Tutorial written by : blade|uk
Last edited: September 20, 2003

So, you’ve got an old Xbox modchip, such as an Xecuter 1 or an Enigmah, and you feel like using all the super-duper new features of the latest Xecuter 2 BIOS? Well, this can now be achieved with relative ease using the tools from Phoenix, and the dashboard exploits. However, since your Xbox is already modded, you won’t need a USB memory card, or an original copy of 007 or MechAssault. To get the files onto your Xbox, either go via network or burn then copy with Boxplorer or similar, and you won’t need the game to use to exploit, since your console already has EvolutionX on it. If it doesn’t, install it, it’s an invaluable addition to the Xbox. You will also need a switch fitted to the Xbox which can turn your modchip off. This is so that the BIOS on your modchip does not confuse the new BIOS you want to use.

This tutorial uses the Audio exploit in the Xbox’s ST.DB file in order to boot unsigned side. The Phoenix BIOS Loader was intended to be used with non-modded Xboxes, however it can also be used with already modded Xboxes

You’ll need the following file for this tutorial:

Audio_Signed_Phoenix_Bios_Loader.rar (approx. 1.54mb)

Unrar this file to it’s own directory, and then we’re ready to begin.

You’re going to need to get the Audio exploit onto the Xbox. So, connect to your console via FlashFXP or similar FTP software, and copy the files from inside the archive you just extracted into your Xbox’s C drive, all except the TDATA directory. I recommend making a backup of any files already there, both in a directory on the Xbox’s C drive and on your PC; (I made a C_BACKUP directory and just put everything from the root of C in there, and also did the same on my PC, just in case). The following files should now be found on your Xbox’s C partition:

boot.cfg
evoxdash.xbe
evox.ini
linux.xbe
phoenix.raw
xboxrom.bin
skins (directory)

Next, browse to your Xbox’s E partition, and copy the TDATA directory from inside the RAR file you extracted into there. This is the actual audio hack, which will replace the ST.DB file Microsoft provide to index the audio CDs you rip to the Xbox hard disk.

You’ll need your xboxdash.xbe file on the Xbox Hard Disk’s C partition to now be your original Xbox Live Dashboard. You should have a backup of this from whenever you put EvolutionX on your Xbox (if you’re sensible you do, if you’re not sensible, you’ll now have to spend an hour asking around to find one, heh). Anyway, make sure that xboxdash.xbe is the Xbox Live Dashboard, turn your Xbox off, turn the modchip off, then turn the Xbox back on again. You will now boot back to your regular everyday Microsoft Xbox Live original dashboard. Now, go fetch yourself an Audio CD (any one will do, personally I chose a System Of A Down album, hehe), it should be an original store-bought disc, or a burned one that you KNOW your Xbox’s DVD Drive can read OK. Stick the disc in the DVD drive, and your Xbox should start playing the disc. Take this time to listen to some music and get a drink if you so desire ;)

Now you’ll need to rip the disc to your HDD. Or… run the command to. Stop the audio playing, and go to the Copy command. Skip through the next couple of screens, clicking Copy, until you get to the screen to name the soundtrack. Click the Done button, and your Xbox should boot your new BIOS.

I’m not too sure which BIOS the Pheonix Loader comes with, but chances are you’re going to want to use your own, whether it’s Xecuter 2 or something else. In order to change the BIOS, you will just need to obtain your selected BIOS (which needs to be 1mb, there are tools available to make it this size if it isn’t already), and then replace the xboxrom.bin file with the new BIOS.

Et voilá, lovely new BIOS on trusty old modchip ;)

Any questions, come grab me in #xbox on Efnet, I’ll be happy to help.