Simple guide to install d2x cIOS on vWii + backup NAND and keys
Last update: April 29th 2016
Still a valid hacking procedure as of September 2016.
(see Changelog at the bottom of the post)​

What does it do?:
This guide shows you how to install cIOS into vWii (aka the Wii-mode of Wii U) and backup vWiis keys and NAND.
cIOS is needed to use backuplaunchers like Wiiflow and USB-Loader GX.
This does not enable any hacks in Wii U-mode!

Note: You already need to have Homebrew Channel installed on vWii to use this guide (use one of these exploits)!
​

Lets go:
Download the following package:
www.mediafire.com/?n2zl8v5kn288j9d
(Mirror at the bottom of the post)
All files are up-to-date (as of april 29th 2016)!
Note: To avoid errors, only use the files provided in this archive!
Don´t mix with other d2x-installer versions, meta.xml files etc.
Don´t worry, everything is up-to-date and the latest and greatest version.

It contains:
- Dump Mii NAND v1.2
- d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii
- d2x-v10-beta52-vWii
- FIX94s d2x cIOS Installer 2.2 mod

First we make a backup of your vWii NAND and keys:

1.) Extract the contents of vWii_cIOS_apps_20131218.zip to the root folder of your SD card.
Note: Make sure that you don´t have any original Wii system files (like wads) on your SD Card!
d2x installer could accidentally use them for installation and brick your vWii!
Also make sure that you have at least 528MB of free space on the SD Card for the NAND dump.

3.) Launch Dump Mii NAND from the Homebrew Channel.

4.) The NAND and keys dumping will start automatically (the NAND dump will be stored in sd:/nand.bin, the keys in sd:/keys.bin).
Note: DON´t use this dump on an original Wii!

5.) When finished (depends on the speed of your SD Card), the Wii U will reboot.

5a.) (Optional, but recommended step.)
Dump your IOS one-by-one to wad files for possible semi-brick fix (for more info read this thread):
I.) Download YetAnotherBlueDumpMod from here.
II.) Copy the files to your SD card sd:/apps/YetAnotherBlueDumpMod and launch the app from the Homebrew Channel.
II.) 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 you a lot of trouble in the future.

If you don't have CLEAN (non fakesigned) IOS, you won't be able to fix semi-bricked vWii.
You can't create non fakesigned wads from a NAND dump or from using ShowMiiWads. You NEED to use YetAnotherBlueDumpMod.


Now we install d2x cIOS:

6.) Launch d2x cIOS installer from the Homebrew Channel.

7.) Choose which d2x cIOS version you want to install, beta52 or beta53-alt.
If you don´t plan to use EmuNAND, i recommend beta53-alt.
Note: For info about the differences between beta52 & beta53-alt click here.

8.) Select cIOS : <d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii> (Alternative: beta52)
Select cIOS base : <56>
Select cIOS slot : <249>

9.) Press A to install and wait for installation to finish.

10.) Press A to continue.

11.) Select cIOS : <d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii> (Alternative: beta52)
Select cIOS base : <57>
Select cIOS slot : <250>

12.) Press A to install and wait for installation to finish.

13.) Press A to continue.

14.) Select cIOS : <d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii> (Alternative: beta52)
Select cIOS base : <58>
Select cIOS slot : <251>

15.) Press A to install and wait for installation to finish.

16.) Press B to Exit.

17.) Launch newest Wiiflow or USB-Loader GX or CFG USB Loader MOD from the Homebrew Channel.
Note: To copy game images from PC to your external HDD with the correct folder structure, use Wii Backup Manager.
To fix the 4:3 aspect ratio bug of the Homebrew Channel, see FAQ & Troubleshooting section.

18.) Read the FAQ & Troubleshooting section carefully!

19.) Happy gaming!

FAQ & Troubleshooting:
- there is currently no Bootmii for vWii, so we use Dump Mii NAND.
- there is no Hermes cIOS 222/223 for vWii (don´t install the Wii version!).
- connect your HDD to the upper back USB-Port.
- you need a Y-USB-Cable for some 2.5" HDDs to properly work (even when they worked on the original Wii), because the Wii U USB-ports have a lower power supply.
- if HDD gets detected but no games load or HDD "clicks" you need a Y-USB-Cable
- to prevent the HDD format message on bootup, use U-Stealth.
- some HDDs don´t work with cIOS 249(base 56), so change the cIOS to 250(base 57) or 251(base 58) in your USB-Loader.
- to fix the 4:3 aspect ratio bug of the Homebrew Channel use JoostinOnlines HBC Forwarder or tueidjs aspect ratio fixer (tueidjs fixer doesn't require installing a wad to the console, it's a homebrew to launch from Homebrew Channel before launching other homebrew).
- to (un)install wads i recommend YAWMM_EN 0.5e (english Version) or YAWMM DE 0.5e (german version).
- if you want to start installed wads like VC/Wiiware from SD card, you need to patch IOS80 (system menu), use this thread for guidance.
Note: This is dangerous! If you f*** up IOS80, you will get a brick!
Only use the patch if you know what you are doing!

