Don't upgrade to Wii Firmware 4.2 or 4.3!

Instead of updating your Wii firmware, you can just use DOP-Mii to update specific channels
such as the Nintendo Channel or Wii Shop Channel (which also requires an IOS61 update)
without updating the Wii Sytem Menu.  This will allow you to shop with the latest Wii Shop
Channel without updating the Wii System Menu.  The main reason you shouldn't update to Wii
System Menu 4.2 or 4.3 is that there is no actual update for anything, just annoying ways
attempting to prevent Wii hacking.
However, the USB Loader guide DOES work if you are on 4.2 and want to hack your Wii.
We are testing 4.3 soon.
You can read about the problems with 4.2 and 4.3 on our Firmware page and the WiiBrew
4.2 and WiiBrew 4.3 articles.
  
Don't use IOS60-Patcher for launching games from SD!
Instead use DOP-Mii to re-install IOS60 (if you are on Wii Firmware 4.0 or 4.1) or IOS70 (if
you are on Wii Firmware 4.2) or IOS80 (if you are on Wii Firmware 4.3) with the signature hash
check (trucha bug). Also, if you are using Preloader and you "dop" IOS60 or IOS70 or IOS80,
remember to reinstall Preloader after "doping"; otherwise, you won't be able to load the System
Menu. Instead, boot HBC through Preloader to reinstall it.
 

 
What is USB Loader?
USB Loader is an application for the Nintendo Wii which allows you to to install and load your backup ISO game
files to/from a USB storage device. It also allows you to create such backups straight from the original DVD, or you
can put ISO files which you have backed up to your computer onto your USB drive and load them from there. This
guide will prepare your Wii to use USB Loader GX, which will launch both the USB drive and burned DVD-R
discs.

What if I just want homebrew?

If you don't want to launch backup games and just want to enjoy the world of homebrew, homemade games and
applications for the Wii, then you only need to follow steps 2 through 4; it couldn't be simpler.

USB Loader Guide (These 8 steps take about 20 minutes)

 

Welcome:
This guide is targeted at people wit no hacks/mods on their Wii, so essentially a store-bought system. However, this
guide can still help people that have the HomeBrew Channel already installed (simply do step 1 and then skip to step
5).
 
Disclaimer: 
WiiHacks and its editors are not responsible for any harm done to your system by using our guides. This guide is
meant to be simple and clean, and works on all Wii systems to get them modified. However, after you have
modified an LU64 or newer Wii system, DO NOT use downgrade applications or anything that alters IOS files
(besides what is in this guide), cIOS installers, and new IOS files from games released in 2009 and beyond. (This
may cause a brick [dead Wii].)

Korean Wii Systems:

You will need to alter this guide.  Do step 1 and 2 (load the Wii Hacks Package and Bannerbomb onto your SD
card), but alter step 2 to launch DOP-Mii (instead of the HackMii installer) by placing its boot.dol on the root of
your card.  Then follow steps 5 and 6, then use DOP-Mii to install the latest version of IOS34 and IOS61 (but say
NO to the Sig Hash Check and ES_Identify patches).  A proper guide for this will be set up at a future date if there
is demand (there is also help on the CSG).

What You Need:

 An SD or SDHC card formatted as FAT32, and a card reader/writer. We recommend the

SanDisk brand cards as they have been the most successful. 
 If you don't have the Homebrew Channel or BootMii, download BannerBomb and the HackMii installer.
 Download the WiiHackWii Package

Summary:
In this guide you will
1. (Steps 1 through 4) Install the HomeBrew Channel and BootMii via BannerBomb
2. (Step 5) Restore the Trucha Bug to IOS36
3. (Step 6) Delete IOS stubs (installed by Nintendo to prevent hacking)
4. (Step 7) Install cIOS222 to enable homebrew access to the USB port and DVD drive
5. (Step 8) Install cIOSx (a.k.a. cIOS 249) to enable compatibility with a broader range of homebrew 
 

The terms IOS and cIOS are going to come up a lot in this guide.  If you're curious about what they mean, go check
out the IOS Information page.
Instructions:
This guide is meant to be simple for you and clean for your Wii. It will attempt to explain each step clearly and
provides notes before certain steps so that you can understand what you are doing, why, and how to address any
problems. 

