WiiBrew:FAQ
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This frequently asked questions page lists the most common problems associated with using Wii homebrew and does its best to provide solutions for you the reader. If you are having problems, chances are the solution to your problem(s) is present in this guide. Please at least skim through this guide before you ask your question to other people. Because, like I said before, the answers to your problems are most likely in here.
Before Installing Homebrew
What does this word mean?
We have a glossary of terms here: Glossary
Does Homebrew cost money?
No. Everything is absolutely free. If you have paid for homebrew, you have been scammed.
Will installing the Homebrew Channel hurt (brick) my Wii?
I have never seen it happen. Having said that, in the extremely unlikely event that it does happen, Team Twiizers may not be held responsible.
Is it illegal to install the Homebrew Channel?
No. But it will void your Wii's warranty, and Nintendo may refuse to do in and out of warranty repairs on it, such as disc drive replacements.
Will Homebrew work on System Menu 3.4?
Yes. Bannerbomb works, as does a 3.4-specific version of Twilight Hack.
Can I install homebrew on System Menu 4.0 or 4.1 or 4.2?
Yes, you can run and install homebrew on System Menu 4.0 or greater with the Bannerbomb, Indiana Pwns, or Smash Stack exploits. You then use your exploit to run the Hackmii Installer, which can install the Homebrew Channel, DVDX, and Bootmii.
Will you help me install my modchip?
No. Modchips are not supported here.
What kind of an SD card should I use?
As long as they're formatted to FAT 16 (FAT) or FAT 32, most SD cards should work for you. Smaller SD cards (smaller than 256MB) may or may not work - some operating systems aren't too good when formatting them, and so the Wii (or the homebrew) won't be able to detect them. An SD card smaller than 32MB will almost definitely not work. SDHC cards will work on more updated Wiis, and might work on ones without the later updates (but only in homebrew) - try and see. If you are still unsure which type of card to use, this page may help you: SD/SDHC Card Compatibility Tests.
What is the root of my SD card?
A place on your SD card that is not inside any folders.
In general, how do I install homebrew?
First, you run an exploit. The exploit crashes the Wii and runs unsigned code in the form of a .dol/.elf file on the root of your SD Card. If that unsigned code is the hackmii installer, you can then install the homebrew channel, dvdx, or bootmii.
Twilight Hack Questions
Can I use a backup of Twilight Princess?
You should be using a legitimate copy of the game. We do not support backups/piracy here.
Can I use the GameCube version of Twilight Princess?
No. You need the Wii version of the game.
I cannot copy the Twilight Hack from my SD card to my Wii
Make sure you have a normal Twilight Princess save file in your Wii before you copy over the Twilight Hack. Also, it cannot be be copied if you are on firmware 4.0 or higher.
The Homebrew Channel will not install
Make sure you are using beta 2 of the Twilight Hack if you are on 3.4 firmware and beta 1 if you are on firmware below 3.4. Make sure you have the correct region of the Twilight Hack on your Wii.
Bannerbomb Questions
Why should I use Bannerbomb instead of the Twilight Hack?
System Menu 4.0 and its successors have rendered the Twilight Hack useless. Bannerbomb is currently the only exploit that works on a System Menu of 4.0 or higher. It is also capable of working on every system menu. Also, some people feel that it is easier to use then the Twilight Hack.
Bannerbomb is freezing on me, what do I do?
Below are some typical scenarios and options in case Bannerbomb freezes on you:
- If you are on System Menu 4.1 or lower, do not use the SD Menu; instead go to Options -> Data Management -> Wii Channels -> SD Card. For 4.2 use SD Menu.
- If Bannerbomb freezes before the prompt "Load boot.dol/elf?" try a different version.
- If you run Bannerbomb and get the prompt "Load boot.dol/elf?" and it then freezes, confirm that you have a boot.dol or boot.elf in the root of your SD card (same as with the Twilight Hack). If it is there, try another homebrew application, but most likely Bannerbomb will not work for you.
- If you are on any 3.x System Menu and you're having trouble running Bannerbomb, you could give up on Bannerbomb and try the Twilight Hack.
Indiana Pwns Questions
Can I use a backup of LEGO Indiana Jones?
No, you should be using the original copy. Backups are not supported or condoned by WiiBrew.
I have some problems...
- Make sure you are using the correct region of the hack
- Make sure you are looking at the second character in the art room
Smash Stack Questions
I have some problems...
- You need to remember that this exploit only works if you are using a US NTSC version of the game and Wii.
- Make sure you have renamed your entire original "private" directory on the SD card to "privateold" or something similar.
- Make sure the Smash Stack "private" folder has been copied to the root of your SD card and you have a valid .elf file in the root directory.
