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 :

 

[Hielkenator]

Nice writeup...
But pointing to this http://modmii.zzl.org/ is much easier in and my point of view the best and safest method of softmodding your Wii.

It is and has been truly the best and easiest way to get thing done.
NEVER TRUST YOUTUBE OR PACK WITH FILES.
BESIDES POINTING TO YOUR FILES/LINKS IS NOT ALLOWED ON GBA TEMP.

 

[Hielkenator]

Yeah. Im not that well-grounded in this scene . Don't really know when it was possible to backup/play Gamecube and Wiiware on Nintendo Wii .
But I don't think the recent console Wii U will be hacked any time soon

The vWii portion has been able to softmod after the first week of WiiU release.

 

[Hielkenator]

Hey,
As far I know the critical parts in Wii softmod is when you install Custom IOS (part 4) . Im not an expert in this and just followed Youtube guide from HighTechMan step by step. You should write a thread into "Wii - Hacking" section of GBATEMP's Forum. There's alot of talented people here that can help you gladly with your issues . I bet they gonna suggest ModMii , its a really good tool for Wii Softmod and fixes.

And Yes, as far I know, If you have a GameCube compability Wii. You should be able to play Wii, Gamecube and Wiiware games from your USB Harddrive using USB Loader GX r1618 . I do it anyway

Awefully outdated way of modding your Wii BTW.

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

Awefully outdated way of modding your Wii BTW.

what way you prefer? wiiflow?

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

Nice writeup...
But pointing to this http://modmii.zzl.org/ is much easier in and my point of view the best and safest method of softmodding your Wii.

It is and has been truly the best and easiest way to get thing done.
NEVER TRUST YOUTUBE OR PACK WITH FILES.
BESIDES POINTING TO YOUR FILES/LINKS IS NOT ALLOWED ON GBA TEMP.

files removed. wasnt any virus. got the best antivirus (eset) so it shouldve notified if that was the case.

my guide has the same steps as modmii, sorta, but is video displayed + goes into how diosmios and emunand works.
sure ntfs might be easiest but you means.. wii , gc and emunand works on ntfs partitions?

only files used are , dmlizard for diosmios , one wad d2x file + hightechmans cios installer which i myself used two times and is viewed and used by like 400,000 people. Sure modmii is great but i honestly find some steps easier in hightechmans and thr other guys videos.

Also, i meant hacked to play WiiU games , not emulated Wii .

 

[hards]

hi i have tried this guide again from part 6 , i have got rev1219 ios249 rev 21009+ahb d2xv9br47 base 56 , all i seem to be getting is it sounds like the game is hanging as the tv just makes a humging sound , i still cannot use dmlizard it wont open up like it is in your guide allthough download it from youtube link , with the suspect file it was picked up by malwarebytes

 

[OrangeJ1st]

I'm stuck at step 1....
I did everything the first video said. And yet, I can't find the letterbomb message! I'm sure I got the version and the mac address correct. Please help!

 

[somewhereovertherainbow]

to hards, well, if my help doesnt help your issues ask someone else

to orange, if letterbomb didnt work look into exploits using hackmii . just look into modmiis guide for further help

 

[OrangeJ1st]

to hards, well, if my help doesnt help your issues ask someone else

to orange, if letterbomb didnt work look into exploits using hackmii . just look into modmiis guide for further help

Followed all steps at ModMii video, Didn't work, Still no letterbomb message

 

[Hielkenator]

hi i have tried this guide again from part 6 , i have got rev1219 ios249 rev 21009+ahb d2xv9br47 base 56 , all i seem to be getting is it sounds like the game is hanging as the tv just makes a humging sound , i still cannot use dmlizard it wont open up like it is in your guide allthough download it from youtube link , with the suspect file it was picked up by malwarebytes

Horribly outdated files you are trying to use.

If you cannot get past hacking your wii using modmii, you are not following it's custom generated guide.
What seems to be your problem?
I can 100% help you if you are serious about this.
PM me.

For the letterbomb: go a few days back on your message board.
Make sure you have the proper files on your sd card.

