How to SoftMod a Wii to Play Backup Wii, Gamecube and Wiiware Games

(Disclaimer: Stop in your tracks and visit
https://gbatemp.net/threads/modify-any-wii-4-3-below.171901/
It is a MUCH more updated tutorial for Soft-Modding your Wii. )

(If you new to Softmod a Wii this will give you a 100% safe guide from start-to-finish to play Wii Games, Gamecube Games and Wiiware/Virtual Console games from an USB-drive. Im not kidding. In this guide we only use official files to minimize any risks apart from Step 4 . But I can assure I used this guide to softmod my sister's Wii. She can now play Skyward Sword by USB-drive without problem! )

Requirements:
*SD Card (no SDHC)
*SD Card reader
*Wii updated to 4.3 (4.3 is latest version, just update your Wii and you be fine)
*Internet Connected Wii
*USB-hdd to store Wii games and Gamecube games
*To play Gamecube games you need this Wii Console and Gamecube Controller
(No Gamecube Memory Card is required if you use NMM)

A short description what each step does
Step 1 - You install Homebrew Channel to install Apps.
Step 2 - Safety Precaution. Backup Wii System (NAND) to your PC.
Step 3 - Safety Precaution. Install Priiloader to prevent disc updates to damage your Wii.
Step 4 - Patch IOS and Install WADs using Two Easy Apps. Install USB Loader GX to Play Wii Games .
Step 5 - Install a d2x Custom IOS to enable New Wii Games. Install DiosMios to Play Gamecube Games.
(Spoilers Window) Add 'n Play Wii/Gamecube Games + Update USB Loader GX (req for Gamecube games)
Step 6 - emulate Wii System (NAND) on USB-hdd making Add WiiWare/VC Games near impossible to damage your Wii .

1. Install Homebrew Channel

Follow HighTeckMans instructions in video :


2. Backup Wii NAND (to restore your Wii if anything goes wrong)

Important! Make sure SD-card has more then 700mb free space
Important! Make sure your Wii has more then 700 blocks open. To Check: Turn on your Wii. Goto Wii Options - Data Management - Save Data - Wii. In 'Blocks Open:' there should stand 700 or higher. Then Return to Wii Menu. Press Back 4 times.
Follow S Winegars instructions in video :
- In BootMii use the Power button to cycle through options in the menu, and Reset to select.


1. When Wii NAND is backed-up using Project Phoenix Medias video guide. Shutdown Wii. Remove SD-card from Wii and put SD-card into Computer.
2. Open SD:\ and check that you have two following files 'NAND.BIN' and 'KEYS.BIN'. Copy these two files into a safe location on your Computer. My tips is to save them into a usb-stick or Dropbox if your Computer crash.
3. Once you saved the two files 'NAND.BIN' and 'KEYS.BIN' you should remove them from SD-card (NAND.BIN takes 500mb)
4. Done!

3. Install Priiloader (regionfree games and stop updates)

1. Plug SD-card into Computer
2. Download Priiloader_v0_7.zip . Unzip and Put it into your SD Card. (SD:\)
3. Download hacks_hash.ini - Scroll down to 'Pre-compiled Hacks download' , right-click, save link as, and save into SD:/apps/Priiloader/ .
4. Remove SD-card from Computer and plug into Wii . Turn on your Wii. Launch Homebrew Channel. Then launch Priiloader.
5. Press A to Install
6. Once Priiloader is installed shut down the Wii (Sometimes you Wii freezes after Priiloader installation. Its totally normal. Just re-start your Wii with reset and after Wi Menu appears shut down the Wii)

(configure Priiloader)
1. Press the "Power" button while holding down the "Reset" button on your Wii until the Priiloader menu is displayed on your screen.
2. In Priiloader select "System Menu Hacks". These are the following 7 hacks I suggest you select: 'Region free EVERYTHING', 'Block Disc Updates', 'Remove NoCopy Save File Protection', 'Block Online Updates', 'Remove Diagnostic Disc Check', 'Move Disc Channel', 'Auto Press 'A' at health screen'. Select Save Settings when Done.
3. To Exit Priiloader select System Menu
4. Done!

