Hacking Help with USB Loader GX -- Two NTFS Hard-drives with Wii Games

DrJoe · Apr 8, 2020

I am brand new to this forum, and apologize if this has been addressed and I didn't find it. I've looked at multiple YouTube videos, forum posts, and the like and haven't been able to find a solution that works.

First about me: I am technically inclined but don't have a clue as to what all this Wii cIOS stuff is. Generally I follow guides / instructions, but am not always clear as to what I am doing and why. I have loaded Homebrew, Installed USB Loader GX (v3.0 rev 1272), Wiimmfi, used Wii Mod Light to install wads, etc.I've installed multiple cIOS, but at this point couldn't tell you which ones on what numbers (I don't know what the numbers mean), and which were successful. I tried to load Hermes cIOS. But I am generally working. I have my Gamecube games on an SD card and Wii games on an NTFS USB hard drive. I've tried to recycle existing hardware wherever possible. My SD card is an older slow 400gb micro SD card with adaptor and the hard drives I've been using have been from old desktop or laptop PC's.

I have the primary WII games I am interested in on a laptop hard drive + USB adaptor. The Gamecube games are on the SD card. Both work fine. I had extra WII games that wouldn't fit on the first hard drive loaded on to a second drive. If the drives are swapped both work. There have been posts describing setting up two USB drives, so I thought, "What the heck! Let's see what happens!" But it seems most of the info I've found is for installing Wii games from one drive and Gamecube games from the other.

1) If I set USB Loader GX to cIOS 58:

A) The hard drive options default to set USB device to "0"
B) I choose "multiple partitions"
C) If I plug in one USB device, it works on either / both USB ports.(I usually have it plugged into the port nearest the edge of the case -- I'm not sure if this is USB 0 or 1)
D) If I plug in both devices, the device plugged into the USB port closest to the center of the case works
E) Based on some comments I read about USB "Y" splitters I also tried using a USB hub -- it only sees one hard drive

2) If I set USB Loader GX to cIOS 249 or 250:

A) I can change the hard drive USB option to "both"
B) I choose "multiple partitions"
C) In the splash screen when it initializes USB Loader GX, it looks like it searches for USB 1
D) It only recognizes one of the drives that is plugged in
E) I tried the hub also, and it didn't work at all

So,

First question is, can you access Wii games from two USB hard drives at once at all? If yes, then...
Second question, can someone give me detailed instructions on how to enable this? If I need to install / reinstall a cIOS if you could also point me to the correct package and instructions on what / how to load that would be greatly appreciated.

After I resolve this (by making it work or giving it up, my next project will be to try to figure out EmuNand.

Thanks for your help,

Joe

Cyan · Apr 8, 2020

Hello and welcome.

hmm, I didn't read yet, (I'll do in a minute, after diner)
Just want to post this :
I just wrote a guide to use 2 HDD at the same time, 30min ago

https://gbatemp.net/threads/usb-loader-gx.149922/page-1328#post-9005952

ok, not sure it's what you want, I'll now read and edit my message.
edit:
ok I've read it.
now I'll answer, I'll post in a few minute.

************

First, as much as you can, put all Wii games on the same HDD !
it will be a lot easier to just use single a USB Port.

If you can put the gamecube games on USB, you can put them on SD. the speed shouldn't be a problem but you'll probably miss space on SD if you want lot of gamecube games.

if you can, get a HDD less than 2TB, formatted in FAT32. one partition with all your Wii AND gamecube games on the same partition will work just fine. (not necessarily better, but just easier to use and setup).

For now, we will do with what you currently have.
HDD A : NTFS with Wii games.
HDD B : NTFS with Wii games.
SD : Gamecube games
on SD card, /apps/ usbloader_gx r1272
some hermes cIOS, some d2x cIOS.
am I right?

Knowing your console
if you want to know which IOS setup you currently have installed on your console, you can follow the syscheck guide in my signature. here is direct link : https://gbatemp.net/threads/300279/

If you want to understand how the console works, what is a IOS and cIOS, and how to actually use them, I'd recommend 2 guides I wrote.
the first is a little long, as details how the console works : https://gbatemp.net/threads/wii-hacking-explained.501605/

The second is specifically written to decide which cIOS to install, why, what it does, how to select, etc.
https://gbatemp.net/posts/8968173
attention, it's written for "Wii mini", please don't install these files on your Wii. just read the explanation.

