Okay after spending a couple of hours at xbox-scene.com I have a huge headache and am even more confused. I want to get my XBox to play/store MP3s, stream dig pics from the PC, surf the web and possibly store games on the HD (this is the least on the list and not required). I have some GC coming from reward zone so I can get another Xbox and not worry about Live. I do not want to go w/ a mod chip, just software. Is this all possible and if so what is the easiest route? Thnanks

as far as I am aware, you can't install software like you're talking about without a modchip.

You can only install linux without the chip, then install any software you'd want to use within linux.
http://www.xbox-linux.org

On the Screen Saves, they showed how to mod an Xbox without a mod chip. But it looked pretty complicated (and required a certain game, and some kind of usb adapter thing).

If you are going to get another xbox, why do you have a problem using a mod chip? They are pretty easy to install.

That was a while ago, right? I think that was exploiting a hole in some games like Mech Assault... that has since been patched, automatically, with anyone who's ever signed up for Xbox live (and I assume on newer Xboxes as well).

from the link above:

4 June 2004: New XBox Kernel problem The Kernel 5713 doesn't accept a downgrade of the Dashboard. So there is no way to use the standard Software-Hacks at the moment (neither Mechinstall nor SplinterCell). You can try to flash the TSPO or you have to use a Modchip. For the time being there is no easy way to run Linux at the Crystal Xbox or other very new Xboxes.

Sonofabitch! I just spent $8 on shipping ordering that USB adapter that plugs into the memory card port.

Hoping to do the software hack.

Oh well, I suppose I'll be trying it anyway when it shows up.

If you want to store more than a few cds/games on the box, you're going to need to do a HD upgrade so you may as well do a full mod anyway.

Does anyone here know how to do mods with a new hd?

You CAN flash the TSOP on the Xbox and get it to work that way, but it's realyl complicated and requires an already modded Xbox anyways.

You're better off getting a mod chip and loading the custom frontends on (Evolution X is probably be easiest Dashboard to use, it works well with all software).

And, of course, once you actually use Xbox Media Center, it will all be worthwhile. It's awesome.

I have done the mod myself. I installed the mod chip. Flashed it using a PC DVD drive. Installed the frontend software on the original 10gig HD. I then copied that information over to a new 120gig HD. Swapped drives and then began moving my games, music, movies, and pictures over. Installed XBMC and never turned back. A great program. www.xboxmediacenter.de .

i believe that xbox[es] that have a manufacturing date for april 2004 or later can't be mod using a mod chip since the chip is excalibur and it's a version 1.6.

if u get the halo xbox that has a date of 4/12/04, that can't be mod, since the mb is not the same; how do i know that because my friend bought one of the halo xbox that has a 4/12/04 manufacture date.

xbox media center is well worth it; but my philips dvd drive having problem reading cd-r.

I use a soft modded xbox, and mainly use it for a media center, and occasionally as a emulator. First off, I could have bought a mod chip for less than the price of an action replay plus renting the james bond game to use the exploit. I stream everything, and don't steal games, so I have no reason to expand my HD. Also, to my best knowledge, XBMP (media player) is currently a better program than XBMC, though that will change in the future, since XBMC is a work in progress.

How hard is it to get a pre Kernel 5713 xbox?

The newer versions of XBMC are WAY WAY better than XBMP

cool stuff but for me its ehhh, i have an xbox and i use it to play games and only games

because well, i have a pretty nice computer with a Dell 2001FP lcd monitor..that thing is so sweet. i also have tivo.

but yeah if i was still a poor college student, i'll be doing this stuff also but since i actually have money to spend the thing i dont have is time.

as nice as I'm sure your PC monitor is, I still prefer to stream my downloaded music videos and TV shows on the big screen with surround sound rather than watch it in my bedroom

Actually, XBMP has been discontinued as the team concentrates on XBMC.

Those of you who have XBMC should check the place you get it from often, as there are updates at least once a week.

Would you be willing to mod one if i payed you?