Requirements

- BootMii (either installed as boot2 or as IOS)
- SD(HC) card (at least 1GB, 2GB recommended)
- USB keyboard

Preparing the SD card

You have to create 2 partitions. One little FAT16/32 for BootMii, HBC and the kernel and one big ext3 for the filesystem ("userland"). You can do this for example with gParted in Ubuntu. If you don`t have Ubuntu installed, use the latest LiveCD. For this tutorial it is important to set the descriptions of the partitions.

- Backup your current BootMii folder
- 1. partition: At least 32 MB, FAT16/32, "kernel" as description
- 2. partition: Remaining free space, EXT3, "filesystem" as description
- Copy your BootMii folder to the first partition

Installing the kernel

The mike kernel must be booted via BootMii! If you boot it with the homebrew channel, wifi and other things won`t work.

There are two ways to boot the kernel:

1.)
The first one (and also the recommended one) is to copy the kernel to the first partition of your sd card, for example to the BootMii folder. To boot the kernel you can use the sd card explorer in BootMii and select the kernel. It could happen that it doesn`t work and return to the BootMii main menu. If this happens try to update to the newest BootMii version (beta4). If it also doesn`t work with beta4 then you have to use the second way.

2.)
With the second way you will have to replace the executable of the BootMii GUI with the kernel. This should always work, but the disadvantage is that the kernel will boot immediately after launching BootMii. So you won`t see the GUI of BootMii. If you need the BootMii GUI you may use a second sd card for Linux only.

- Rename the file "ppcboot.elf" in the BootMii folder to "ppcboot.elf.backup"
- Download the latest mike kernel (mikep5) with your appropriate TV mode:

- 480i PAL: http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/...480i(PAL60).elf
- 576i PAL: http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/...i.576i(PAL).elf
- 480p PAL: http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/...i.480p(PAL).elf
- 480i NTSC: http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/....480i(NTSC).elf
- 480p NTSC: http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/....480p(NTSC).elf

- Rename the kernel to ppcboot.elf and copy it to your BootMii folder
- If you have BootMii beta1 or beta2 you need to download the latest armboot.bin to prevent an error with the mike kernel: http://downloads.sourceforge.net/gc-linux/mikep1-armboot.bin. Rename it to "armboot.bin" and replace it with the one in your new BootMii folder. If you are running BootMii beta3 or later you might skip this step, because it should already include a newer version of armboot.bin

Installing the filesystem

- Download XWhiite 0.2 to your Desktop: http://hbcapps.com/debian-etch-4.0+whiite-...ite-0.2.tar.bz2
- Open a terminal and login as root (sudo su)
- Change the directory to your Desktop:

cd /home/yourusername/Desktop

- Extract the filesystem to your sd card:

tar -C /media/filesystem/ -xjvf debian-etch-4.0+whiite-0.1+xwhiite-0.2.tar.bz2

- Backup your xorg.conf:

cd /media/filesystem/etc/X11/
cp xorg.conf xorg.conf.backup

- Open your xorg.conf and set your TV mode (pal or ntsc):

gedit /media/filesystem/etc/X11/xorg.conf

- Find the Subsection "Display" in the section "Screen"
- Replace "pal_50" with "ntsc_60" if you have a NTSC TV
- If you have the problem with the "small line" try to remove the lines with "HorizSync", "VertRefresh", "Modeline "pal_50"" and "Modeline "ntsc_60"" in the section "Monitor" and the whole subsection "Display"

- Now you can try to boot your Wii with Linux.