HackMii Installer Questions
No vulnerable IOS found
Have Dop-IOS MOD install IOS 30 v1040.
Homebrew Channel Questions
When installing the Homebrew Channel it fails to find boot.elf or boot.dol
Make sure the Homebrew Channels boot.dol file is in the root of your SD card. If that still does not solve your problem, try a different SD card. Some SD cards are simply not compatible with the Twilight Hack. All SD cards smaller than 256mb are not compatible with the Twilight Hack or Bannerbomb. Note: SDHC cards cannot be used to install the Homebrew Channel.
Where are my apps? The Homebrew Channel is only a screen with bubbles.
Make sure that you have these three basic things set up for apps on your SD card:
- There is a folder in the root of your SD card named apps. NOTE: apps is case sensitive. It can not be named APPS, aPpS or anything else other than apps in all lower case letters.
- Make sure that no more and no less than one folder is between the apps folder and the boot.dol or boot.elf file of an application.
- Make sure that each of your applications have a path that looks like: /apps/afolder/boot.dol or /apps/afolder/boot.elf
Also, make sure you are using a compatible SD or SDHC card. (The card you used to install the Homebrew Channel will also work to run apps from).
Invalid Wii App
Convert the .elf file of the application to a .dol file with the ELF to DOL Converter.
The Homebrew Channel is upside-down!!!
Have Dop-IOS MOD install an unpatched IOS 61.
DVDX Questions
How should I install DVDX?
You should install DVDX by running the HackMii Installer.
Where is DVDX?
DVDX is a hidden channel that allows Wii Homebrew Programmers to let their programs read DVDs that are not Wii games. You will not see DVDX in your Homebrew Channel on your Wii System Menu as a channel.
How can I watch DVDs with DVDX?
You can use the app MPlayer CE to play DVDs after you have installed DVDX.
I can't play or read DVDs even with DVDX installed. Why?
(Unconfirmed): Newer Wiis have different disc drives that do not support the commands that DVDX used to read DVDs. These drives can only read Wii or GameCube games, and there is no way to make them read DVDs.
Some apps might be coded to use the old version of DVDx, simply wait for them to be updated or recompile them against the latest libogc if they're open source and you know how
Some drives aren't very good at reading DVD+/-RW media. try DVD+/-R.
BootMii Questions
What is BootMii?
Reading the BootMii page on WiiBrew is the best thing you can do to learn what BootMii is.
Do I need to install BootMii?
No. Installing BootMii is completely optional.
I have another more specific question...
Read the official BootMii FAQ to find your answer.
After Homebrew Installation
Can I update my Shop Channel or my Mii Channel without updating the rest of my Wii?
Dop-IOS MOD will update those channels (and more) to their latest versions without updating your system menu. Some channels (shop channel) may require a specific IOS to be installed as well, so be sure to do a little research before updating any channels. Yes, Dop-IOS MOD is able to install any IOSs you need.
Is it safe to update my Wii?
Yes. The current updates will not ruin (brick) or hurt your Wii in any way on account of homebrew being installed on your Wii. However, we still recommend not updating in order to preserve old bugs in your Wii so that you may exploit them for hacking purposes.
Is it safe to leave Wii Connect 24 on?
The answer to that is really up to you. If you're afraid of Nintendo updating you, leave it off. If you think Nintendo is all bark and no bite, then feel free to leave Wii Connect 24 on. Just to be on the safe side though, it is recommended that you leave Wii Connect 24 off.
I am looking for an app that...
Please refer to the complete list of Wii Homebrew Applications here: Homebrew Applications List If you can not find an application that does what you are looking for it is either 1) Not supported by WiiBrew or 2) It doesn't exist. NOTE: New applications are being created just about every week so check back often.
Downgrading?
The best possible firmware for homebrew users is 3.2. If you are unable to install a legal cIOS (PatchMii) or downgrade via tona's AnyRegion Changer, you cannot downgrade legally. In that case, don't talk downgrading here. If you are able to downgrade legally, WiiBrew still recommends not downgrading with a certain downgrader (not named AnyRegion Changer) because that downgrader does not actually downgrade everything like it claims to. In short: We recommend downgrading with AnyRegion Changer or not downgrading at all.
For Even More Help
This FAQ stinks! It didn't solve my problems!
Please refer to all of these WiiBrew pages for further assistance:
I still have problems/questions/concerns
Please post a topic in our WiiBrew Forums and you will be assisted shortly after.
I don't have time to read! I need help NOW!!! Like, this-instant NOW!!!
Please go to the IRC. The server is EFNET (irc.efnet.org) The channel is #wiihelp. If you do not have an IRC client you may use mibbit to access the IRC with this link: Mibbit WebIRC.