STEP 1. UnZip and load the contents of the WeHackWii Package to your SD Card. Optionally, you should read
the included README.txt for some useful information.

Note: Skip steps 2 through 4 if you already have the HomeBrew Channel and BootMii (but make sure to do step 4-1
if you don't have a NAND backup, otherwise you will have a horrible time trying to recover from a brick).

STEP 2. Follow the BannerBomb instructions to load BannerBomb and the HackMii installer onto your SD card
properly, and launch HackMii installer.

STEP 3. You are now in the HackMii installer. Install everything (only the HomeBrew Channel is required,
BootMii as boot2 is strongly recommended [although if you can only install as IOS do it anyway], and DVDx is at
your discretion).

Note: DVDx is an older method for playing DVD movies on your Wii. It is no longer the recommended method,
and so we don't feel you should install DVDx. Instead, the best way to play media content on your Wii (including
DVD movies) is via WiiMC.

STEP 4. When done, exit to the System Menu.

4a If you installed BootMii as boot2, it is suggested to do a NAND Backup before continuing. Read the BootMii
. Guide for more information.

Note: Step 5 is meant to restore the Trucha Bug to IOS36. The purpose of this is to allow step 7 to use IOS36 to
install a cIOS (custom IOS). The cIOS is what will allow backup launchers such as USB Loader GX to access the
USB port and the DVD drive.
     If you don't wish to launch backup games, you are done and can move on to optionally upgrade/downgrade
your Firmware and/or head over to WiiBrew Wiki to get some fresh, homemade homebrew applications.

STEP 5. Run DOP-Mii from the HomeBrew Channel. 

Open the DOP-Mii Instructions, follow the "Restoring the Trucha Bug" section
 

Go to the HomeBrew Channel Upside-Down and Backwards section if that happens.

Note: Step 6 is only necessary for those on Wii Firmware 4.2, although it also ensures a clean Wii system
for all others. The reason step 6 is important for 4.2 is that along with the System Menu, stub IOS files
were installed to slots 222, 223, 249, and 250 in order to prevent cIOS files from being installed. These
must be deleted in order for step 7 to succeed on a 4.2 or higher Wii system.

STEP 6. Run DOP-Mii from the HomeBrew Channel.

Open the DOP-Mii Instructions, follow the "Stub IOS Removal" section

OR

Use the included AnyTitle Deleter DB to delete (if they exist on your Wii) IOS202, IOS222, IOS223,
IOS249, IOS250, IOS254

Note: Step 7 installs a cIOS, and is the whole reason for the previous steps. This cIOS gives HomeBrew access to
the USB drive and the DVD drive, among other things. This allows the included USB Loader GX to create/run
backup games on/from your USB drive.
     If you are unable to get step 7 to work for you, then delete the 00000001 folder from your SD card and try again.
If you're still having trouble, check the cIOS222 page for additional help.

STEP 7. Remove all GameCube memory cards and controllers for this step! Open the HomeBrew Channel
and run the cIOS222 v4 Installer.
7a. Select IOS <36> for install 
7b Install Custom IOS 222 
.
7c. Use IOS38 merged with IOS37 

Note: If you get ret= -1035 as an error message, it means you didn't properly delete the stub IOS files as mentioned
in Step 6. 

STEP 8. Remove all GameCube memory cards and controllers for this step! Open the HomeBrew
Channel and run the cIOS249 rev17 Installer.
8a. Select < IOS36 > for install 
8b. Select < WAD installation >
 

Note: If you don't have the latest WeHackWii Package which includes the IOS38 WAD file, then WAD installation
won't work for step 8b and you'll need to use < Network installation >.

You now have a fully hacked Wii with the following:

HomeBrew Channel, BootMii, cIOS 222, cIOS 249, and USB Loader GX
What is this? 
The WeHackWii Package is a collection of files meant to aid in hacking your Wii by following
the instructions on the USB Loader page. It is prepared by haruspex, also known as
antiaverage on the GBATemp forums. Please contact that user if you have any specific
questions about the package.
 
