Bungie and MS are tag teaming XBox modders!

[quote name='Tromack'][quote name='jmcc'][quote name='sying'][quote name='Dr Mario Kart']Then the modders can buy two xboxes, one to mod and one not. Thus M$ loses more money. Wouldnt that be funny to see it backfire like that. At least if they're playing it on Live they've probably bought a game.[/quote]


I fail to see how you giving Microsoft more money for a normal XBOX system somehow hurts Microsoft. Last time I checked revenue was good. I'll check with my accountant and get back to you on that.[/quote]

Because MS sells Xboxes at a loss and buying a second Xbox won't translate into extra game sales also when they already have a system.[/quote]

It's all moot because it wouldn't happen. Either they will realize that being upset is stupid or they will say something like "Well, M$ (because they are the type of people to use the horribly stupid M$) is never getting any of my money again" which is exactly what Microsoft wants.[/quote]

I don't know. "They're never getting any of my money again" could translate to them just pirating every game now instead of buying select titles and paying for Live service. Why actually buy any games if they can't use them on Live anyway? This is a good idea by MS, but it's not going to do anything in the long-run except lead to more piracy, since mod-chip makers will just work around this within a month or two.
 
Most modders aren't dumb as hell like everyone assumes they are. There are ways to get around everything. My modded box has played at least 20 games on LIVE without getting banned yet.
 
[quote name='TubeRacer']Most modders aren't dumb as hell like everyone assumes they are. There are ways to get around everything. My modded box has played at least 20 games on LIVE without getting banned yet.[/quote]

Was Halo 2 one of them?
 
From what I've read, the banned Xboxes are not modded Xboxes.

They are modded Xboxes with larger HDDs (not the original HDD). Someone evidently decided that when you first sign onto XBL, it records your EEPROM (not that I know what one is) and your HDD serial. If, upon signing in again, the numbers do not match each other (i.e., you have the same EEPROM but a different HDD serial) you will be banned.

So, from what people have figured out so far, it is the combination of a mod chip and a non-xbox hard drive that causes the ban, not simply a mod chip itself.

Perhaps its a moot point, since it seems most modders have custom HDDs. They've been pretty savvy this console cycle, so it remains to be seen if this can be overcome. If not, there is always Xbox Connect, is there not?

myke.
 
[quote name='TubeRacer']Most modders aren't dumb as hell like everyone assumes they are. There are ways to get around everything. My modded box has played at least 20 games on LIVE without getting banned yet.[/quote]

Play Halo 2 and you most likely will be banned. It checks not only eeprom, but also the Hard Drive, and other such things for files. I assume you, like so many, play with your modded xbox by having a switch that can be turned off. Doens't matter with HALO 2, cuz it checks things that other live games don't. That's why I use XBConnect. Can play on it whether your box is modded or not, and ..... its FREE! supports headset and such as well.
 
[quote name='jmcc'][quote name='TubeRacer']Most modders aren't dumb as hell like everyone assumes they are. There are ways to get around everything. My modded box has played at least 20 games on LIVE without getting banned yet.[/quote]

Was Halo 2 one of them?[/quote]

Yes, althought starting yesterday, I'm using only my "Xbox Live Xbox" (unmodded one) to connect to Halo 2. I'll be happy taking the risk if I have a friend over who wants to play on Live at the same time, so we can both have a TV screen to ourselves. The only people who get banned are those who just charge right into Live without thinking. They are the ones who deserved to be banned anyway. So far I've been able to fly under the radar, but even if I was banned, it just means I have to spend a day tediously restoring my ability to play on Live.
 
[quote name='Scorch']There's no need for a bigger hard drive, and the support in Japan is less than it is here in the US.. i've yet to hear about someone modifying their XBox console just to play an import.[/quote]

...
If you've never used Xbox Media Center, Linux on an Xbox, or any other "unofficial" Xbox software then I'd say you have no right to speak. The Xbox is just a lowend computer, and taking advantage of something you paid for and maximizing its usefulness is a good thing, not a bad one. If I really wanted to, I could setup an Xbox as a cheap fileserver on my LAN...or any number of other uses.
 
