(guide posted and translated with permission of the original author)

UPDATE:
there is a new softmod method for vWii - it works WITHOUT USING AN ORIGINAL DISC: it is called WUPHAX, from the great @FIX94 - Click Here to go to the thread/guide !
​

Requirements:
- WiiU with 2.1.0/2.1.3/3.0.1/3.1.0/4.0.0/4.0.2/4.0.3/4.1.0/5.0.0/5.1.0/5.1.1/5.1.2/5.2.0/5.3.0/5.3.1/5.3.2/5.4.0/5.5.0 System Menu (versions lower than 2.1.0 do not have vWii installed - not tested with greater versions)
- SD NON-HC (better if blank/clean to avoid potentially fatal installation of old Wii non-compatible WADs - 4Gb but better 2Gb or smaller; 4Gb can be HC and HC cards will not work; 2GB are surely not HC)
- Original Lego Batman Wii game (look for notes below for other supported games)

- You must play at least 1 time with LEGO BATMAN in vWii mode


Preliminary steps (files needed/SD card preparation)

Lego Batman savegame exploit; download and extract data.bin in folder SD :\private\wii\title\RLBX (X is a variable letter related to your Lego Batman Wii region: P = PAL, E = NTSC, J = JAP) <-- (necessary to launch vWii executable files from the root of SD card)

HackMii Installer (at least version 1.2 - alternative download link here); download and extract \hackmii_installer_v1.2 folder content in SD root <-- (to be launched when using the above exploit in order to install The Homebrew Channel, a very useful homebrew)

d2x cIOS Installer Mod v2.2 (this version patch on the fly original IOSes dumping them directly from your vWii); download and extract folder \d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2 in SD :\ apps <-- (needed to install cIOS)

d2x cIOS; download and extract folder \d2x-v10-betaXX-alt-vWii INSIDE \d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2 folder; choose version d2x-v10-beta52-vWii or d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii according to this pros/cons official chart:

(d2x cIOS is a Custom IOS necessary to execute Loaders)

Configurable USB Loader Mod; download and copy the latest .dol file in SD :\apps\USBLoader renaming it to boot.dol ; if something is not working for you it is alternatvely possible the use of Wiiflow or USBLoader GX, other 2 great loaders ! Remember to use the loaders .DOL file and NOT the WAD installation channel and/or forwarder ! Old Wii WADs may lead you to brick the vWii mode if not correctly recompiled for vWii !). <-- (Loaders are needed to launch game backups)

xyzzy; download and copy \xyzzy folder inside SD\apps\; this homebrew will save your vWii keys

Dump Mii NAND; download and copy \DmpMiNND folder inside SD\apps\; this homebrew will dump vWii NAND to SD

YetAnotherBlueDumpMod; download the 3 files you can find in the previous link and copy them inside SD\apps\HBC; this homebrew will dump clean vWii IOS

========================================
Your final SD\ folder structure should be like this:

\SD ROOT

\apps

\d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2

\d2x-v10-beta52-vWii

DIPP.app
EHCI.app
ES.app
FAT.app
FFSP.app
MLOAD.app
SDHC.app
USBS.app​

\d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii

DIPP.app
EHCI.app
ES.app
FAT.app
FFSP.app
MLOAD.app
SDHC.app
USBS.app
boot.dol
ciosmaps.xml
icon.png
meta.xml​

\DmpMiNND

ARMsource.html
boot.dol
icon.png
meta.xml
PPCsource.html​

\HBC

boot.dol
icon.png
meta.xml​

\USBLoader

boot.dol
icon.png​

\xyzzy

boot.dol
icon.png
meta.xml​

\licenses

APACHE-2.0.txt​

\private

\wii

\title

\RLBX (where X can be E or P or J depending on the game region)

data.bin​

\wiiload

\lin32

wiiload​

\osx

wiiload​

\win32

wiiload.exe​

wiiload.tar.gz​

boot.elf
bootmini.elf
========================================

So after extracting all those homebrews in the correct folders of your SD root (2 or 4 GB) that MUST NOT BE SDHC (if SDHC the bathaxx exploit cannot be run) proceed to step 1.