The 4.1 WAD Files are for upgrading or downgrading your Wii to firmware version 4.1, the
currently most recommended firmware.  You can learn more about this on the Firmware page.
 

 
Contents
This is what should be inside the zip file.
 
Note:
Some folders are left collapsed for ease of reading, so not all files are displayed.
If a file is linked, you may click it to go to the originating page and get more info.
All the wad files in the root and all contents of 00000001 can be obtained from:
 direct via the NUS (Nintendo Upgrade Server) with NUS Downloader (PC Only) by
following the instructions on the Hermes cIOS222/223 page
 det1re's NUS mirror (wad files only)
 The universal, but technical, Update Downloader
 
Root of WeHackWii Package.zip:
 00000001
 apps
      AnyTitleDeleterDB
       cIOS222 v4 Installer
       cIOS249 rev17 Installer
       DOP-Mii
       homebrew_browser
       usbloader_gx
       WADManager
 database.txt
 IOS15-64-v257.wad
 IOS15-64-v523.wad
 IOS36-64-v3351.wad
 wad
       USB Loader GX-UNEO_Forwarder.wad
 

 
Why these files? 
 
00000001: The contents of this folder are related to the cIOS222 v4 installer. The files are from the NUS (Nintendo
Upgrade Server), and are the raw copies of IOS37 v3612, IOS38 v3610, and IOS60 v6174. When you use the
cIOS222 v4 installer, you are given the option to install from your SD card or from the Internet. The contents
of 00000001 allow you to install from the SD card in order to speed up the install process or permit those without an
Internet connection to perform the installation. If you are having trouble installing cIOS222 v4, then you may need
to delete the00000001 folder from your SD card and try the cIOS222 v4 installer again with the Internet option.
 
AnyTitleDeleterDB: This app is for managing the NAND memory on your Wii, allowing you to delete IOS files,
channels, saves, etc. You can easily see what is stored on your Wii and remove it if necessary or desired. Be sure
you understand what you are removing before diving in and clearing out your Wii, as you may cause a brick. It is a
good idea to have a NAND backup via BootMii just in case something goes wrong.
 
cIOS222 v4 Installer: This is the latest cIOS developed for launching backup titles, giving access to the USB port,
the DVD drive, the GameCube mios, and offers many fixes and improvements over Waninkoko's cIOS. Developed
by Hermes for uLoader, it offers the best compatibility and feature set.
 
cIOS249 rev17 Installer: Waninkoko started the whole USB Loader craze, and this is his cIOS
for gaining access to the USB slot, along with other features. This is the latest version of the
original USB Loader cIOS.
 
Dop-Mii: This application lets you download and install any IOS onto your Wii straight from the Nintendo servers.
This provides a legal way to upgrade or downgrade any IOS on your system, as well as apply the signature hash
check (Trucha bug) and ES_Identify function.  As well, it let's you install a Trucha Bug IOS36 onto a virgin Wii,
and removes the stub IOS files from a 4.2 Wii.
 
Homebrew Browser: This application allows you to download the latest homebrew applications and games from
only your Wii.  You don't need to take your SD(HC) card out.  You don't even need a computer.
 
usbloader_gx: USB Loader GX is one of the top USB Loader applications available. It utilizes a full graphical user
interface with WiiMote controls, has a great deal of customization, and is always on top of the latest tricks and
hacks. Configurable USB Loader and WiiFlow are two other great ones to check out, but USB Loader GX has the
lowest barrier to entry and smoothest default setup.
 
WAD Manager: Originally developed by Waninkoko, this allows you to install and uninstall .wad files to and from
your Wii. Channel applications are often distributed as .wad files, such as WiiWare, the Virtual Console, and
HomeBrew loaders. The version included with this package is the Yet Another WAD Manager Mod, the most
current actively developed version of WAD Manager.
 
database.txt: This is the database file for AnyTitleDeleter DB, helping to identify the various installed items on
your Wii system.  Another useful resource for determining titles on your Wii is the Title Database on WiiBrew.
 
the .wad files: The IOS15 files are for rolling back and restoring IOS15 when restoring the Trucha Bug to IOS36, as
discussed in the DOP-Mii section. The IOS36 file is also involved in this process.
 