Use a 2 gb sd card MAX, SO NO SDHC or 4gb and greater.
READ.

 

[Hielkenator]

Followed all steps at ModMii video, Didn't work, Still no letterbomb message

What video?
Modmii is a PC program that will generate a custom guide depending on the users prefrerences.

 

[Manglerman]

Hoping that someone has the time to help me out. I am having trouble getting USB loaders to work.
wii version 4.1u (I was thinking about updating to 4.2 or 4.3 but have seen good & bad........hard for someone not familiar with this to decipher the old info with the new or the good from the bad).
I have been able to play games from 3 different USB loaders (wiiflow, USB loader gx, & cfg usb loader). The problem is that I have to have my HDD unplugged until I start one of the back up loaders. Then when I open the loader, I plug in my HDD & it works fine. If I start with my HDD plugged in, the loaders freeze. I have ran a syscheck with modmii & it states that my softmod is up to date. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.
I only looked back into this (probably originally modded my wii 6 years ago??) because we had bought our daughters the Disney Infinity game & it would not work. I followed the modmii guide for my system & now that problem is solved.
Thanks again for any of your help!!

 

[ca032769]

@ Manglermqn - I don't have a solution, my brothers Wii has the same issue. His Wii use to boot into Cfg USB Loader just fine and one day it stopped. He gets around it right now by first going into WiiMC, exiting and then into Cfg USB Loader. Seems to load up just fine in this order.

If anyone knows why this happens I'd also like to know.

 

[obcd]

Have you tried another brand and type of harddisk to solve the issue. The wii is tricky when it comes to compatible harddisks. Some harddisks don't (r)enumerate properly when the wii switches from one ios to another. The system menu uses ios 60, 70 or 80 (depends upon the version). The hbc uses ios 58 with usb 2.0 support. usb loaders use cios with other usb 2.0 routines. It's possible that the problem started with a cios upgrade. Sometimes, the hermes cios (222..)also show different behavour than the d2x ones.

So, you could try another harddisk. (A real compatible one should always work) or you could test out some stuff by checking if the hbc is able to access the harddisk. You could also check if using another cios for your usb loader makes a difference.

 

[mschumacher69]

I'm a pro on softmodding PS3s but I'm new to the Wii scene. I know that softmodding PS3s doesn't work on the latest PS3 models, so my question is, does this guide work on the latest Wii models? In other words, if I go to a retail store now and buy the latest SKU model of the Wii, will I be able to softmod it by following this guide?

Thanks

 

[pwsincd]

All wii's bar the mini wii thing are softmodable , your restrictions lie in the lack of brick protection with newer models should you mess up...

 

[mschumacher69]

All wii's bar the mini wii thing are softmodable , your restrictions lie in the lack of brick protection with newer models should you mess up...

Thanks

 

[wiimirez]

I followed steps 1 and 2, and the Homebrew Channel does not show any options in the screen, just the bubbles. I have uninstalled Homebrew and Bootmii and installed them twice and same results. What should I do?

 

[stomp_442]

I followed steps 1 and 2, and the Homebrew Channel does not show any options in the screen, just the bubbles. I have uninstalled Homebrew and Bootmii and installed them twice and same results. What should I do?

if just the bubbles are showing, then you do not have the rest of the files on the sd card correctly. You should have an apps folder on the root of your sd card, then inside of the apps folder is where the folders for the individual apps go. Then inside of the individual apps folders is where your boot.dol is located. The .dol file must be named boot.dol.

example:
sd: -> apps (folder) -> wiiflow (folder) -> boot.dol
sd: -> apps (folder) -> wiimc (folder) -> boot.dol

 

[hards]

Horribly outdated files you are trying to use.

If you cannot get past hacking your wii using modmii, you are not following it's custom generated guide.
What seems to be your problem?
I can 100% help you if you are serious about this.
PM me.

For the letterbomb: go a few days back on your message board.
Make sure you have the proper files on your sd card.

Use a 2 gb sd card MAX, SO NO SDHC or 4gb and greater.
READ.

hi i cannot see any pm on your profile