Getting WiFi to work

- Download the necessary debian packages and put them to /media/filesystem/home/wii/:

- nano: http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/pool/main/...ch1_powerpc.deb
- wpasupplicant: http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/pool/main/...5-2_powerpc.deb
- wireless-tools: http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/pool/main/...f.1_powerpc.deb
- udev: http://security.debian.org/debian-security...ch1_powerpc.deb
- libiw28: http://ftp.us.debian.org/debian/pool/main/...f.1_powerpc.deb
- libvolume: http://security.debian.org/debian-security...ch1_powerpc.deb
- wifi firmware: http://sourceforge.net/projects/gc-linux/f...tar.gz/download

- Boot your Wii Linux
- Open a terminal and login as root (pwd is "whiite")
- Install the packages:

cd /home/wii/
dpkg -i *.deb

- Extract the wifi firmware:

cd /
tar -xzvf /home/wii/openfwwf-5.2-bin.tar.gz

- Edit the wifi settings:

nano /etc/network/interfaces

- For WPA 1/2 add this:

auto wlan0
iface wlan0 inet dhcp
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwpa-ssid YOUR_SSID_GOES_HERE
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwpa-psk YOUR_SECRET_GOES_HERE
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwpa-key-mgmt WPA-PSK
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwpa-pairwise TKIP CCMP
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwpa-group TKIP CCMP
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwpa-proto WPA RSN
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwpa-ap-scan 1
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwpa-scan-ssid 1

- For WEP (ASCII string key) add this:

auto wlan0
iface wlan0 inet dhcp
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwireless-essid YOUR_SSID_GOES_HERE
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwireless-key YOUR_ASCII_SECRET_GOES_HERE

- For WEP (binary key) add this:

auto wlan0
iface wlan0 inet dhcp
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwireless-essid YOUR_SSID_GOES_HERE
ÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂwireless-key s:0123-4567-89

- Test your wifi connection:

ifup wlan0
ping www.google.com

- If you get responses: CONGRATULATIONS! Now your Wii will automatically connect your wifi on every boot

And what now?

- Now you can update your system (as root!):

apt-get update
apt-get upgrade

- You can also install a "normal" desktop environment like XFCE4. It`s more comfortable to use, but will use more RAM and will run slower. But it`s quite usable.

apt-get install xfce4

- Install whatever you want! Have fun!

Problems and their solutions

Problem: No sound
Solution: CODEusermod -G audio


by elmurato
revision 5


PS: If something isn`t clear feel free to ask so that I can improve this tutorial. Thanks!

Sources

http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/WL:whiite-linux
http://www.tehskeen.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9777
http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/MINI:KernelPreviewThree
http://www.gc-linux.org/wiki/WL:Wifi_Configuration

 

[hojnikb]

Yeah, with IOS that is possible, becouse driver is correctly written.

 

[Bauldrick]

I read that it's possible to access the wii's drive using latest kernel, can anyone give details as to how?

I am using latest MIKEp5 kernel (mini) auto loading from bootmii with whiite 1.10. If I issue mount -t iso9660 -r /dev/rvl-di /media/dvd I get errors:

command READSYSINFO failed
drive_status=05053100, [disk id not read, unknown]
rvl-di: media not ready

 

[hojnikb]

Its possible that you have one of theese new drives which do not read any DVDs (except wii ones)

Its also possible that Wii doesnt like your disc and has the right drive (the old one)

 

[Bauldrick]

dmesg | grep rvl-di:

rvl-di laser unit: rev=0, code=2, date=20060526

I've tried all manner of discs - pressed, burnt - all types of medium. Is it that I have a wiikey installed?

disc installed gives: drive_status=05053100, [disc id not read, unknown]

no disc gives: drive_status=01023a00 [cover opened, medium not present] (makes sense)

 

[CulleyS]

Anybody know where I can find a copy of xwhiite v0.2?

I am having a heck of a time getting an xserver running on my Wii. Using mike5v2.6.32 (MINI) and Debian Lenny. So far, I have everything working except for an xserver. When I install the xserver (apt-get install xserver-xorg xorg) I am asked to identify the bus ID for my video card. lspci does not appear to work, however, so I cannot locate the bus ID:

whiite:~# lspci
pcilib: Cannot open /proc/bus/pci
lspci: Cannot find any working access method.