If you want to add, update, or change your setup, just ask (after posting syscheck report here) and we will guide you through the needed steps.

What to know when wanting to use 2 HDDs.
The first link I provided should already cover most information.

What you need to know is that every app on the console uses ONE IOS at a time.
when inside the loader, it uses ONE IOS (you can choose either IOS58, or one of the cIOS)
when playing a Wii game from USB, it need to uses ONE IOS (you can choose from the cIOS you installed)
when playing a gamecube game, it's actually a homebrew interfacing the game with the console (nintendont), it's a homebrew Wii app, using IOS58.

using IOS58 or a cIOS affects which USB Port you have access, and in which order the console see them.

USB Port 0 : bottom port of the Wii, near the edge (when laying flat)
USB Port 1 : Top port, near the middle.

Almost all cIOS to play Wii games from USB requires you to use USB Port 0 (only).
only when using IOS58, or very specific cIOS version, can you also access USB Port 1.

when using a cIOS, ports are loaded in incremental order : port 0->1
when using IOS 58, it's reversed order : port 1->0

cIOS d2x v8 final is stable, but only work with Port 0
cIOS d2x v10 is exactly the same as v8 final. no need to update if you have v8!
cIOS d2x v10-alt is not stable, but works with Port 0 and Port 1
any hermes cIOS are stable and working with Port 0 and Port 1
IOS 58 is the official IOS from nintendo, works with Port 0 and Port 1, but only for homebrew (no Wii games)

So, what I would recommend:
recommended setup 1:
put all games on a single HDD FAT32. plug in Port 0. all game will work (wii and gamecube)
gamecube games can be on SD too.
loader can use either 58 or cIOS
wii games can use d2x v8 or v10 with Port 0 only (no need of v10-alt)

recommended setup 2:
Put all Wii games on a single HDD (FAT32 or NTFS), plug in Port 0, use cIOS for wii games (only port0 is working)
Put all Gamecube games on another HDD FAT32, plug in port 1. gamecube games using IOS58, so port1 is available for them.
gamecube games can be on SD too.
loader can use either 58 or cIOS, but will matter and affect how the partitions are detected in the loader.
wii games can use d2x v8 or v10 with Port 0 only (no need of v10-alt), as gamecube on port 1 will use IOS58.

non recommended setup 3:
port 0 and port1 contains wii games (FAT32 or NTFS).
gamecube wherever you want. (port0 or port1, but need FAT32!)
gamecube games can be on SD too.
loader can use either 58 or cIOS, but will matter and affect how the partitions are detected in the loader.
wii games NEED to use either hermes cIOS or d2x v10-alt as Port 1 is only working with these.

I suppose, you want setup 3.
so here what you'll eed to do (big steps):

install (if not present) either, or both:
hermes cIOS (any), usually located in slot 222, 223, or 224
d2x v10-alt (r53) base 57, usually installable (anywhere?) in slot 240-251. depending on your syscheck, we will advise what to do from there.

Whether to use IOS58 in the loader or not will be based on your HDD compatibility.
if you can "not use it", it'll be easier to setup. using only the same cIOS for everything is easier.
but like said, d2x v10-alt has some issues with some HDD, and might require the use of IOS58 in the loader, affecting how the dual drives are loaded and setup.

setup the loader to use one of these cIOS (or a mix).

setup the loader to use dual port

setup the loader to config all the paths properly, whether you use IOS58 or not will change the path and partition order in the loader.

know that some of the Wii game will not work due to compatibility with d2x v10-alt.

********
with the information you can gather from the two guides, and the link to other user asking the same question, you should be able to setup your console.
but in case you need more detailed information, please ask here and wait for an answer instead of trying something you are unsure!
you might not get one from me until tomorrow (I'll be busy and then sleeping), but I guess you can still wait a day

DrJoe · Apr 8, 2020

For now, we will do with what you currently have.
HDD A : NTFS with Wii games.
HDD B : NTFS with Wii games.
SD : Gamecube games
on SD card, /apps/ usbloader_gx r1272
some hermes cIOS, some d2x cIOS.
am I right?

Having problems figuring out how to quote part of a message... Yes, the statements above are correct. I am currently running cIOS 58.

I downloaded the sys check app, will run it later... Ditto reading the guides. Like many, am working from home and I have a conference call in 15 minutes. (the meeting reminder just blasted out of my PC, tablet and cell phone all at the same time).

Thanks so much for your help -- I was not expecting an immediate response like this!