A video how to configure Priiloader can be found here :


PS: By having Priiloader you prevent disc updates that can damage Homebrew.

4. Install USB Loader and Custom ISO

Follow HighTeckMans instructions in video - Zip-file from Youtube video Required :

Important! Skip 10:00 - 13:00 in the video. We will not use Wbfs Manager instead we use WiiBackupManager to add Wii games, explained in Part 5 - spoiler windows - Play Wii/Gamecube games from USB-hdd.

5. Play Newer Wii Games, Gamecube games and Install USB Loader GX

Follow Aces instructions in video - Zip-file from Youtube video Required :

Important: At 3:30 in Video (WiiMod) make sure in 'Wii Mod' to install IOS249[56]-d2x9b47.wad before you install DIOSMIOS. After you installed IOS249-d2x goto Main Menu of 'Wii Mod' and select 'Change IOS' and pick 249 . Look in Main Menu right corner it should stand 'Current IOS: 249 . You want to install DIOSMIOS to IOS 249 as you will be playing your gamecube games and wii games from 249.

*After you installed cIOS249-d2x and changed IOS to 249. Continue with Video instructions

How to Update USB Loader GX, Backup Wii/Gamecube Games and Play Wii/Gamecube games from SD-card and USB-device. Also use NNM and compability list for gamecube games. Press Spoilers Inside.


Update USB Loader GX to latest version
*Required to play Gamecube games.
1. Plug SD-card into Computer
2. Open DMLizard type 2 and 2 then s to download USB Loader GX . Once downloaded type 0 then 0 to Exit DMLizard . Copy dmlizard\copy-to-sd\apps\usbloader_gx\ to SD:\apps\usbloader_gx\ - overwrite current files
3. Remove SD-card from Computer and plug into Wii
4. Done!

Play Wii/Gamecube games from USB-hdd
1. Format your USB to FAT32 with cluster size 32KB using FAT32 Format. Download to Desktop and Run. Select Drive and '32768' as Allocation unit Size. Choice a Volume Label, Mark Quick Format and Start the Format Progress. Like this - http://i.imgur.com/E6CXvPP.png
2. To Play Gamecube Games - Create a folder 'games' inside the FAT32 HDD. Download and Open DMToolbox v.0.3 (Windows XP version) (Works with Windows 7). Click 'black folder' in Gamecube ISO: and select your GameCube ISO file . Click 'yellow folder' in Output dir: and choose any folder (i.e. Desktop) . Finally Press Install . After installation is complete, in Desktop move the GAMEID folder to USB:\games\ .
3. To Play Wii Games - Download and Open WiiBackupManager . Click 'Drive 1' and select USB-drive from 'inactive' . Click 'Files' - 'Add - Files' and select your Wii ISO file(s) . Lastly Click 'Transfer - Drive 1' to put all Wii ISO file(s) into your USB-drive .
4. Remove USB-drive from Computer and plug into Wii . Also plug in Gamecube controller and Gamecube Memory Card in Wii .
5. Turn on your Wii. Launch USB Loader GX . Press this icon (Loader Mode) !! ( http://i.imgur.com/ioqV74i.png ) . Select Wii Games and GC Games .
6 Done!

Backup Wii/GameCube Disc
1. Plug USB-drive into Wii . Start Wii . Launch USB Loader GX .
2. Put a Wii/Gamecube Disc into the Wii . Wait then click 'Install' and 'OK' .
3. When installation is done. You can click the newly added game to get its boxart .
4. Remove your Wii/Gamecube Disc from the Wii.
5. Done!