[quote name='andrew632'][quote name='Scorch']There's no need for a bigger hard drive, and the support in Japan is less than it is here in the US.. i've yet to hear about someone modifying their XBox console just to play an import.[/quote]

...
If you've never used Xbox Media Center, Linux on an Xbox, or any other "unofficial" Xbox software then I'd say you have no right to speak. The Xbox is just a lowend computer, and taking advantage of something you paid for and maximizing its usefulness is a good thing, not a bad one. If I really wanted to, I could setup an Xbox as a cheap fileserver on my LAN...or any number of other uses.[/quote]

First of all, I don't really think with 2 posts you can really say who has the right to speak, m'kay?

As for what you can do to your Xbox, you still can. You just can't play on Xbox Live. :rofl:
 
[quote name='andrew632'][quote name='Scorch']There's no need for a bigger hard drive, and the support in Japan is less than it is here in the US.. i've yet to hear about someone modifying their XBox console just to play an import.[/quote]

...
If you've never used Xbox Media Center, Linux on an Xbox, or any other "unofficial" Xbox software then I'd say you have no right to speak. The Xbox is just a lowend computer, and taking advantage of something you paid for and maximizing its usefulness is a good thing, not a bad one. If I really wanted to, I could setup an Xbox as a cheap fileserver on my LAN...or any number of other uses.[/quote]

They sell Linux computers at Fry's for $200 all the time. Buy one of those if you really need a computer that badly.

You do take advantage of the Xbox - you play games on it. That's enough.
 
[quote name='mykevermin']From what I've read, the banned Xboxes are not modded Xboxes.

They are modded Xboxes with bigger HDDs[/quote]

suspect.gif


So.. the banned XBoxes are not modded XBoxes, they're modded XBoxes?..
 
[quote name='pimpinc333']Are they just banning seriously modded Xbox's or all modded ones. Mine is light LED modded will mine get bannnd also??[/quote]

No. I seriously doubt they care about cosmetic mods.. they're looking for hardware mods.
 
Thank god, I'm getting really sick of people Downloading games. There is too much work put into them.
 
[quote name='mmn'][quote name='andrew632'][quote name='Scorch']There's no need for a bigger hard drive, and the support in Japan is less than it is here in the US.. i've yet to hear about someone modifying their XBox console just to play an import.[/quote]

...
If you've never used Xbox Media Center, Linux on an Xbox, or any other "unofficial" Xbox software then I'd say you have no right to speak. The Xbox is just a lowend computer, and taking advantage of something you paid for and maximizing its usefulness is a good thing, not a bad one. If I really wanted to, I could setup an Xbox as a cheap fileserver on my LAN...or any number of other uses.[/quote]

They sell Linux computers at Fry's for $200 all the time. Buy one of those if you really need a computer that badly.

You do take advantage of the Xbox - you play games on it. That's enough.[/quote]

That's nonsense. It's yours. Do what you want with it, but be ready for these kinds of consequences.
 
[quote name='Scorch'][quote name='mykevermin']From what I've read, the banned Xboxes are not modded Xboxes.

They are modded Xboxes with bigger HDDs[/quote]

suspect.gif


So.. the banned XBoxes are not modded XBoxes, they're modded XBoxes?..[/quote]

(1)You can add a mod chip.

(2)You can add a mod chip AND a new HDD

You cannot add a new HDD by itself.

Those being banned are, it seems thus far, from group 2, not from group 1. As I said, however, most modders are likely to mod their HDD as well, so it's a moot point of sorts.

So, in effect, yes, the banned consoles are not modded concoles; they are, instead, modded consoles. :wink:

myke.
 
WTF?

You're making no sense, shut up. People who just added a new HDD are getting banned as well. They check serial numbers on the HD.
 
You cannot, from my understanding, add a new HDD without adding a mod chip to the console. What doesn't make sense about that statement?
 
how would you know? you don't have a modded XBox..

no one knows for sure how or why people are getting banned...

My HD modded XBox with Halo 2 plays just fine on XBL

now I did not connect to XBL before it had the upgraded HD in it...

A modded XBox can be used to stream media etc from say a PC upstairs to a home entertainment center somewhere else...whatever movies, music, you name it...similar devices sell for up to 1000's of dollars in high end A/V outlets etc...media center pc's etc

The people who are getting banned knew the risks anyway...IMHO xbl sucks compared to online PC gaming anyway, so who cares..except Halo2 isn't on PC yet, but Call of Duty, HL2 are so whipty do about Halo2 on XBL and XLink Kai and Xbox connect are viable options as well
 
haha this is funny stuff. I wanted to get my xbox modded to play emulators of old systems but i chickened out for 2 reasons: i cant solder (i know there are sodder free mods now) and i was scared of going on live with even an "invisible" mod.

:)
 
how would you know? you don't have a modded XBox..
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Ahh.. where did I say that I don't have a modded console? Even if I don't have one, does that mean I'm ignorant to the subject?

You cannot, from my understanding, add a new HDD without adding a mod chip to the console. What doesn't make sense about that statement?
Click to expand...

What doesn't make sense is the "They're not banning modded XBoxes, they're banning modded XBoxes" statement. It's the same thing, and it's too early for hidden statements.

A modded XBox can be used to stream media etc from say a PC upstairs to a home entertainment center somewhere else...whatever movies, music, you name it...similar devices sell for up to 1000's of dollars in high end A/V outlets etc...media center pc's etc
Click to expand...

I know.

The people who are getting banned knew the risks anyway...IMHO xbl sucks compared to online PC gaming anyway, so who cares..except Halo2 isn't on PC yet, but Call of Duty, HL2 are so whipty do about Halo2 on XBL and XLink Kai and Xbox connect are viable options as well
Click to expand...

Yeah, they're options, but they lag. Why does someone always bring PC gaming into this? You compare XBox online gaming to PC online gaming, yet no one ever compares PS2 online gaming to PC online gaming. You can say "whoopty do" about anything any console has by comparing it to another system.
 
because IMO ps2 online gaming is even worse than xbl so it doesn't even warrant conversation...PC gaming / console gaming what makes the difference this is CAG not CA console gamer
 
[quote name='Scorch']
You cannot, from my understanding, add a new HDD without adding a mod chip to the console. What doesn't make sense about that statement?
Click to expand...

What doesn't make sense is the "They're not banning modded XBoxes, they're banning modded XBoxes" statement. It's the same thing, and it's too early for hidden statements.[/quote]

What I'm saying is that it seems the modified consoles that are being banned, from what people have complained about, have both mod chips ***AND*** replaced the original hard drive with a new, much larger one. I have not read an account of someone being banned from Halo 2 who has a mod chip in their xbox, but had not replaced their hard drive.

hard drive. mod chip. Why in the world, for someone who seems capable of understanding, are you being so goddamned stubborn? What can't you grasp about people modding their consoles in different ways?

This is what I said that you quoted the first go-round:
[quote name='mykevermin']From what I've read, the banned Xboxes are not modded Xboxes.

They are modded Xboxes with bigger HDDs[/quote]

When I say "From what I've read," it does not mean "According to the gospel of all that is fucking true." Oddly enough, it means that I am proposing an idea from what I've read, and that it should be taken, strangely enough, with a dose of skepticism. You can do that, can't you?

When I said "they are not banning modded xboxes, they are banning modded xboxes," I meant that in a way to sarcastically agree with what you had originally replied to my first post here. Despite the sarcasm, it is somewhat true that while many modders are being caught, others have not yet been caught. Nobody outside of MS has any idea what the identifying mechanisms are for modders yet.

Perhaps if you can acknowledge that xboxes can be modified in different ways, we can move forward in this dialogue. Jesus.

myke.
 
[quote name='greendj27'][quote name='Renzokuken']Entertaining :D[/quote]

It's very funny. I have been reading through the thread laughing my butt off. "How dare Microsoft try to stop us for doing something illegal!" :lol:[/quote]

Since when is modding the Xbox illegal? I beleive it is more a Microsoft policy rather than law.

Sounds like simply putting a larger hard disc in the Xbox is enough to get locked out of Live. I'm not on Live, but I have considered placing software mods (Linux) on the Xbox to turn it into a media center allowing it to not only play Xbox games, but also transfer and play media files from my PC.

Personally I don't agree with the decision to lock users out of Xbox Live. Playing pirated games on Live is one thing, simply replacing the hard disc or dashboard is another thing.
 
[quote name='el bobo']Thank god, I'm getting really sick of people Downloading games. There is too much work put into them.[/quote]

These are retail versions of Halo 2 that people are using. It is impossible to use a copied game on Xbox Live. I fail to see how this stops people from downloading games, you can still do that, just not play them on Xbox live.
 