Take care,

Joe

Cyan · Apr 8, 2020

if you want to quote a part of the message, select/highlight that part in my post and you'll get an overlay option which will appear. select "reply" and it will copy that part to the edition area. not sure it works on phones or tablet.
or you can encapsulate your message with [ quote] blablabla [/ quote] or the "speaking" icon in the message menu.

DrJoe · Apr 8, 2020

Thanks!

I'll read and digest.... My immediate impressions is that using two drives with Wii games = not simple.

In the end, I can always just yank and swap between the drives. The primary drive is 1TB, and fits more games than I could ever play. Getting the extra games to work from the second drive is more "for the fun of it" so I have something to do while on "stay at home" for the coronavirus.

It looks like I am too new to post my syscheck -- I get an error that I need to have 5 posts... This is number 3 LOL

Here are a couple, will post the full log when I've gotten to 5

IOS31 (rev 3608): Trucha Bug, ES Identify, NAND Access
IOS58 (rev 6176): USB 2.0
IOS222 (rev 65280): Stub
IOS223 (rev 65280): Stub
IOS249[56] (rev 65535, Info: d2x-v10beta52): Trucha Bug, NAND Access, USB 2.0
IOS250[57] (rev 65535, Info: d2x-v10beta52): Trucha Bug, NAND Access, USB 2.0

Thanks,

Joe

DrJoe · Apr 8, 2020

I figured out why it wouldn't let me post the check --- the last line said "uploaded to xxxx" with a hyperlink.... I clicked "upload report" by accident when the check completed...

Here it is

SysCheck HDE v2.4.0 HacksDen Edition by JoostinOnline, Double_A, R2-D2199, and Nano
...runs on IOS58 (rev 6176).

Region: NTSC-U
System Menu 4.3U (v513)
Priiloader installed
Drive date: 02.13.2007
Homebrew Channel 1.1.2 running on IOS58

Hollywood v0x11
Console ID: 55081700
Console Type: Wii
Shop Channel Country: United States (49)
Boot2 v4
Found 139 titles.
Found 46 IOS on this console. 15 of them are stubs.

IOS4 (rev 65280): Stub
IOS9 (rev 1034): No Patches
IOS10 (rev 768): Stub
IOS11 (rev 256): Stub
IOS12 (rev 526): No Patches
IOS13 (rev 1032): No Patches
IOS14 (rev 1032): No Patches
IOS15 (rev 1032): No Patches
IOS16 (rev 512): Stub
IOS17 (rev 1032): No Patches
IOS20 (rev 256): Stub
IOS21 (rev 1039): No Patches
IOS22 (rev 1294): No Patches
IOS28 (rev 1807): No Patches
IOS30 (rev 2816): Stub
IOS31 (rev 3608): Trucha Bug, ES Identify, NAND Access
IOS33 (rev 3608): No Patches
IOS34 (rev 3608): No Patches
IOS35 (rev 3608): No Patches
IOS36 (rev 3608): No Patches
IOS37 (rev 5663): No Patches
IOS38 (rev 4124): No Patches
IOS40 (rev 3072): Stub
IOS41 (rev 3607): No Patches
IOS43 (rev 3607): No Patches
IOS45 (rev 3607): No Patches
IOS46 (rev 3607): No Patches
IOS48 (rev 4124): No Patches
IOS50 (rev 5120): Stub
IOS51 (rev 4864): Stub
IOS52 (rev 5888): Stub
IOS53 (rev 5663): No Patches
IOS55 (rev 5663): No Patches
IOS56 (rev 5662): No Patches
IOS57 (rev 5919): No Patches
IOS58 (rev 6176): USB 2.0
IOS60 (rev 6400): Stub
IOS61 (rev 5662): No Patches
IOS62 (rev 6430): No Patches
IOS70 (rev 6912): Stub
IOS80 (rev 6944): No Patches
IOS222 (rev 65280): Stub
IOS223 (rev 65280): Stub
IOS249[56] (rev 65535, Info: d2x-v10beta52): Trucha Bug, NAND Access, USB 2.0
IOS250[57] (rev 65535, Info: d2x-v10beta52): Trucha Bug, NAND Access, USB 2.0
IOS254 (rev 65280): Stub
BC v6
MIOS v10
Report generated on 04/08/2020.

Cyan · Apr 9, 2020

thank you for your log.