STEPS

1) Start Virtual Wii (vWii) from WiiU dash and ONLY AFTER IT SHOWS UP insert the prepared SD card (if you insert it earlier the savegame can be deletd)

2) Install exploited savegame
In vWii mode go to Options -> Saved Data -> SD Card -> Click on the icon related to your game version -> select COPY -> YES

3) Execute exploit/Install HBC
Go back to vWii menu ad launch the game -> load the saved game (100%) and you will found yourself in the bat-cave; take the right elevator -> enter the trophy room and get into the upper-left door to go to "Wayne Manor" -> with nunchuck bring the cursor over the enabled character in the lowest row (see minute 1:03 of the following video) to execute the exploit (boot.elf). Follow on-screen procedure to complete HBC Install.

(video found on youtube searching for "bathaxx" - thanks to the original author !)

NOTE: remember to use, as already said, a NON-HC SD card

4) Backup vWii mode keys
From HBC launch xyzzy -> select "SD Card" when requested -> press A -> wait 10-20 seconds (ignore error messages) -> when asked press A to go back to HBC; the file will be copied in SD :\keys.txt

5) Backup vWii mode NAND content
Start HBC -> launch latest version of the great Dump Mii NAND tool (by Maxternal) tool;
the automatic dump procedure will last from 20 to 60 minutes (in my experience it depends on the SD card you are using); the files (nand.bin and keys.bin) will be dumped in sd:/apps/DumpMiNND/ folder; at the end of the dumping procedure your WiiU will reboot.

Edit by Cyan:
6) Dump your IOS for eventual vWii semi-brick fix (optional step but recommended !)
Launch YetAnotherBlueDumpMod
Go to System Titles and dump each IOS individually to a wad.
When prompted to fakesign the ticket or TMD, say No to both. It's a tedious process, but it could save a lot of trouble in the future.

If you don't have CLEAN IOS, you won't be able to fix semi-bricked vWii.
You can't create wads from a NAND dump or from using ShowMiiWads. You NEED to use YetAnotherBlueDumpMod.
so please, don't skip this step (but you can do it after step 7 if you want).


7) Install d2x cIOS on different bases/slots
Start HBC and launch d2x cIOS Installer Mod v2.2 -> press a wiimote key ->
- at "Select cIOS" press right and select "d2x-v10-beta52-vWii" or "d2xv10-beta53-alt-vWii"
- at "Select cIOS base" select "56"
- at "Select cIOS slot" select "249"
press A to install -> cIOS 249 installed.

Repeat the above procedure for IOS57:
- at "Select cIOS" press right and select "d2x-v10-beta52-vWii" or "d2xv10-beta53-alt-vWii"
- at "Select cIOS base" select "57"
- at "Select cIOS slot" select "250"
press A to install -> cIOS 250 installed.

Repeat the above procedure for IOS58:
- at "Select cIOS" press right and select "d2x-v10-beta52-vWii" or "d2xv10-beta53-alt-vWii"
- at "Select cIOS base" select "58"
- at "Select cIOS slot" select "251"
press A to install -> cIOS 251 installed.

8) Now you can execute your preferred homebrew (that needs a cIOS) under HBC. Some homebrews can request IOS236 (see optional steps below on how to install it)

==========================================================================================================================

IMPORTANT NOTES

1 - Step 2 can be substituted with one of those games and their exploits:

- Super Smash Bros. Brawl
exploit name: SMASH STACK

- LEGO Star Wars - The Complete Saga
exploit name: RETURN OF THE JODI

- LEGO Indiana Jones - The Original Adventure
exploit name: INDIANA PWNS (alternative download link here)

- Yu-Gi-Oh 5D's Wheelie Breakers
exploit name: Yu-Gi-OWNED! or Yu-Gi-Vah [but you must connect the scart and use the save 50Hertz + configure output 576I for France <-- directly from wiiubrew]

- Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World
exploit name: ERI HAKAWAI


2 - DO NOT PLAY WITH IOS and cIOS both for vWii and real Wii, they are DIFFERENT and use a Wii IOS or cIOS with vWii (and vice versa) CAN BRICK YOUR vWii !!!

3 - Do not play with System Menu, channels or vWii titles to avoid unwanted vWii bricks !

4 - Some 2.5" external hard drivers can need additional power supply (even if they were perfectly working in a real Wii); try to use an Y cable to power them up:

there are different Y cables depending on your 2.5" Hard Disk USB interface:

WHILE CHOOSING THE CORRECT Y CABLE BE ALSO VERY CAREFUL AT IDENTIFYING MICRO USB 3.0 A or B MALE CONNECTOR BECAUSE Micro A Male DOES NOT FIT IN Micro B female (for what I know Micro A female-only does not exist, only Micro B-female or Micro AB-female exist):

5 - USB port to use is the UPPER one (considering the WiiU laying on a table as a standard DVD player):

(you can use the lower one for additional optional Y-Cable power supply)

6a - If you receive an error (dump error) using Configurable USB Loader (both with alt or normal cIOS version):

Try to use Wiiflow or USBLoader GX


6b - If you have black screen (always with CFG USB Loader) starting a game that was perfectly working BEFORE 4.x update (es. Wii Fit/Wii Fit Plus) try to set the "Video" option to "Game Default" (and not "System Def.") as showed in the following picture:

7 - If you connect your external USB games-backup-hard-drive before turning WiiU on you will receive the annoyng "Format USB Disk" screen:
- Here is UStealth solution by brilliant jayjay123 !
- Alternatively you can press B button at power on bypassing WiiU System Menu and entering directly in vWii mode.

8 - After updating to firmware 4.0.0 you may see HBC forced to 4:3:
Here is a WORKAROUND by the great JoostinOnline !

OPTIONAL STEPS

=================
cIOS236 INSTALLATION
=================
This cIOS can be necessary to launch some homebrews (which doesn't use ahbprot).

1) Download IOS36-64-v3864.wad (look for "sendspace kl6o78" and download the .rar file from sendspace - thanks to someone of that forum for that hint), extract the .WAD and place it in your SD root

2) From HBC launch IOS236 Installer MOD v7 Special vWii Edition and follow on-screen steps to install cIOS236.


=================================
WIIFLOW CHANNEL FORWARDER INSTALLATION
=================================

1) Download Wiiflow Channel Forwarder WAD

2) Copy it in your SD card, preferibly in SD :\wad folder

3) Install it from Multi Mod Manager homebrew -> Wad Manager option

OTHER CHANNEL FORWARDERS CAN BE FOUND IN THIS THREAD !

 

[KTroopA]

hello guys,

my premium wii U has just turned up for my birthday this friday, though the box may get opened before then lol ..

before i hack the vwii just wanted to ask, is it safe to update the system first to system menu 4.0 and then hack it as the OP, or should i hack first and then update? I got a PAL unit

I have a wii HDD all setup from previous Wii Hack so i, guessing I can just hook that up to the Wii U and the games will work also?

 

[Muyfa666]

I also want to know if the HBC can be installed on system update 4.0.0 or greater. I have a Zelda bundle ordered.

 

[asper]

I also want to know if the HBC can be installed on system update 4.0.0 or greater. I have a Zelda bundle ordered.

Yes, you can ! Updatet 1st post with all System Menu version supported until now (all).

 

[The Real Jdbye]

One thought I just had. How can this be called a full softmod when you cannot modify the system menu or use Priiloader or any other sort of brick protection? Not to mention that you can't play burned discs.

 

[Muyfa666]

asper: Tnx!

 

[Muyfa666]

asper: "IOS236 Installer MOD v6 Special vWii Edition" <- Where to get this? I find v2 on Google. That ok? Also, the old FS Toolbox from step 5 - it's not available?

EDIT: Found IOS236_Installer_MOD_v8_for_vWii_FIX94 here at gbatemp... this ok?

 

[asper]

EDIT: Found IOS236_Installer_MOD_v8_for_vWii_FIX94 here at gbatemp... this ok?

It should work too; added v7 link in the 1st post.

One thought I just had. How can this be called a full softmod when you cannot modify the system menu or use Priiloader or any other sort of brick protection? Not to mention that you can't play burned discs.

Really useful, thanks

 

[Siras]

asper: "IOS236 Installer MOD v6 Special vWii Edition" <- Where to get this? I find v2 on Google. That ok? Also, the old FS Toolbox from step 5 - it's not available?

EDIT: Found IOS236_Installer_MOD_v8_for_vWii_FIX94 here at gbatemp... this ok?

I used v8 of IOS236 installer and have hade no problems so far.

 

[Muyfa666]

Yea, I ended up using the v8 FIX94 too and it worked fine.

Perfect guide asper. Not one hitch for me. Everything worked and I used Indiana Pwns. I have yet to receiver my USB-cable with extra power, so I have not been able to use CFG USB Loader yet, but I expect no issues. :-)

 

[raphzthename]

Can this mod only be installed using an SD card? Would I be able to use a microSD card with an SD card adapter (attached picture)? Is there any reason that we can't use a USB drive to install the mod?

 

[raphzthename]

Sorry for the double post, but I've followed these guides for a while now to mod a few Wiis back in the day. I'm not too active on the hacking scene so every now and then I'll check back in and see if the process is still the same. I'll go through the updated guides, download the proper files, etc. One problem that seems to always exist throughout these guides is that no one ever shows you what your SD card should look like after everything is extracted. I think the majority of user issues could be solved if this step was included for clarification.

