Alright, so far I understand that I need to 'flash' my 360's dvd drive.
I know that I'm going to have to open it up, but I'd rather not do that until I need to as the seal isn't broken on my 360.
The tray looks like this:
[url=http://www.everyjoe.com/files/130/2006/06/xbox-360-dvd-drive-Philips-VAD6037-21.jpg][/url]
and I can see yellow wires when I remove the faceplate. I've looked around for howto's already, but everything assumes more prior knowledge than I have.
before I move on to how, I'd like to know, assuming you can identify the drive, exactly what I'm going to need to flash it. cables, cards, drivers, etc.
Thanks for the info so far, it has really helped to clear up many of my questions, but a couple remain:
Is there somewhere I can read up on exactly what a ck3 extractor is/does? All I can find are places to purchase them. Also, do I need anything specific in my computer to connect it to? I have an asus p5b if that helps. The only cards in it are for audio/sound.
I just flashed mine the other day for the first time with a Lite-on as well. the ck3 is a tool that easily powers your 360 DVD drive, connect it to your PC via USB, as well as easy use (power and eject button). I made my own probe using this tutorial :
you can get the parts for $10-$15, as long as you or someone you know can solder a couple things. the ck3 order (pro package I think) can also come with a HDD adapter if you plan on copying files to/from your pc (rather than taking it apart and using SATA cables). The downside to making your own is that to get your DVD-ROM in vender mode, you need to have in a half-open/closed state and carry around your xbox360 for power (power the dvd drive via xbox360, SATA connect PC and DVD, eject DVD(eject button is on main console-not the dvd-rom itself), close DVD but UNPLUG power BEFORE fully closing leaving the tray still out halfway, wait a couple seconds, plug power back in, bridge/dump key, flash) sounds more complicated than it is, I had no problems except if the DVD is idle too long, xbox turns off power and drive closes.. if so just repeat above the steps. Using the ck3, power comes from PC molex, and then click eject, eject, power, power, to keep the drive out halfway for vender mode.
As for the flashing tutorial itself, I cant find the link for the one I used... but you need a SATA (onboard or pci) and then a serial port (DIY probe/CK Lite) or USB (ck pro/buy a serial to USB adapter). (lot of threads say uninstall VIA drivers first to prevent a system freeze, mine is non-VIA, however ive seen guides for via drivers as well...). Also remember to install PortIO32.exe.
And as for why all of this is necessary? As far as Ive read, Lite-on drives will not dump their unique signature/keys/firmware by any known softmod, and no one outside Lite-On/M$ has seen the full firmware. However by bridging R707 on the DVD-ROM (and I used JungleFlasher, IXtreme 1.6) you can force a manual dump of needed keys onto your PC and then continue to use Jungleflasher(or whatever prog you choose) to erase Lite-on firmware and load the hacked (not reversable).
I hope this helps... Sorry if its all disconjointed... all needed tutorials are on this wonderful site :)
Get the maximus pro xtractor with probe $48 and you'll need a 6421 via card at $15. Without these, you cannot flash your drive. DO NOT do the soder trick unless you know what you are doing.