- don´t install Priiloader, it will brick your vWii!
- don´t install original Wii Channel Forwarder, they will freeze on startup! Use the ones from this thread. (For WiiFlow you can use the official Channel Installer)

Many tools/installers/wads etc. that worked on the original Wii will brick vWii!
So be very cautious on what you install!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changelog:

Spoiler

29. April 2016: Added download mirror as attachment.
22. December 2015: Some minor formating tweaks.
08. November 2015: Additional note under the downloadlink.
01. May 2015: Added note to the downloadlink.
19. February 2015: Added optional step 5a.) (thanks Cyan and JoostinOnline).
18. July 2014: Updated USB-Loader GX, Wiiflow and CFG-USB-Loader MOD links.
27. April 2014: Updated USB-Loader GX link to r1219 (thx Cyan)
21. January 2014: Updated Wiiflow link to 4.2.1.
18. December 2013: Merged d2x beta52 & beta53-alt into one installer (thx Cyan) and updated guide accordingly.
17. December 2013: Replaced xyzzy and FS-Toolbox with Dump Mii NAND v1.2 (thx Maxternal). Replaced d2x beta52 with beta53-alt. Added tools to fix 4:3 aspect ratio bug (thx Cyan).
02. October 2013: Updated USB-Loader GX link to r1218.
20. September 2013: Updated Wiiflow link to v4.2.
30. August 2013: Added link to IOS80 (system menu) patch thread.
23. August 2013: Updated USB-Loader GX link to r1217 and CFG USB-Loader MOD link to r65.
13. August 2013: Added link to HDD format message workaround (thx jayjay123)
04. August 2013: Updated USB-Loader links, added Wii Backup Manager link.
24. June 2013: Added CFG USB Loader MOD v70r61t2 link (thx Warlord698).
10. June 2013: Updated Wiiflow link to 4.1.3.
01. June 2013: Added YAWMM_EN (english version) to FAQ & Troubleshooting (thx JoostinOnline and Fix94).
28. April 2013: Updated Wiiflow link to 4.1.2 and USB-Loader GX link to r1213.
08. January 2013: Updated USB-Loader GX link to r1208.
04. January 2013: Fixed a typo, that could prevent the installer from detecting beta52 (thx yafaiz). Added link to WiiFlow Channel Installer v1.1.
02. January 2013: Added new version of FS-Toolbox (0.4d) and a link to YAWMM DE 0.5e (thx to Excelsiior for both).
01. January 2013: Wiiflow 4.1 link added.
31. December 2012: Removed d2x beta53-alt from the package, because ciosmaps.xml mixup causes errors. Added link to forwarder thread.
29. December 2012: Added new version of xyzzy (1.2.2 (unofficial), thx DarkMatterCore) and d2x beta53-alt to the package.
19. December 2012: Initial version.

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[OriginalHamster]

What cIOS is faster? I've experienced certain hiccups during video cutscenes in some Wii games, like Red Steel.

 

[wii_man_64]

Hey guys i was needing some assistance please. I was following this guide here and i cant get my wii to backup the vWii NAND and keys, I left it over night running and it says something like please dont remove SD card dumping keys 0/240 or something like, i might have the wording wrong, but it doesn't move i have read were it takes awhile to complete but mine dont move.

When I launch Homebrew it somes my Current IOS: 58 v6176
Wii version is 4.3u

When I Launch d2x cIOS installer and select
cIOS : <d2x-v10-beta53-alt-vWii>
Select cIOS base : <56>
Select cIOS slot : <249>

I get a message this message (net_init failed cios)

I have read and read but I'm stumped here, i would really appreciate some advise. I was wanting to play backup disc copies on my wii.

 

[robjanssen]

This guide is for the WiiU (vWii)
If you have firmware 4.3U, I think you have a normal Wii, and you have to follow another guide.

 

[Maxternal]

When I launch Homebrew it somes my Current IOS: 58 v6176
Wii version is 4.3u

This guide is for the WiiU (vWii)
If you have firmware 4.3U, I think you have a normal Wii, and you have to follow another guide.

Yeah, according to WiiUBrew, the IOS version used on Wii U should be v6432 http://wiiubrew.org/wiki/Title_database
The NAND dumping process should work on a normal Wii, too, but that 0 should have turned to 1 after a matter of seconds. It's probably the SD card. Some just aren't compatible. With a normal Wii it would be much faster to just use BootMii to dump it but it would probably run into the same SD card compatibility issues.

I probably should have worded the warning a little differently about taking out the SD card. It's not recommended but really shouldn't damage anything, especially if it's gotten stuck.

 

[Alexis77]

What other needed for cfg loader?
I have only the .dol file but maybe need to have an meta.xml file?
Can u help me please?