As an example, I am going to post what my SD card looks like after following the extraction steps in this guide:

SD:\
apps
hackmii_installer_v1.2
private
 
SD:\apps\
d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2
 
SD:\apps\d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2\
d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii (extracted from d2x cIOS)
boot.dol
Changelog.txt (extracted from d2x cIOS)
ciosmaps.xml (extracted from d2x cIOS)
icon.png
meta.xml
ReadMe.txt (extracted from d2x cIOS)
 
SD:\apps\d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2\d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii\
DIPP.app
EHCI.app
ES.app
FFSP.app
MLOAD.app
USBS.app
 
SD:\hackmii_installer_v1.2
licenses
wiiload
boot.elf
bootmini.elf
CREDITS.txt
LICENSE.txt
README.txt
README-BootMii.txt
README-HBC.txt
 
SD:\private\wii\title\
RLBE
RLBJ
RLBP

Now there are two uncertainties in this process:
1. Extracting the contents of d2x cIOS puts a new folder inside of SD:\apps\d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2\. Should the contents within this folder (.app files) be moved? Where should ciosmaps.xml be placed and does this affect anything?
2. The guide says to extract the Lego Batman save exploit to SD:\private\wii\title\RLBX but that folder does not exist from the .zip. There are instead, three other game folders. Are we to assume that the data.bin from each one of those folders are identical and will work if we just create an RLBX folder and move it there? If so, this step should really be clarified. We are messing around with exploits after all and clarifications rather than assumptions will help everyone in the end.

Also, steps 3 & 4 tells you to launch xyzzy and FS-Toolbox respectively, but nothing in the guide ever told you to prepare for these steps. Once again, clarification goes a long way in these guides. I appreciate the effort that you put into making this guide, but with a few small changes, it can really be improved for everyone. Users should know to extract both xyzzy and FS-Toolbox to their SD:\apps\ folder so that it looks like this after everything is prepped:

SD:\apps\
d2x-cios-installer mod v2.2
FS-Toolbox
xyzzy

 

[asper]

Homebrew install (copy to app folder) is not part of the guide.
RLBX: x stands for "variable" region related (i will modify this step in the guide thank you for pointing out).

Anyway you are the 1st to point out those things in thousand visits so i think the guide is quite clear for every thinking mind

 

[Muyfa666]

Got my USB Y-cable today and it works fine. vWii HDD loading in 1080p really kicks a**. With my new TV I had heavy input lag on my old Wii on component cables. Now in HDMI? Not at all! Love it.

 

[raphzthename]

So does this only work with a 2 or 4GB SD card? It won't work at all with SDHC?

 

[juice6121]

Hello, when ever I try this method it is telling me that it cannot find my sd after I boot the hack. I have the boot.elf file and I am using a sd 2gig card. Could anyone give me some assistance?

 

[victor.m]

Got my USB Y-cable today and it works fine. vWii HDD loading in 1080p really kicks a**. With my new TV I had heavy input lag on my old Wii on component cables. Now in HDMI? Not at all! Love it.

I thought vWii mode ran at 480p?

 

[Muyfa666]

I thought vWii mode ran at 480p?

I guess it does, techincally, but then it upscales or whatever I think? I get a 1080p signal at least. I guess it's not actually 1080p graphics, but input lag free at least...

 

[victor.m]

I guess it does, techincally, but then it upscales or whatever I think? I get a 1080p signal at least. I guess it's not actually 1080p graphics, but input lag free at least...

Interesting! I've just been assuming my TV was resetting to 480p, but I haven't checked what kind of signal I'm getting.

 

[Muyfa666]

I definitely get 1080p, no doubt about it. And I even have a PAL Wii U that are supposed to have faulty native upscaling (no idea about that since I only own US games and are forcing correct NTSC 480p signal with backup loader or Gecko OS). Works great here.

 

[victor.m]

I definitely get 1080p, no doubt about it. And I even have a PAL Wii U that are supposed to have faulty native upscaling (no idea about that since I only own US games and are forcing correct NTSC 480p signal with backup loader or Gecko OS). Works great here.

10-4. I was actually fairly impressed with Xenoblade Chronicles when I popped it in with vWii mode yesterday. My only previous experience with it had been on Dolphin with HD/4X Sample and AA/AF. It actually looked good on vWii on my TV/GamePad.