Play Gamecube games from SD-card
1. Plug SD-card into Computer .
2. Add your GameCube ISO file(s) to SD:\games\
3. Open DMLizard type 1 then 2 to download DIOS MIOS Lite . Once downloaded type 0 then 0 to Exit DMLizard . Copy files from dmlizard\copy-to-sd\wad\ to SD:\wad\ .
4. Remove SD-card from Computer and plug into Wii . Also put in Gamecube controller and Gamecube Memory Card in Wii .
5. Turn on your Wii. Launch Homebrew Channel. Then launch Wii Mod .
6. Goto WAD Manager . And install two WAD files 'DIOSMIOSLite_v2.10.wad' and 'RVL-BC-v6.wad' . Close Wii Mod after installation.
7. Launch USB Loader GX . Press this icon (Loader Mode) !! ( http://i.imgur.com/ioqV74i.png ) . Select GC Games . Start your GameCube Game .

NNM - No More Memory Cards
NNM is an alternative saving method for gamecube games. You simply don't need a Gamecube Memory Card anymore. You enable NNM in 'Settings' inside USB Loader GX. With NNM enabled your saves for gamecube games are stored in the Wii, not a memory Card.

DIOS MIOS Compatibility List for Gamecube games
http://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/DIOS_MIOS_Lite_Compatibility_List

Alt to DIOSMIOS (Devolution) req Retail Discs
Devolution is an alternative method to DIOSMIOS with higher compability but needs an retail Discs of current game in order to play.
1. Plug SD-card into Computer. Goto http://gbatemp.net/threads/devolution-public-release.330554/ and download Devo_src package on first the first post.
2. Open Zip-file and put "/gc_devo/" folder into SD:/apps/ .
3. Remove SD-card from Computer and plug into Wi.
4. Launch USB Loader GX and go to Settings > User Paths > DEVO Loader path : Set the folder to " SD:/Apps/gc_devo/data/ " .
5. Lastly, either in global settings (for ALL gamecube games) or in the individuel game settings . Set "GameCube Mode to "Devolution" instead of "MIOS".

Launch the Game, it will flash the Wii light until yor ISO is verified. Put your retail disc to vertify the backup, then play the game. (Cyans words _ Developer of USB Loader GX)

DIOS MIOS Formula
Install DIOSMIOS_v2.11.wad and RVL-BC-v6.wad to Play Gamecube games from USB
Install DIOSMIOSLite_v2.11.wad and RVL-BC-v6.wad to Play Gamecube games from SD-card
Install RVL-mios-v10.wad to remove DIOSMIOS and use Gamecube Disc as normal
6. Install emuNAND to play Wiiware/VC games

A. Important! Make sure SD-card has more then 600mb free space
B. Plug SD-card into Computer . Make a folder in SD-card called 'GxEmunand' like SD:\GxEmunand\ .
C. Remove SD-card from Computer and plug into Wii . Turn on your Wii. Launch USB Loader GX.

(Check emuNAND paths and create EmuNAND on SD-card)
A. In USB Loader GX goto Settings - Custom Paths
B. Change 'Nand Emu Path' and 'Nand Emu Channel Path' to SD:\GxEmunand\ (just press A and (..) folder-icon to go back and choose that one.)
C. Make Sure 'Loader Settings' - Boot/Standard is 249 or change to 249. Then in Loader Settings set 'Nand Chan Emulation' to 'Full'.
D. Go USB Loader GX - Settings - Features and press 'Dump NAND to EmuNand' . Wait a serious long time until complete.. (grab a sandwhich) . Once dump NAND is complete - Shutdown Wii

(use emuNAND on Computer)
A. Plug SD-card into Computer
B. Download and install ShowMiiWads on your PC from http://code.google.com/p/showmiiwads/downloads/list
C. Unrar into C:\wii\showmii\ and open ShowMiiWads.exe
D. Press 'Options' - 'Change NAND Backup Path' to SD:\GxEmunand\
E. Press 'View' - 'ShowMiiNand'
F. Press 'Tools' - 'Create Common Key'

How to Backup, Install and Play Wiiware games and also use emuNAND on USB. Press Spoilers inside.