So, the first time you posted the most important part.
here what really useful to read:

System Menu 4.3U (v513) : The system menu version is useless, it's not a "firmware version". it doesn't change compatibility with hacks or games.
Priiloader installed : You installed Priiloader, this is good. it's a brick protection and a live menu patcher at boot. you don't need to access it, it's good to have it just in case.
Homebrew Channel 1.1.2 running on IOS58 : You have latest "official" release of HBC, and it's using IOS58, which is perfect (remember, I said all app need to use a specific IOS. homebrew usually use 58). some old setup use IOS61 and have to reinstall HBC.
Console Type: Wii : console type can be Wii, WiiU vWii, or I guess Wii-Mini.

all the official IOS (below 200) should have "No Patches", meaning they are official, or "stub" meaning they are deleted.
so all is good, except:
IOS31 (rev 3608): Trucha Bug, ES Identify, NAND Access : if your IOS31 is patched, I suppose you tried to install Riiconnect24 apps? but I thought it needed IOS80 patch too, which you maybe had but don't have anymore, so Riiconnect24 is not working now.
IOS70 (rev 6912): Stub : That IOS slot is used by system menu 4.2, you have 4.3 so it's using slot80. but if one day you downgrade (why? install of randomly found wad on the net) then you'll brick because it miss the "IOS used by sysmenu 4.2"
IOS80 (rev 6944): No Patches : This is the "IOS used by system menu 4.3", it doesn't have any patches. it's fine, but not best for hacks. Patches include the possibility to launch channels installed to your "SD Menu" from system menu. but it's just an option, not mandatory.

Now about the custom/patched IOS
IOS222 (rev 65280): Stub : this is a slot used by Hermes cIOS. Nintendo pre-installed a fake IOS (stub) in that slot to counter piracy. you don't really need it, but if you want dual HDD it might become useful !
IOS223 (rev 65280): Stub : same as 222. Surprisingly, nintendo didn't install anything in slot 224 (which is also a common place for Hermes cIOS). note that "Hermes" is one of the cIOS developer name.

IOS249[56] (rev 65535, Info: d2x-v10beta52): Trucha Bug, NAND Access, USB 2.0 : Now is this what is the most important! slot 249 is the default IOS slot used by USBLoaders. read below for more info.
IOS250[57] (rev 65535, Info: d2x-v10beta52): Trucha Bug, NAND Access, USB 2.0 : same. you don't have anything in slot251 (that's fine, it's just a common used slot for a third cIOS setup).
IOS254 (rev 65280): Stub : This one is BootMii IOS. You don't have it ! nintendo installed a fake one instead.
BC v6 : Backward Compatibility IOS, lets you reboot the console in Gamecube mode.
MIOS v10 : The Gamecube firmware/system, when in BC mode.

Your cIOS :
you have d2x v10 (good! this is not v10-alternative), v10 has more compatibility.
You have base56 in slot 249
you have base57 in slot 250
depending which game you want to play, you'll have to set the problem slot (249 or 250) to use the needed base (56 or 57). some games work only with one, not both, so you'll need to select the one to use for each game.
generally speaking, base57 is fine for most common games. Only guitar hero/rockband might require base56. I generally suggest to setup the loader's settings to use the slot where you have 57 by default.

All the "revision" of the IOS are "65535". it's useful for you if you didn't enable the priiloader's hack "disable update from disc".
if you enable disable update from disc in the priiloader's hack menu, then you can choose the "real" cIOS revision : 21010 (cIOS rev21 d2x v10).
if you don't enable the hack, or don't have priiloader, when you insert a disc it will find a newer IOS on the disc's update partition (the "stub" from nintendo, revision 65280) and will replace your cIOS with the stub which is bigger than 21010.
priiloader prevent the check.
it doesn't change anything ! it's only a visual element and an easier to detect method for USBloaders to know what you currently have installed on your console.

Using 2 USB Port :
Like I said on previous posts, only specific cIOS are working with Port1 :
- Hermes cIOS : you don't have any ! (slot 222, 223, 224)
- d2x v10-alternative ! you don't have the alternative version.