USB Loader GX-UNEO Forwarder.wad: This .wad file is a HomeBrew forwarder channel which is installed via
WAD Manager 1.5 and appears along with the rest of your Wii channels. It points to the USB Loader GX
application on your SD card and launches it from your Wii menu, making for a convenient shortcut to your USB
stored games.
 

 
4.1 WAD Files 
 
IOS21-64-v782   - Used by: old third-party titles (No More Heroes). 
IOS35-64-v3349 - Used by: Super Mario Galaxy.
IOS36-64-v3351 - Used by: Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Kart Wii. Can be ES_Identify patched. 
IOS37-64-v3869 - Used by: Mostly music games (Guitar Hero).
IOS38-64-v3867 - Used by: Some modern titles (Animal Crossing).
IOS53-64-v5406 - Used by: Some modern games and channels.
IOS55-64-v5406 - Used by: Some modern games and channels.
IOS56-64-v5405 - Used by: Only Wii Speak Channel 2.0.
IOS57-64-v5661 - Contains new or updated modules "OHCI0 USB USB_HID USB_HUB USB_MSC USB_VEN
ETH"
IOS60-64-v6174 - Used by: Wii System Menu 4.1, must be installed before the System Menu
IOS61-64-v5405 - Used by: Shop Channel 4.x. 
 
RVL-bc-v5 - Used to start GC games; sets Hollywood speed to 162MHz, loads boot2, which then eventually loads
MIOS
RVL-mios-v9 - Gamecube compatibility IOS; active while Gamecube games are being played on the Wii
 