 

[Maxternal]

What other needed for cfg loader?
I have only the .dol file but maybe need to have an meta.xml file?
Can u help me please?

Any further questions about CFG would probably be best asked on the official thread
( http://gbatemp.net/threads/configurable-usb-loader.147638/ )
But everything else you need is probably in here
http://code.google.com/p/cfg-loader/downloads/detail?name=Cfg_USB_Loader_70.zip&can=2&q=
(although just replace the DOL with the latest one because the one included in the download is kinda old)

 

[anon3536]

i am trying to do this in offline mode as i dont have internet at my house is there any way to do it, it says use NUSD but im not sure if thats safe do to NUSD giving wii ios only(ithink i looked and didnt see anything about vwii but there might be a specific version number for the ones i need and if so could i have the versions of the ios's i need so i can download them while im able to)

 

[[Truth]]

anon3536: My guide does not use NUSD.

 

[Alexis77]

I am using wii u 4.0.2 and asking for update...
I already have homebrew and installed iOS in vwii.
Is it ok to go forward and install them?
Maybe is an upgrade to 4.0.3?

 

[[Truth]]

Alexis77:
Yes, the update is safe.

 

[Ericzander]

This was a crazy detailed and very helpful guide truth! I made a video based off of the guide as sort of a visual guide to complement it. I also linked this thread to it.

But really, thanks for compiling all of this together and updating it so often!

http://bit.ly/1gM6mtr

 

[[Truth]]

Ericzander: The "bunch of numbers" are the date of raring.

 

[Ericzander]

Haha, it makes sense. I should put that in an annotation. But still, thanks for your guide!

 

[Alexis77]

Where can i find emulators like Genesis, mame etc. for vwii on wii u?
Thanks

 

[Alexis77]

All the wii emulators from downloads are compatible with vwii homebrew?
I am interested to load Genesis, snes and mame emulators but i don't know the compatibility.

 

[Cyan]

All homebrew for Wii are compatible on vWii.
Only homebrew writing/installing IOS to NAND required an update because vWii IOS are protected against installing another IOS.

As long as your homebrew is not trying to write to NAND (it shouldn't need it anyway), it will work fine.
All emulators/games/applications are working, as long as they are not system tools. Just load them as if it was a real Wii.


The only issue you could encounter is when using Ustealth to hide the drive to WiiU and prevent the Format prompt.
If the drive is hidden on WiiU, it's also hidden on vWii.
some Homebrew might require an update to work on hidden/stealth drives.

Don't use uStealth and you will be fine.
It's not hard to click Cancel on the format prompt, or to connect the drive only once inside vWii.
Or you can use a homebrew to switch the stealth state directly from vWii.

 

[IxidorU]

Hey guys!
I am thinking about installing HBC and then d2x cIOS on my Wii U.
I already read a lot on this forum and already have most of my doubts answered, however the basic ones are actually the most difficult to find

My remaining questions:
1 - If I do install those (HBC+cIOS) on vWii, is my Wii U mode affected somehow? I mean, can I keep doing all the online stuff (play online, eshop, etc).
Also, from what I understood, if shit happens, only the vWii mode is going to be bricked, not the Wii U counterpart. Correct?
2 - Can I be banned from nintendo network (Wii U) or something similar by using those homebrew on vWii?
3 - Is there a way to remove the HBC and restore the vWii to its default settings? (if there is, I would assume no warranty is void)
4 - Are there any downsides in being able to do future Wii U updates?

Thanks.

 

[Alexis77]

Sorry for out of topic but i load mame emu and i can use any control.
What kind of control have to use for this emu?
I read that gamecube is needed but how can i connect it into wii u?

 

[[Truth]]

1 - If I do install those (HBC+cIOS) on vWii, is my Wii U mode affected somehow? I mean, can I keep doing all the online stuff (play online, eshop, etc).
Also, from what I understood, if shit happens, only the vWii mode is going to be bricked, not the Wii U counterpart. Correct?

No, WiiU mode is not affected.
Yes, you can do all the online stuff.
Yes, only vWii would brick.

2 - Can I be banned from nintendo network (Wii U) or something similar by using those homebrew on vWii?

I can´t give you a 100% clear answer (nobody except Nintendo can), but looking at Nintendos behavior in the past it would be highly unlikely to get a ban for a vWii mod.
Also, vWii has no connection to Nintendo Network.

3 - Is there a way to remove the HBC and restore the vWii to its default settings? (if there is, I would assume no warranty is void)

You can remove cIOS and everything else, but removing every trace of the HBC via softmod is not possible (as far as i know), it would require a hardware NAND flasher and a clean NAND image.

4 - Are there any downsides in being able to do future Wii U updates?

No.

 

[huma_dawii]

how many cios do i have to install??? im stuck, i got a new Wii U white version but i am not sure how to do it. D: