How to Read an XBox EEPROM
The Xbox game console has a built in security password that ties into the hard drive it uses. This hard drive can be removed from the Xbox but it will not do anything if attached to a computer unless it has been "unlocked". Reading the EEPROM chip that holds this information on the XBox is the only way to gain access to the unlocking code for the hard drive. It is possible to read the EEPROM chip without modifying the Xbox and can be done by anyone willing to take the time and effort. This will not damage the Xbox in any way.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Clean cloth
- #20 Torx screwdriver
- #10 Torx screwdriver
- EEPROM reader
- Windows-based computer
Instructions
-
Open the Xbox Case
-
1
Take out the power cord and any audio or video cables from the Xbox. Put the Xbox upside down on the clean cloth.
-
2
Remove the two warranty stickers and use the Torx screwdriver to remove the screws exposed by the stickers. Put the screws aside.
-
-
3
Take the Phillips screwdriver and remove the screw inside each of the four "feet" that the Xbox stands upon when right side up. Put the screws aside.
Take off the "foot" and the serial and warranty stickers to reveal screws. Remove the screws with the Torx screwdriver. Put the screws aside
-
4
Turn the Xbox back right side up on the cloth. Lift the Xbox case off to reveal the electronic components inside.
Read the EEPROM
-
5
Confirm which version of the Xbox it is by looking at the EEPROM chip, which is by itself on the circuit board.
Set the EEPROM reader to OHMs. -
6
Connect the appropriate leads from the EEPROM reader to the EEPROM chip with the screw pad above the EEPROM chip used for the ground lead.
-
7
Connect the EEPROM reader to the serial port of the computer.
Download and install the PonyProg program. Restart the computer. -
8
Run the PonyProg program. Select Setup and then Interface Setup to go to the Interface setup dialogue box. Select the Serial button and pick the COM port the reader is using from the computer. Click OK to close the dialogue box. Run the Bus timing Calibration located under Setup>Calibrate.
-
9
Plug in the power cord to the Xbox. Turn the Xbox on. Press the Read button at the far left top on the PonyProg program. Save a text file of the reading by going to SAVEAS and naming the file this exact name of EEPROM.BIN ß-
-
10
Turn off the Xbox and remove the power cord. Remove the EEPROM reader from the Xbox. Quit the PonyProg program.
-
11
Download and install the LIVEINFO BETA 3 program on the computer. Restart the computer.
-
12
Make a folder on the computer desktop and put the LIVEINFO BETA 3 program and the EEPROM saved file into the folder. Run the LIVEINFO BETA 3 program and click Load EEPROM.
-
13
Look for the box that says Unique HDD Key in the window that now appears. This is the password to the hard drive,
Remove the EEPROM reader from the computer. -
14
Reassemble the Xbox by reversing the steps that were used to disassemble it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Wear an anti-static strip to eliminate any static electricity that could damage the internal components of the Xbox.
Opening the Xbox voids the warranty and could negate any possible future repair by an authorized dealer or Microsoft.