I recommend you install a third cIOS in slot 251, this is the one you'll use when you want to mount Port 1 (at the same time than port0).
So, run d2x installer for Wii, select this :
- d2x v10-alt (r53)
- slot 251
- base 57
- version 65535

Launch USBLoaderGX
go to settings > Loader's settings :
Loader's IOS : 251 (instead of 58)
Game's IOS : 251

go to Settings > HDD menu :
Partition (first option) : this is the partition where the loader will "copy" dumped disc. it's also the displayed partition if you only display one at a time.
Ports : both
Multi-partition : ON

exit the loader.
plug both HDD.
boot the loader, see if they are properly detected.
if it stays on the "20 sec detecting HDD" screen, or tells you "no USB found, switching to channel mode" it means your HDDs are not properly compatible with cIOS r53, or have issue initializing without using IOS58 at boot.

it's better if they do.
if not, it requires more options and setup!

I'll stop here until you test, and tell me whether the HDD are properly init with that setup.

DrJoe · Apr 9, 2020

Thanks so much again! Your commentary is as enlightening as your instructions. I just woke up (Texas, USA, Central Time) and haven't had any coffee yet (and a conference call in 20 minutes!) so I'll have to wait to load slot 251. I also want to ask some more questions about the commentary - had an "oh my God, that's what I was doing!" reaction to your slot analysis. It would be _great_ to add a before / after syscheck review to the guides. I'll post some more questions and try to load 251 at lunchtime!

DrJoe · Apr 9, 2020

OK, so first, I installed 251 base 57:

IOS222 (rev 65280): Stub
IOS223 (rev 65280): Stub
IOS249[56] (rev 65535, Info: d2x-v10beta52): Trucha Bug, NAND Access, USB 2.0
IOS250[57] (rev 65535, Info: d2x-v10beta52): Trucha Bug, NAND Access, USB 2.0
IOS251[57] (rev 65535, Info: d2x-v10beta53-alt): Trucha Bug, NAND Access, USB 2.0
IOS254 (rev 65280): Stub

I attached both drives, changed the settings for USB Loader GX as above, and am still only seeing the drive attached to USB 0. It doesn't matter if I set the "mount USB" to 0, 1, or Both: with both drives plugged in it is always loading games from USB 0.

Regarding settings:

Cyan said:
Launch USBLoaderGX
go to settings > Loader's settings :
Loader's IOS : 251 (instead of 58)
Game's IOS : 251

go to Settings > HDD menu :
Partition (first option) : this is the partition where the loader will "copy" dumped disc. it's also the displayed partition if you only display one at a time.
Ports : both
Multi-partition : ON

I set the loader and game both to 251. In settings HDD menu, I don't see any options for partition. The partition it shows is for the drive in UBS 0. If I click on it, there are no choices. So I'm not sure what you refer to when you say "first option" -- it seems like there are no options. I also don't understand the comment "it's also the displayed partition if you only display one at a time." I did set the ports to both and the multiple partitions to "on"

If you have suggestions I am open to trying new things!

Now from the rest of your response:

Cyan said:
if your IOS31 is patched, I suppose you tried to install Riiconnect24 apps? but I thought it needed IOS80 patch too, which you maybe had but don't have anymore, so Riiconnect24 is not working now.

I did try to install RiiConnect24. I ran the two wads for the install ISO31.WAD and IOS80.WAD. I didn't seem to get it to updates for Weather and News Channels properly so maye the IOS80.wad didn't do what it should have done?

Cyan said:
you have d2x v10 (good! this is not v10-alternative), v10 has more compatibility.
You have base56 in slot 249
you have base57 in slot 250
depending which game you want to play, you'll have to set the problem slot (249 or 250) to use the needed base (56 or 57). some games work only with one, not both, so you'll need to select the one to use for each game.generally speaking, base57 is fine for most common games. Only guitar hero/rockband might require base56. I generally suggest to setup the loader's settings to use the slot where you have 57 by default.

This was one of those "Aha!" moments. The default setting on USB Loader GX was for the game to use 249. If I understand correctly, I should have had it set at 250. I had no idea why 249 was chosen for the game or why I might want to change it. To be clear then, if I am running the single drive solution, and am not playing GH/RB, I'd want to use slot 58 for the loader and 250 for the game.

Cyan said:
All the "revision" of the IOS are "65535". it's useful for you if you didn't enable the priiloader's hack "disable update from disc". if you enable disable update from disc in the priiloader's hack menu, then you can choose the "real" cIOS revision : 21010 (cIOS rev21 d2x v10). if you don't enable the hack, or don't have priiloader, when you insert a disc it will find a newer IOS on the disc's update partition (the "stub" from nintendo, revision 65280) and will replace your cIOS with the stub which is bigger than 21010. priiloader prevent the check. it doesn't change anything ! it's only a visual element and an easier to detect method for USBloaders to know what you currently have installed on your console.