RVL-WiiSystemmenu-v448 - NTSC-J (Japan) System Menu 4.1
RVL-WiiSystemmenu-v449 - NTSC-U (North America) System Menu 4.1
RVL-WiiSystemmenu-v450 - PAL (Europe) System Menu 4.1
bannerbomb alpha - v1
compatible with Wii Menu version 3.0 - 4.1, for 4.2 see index
1. Get a SD card. If it has a private directory, rename it temporarily, e.g. to "privateold".
Having other saved channels on the same card will screw it up.
2. Download aad1f_v108.zip and unzip it onto the SD card.
3. Go download the HackMii installer. Copy installer.elf to the root of the SD card, and
rename it to boot.elf.
4. Press (Wii), Data Management, Channels, SD. Then insert the card. It should either pop
up Load boot.dol/elf? or freeze.
5. If it pops up a dialog, then fill out the survey.
o If you encounter any problems from then on, don't try other versions (it won't
help), but see the information below the survey.
6. If it freezes before popping up the dialog, follow these diagnostics:
 Did you use the SD menu (4.x) or click Savedata instead of Channels? If so, then you're
dumb
 Otherwise, try a different version. The system menu is somewhat unpredictable; while
most people should be able to use aad1f, some might need another version. Try these
versions:
aad20_v108.zip
aad22_v108.zip
if you got the dialog,
aad1e_v108.zip and have a problem later on,
DON'T TRY THESE -- they won't help
aad26_v108.zip
...others?
survey FILL THIS OUT PLX
which version works for you?
Changelog:
 v104-v108: Attempted to prevent the freeze-after-a-minute bug (other than by disabling
WC24).
 v103: Added some stuff that may or may not help with stability.
FAQ:
 What are boot.dol and boot.elf? There are two executable formats in use on the Wii,
DOL and ELF. Homebrew is distributed as a dol or elf file.
bannerbomb does the following:
o If boot.dol is found on the root of the SD card, load that.
o Otherwise, if boot.elf is found, load that.
o Otherwise, pop up an error.
 What boot.dol do I use and how do I install the Homebrew Channel? You can install
the Homebrew Channel using the HackMii installer. If you don't want to install anything,
you could unzip the dol from Loadmii onto the root of the SD, and get homebrew
applications from here.
 Which version should I use? Start with aad1f, try the rest in order if it freezes before
popping up a dialog (either aad1f or aad20 works for the vast majority of people). It
doesn't matter which menu version you have as long as it's 3.x-4.x.
 My Wii's serial number starts with LU64, is this compatible? Yes.
 I have menu version 2.x, is this compatible? Not yet.
Problems:
 /boot.dol could not be opened. You need to have a file called "boot.dol" or "boot.elf" on
the root of the SD. Chances are you don't.
 Error -1030002011 installing ticket You're using the wrong installer. You should use
the installer at bootmii.org to install the Homebrew Channel. It should be called boot.elf.
There should be no file called boot.dol.
 When running the HackMii installer, I get the scam warning, but then it
freezes/exits. Upgrade to the latest installer from bootmii.org.
Bugs:
 If it gives you the dialog but freezes instead of loading the dol, email me
([email protected]). Tell me where it froze and whether or not the slot light is on. You
might also try removing the disc (but it doesn't look like this is a problem anymore).
 If you press "no" when it asks you whether you want to load a dol then it might freeze.
 It is possible to press the back button "under" the dialog. Make sure you don't do that.
Other stuff:
 Please don't copy/hotlink/whatever, just link here. Thanks.
 Don't use this for warez, pretty please :|
Credit:
 bushing, dhewg, segher, etc.
 CaitSith, Artik and everyone else who tested
 and last but not least, Igglyboo for testing over 9000 zips for me
bannerbomb alpha - v2
compatible with Wii Menu version 4.2 only, for older versions see index
1. Get a SD card. If it has a private directory, rename it temporarily, e.g. to "privateold".
Having other saved channels on the same card will screw it up.
2. Download abd6a_v200.zip and unzip it onto the SD card.
3. Go download the HackMii installer. Copy installer.elf to the root of the SD card, and
rename it to boot.elf.
4. Press the SD card icon (for the SD menu). This is different from the last version. Then
insert the card. It should either pop up Load boot.dol/elf? or freeze.
5. If it pops up a dialog, then fill out the survey.
o If you encounter any problems from then on, don't try other versions (it won't
help), but see the information below the survey.
6. If it freezes before popping up the dialog, you could try these versions:
abd69_v200.zip
if you got the dialog,
abd6b_v200.zip and have a problem later on,
DON'T TRY THESE -- they won't help
...others?
survey (important!)
which version works for you?
Changelog:
 v200: Fixed compatibility with Wii Menu version 4.2.
 v103-108: Bugfixes.
FAQ:
 What are boot.dol and boot.elf? There are two executable formats in use on the Wii,
DOL and ELF. Homebrew is distributed as a dol or elf file.
bannerbomb does the following:
o If boot.dol is found on the root of the SD card, load that.
o Otherwise, if boot.elf is found, load that.
o Otherwise, pop up an error.
 What boot.dol do I use and how do I install the Homebrew Channel? You can install
the Homebrew Channel using the HackMii installer. If you don't want to install anything,
you could unzip the dol from Loadmii onto the root of the SD, and get homebrew
applications from here.
 My Wii's serial number starts with LU64, is this compatible? Yes.
Problems:
 /boot.dol could not be opened. You need to have a file called "boot.dol" or "boot.elf" on
the root of the SD. Chances are you don't.
 Error -1030002011 installing ticket You're using the wrong installer. You should use
the installer at bootmii.org to install the Homebrew Channel. It should be called boot.elf.
There should be no file called boot.dol.
 When running the HackMii installer, the screen freezes with a blinking slot light.
This is a known problem, but I'm not exactly sure what causes it.
  When running the HackMii installer, I get the scam warning, but then it
freezes/exits. Upgrade to the latest installer from bootmii.org.
 I can install the Homebrew Channel, but I only see bubbles. You need to actually
download homebrew. You could get some at WiiBrew.
Bugs:
 It might not work
 It is possible to press the back button "under" the dialog. Make sure you don't do that.
Other stuff:
 Please don't copy/hotlink/whatever, just link here. Thanks.
 Don't use this for warez, pretty please :|
Credit:
 megazig for observing that Nintendo failed in the 4.2 update
 bushing, dhewg, segher, etc.
 CaitSith, Artik and everyone else who tested
 and last but not least, Igglyboo for testing over 9000 zips for me