Xorg -configure results in problems too

whiite:~# Xorg -configure
_XSERVTransSocketOpenCOTSServer: Unable to open socket for inet6
_XSERVTransOpen: transport open failed for inet6/whiite:0
_XSERVTransMakeAllCOTSServerListeners: failed to open listener for inet6

X.Org X Server 1.4.2
Release Date: 11 June 2008
X Protocol Version 11, Revision 0
Build Operating System: Linux Debian (xorg-server 2:1.4.2-10.lenny2)

So, I'm not really sure how to proceed. Whether I should try to follow this guide, install xwhiitev0.2+debian-4.0, then upgrade to debian-5.0 using apt, or what. Anybody have any suggestions?

I haven't been able to find a copy of xwhiite v0.2. Looks like the download hosts are down.

Thanks for any suggestions,
Culley

 

[CulleyS]

I guess the lspci error is to be expected on a powerpc? Read that somewhere, but I might not have understood it correctly.

I think I might just need a workable xorg.conf file configured for the xf86-video-cube module. I followed wiibrewfan4's instructions to modify and recompile the module. However, I can't seem to get a working xorg.conf file. It seems there might have been xserver instructions up at tehskeen.com, but that site is down now.

Thanks.

 

[hojnikb]

I suggest you try building your wii distro on whiite 1.10 http://sourceforge.net/projects/gc-linux/f...ar.bz2/download

Its Debian 5 based so you dont need dist-upgrade.Then use this cube driver. And to configure xorg.conf

How to configure "/etc/X11/xorg.conf":

Edit the file "/etc/X11/xorg.conf" and add a new video section:
Code:

Section "Device"
Identifier "WII/Gc Card"
Driver "cube"
EndSection

Edit the module section, and leave it as this:

Code:

Section "Module"
Load "dbe"
Load "ddc"
SubSection "extmod"
# Option "omit xfree86-dga"
# Option "omit XFree86-VidModeExtension"
EndSubSection
Load "type1"
Load "freetype"
Load "dri"
EndSection

Edit the screen section, and replace the next options:
Code:

Section "Screen"
....
Device "WII/Gc Card"
....
DefaultDepth 16
Subsection "Display"
Modes "640x480"
EndSubsection

EndSection

BTW, i would happily post my tarball of my wii-linux but unfortanely my usb stick seems to be dying and gives errors when trying to tar the whole drive.

 

[CulleyS]

Okay, I went ahead and did a full reinstall using your instructions. Not sure what made the difference, but something did. Thanks.

The only differences were I commented out Load "type1" because I kept receiving messages it could not be found. I also commented out Load "ddc" because it said the module was already built in.

Thank you.

 

[hojnikb]

If its working, then great !
Dont know about the error though..

I defenetly need to run fsck to clean up my stick, otherwise maybe some important data may get corrupt.

If ill be able to fix it ill post a tarball with modded kernel

 

[FIX94]

All XWhiite 0.2 download sources are offline. I decided to reupload the file:
http://rapidshare.com/files/399758778/debi...ite-0.2.tar.rar
Rename the file extension from tar.rar to tar.bz2 after download.
Only Rapidshare for now. If someone want another hoster, ask

 

[jcrockafellar]

I seem to be having the same problem as CulleyS, it seems it's just my xorg.conf that isn't working out. I installed whiite 1.10, and configured xorg the way hojnikb described, but I must have done something wrong because it was the same error regardless.

I reconfigured xorg to bring xorg.conf to the default, seeing as the the configuration described didn't work.

Can anyone post an exact xorg.conf that will work? The configuration instructions are confusing for me, seeing as it says to make a new video section, when I already have a video section. Do I replace that video section? Do I just leave the current video section as is and add a new one next to it? It says to edit the module section, but I have no module section, so I must create it. Same thing with the screen section.

Also, is there any way to check that I've placed the cube driver in the right folder and debian can actually see it?

 

[riivelation]

I extracted the lenny version of wii linux to my SD card. But I don't see the xorg file in your specified directory. This is the gui file right? Where do I get it?

 

[packrat]

OK guys, I have been following this for a month or so now, slowly plonking away at my wii.
I can boot the whole way to a desktop. I have sound. But still no wifi.
I've tried static and dhcp configs. Both to no avail. I tried Auto and Managed as well.

Also, my wiimote doesn't work as the mouse, which is horribly confusing. The deb pkg installs went off without a hitch. (I think...)
Using my keyboard/mouse everything is ok. I can open applications and things...but no net...
(this is a fall of '07 wii btw)

Also, i cant see the docks or anything (I can get to hte context menu by right clicking to do things atm).
I don't have a tv so i am currently running the wii through a little box called an RTV Veg Lite - which lets me hook up my Hanns-G via SVG to the wii...could this be an issue?
anyone got any ideas?
Rat

 

[packrat]

Ok, well im an idiot. I was using the wrong identifier for the ascii key. still nothing on the wiimote tho...
Suggestions?
Rat

 

[DIXES]

Is there a Download Manager like JDownloader or FreeRapid but without requirement of JAVA on Whiite+Debian 5.0?

 

[shamiko_]

Is there a Download Manager like JDownloader or FreeRapid but without requirement of JAVA on Whiite+Debian 5.0?

you can get java for debian i think

 

[DIXES]

you can get java for debian i think

But due to Wii's Hardware isn't powerful, JAVA won't works fine maybe?

 

[DIXES]

I've tried DownloadDaemon but it reported "cannot execute binary file". Because it doesn't support PowerPC?

 

[snikerz]

I've tried DownloadDaemon but it reported "cannot execute binary file". Because it doesn't support PowerPC?

You have to compile it for PPC.

 

[kennedn]

So far I have debian lenny 5.0 with whiite 1.10 with xorg and the cube drivers installed. Ive been mucking about with the xorg.conf file for ages trying to get it to work and I have had a semi success, it now boots xorg when i type "startx" but all the shows up is a mono chromed screen and a terminal opens up to the upper left.
My xorg.conf file is:

Section "Files"
FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/misc"
FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/misc"
FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/cyrillic"
FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/cyrillic"
FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/100dpi/:unscaled"
FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/100dpi/:unscaled"
FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/75dpi/:unscaled"
FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/75dpi/:unscaled"
FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/Type1"
FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/Type1"
FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/100dpi"
FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/100dpi"
FontPath "/usr/share/fonts/X11/75dpi"
FontPath "/usr/X11R6/lib/X11/fonts/75dpi"
# path to defoma fonts
FontPath "/var/lib/defoma/x-ttcidfont-conf.d/dirs/TrueType"
EndSection

Section "Module"
Load "dbe"
Load "ddc"
SubSection "extmod"
# Option "omit xfree86-dga"
# Option "omit XFree86-VidModeExtension"
EndSubSection
Load "type1"
Load "freetype"
Load "dri"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
Driver "kbd"
Option "CoreKeyboard"
Option "XkbRules" "xorg"
Option "XkbModel" "pc104"
Option "XkbLayout" "us"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
Identifier "Configured Mouse"
Driver "mouse"
Option "CorePointer"
Option "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
Option "Protocol" "ImPS/2"
Option "Emulate3Buttons" "true"
EndSection

Section "Device"
Identifier "WII/Gc Card"
Driver "cube"
EndSection

Section "Monitor"
Identifier "Wii Monitor"
Option "DPMS"
EndSection

Section "Screen"
Identifier "Default Screen"
Device "WII/Gc Card"
Monitor "Wii Monitor"
DefaultDepth 16
Subsection "Display"
Modes "pal_50" "640x480"
EndSubsection
EndSection

Section "ServerLayout"
Identifier "Default Layout"
Screen "Default Screen"
InputDevice "Generic Keyboard"
InputDevice "Configured Mouse"
EndSection

Section "DRI"
Mode 0666
EndSection


If anyone could help me it would be much appreciated