To Backup your Wiiware/VC games
In ShowMiiWads - select the file called 'Channel Title' - games name' , then right-click , pack wad, and choose a suitable location , like C:\wii\showmii\backed-games\ , press OK.

To Install a backed-up Wiiware/VC game
Right-click in ShowMiiWads - 'Install' - 'File' - select game-wad file.

To Play a backed-up Wiiware/VC game
A. Remove SD-card from Computer and plug into Wii . Turn on your Wii. Launch USB Loader GX.
B. Press this icon (Loader Mode) !! ( http://i.imgur.com/ioqV74i.png )
C. Select only EmuNAND Channels

(If you have invisible channels using USB Loader GX - Loader Mode - EmuNand Channels. You can remove them by following step. Press A on them to go into animation mode. Press Settings (NOT START). Uninstall Menu. Uninstall Game. GAME ONLY. - Do this for all invisible channels and you will have only your games showing.)

To use emuNAND on USB-drive (FAT32)
A. Plug SD-card and USB-drive into Computer
B. Move SD:\GxEmunand\ folder to USB:\GxEmunand\
C. Open ShowMiiWads.exe and Options - 'Change NAND Backup path' to USB:\GxEmunand\ .
D. Remove SD-card from Computer and plug USB and SD-card into Wii . Turn on your Wii. Launch USB Loader GX
E. In USB Loader GX go Settings - Custom Paths
F. Change 'Nand Emu Path' and 'Nand Emu Channel Path' to USB:\GxEmunand\ (just press A and (..) folder-icon to go back and choose that one.)
G. Press Back and return to USB Loader GX
H. Done!

Error using Wiiware through EmuNAND?
PS: Just so you know - I tried it myself. If you WiiWare wasn't working through emuNAND. Look in USBLoader GX - Settings - Credits, if your using the 'cIOS249-d2x-v10-beta52' it will not work! Go ahead and install IOS249[56]-d2x9b47.wad using Step 5 in this guide. Then Wiiware works.

Fix Blackscreen with VC in emuNAND
Happens when playing USA games with a European Wii. Open selected VC game - 'Settings' - 'Loader Settings'in 'Video Patch 'select Force NTFC. Press Save. Now it should work.

Use cheats (Ocarnia) in Wiiware/VC games
Unfortunely I can't get Ocarnia working with Wiiware/VC games in USB Loader GX. So an alternate solution is to use the App '....tbc

The benefit of emuNAND
WAD installation happens on Computer therefore there is NONE TO LESS risk of Brick your Wii. If you wish to play Wiiware/VC games emuNAND is your solution. period.

Extras

Step by step guide how to fix a semibricked Wii

http://gbatemp.net/threads/step-by-step-guide-for-bootmii-nand-wii-backup-restore.176877/
(Don't use this guide if your Wii works fine)

Install WiiFlow

Video overview of WiiFlow features:


A. Plug SD-card into Computer
B. Download WiiFlow v4.2.zip and WiiFlow_Channel_Installer_v1.1.zip from http://code.google.com/p/wiiflow/downloads/list . Open both zip-file and move folder 'apps' to SD:\
C. Remove SD-card from Computer and plug into Wii . Turn on your Wii. Launch Homebrew Channel. Then launch WiiFlow Channel Installer. And install it!
D. Done!

Install WiiSX (Play Playstation1 Games)

Follow FeuerfaustGolDAces instructions in video - Zip-file from site Required:


How to Fix Nintendo Wii Black Screen
(Happens when you install incorrect theme)

Follow MicrowaveSams instructions in video :


How to fix Black and White Screen on Wii games
(Happens when you Play "PAL" European or Japanese games and they're black and white and not in colors which they supposed to be)

Follow YourGadgetSolutions instructions in video :


Install Homebrew Browser (install apps without computer!)

Follow iHackUrWiis instructions in video :

 

[Hielkenator]

hi i cannot see any pm on your profile

Via "this"Forum I meant.