I followed multiple guides to try to install homebrew, WiiConnect24, Wiimmfi, etc. I think the guide I followed for Priiloader was "The Ultimate Nintendo Wii hacking guide for seniors" elsewhere on this board (I'm 52 so not QUITE a senior, but this was one of the more explicit step-by-step guides I found). In the instructions it said to enable "block disc updates", so I probably did this. Is there a way to check this?

If I did this, how would I choose the "real" cIOS revision : 21010 (cIOS rev21 d2x v10).?

Cyan · Apr 9, 2020

please, don't try to play GH/RB now with that very wrong setup !
either use single HDD, either try complicated setup (with accessories etc.). do not mix things until you know simple one are working.
because that's one of the problem: dual HDD works only with d2x r53. BUT music game don't like r53 !

there are lot of things you didn't understand here.

DrJoe said:
It doesn't matter if I set the "mount USB" to 0, 1, or Both: with both drives plugged in it is always loading games from USB 0.

it depends the IOS you use in the loader.
if you use the proper IOS version, then it'll work. until you do, it'll not work.

you need to setup in order ! don't go faster thinking steps are interchangeable and it would be easier to do things sooner than later.

DrJoe said:
I set the loader and game both to 251. In settings HDD menu, I don't see any options for partition. The partition it shows is for the drive in UBS 0. If I click on it, there are no choices. So I'm not sure what you refer to when you say "first option" -- it seems like there are no options. I also don't understand the comment "it's also the displayed partition if you only display one at a time." I did set the ports to both and the multiple partitions to "on"

The VERY FIRST option in the HDD menu.

Settings > HDD Menu : FIRST OPTION AT THE TOP OF THE LIST
isn't it called something like "install partition" ?
this is the partition where games will be installed to.
you know, if you mount multiple drives, and therefore have multiple partitions on the console available to the apps. when you insert a game disc, it'll ask you if you want to "copy/install the game to HDD"
But, which HDD ? which partition do you think the loader will choose? it's not random, it's up to you to choose the "partition" where the game will be "install"ed.

If you don't display ALL the games from ALL the partitions at the same time when inside the loader, it means you'll only see games from ONE partition.
how do you think you can change the one you want to see ? how do you think you choose to list games from the OTHER usb port?

the "install partition" (the very first option in the HDD menu), is used for both these matter.
this is where you have to choose the partition in the loader as "default partition", the one to list and the one were the games will be installed to.
each time you click on that menu (the FIRST option at the top of the list, click on it !!), each time you do that, it swap the partition to use.

if you only have one HDD loaded, and only one partition on that loaded HDD, you won't notice anything because ... you only have one choice.
if you have one HDD loaded, with two partition on that HDD, you'll notice it switch back and forth the two partitions.
if you have two HDD, one partition each, it will also switch back and forth the two partitions (at condition that your BOTH drives are ALREADY initialized. it's NOT initialized when you set the option the first time, you have to reboot!)

Now if you set the loader to use 251 (loader's IOS), set "port both" and it sees only one HDD, then maybe your HDD in port 1 is not compatible with cIOS, and might work with IOS58.
that's why I said you'll have to test and report first, because using 58 is different.

go to settings > loader settings > loader's IOS : replace 251 with 58.
REBOOT HERE.
see if both hdd are seen now.

DrJoe said:
. To be clear then, if I am running the single drive solution, and am not playing GH/RB, I'd want to use slot 58 for the loader and 250 for the game.

yes, slot250 (d2x v10 base57) is the best base for most games.
it works only with port 0.

GH/RB might require base 56 (so port 249). only port 0 too, but accessories goes into port 1 anyway so you can't have dual HDD.

DrJoe · Apr 9, 2020

So when I look at the hdd settings screen, the first line says "game/install partition". It shows the size and format of the drive plugged into USB 0. i.e, NTFS (931.51GB). The drive info repeatedly scrolls across the line... NTFS (931.51GB)... NTFS (931.51)... Clicking on it does nothing. No option I see to make any cgange

The next entry is "Multiple Partitions" gives me an option for "on" or "off" and is set to ON.

The third entry is "USB Port, and Dan be switched between "0" , "1" , and "Both Ports", it is set to Both Ports".

Fourth entry "Mount USB at launch" is "on"

Both drives work in USB 0.
If I only put the drive in USB 1, then it isn't detected as it tries to mount the USB... Waits for hdd.. Then says mounting USB port 1 and gives a "USB device not initialized" error....

