Restoring XBOX To RETAIL State

If you have attempted to install a softmod on your Xbox which failed and gave you an error, and the Microsoft Dashboard will no longer load, then this is the guide for you.

You have two options : If you still have the Hacked Softmod files still on your Xbox then the simplest way would be to do the following :

Step One : Load up the softmod installer using the correct game for your softmod files :

Splinter Cell: Go to Start Game, click LINUX, and you wont see any check points, but still press A for the Check Points. Then the installer should load up. Pics of the process:






Mechassault: Go to Campaign, click Run Linux and that should load the installer. Mechassualt is known to be harder to get the installer loading since it requires a certain edition. Please be sure that when you have 'Run Linux' highlighted, the files description is as follows:
Controls: Normal
Difficulty: Regular
Current Level: Going Down Hard
If that does not show up, then you will have to get a different version or get Splinter Cell or 007.
Pics of the process:




007: Go to Load Mission, then select the Xbox Hard Disk option and that should load the installer. Pics of the process:






Step 2 - Download the latest version of the Microsoft dashboard : http://freakyhosting.be/ms-c-hosted-by-pirrup.rar (If the link is down, then let me know!)

Use WinRAR to extract it.

Step Three - Download an FTP client : FlashFXP : http://www.download.com/FlashFXP/3000-21...j=dl&tag=button

Step Four FTP to your Xbox by launching the softmod installer via Splinter Cell (this opens up a temporary FTP link between you and your Xbox)

On FlashFXP, click I agree to the trial box, and then press F8 (quick connect)

Server or URL : This is your Xbox's IP address which can be found on the bottom left hand corner of the softmod installer.



Username : XBOX
Password : xbox
(These are the default login credentials)




The rest can be left alone. If you all the details are correct, click connect and you should be greeted with several drive letters on the right hand side.

Double click on C
Now, on the left hand side, navigate to where the microsoft dashboard is (the one you just extracted with WinRAR)
And they should look similar to those on the right hand side.



Now highlight all the files on the left hand side, and drag them to the right (if prompted to overwrite files, choose "Yes".)




Once the transfer has completed, turn off your Xbox and turn it back on. If all has gone well, your Xbox should be restored to it's retail state (don't worry, saved games, music etc. is still there)

The second method

Ok, so you cannot FTP to your Xbox and you still need it fixed? Ok. Well, the second method would be to make a Data DVD with software like Nero. Simply make a Data DVD of the microsoft files, and put it in your Xbox, and use an file explorer program for your Xbox and move all the files from D(disc drive) to C(msdashboard).

If you would like to re-softmod your Xbox, follow this guide : http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/311710

But you can miss out the first seven steps as this simply covers the process of actually placing the softmod saves onto your Xbox, which I am assuming are already on your Xbox.

-Mike