 

[hards]

Via "this"Forum I meant.

ok well the problem i have is not modmii or hacking the wii console , my problem is that i have tried several guides around the net and what i would like to do is to have a system like this http://www.radd.it/r/wii/comments/1utc49/wiiflow_421_the_masterpiece_final_pack_rev_1056/ but unsure how to go about it thanks

 

[Charco]

I have a softmodded 4.3E Wii with HBC, Piiiloader and CFG Loader installed. I have installed WiiWare and VC wads but due to lack of space on the nand, I had to transfer them to SD. This of course causes issues if they are not from the Wii Shop.

I would like to install an emunand and looked into it and saw some awesome setups (like the video in the above post) with USB Loader GX and Wiiflow. Do I need either of those to create an emunand?

I kinda like the idea of one interface to choose between VC, WiiWare, emulators and Wii games. I have a 500GB HDD in FAT32 format with about 80 Wii games and seeing Wiiflow with GC and emunand looks like a dream come true.

What do I need to do next?

 

[The Real Jdbye]

This guide isn't 100% safe, if anything goes wrong with the Priiloader install you'll end up with a brick.

 

[Charco]

Lucky I am passed that stage

 

[KoRnish]

Hi guys, I'm new here but I really need your help.

I've modded my Wii today, doing everything like tutorial on the first page said. Everything works great, except for NES wads. I've managed to play Super Mario 64 and Star Fox through emuNAND, but any NES game from VC (wad) just freezes my Wii on the black screen. This happens both in emu NAND, and when I install .wad directly as a Wii channel.

Maybe some of you know what might be the problem?

 

[denisessharpe]

so i want to update my softmod to 4.3.. can i update it or leave it to 4.1U

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

Hi guys, I'm new here but I really need your help.

I've modded my Wii today, doing everything like tutorial on the first page said. Everything works great, except for NES wads. I've managed to play Super Mario 64 and Star Fox through emuNAND, but any NES game from VC (wad) just freezes my Wii on the black screen. This happens both in emu NAND, and when I install .wad directly as a Wii channel.

Maybe some of you know what might be the problem?

Sound more like a Wii problem then a Wiimod problem .

here's a solution for blackscreen on NES wads :
http://r3dux.org/2009/10/how-to-fix-wii-virtual-console-black-screen-problems/

"The reason for this is that you’re using Component cables (likely to connect your Wii to a LCD or Plasma TV) and for bizarre Virtual Console-y reasons, the game isn’t set to use, or doesn’t support, Wii Component Cable Interlace Mode. Some games do, some games don’t – you can find a list of Component Interlace Mode Compatible titles.
The good news is that if your game does support interlace mode you can switch it over as follows: "

Read the r3dux site for info how to fix the blackscreen issue.

 

[deaner00]

Hello - I read through the tutorials. I have a Wii 4.3U. I use the USB Loader GX. The system is not letting me access the Wii Shop Channel unless I run a System Update. Will this remove USB Loader if I run the update? And if so, can I still use the steps on the first page to bring back USB Loader GX?
Thanks - D

 

[Pernille Olsen]

This doesn't work for me.. The thing in messages won't come up, whats wrong?

 

[UltraTintin]

I'm confuse. Step 5's video seems to assume I already have gamecube games and everything. Does that means I can't follow step 5 at all unless I have the GC stuff ready?
To play gamecube no problem is a long-term plan. I wanted to prepare the USB Loader, Wii and my HDD right now to allow it in the future...

I mean, I want to run everything in the HDD. GC included. So I don't need to set things up to let the back up disks work...

 

[Pernille Olsen]

I did it now, but now it seems like I have some problems with the USB-loader.. Or, maybe with the homebrew. When I go to homebrew, I don't see the menu, it's just a screen with bubbles..

 

[UltraTintin]

Well it seems to work, but for some odd reason Sonic Colors isn't running the way it should.

The game has no in-game options menu. Starting it leads straight to the stages. No cutscenes. No stage selection. Clearing act 1 brought me straight to act 2.

And I know the same iso was working fine on Dolphin.

