Hacking 3.4 -> downgrade or not to dowgrade, that is the question!

[georgecoat]

I have 3.4 and would like to be able to play backups as well as enjoy some extra features (play movies, mp3, homebrew apps...).
Reading several guides including those with the whole prepacked tools in one package I can choose methods that downgrade to 3.2 and let me install starfall.
Then there is also some new methods that does not require downgrade (wad only methods) and let me play backups and keep my current 3.4.
Is it only starfall features that are making the difference between downgrade and no downgrade? Is there a possibility to replace those starfall features somehow on 3.4 or make starfall to work on 3.4?
Who can help me with the dilemma, downgrade or not to downgrade?
What does the experts say: which method is better, and what it the advantage/disadvantage?

 

[WhiteWingedKnigh]

Starfall will not work on any other version except 3.2 because 3.2 as i think the trucha sign hack thing, i don't remember the specifics. But yes downgrade to 3.2 and install starfall, it will save you loads of pain incase your wii ever gets semi-bricked and such. Plus it skips disk updates for you!!! and thats a plus in my book!

 

[georgecoat]

Thank you WhiteWingedKnight, it makes sense...
But don't you prevent updates by turning off WiiConnect24 and brick protect by using WiiBrickBlocker on your isos?

 

[Deleted User]

Starfall already blocked updates.

And Wiiconnect24, turned my Wiiconnect24 on since it was bought, only prompts updates, but not installing them

, no more christmas hats! Just them bald smileys >__>

 

[georgecoat]

afif95,
I meant in 3.4 without starfall ...

Starfall already blocked updates.

And Wiiconnect24, turned my Wiiconnect24 on since it was bought, only prompts updates, but not installing them

, no more christmas hats! Just them bald smileys >__>

 

[EnigmaXtreme]

In my opinion, downgrading is merely just a short run solution. Yes the features of wii upgrades have been meh lately, but down the track their will be times when upgrading the firmware will be nescearry, like ...heck i dont know

SDHC support
Upgrades to support official DVD playback
Wii Disk Drive or WiiDD support lol

Those are merely stuff I threw up into the air btw so dont point out if their flawed

Personally I would rather avoid the risk of bricking my wii trying to downgrade and just wait till the the great wii hackers make the apps compatiable with the latest firmware

Im just saying

 

[georgecoat]

Well, you do not need to downgrade, read here for example: http://gbatemp.net/index.php?showtopic=114...p;#entry1529161 or here: http://www.wiiguide.co.cc
But there are some advantages and risks on both sides and question was is it worth to downgrade or not. You would prefer not to.

In my opinion, downgrading is merely just a short run solution. Yes the features of wii upgrades have been meh lately, but down the track their will be times when upgrading the firmware will be nescearry, like ...heck i dont know

SDHC support
Upgrades to support official DVD playback
Wii Disk Drive or WiiDD support lol

Those are merely stuff I threw up into the air btw so dont point out if their flawed

Personally I would rather avoid the risk of bricking my wii trying to downgrade and just wait till the the great wii hackers make the apps compatiable with the latest firmware

Im just saying

 

[ether2802]

if you don't have a ModChip and you are planing to install .wad files (even one of them) thru Wad Manager, YOU HAVE TO just for the Rescue Menu option...!!

 

[Deleted User]

Downgrade, 3.2 is the gold mine for us with softmod.

No matter whatever you say, 3.2 will remain as the best firmware for softmod, well, till Ninty Screw up BADLY with their further updates.

Honestly, downgrade is easy, just follow EoC's guide, all in one, and never a hassle.

Also, I've had problems with launching certain backups when I was in 3.4.

 

[georgecoat]

Good point

if you don't have a ModChip and you are planing to install .wad files (even one of them) thru Wad Manager, YOU HAVE TO just for the Rescue Menu option...!!

 

[georgecoat]

Have you experienced any troubles to run original games after downgrading to 3.2?

Downgrade, 3.2 is the gold mine for us with softmod.

No matter whatever you say, 3.2 will remain as the best firmware for softmod, well, till Ninty Screw up BADLY with their further updates.

Honestly, downgrade is easy, just follow EoC's guide, all in one, and never a hassle.

Also, I've had problems with launching certain backups when I was in 3.4.

 

[georgecoat]

So far most of the pro-downgrade answers is due to the starfall's brick protection/rescue features. Is there any way to substitute this startfall feature in 3.3 or 3.4?

Summarized opinions so far:

Downgrade advantages:
brick protection/rescue
updates blocking
launching some backups that does not launch in 3.4
avoiding possibility to block hacking Wii

Not to downgrade advantages:
upgrading might become necessary
possibility to use some new cool features
avoiding possibility to brick while downgrading
avoiding possible problems to run some new original games

Any other opinions?

 

[Deleted User]

Have you experienced any troubles to run original games after downgrading to 3.2?

Downgrade, 3.2 is the gold mine for us with softmod.

No matter whatever you say, 3.2 will remain as the best firmware for softmod, well, till Ninty Screw up BADLY with their further updates.

Honestly, downgrade is easy, just follow EoC's guide, all in one, and never a hassle.

Also, I've had problems with launching certain backups when I was in 3.4.

Originals??

Meh, it's hard to find one here. Plus, it's too damn pricey. Anyway, it should work, except for some without proper IOS (Right now, it's IOS 38 for AC:CF).

And well, Starfall will block updates, so there should be no update issues running originals from disc channel.

Also, when I was in 3.4, I've had problems with getting Disaster and MySims to run.

 

[Deleted User]

So far most of the pro-downgrade answers is due to the starfall's brick protection/rescue features. Is there any way to substitute this startfall feature in 3.3 or 3.4?

Summarized opinions so far:

Downgrade advantages:
brick protection/rescue
updates blocking
launching some backups that does not launch in 3.4
avoiding possibility to block hacking Wii

Not to downgrade advantages:
upgrading might become necessary
If anything, homebrew will have a workaround
possibility to use some new cool features
We've got homebrew developers to get only THOSE updates, take a look on Mii Channel Updater
avoiding possibility to brick while downgrading
There's a lot of noob-proof guide. EoC is recommended, easy and all in one
avoiding possible problems to run some new original games
002 fix is already available, AC:CF only needs IOS 38.

Any other opinions?

 

[EnigmaXtreme]

if you don't have a ModChip and you are planing to install .wad files (even one of them) thru Wad Manager, YOU HAVE TO just for the Rescue Menu option...!!

Whats the rescue menu?

 

[Deleted User]

Rescue menu is a black screen with the firmware version on the bottom right corner.

IT loads discs, useful when you have a banner brick (Usually from wad installs). Pop in Zelda, do Twilight Hack with WAD Manager, and uninstall the wad.

 

[EnigmaXtreme]

Rescue menu is a black screen with the firmware version on the bottom right corner.

IT loads discs, useful when you have a banner brick (Usually from wad installs). Pop in Zelda, do Twilight Hack with WAD Manager, and uninstall the wad.

Isnt that kinda like SaveMii?

 

[Deleted User]

yep.. it's also something like savemiifrii.

But it uses the Y button on a GC Pad to activate it. So you won't have to tear the GC controller apart just to press all of the 4 directions on the GC Pad

 

[tony2tyger]

if you don't have a ModChip and you are planing to install .wad files (even one of them) thru Wad Manager, YOU HAVE TO just for the Rescue Menu option...!!

What if you have a modchip on 3.4? How do you recover from a brick?

 

[Deleted User]

Let's just hope you have trucha bug, then get yourself an autoboot wad manager