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 :

 

[Buttersoft.]

Hi Stephanie, was hoping to ask another question if you're happy to listen...

EDIT: oops. i fixed half my problem with VC/Wiiware. In the step 6 spolier, didn't realise you had to be IN the "view emunand" screen to right click and install wads...

Force region works beautifully. Now all i need is a way to play the games without a classic controller. Will a GC controller work? I needs to get me one of those to test...

...that GC backup problem with DIOS MIOS yet either, but i'll post up when i finally fix it Waiting for the re-release of the gamecube controllers to do it

Love this guide, as always

 

[Heracleion]

thanks again stephanie for your help!

I completed all of step 5 and followed instructions to update loaderGX, I'm now running games but I'm not sure how I have updated Loader GX app? Does it load update auto from SD card? I thought I would have to install the update on the Wii.

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

Hi Stephanie, was hoping to ask another question if you're happy to listen...

EDIT: oops. i fixed half my problem with VC/Wiiware. In the step 6 spolier, didn't realise you had to be IN the "view emunand" screen to right click and install wads...

Force region works beautifully. Now all i need is a way to play the games without a classic controller. Will a GC controller work? I needs to get me one of those to test...

...that GC backup problem with DIOS MIOS yet either, but i'll post up when i finally fix it Waiting for the re-release of the gamecube controllers to do it

Love this guide, as always

Tip!
Emulators!
If you use Wii64 ( here ) you can play N64 with normal Wii controller + nunchuck. Just find them roms on inet!
As far I know, SnES, Nes, Sega still works on emuNAND with Normal Wii controller, but n64 req classic .

Hope you get GC games working, some are magical !

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

thanks again stephanie for your help!

I completed all of step 5 and followed instructions to update loaderGX, I'm now running games but I'm not sure how I have updated Loader GX app? Does it load update auto from SD card? I thought I would have to install the update on the Wii.

No, no, no. In your /Apps/ 'folders' you really just need 3 files.

boot.dol - the entire program (this is the file you replace when 'updating')
icon.png - an image of your App
meta.xml - shows name of App and some extra info, try opening one with notepad.

Rest of files in apps/usbloader_gx/ are created when you open the App first time. Mostly configuration stuff.

Apps on SD card/USB just are files. Most are never installed on Wii, just hangs around in this App ' folder. Like portable programs. ... Like USB Loaders, WAD Managers, Emulators, WIISC, thats about it.

Thats why they are so harmless .

Also stay away from PimpMyWii.

As mentioned before. Use DMLizard. and follow the instructions in updates 'notes' in step5 to update usbloader gx

.To see if you updated usbloader gx. Open it in Wii. Goto Settings - Credits . In right-side you should see its called r1118 or something.

 

[Heracleion]

.To see if you updated usbloader gx. Open it in Wii. Goto Settings - Credits . In right-side you should see its called r1118 or something.

Here is a picture of my credit screen:

Did it not update?

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

@ Heracleion: Yes it did update. You now have Rev1230 of USBLoaderGX with an d2x v9 file on IOS249.
And DIOSMIOS 2.11 .

Meaning, all should be good to play any games.

 

[Heracleion]

many thanks!

 

[xl_The_Jackal_lx]

It looks like I have run into a snag around step 5, because the download link in the video is not working.

I downloaded DMLizard elsewhere, but it is does not come with IOS249[56]-d2x9b47.wad or WiiMod. I downloaded WiiMod 3.2 and added it to the apps folder myself (works fine), but is there a particular reason that IOS249 is not in the WAD folder? I'm having trouble tracking it down separately.


Edit: Nevermind, I found it under a different package

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

It looks like I have run into a snag around step 5, because the download link in the video is not working

Odd. Download works for me now, anyhow thanks for extra link

 

[xl_The_Jackal_lx]

Yes, it was my browser addons causing the issue.

Quick Q: Is there any particular reason one cannot/should not use Devolution instead of Dios Mios? Glancing at the compatibility list, it seems that Devolution is much better, especially when it comes to things like memory card emulation.

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

Yes, it was my browser addons causing the issue.

Quick Q: Is there any particular reason one cannot/should not use Devolution instead of Dios Mios? Glancing at the compatibility list, it seems that Devolution is much better, especially when it comes to things like memory card emulation.

your right,i also see a way to use devo in usbloader gx . i add it as an alt too diosmios.

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

psst! if Someone know how to play Wii games, ect games from a Network Connection . Please tell me how

 

[cat2115]

Thanks stephaniie. Sorry for dumb question, based on post #205, how do you know it DIOSMIOS 2.11?

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

Thanks stephaniie. Sorry for dumb question, based on post #205, how do you know it DIOSMIOS 2.11?

look a picture, left-upper side. tada!~

 

[cat2115]

look a picture, left-upper side. tada!~

hehehe how blind i am. Thanks.

 

[Heracleion]

Having some issues with Twilight Princess freezing on the grey load screen during game. It's also saying my memory card is corrupted (64mb).

 

[stomp_442]

lets keep it clean, you know there shouldn't be to links to IOS.wad files, like the links in post 208 and 209.

 

[xl_The_Jackal_lx]

lets keep it clean, you know there shouldn't be to links to IOS.wad files, like the links in post 208 and 209.

Wasn't aware, removed.

 

[xl_The_Jackal_lx]

your right,i also see a way to use devo in usbloader gx . i add it as an alt too diosmios.

I didn't know Devo needed retail discs, I don't want to mess with discs so I've managed to install Nintendont instead. Like Devo, it seems to have better compatibility than Dios Mios, especially with memory card emulation.

The Nintendont thread is here: http://gbatemp.net/threads/nintendont.349258/

Here's the compatibility list from the wiki: http://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/Nintendont_Compatibility_List

Basically just download it to your apps folder and rename the .dol as per instructions, then just point USB Loader GX to it in the Gamecube settings. USB Loader GX supports Nintendont natively.

And BTW thank you for the guide! Currently playing Wii and Gamecube games flawlessly.

 

[gerry34nz]

I'm having issues installing Priiloader. I followed the instructions. From Homebrew when I load priiloader, it say's press A to install but absolutely nothing happens. I tried waiting quite a while. The home key still works and then it says aborting installation and goes back into Homebrew. Any suggestions?