Is there something I'm missing? I never see but one partition listed in line 1, and can't switch it to anything else.

DrJoe · Apr 9, 2020

Both drives work in USB 1 if I have 58 loaded,. Of course, I'm still only able to see one drive. If both are attached I see the drive plugged into USB 1. If one is attached I see it in whichever USB port it is plugged in to

Again, nothing appears to give me partitions I can toggle between.

question: what is considered "rebooting"? Going back to the Homebrew channel and rerunning USB loader? Yellow or Red power-down? Or disconnecting from AC?

Cyan · Apr 10, 2020

By rebooting, I mean exiting the loader (to HBC) and launching it again to properly check and initialize the USB ports and plugged HDD.

it feels like one setting is not properly set, but I can't guess which one.
When you use IOS58, it should allow both HDD to be found in the "game/install partition" option. clicking on it should scroll through both found partitions : NTFS (931.51GB) <-> NTFS (whatever the size of the other partition on the other drive)
Are you sure both HDD have different partition size? if not, then you won't see any change if they are identical, the format and size would be the same even if that option properly work by scrolling though the two different partitions.

when using IOS58, you don't have the option to choose if you want to mount port0 or port1 or both, they are always loaded mounted "both" even if you don't set that option on "both". it's just the way nintendo's original IOS58 is working.

"game/install partition" don't bother for now
"Multiple Partitions" keep it OFF for now
"USB Port" keep it set to "Both Ports".
"Mount USB at launch" keep it set to "on" (or else the USB are not searched at boot, it's used in case you don't have any USB plugged, only SD for nintendont for example, and prevent waiting 20sec to boot into the loader)

"Loader's IOS" (in loader settings) : either 58 or 251

exit/plug both HDD/relaunch the loader.
when you use IOS58 : the first partition of USB Port 1 should be displayed
when you use cIOS 251: the first partition of the USB Port 0 should be displayed.

Up until here it's right?

now, go to HDD menu
"game/install partition" click on it "ONCE" (only one time) like you'd be changing the options. it's just "once" in case both your partition have the same size and you can't notice it actually did something!
exit the settings, look at the game list. did it switch to the games located on the other drive?
if not, repeat this step, click on "game/install partition" and look at game list etc.
the "game/install partition" like I explained above is the partition to use and display games from it "when you don't use multiple partition option".

You should be able to go back and forth from one USB to the other by clicking on that option.
either with IOS58 or 251 (r53)
except if your HDD is not recognized with 251 even when plugged in port 0.

well, now I forgot, are BOTH your HDD working and being detected in port 0 with the loader's IOS set to 251?
let's try something else (that we should have done before, but for me it's so obvious I shouldn't explain it).

"game/install partition" don't bother for now
"Multiple Partitions" keep it OFF for now
"USB Port" keep it set to "0" (yes 0)
plug ONE HDD only, in port 0. (call it HDD A)
Loader's IOS : 251

exit/launch back.
is that drive HDD A detected?
try the same things with HDD B (exit, plug HDD B, launch the loader in port 0 with cIOS 251)
is that drive B detected?

Do exactly the same with Loader's IOS : 250

I want to know if cIOS v10 and v10-alt have different compatibilities with your drives.

250:
HDD A :
HDD B :

251 port 0
HDD A :
HDD B :

251 port 1
HDD A :
HDD B :

58 : shouldn't be a problem.
both port should work, no idea why it doesn't work for you. the only thing I thought is you have identical HDD sizes and didn't notice it worked.

well, I still feel like we are wasting time anyway, you should just stop trying to plug both HDD at the same time.
Just use ONE SINGLE HDD in port 0. NEVER use v10-alt

DrJoe · Apr 10, 2020

Cyan,

One of the drives is 1TB and the other is 128GB. Both are NTFS.

When ios58 is chosen for the loader, there is no option to change off of usb 0 - it says "usb port changing is only supported on hermes cIOS"

So I set to single partition, usb 0, loader at 251 and game at 251.both drives work in port 0
I set single partition, USB 0, loader at 250 and game 251, both drives work in port 0.
I set single partition, USB 1 loader 251 game 251 and neither drive is mounted

As you mention, both drives work in both ports for 58 (just not together). I'll leave it set to loader 58 and game 250 unless you recommend something else. If there are any other changes you can recommend, please let me know! (that 65535 vs 21010 comment from earlier?)

