hekate there's an option I think under tools to backup your nand. You want boot 0/1 as well

What payload wore you using? Kosmos I thought used Hekate.
You can update in any order really.
If you update your system but atmosphere version doesn't support your system it just will freze and after updating the files it will work (No damage to the system)
Remember to get the updated Sig patches after your update so your backup games will work

If you have as backup of your nand You can recover from anything if something goes wrong
 

Bravestarr

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Thank you!

Are the updated Sig patches included in any of the tools? Any hint where to look? Filenames maybe?

Is "Backup eMMC" the same as backing up my NAND? I found that option in Hekate. And pls look at the Screenshot I attached. "Archive Bit AutoRCM". Does this mean this is switched on and I should switch it on, too?
 

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kylum

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Yes back up boot1/0 and rawnand. Sigpatches can be found here!
AutoRcm can be used if you want. No jig is needed and prevents burning of efuses which prevents downgrading.
 

Bravestarr

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Hi!

thank you for your help. I ended up with a corrupted as card and did everything from scratch:

hetake, Atmospere and then the Update of the Firmware. Everything works now. Thank you.
 
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kylum

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No problem! FYI, ExFat format has been known to cause corruption. The recommended format is Fat32. There is a ton of threads about it. I’m glad you got everything working.
 

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