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

so i want to update my softmod to 4.3.. can i update it or leave it to 4.1U

You got two options
1. leave it at 4.1 , as it works as well as 4.3 .You can even "update" Wii Shop Menu separately, so no need to update.
2. to update you should talk to someone here with experience of updating his/her modded Wii . . .

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

Hello - I read through the tutorials. I have a Wii 4.3U. I use the USB Loader GX. The system is not letting me access the Wii Shop Channel unless I run a System Update. Will this remove USB Loader if I run the update? And if so, can I still use the steps on the first page to bring back USB Loader GX?
Thanks - D

You can update Wii Shop Menu using this method by supersprudle4427-- >

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

I'm confuse. Step 5's video seems to assume I already have gamecube games and everything. Does that means I can't follow step 5 at all unless I have the GC stuff ready?
To play gamecube no problem is a long-term plan. I wanted to prepare the USB Loader, Wii and my HDD right now to allow it in the future...

I mean, I want to run everything in the HDD. GC included. So I don't need to set things up to let the back up disks work...

No, No no. You don't need any gamecube games or everything.

Step5 does four things:
* get DMLizard (to download DIOSMIOS v10 and RVL-BC-v6 WAD files)
* get Wii Mod (to install WAD files)
* install WAD file, d2x file (for new Wii games)
* install WAD file, DIOSMIOS_v2.10.wad and RVL-BC-v6.wad (to play USB/SD located GC games)

What happens during 1:00 - 2:15 (with Wind Waker) isn't required at all. You should instead play gc games using the method
suggested in spoiler window.

 

[Jordie]

Hi

I am very new to this modding experience. After many attempts I made it to end of Step 5 and I am not sure everything is as it should be. Please help with the following queries:

1. Must you use the CFG loader as per video or can you use the GX loader from DMLizard?
2. As I used the GX loader as above is it the same one on the channel (ie from following Step 4)?
3. Do you have to install the wad for Dios Mios and change IOS to 249 etc everytime or just the once?

Sorry for the confusion, just a bit lost...

 

[tedi1997]

Hey guys im new here sorry if im posting this wrong but can i still softmod even after the servers shutdown will i recieve the message because i plan on buying one but not sure if i will be able to softmod thanks in advance

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

Hi

I am very new to this modding experience. After many attempts I made it to end of Step 5 and I am not sure everything is as it should be. Please help with the following queries:

1. Must you use the CFG loader as per video or can you use the GX loader from DMLizard?
2. As I used the GX loader as above is it the same one on the channel (ie from following Step 4)?
3. Do you have to install the wad for Dios Mios and change IOS to 249 etc everytime or just the once?

Sorry for the confusion, just a bit lost...

its okay

answer to 1. you can use both. i personally prefer usb loader gx as i can play emunand wiiware from there.
answer to 2. yes its the same from step4, just update it to latest version using spoiler in atep5, how to update usb loader gx.
answer to 3. no, you only install the d2x one time. and change ios one time. thereafter it should be the standard when u open wii mod .

I understand your confusion, and i been hesitate in keeping this guide up on site,
reason the guide is available is, i had lots of trouble finding a comprehensive for
modding and emunand. I also had lots of doubts modding until i used hightechmans videos,
i find him very relaxing and easy to follow and trust. as all is video displayed.

The main issues with this guide is that hightechman use wbfs manager for (usb wii games) and i suggest
another program called wiibackupmanager. the difference is wbfs manager only allows to
add wii games, as it changes your usb (ntfs or fat32) to wbfs format. while wiibackup manager
only puts your wii games to a folder called 'wbfs'. in short, allowing you to put whatever else you want on your USB
like emunand or gamcube games or pictures, videos, ect .

My recommendation is, skip wbfs manager, format your usb to fat32 wii friendly using step5,
play wii/gamecube games from usb drive. and use wiibackup manager.

 

[Jesse James]

Thank you so much everything works fantastic, you are very good at giving instructions. Thanks again