I'll take the last piece of advice and give up on two drives for now. I can always physically swap the drives. Thanks for your patience and help - even if this didn't work I've learned a lot from you.

My next project is to try to work with emuNand - I found your instructions on that in another post and will try to work through them over the few days. Assuming I run into problems I'll start a new thread.

Happy Easter!

Joe

Cyan · Apr 10, 2020

the drive is maybe not compatible at all with d2x v10 r53 (this happen). but that both drives are is just coincidence, or too bad.

it's strange IOS58 can't see both drives. you shouldn't be able to select the port (like you said), but the loader should see all the partitions when you scroll them in the "install partition" option. I don't know why it can only see one drive and not both.

DrJoe said:
that 65535 vs 21010 comment from earlier?

this has no effect at all on the compatibility. it's only a text value to identify the version of the IOS.
that number is only really used by the System menu to update the consoles, from an inserted disc or from the network.

DrJoe said:
I'll take the last piece of advice and give up on two drives for now

sorry it didn't end well.
it should have been really easy (just use the IOS compatible with both ports and enable both port in the settings).

I hope EmuNAND setup will be easier to understand

just make a dump and install wads, but you never know the issues you'll encounter.

good luck.
sorry if I was little upsets because it didn't go as planed or as it should have.

DrJoe · Apr 10, 2020

Maybe I'll try some other drives... I only have the one large drive, the others are 500gb or smaller, some full size drives that require external power and some laptop, that don't... But this really isn't a big deal, more seeing what I can do for the fun of it... Between Wii and Gamecube, there's 723 games... That's before figuring out emuNand....

I'll start a thread with some questions about that tomorrow.. Thanks! This is a fun distraction from all the stuff that's going on! All of your posts are appreciated!

Cyan · Apr 11, 2020

I just thought, maybe it's my fault and not your setup!
maybe I messed the init sequence, as I changed it recently to try to fix HDD init issue some users had.
maybe I messed the port init order, and broke dual port?

It might be a good idea to try an older version (1271, or 1260) and report if it works.
if it does, please try each version up to 1272 and tell me which version broke it

you can find all version on sourceforge, or mediafire (links on first post of official thread in wii usbloader section)

sion_zaphod · Apr 12, 2020

@Cyan
Just read this thread. I have to got to work now but when I finish I will post my working setup. Is there a list of games that have compatibility problems with d2x v10 r53? I can't say Ive tried any Hermes cIOS but my setup using d2x v10 r53 seems to load games from both drives fine. My hard drive plugged into the bottom port has wii games 0 - S (so Guitar Hero, Just Dance, Rock Band and other Rhythm games are on that drive), my second drive plugged into top port has wii games T - Z plus Gamecube 0 - Z. As the first drive has all the problematic games I know on it (correct me if I'm wrong), these games can be run with d2x v10 r52 base 57. Unfortunate any game T - Z is going to be an issue(are there any?) if so I'll try a Hermes cIOS.

Got to go to work now but i'll post a syscheck when I get home.

Cyan · Apr 12, 2020

thanks, but I don't think syscheck is really needed here. if you know you tried with r52 or r53 and which base that should be enough to help other users.

quick from my mind, I'd say not liking r53:
just dance (2020 only?)
kirby (forgot which one) on SD card. so only an issue with wiiflow and CFGLoader.

r53 is often not hardware compatible with entire drives.
if it works, it's always works.
it if doesn't, no game will work.
comparing with r52 and identical loader settings to see if it's hardware issue is recommended.

maybe the other person's problem is just he has 2 HDD not compatible with r53? that would be really bad chance.

sion_zaphod · Apr 12, 2020

@Cyan
I used a base of IOS57 with the alt r53 in slot 250. I set the loader and games to use that IOS. And I set IOS250 in the XML for homebrew channel even though I use usblgx channel to load usbloadergx. I can confirm every game I've tried works from both drives but I haven't tried the problematic games yet. Sounds like the guy has drive problems. Ideally I would forgo a 2 drive setup but I heard that drives bigger than 2 tb have problems with usb loaders and nintendont because their GPT not MBR. Is there a straight forward way to setup a drive that size for use with usb loaders and nintendont?

Ps I had the same issue as the other guy with IOS58 in the loader. It told me that only Hermes cIOS support multiple ports and only displayed games on port 0. When I switched to IOS 250 d2x r53 I could set port to both. Maybe a bug in the loader.

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