[quote name='scp89']A modded XBox can be used to stream media etc from say a PC upstairs to a home entertainment center somewhere else...whatever movies, music, you name it...similar devices sell for up to 1000's of dollars in high end A/V outlets etc...media center pc's etc

IMHO xbl sucks compared to online PC gaming anyway, so who cares..except Halo2 isn't on PC yet, but Call of Duty, HL2 are so whipty do about Halo2 on XBL and XLink Kai and Xbox connect are viable options as well[/quote]

A modded Xbox with its 733 Mhz processor and 32mb of ram can do that, but a $200 cheapie computer from Fry's with an AMD 2000 + XP processor and 64 + mb of ram cant? What's the allure of modding an Xbox? I guess just so Linux fags can go "haha Microsoft, I put LINUX on your system! HAHAH!". Retards.

Oh and by the way, nobody here really gives a fuck about your opinion of Xbox Live vs. PC online gameplay. STFU.
 
No need for language, Myke..

I realize that people mod them in different ways. I never said that they didn't. I was referencing the guy from earlier.. they can detect any mod you make to the system..

Nobody outside of MS has any idea what the identifying mechanisms are for modders yet.
Click to expand...

Actually, they do, and that's why next generation modchips have switches. They've known for quite some time what MS looks for.. it's just with this round, MS caught them off guard and they haven't figured out what MS is looking for.

Perhaps if you can acknowledge that xboxes can be modified in different ways, we can move forward in this dialogue.
Click to expand...

I never said there was one specific way to mod an XBox.
 
[quote name='jmcc'][quote name='Tromack'][quote name='jmcc'][quote name='sying'][quote name='Dr Mario Kart']Then the modders can buy two xboxes, one to mod and one not. Thus M$ loses more money. Wouldnt that be funny to see it backfire like that. At least if they're playing it on Live they've probably bought a game.[/quote]


I fail to see how you giving Microsoft more money for a normal XBOX system somehow hurts Microsoft. Last time I checked revenue was good. I'll check with my accountant and get back to you on that.[/quote]

Because MS sells Xboxes at a loss and buying a second Xbox won't translate into extra game sales also when they already have a system.[/quote]

It's all moot because it wouldn't happen. Either they will realize that being upset is stupid or they will say something like "Well, M$ (because they are the type of people to use the horribly stupid M$) is never getting any of my money again" which is exactly what Microsoft wants.[/quote]

I don't know. "They're never getting any of my money again" could translate to them just pirating every game now instead of buying select titles and paying for Live service. Why actually buy any games if they can't use them on Live anyway? This is a good idea by MS, but it's not going to do anything in the long-run except lead to more piracy, since mod-chip makers will just work around this within a month or two.[/quote]

Maybe the new mod chips will pass MS new detection software but it's going to be a pain in the ass to create. And now the current mod chip sellers are going to have to sell alot of stock for cheap since no one will buy the stuff knowing they will get banned from XBL. Also those modders who got banned are morons, they should use 2 xboxes one for live and one for modding. Everyone in the xbox community knew this was going to happen sooner or later. I'm sure that it's not just going to be halo 2 with the check, that Fornza race game, Mechassault 2 & Konker I'm willing to be will have a simmilar maybe even more advanced check system.
 
[quote name='mmn'][quote name='scp89']A modded XBox can be used to stream media etc from say a PC upstairs to a home entertainment center somewhere else...whatever movies, music, you name it...similar devices sell for up to 1000's of dollars in high end A/V outlets etc...media center pc's etc

IMHO xbl sucks compared to online PC gaming anyway, so who cares..except Halo2 isn't on PC yet, but Call of Duty, HL2 are so whipty do about Halo2 on XBL and XLink Kai and Xbox connect are viable options as well[/quote]

A modded Xbox with its 733 Mhz processor and 32mb of ram can do that, but a $200 cheapie computer from Fry's with an AMD 2000 + XP processor and 64 + mb of ram cant? What's the allure of modding an Xbox? I guess just so Linux fags can go "haha Microsoft, I put LINUX on your system! HAHAH!". Retards.

Oh and by the way, nobody here really gives a shaq-fu about your opinion of Xbox Live vs. PC online gameplay. STFU.[/quote]

Show me a PC for $150 that can be integrated into a home theater as easy as a Xbox and has the same gaming capabilities of a Xbox with excellent media player support (even better than the 1st party software MS released for XBOX). I don't think a $200 PC from fry's includes the required video card with hi def outputs or half of the other stuff you need.
 
[quote name='Scorch']
Nobody outside of MS has any idea what the identifying mechanisms are for modders yet.
Click to expand...

Actually, they do, and that's why next generation modchips have switches. They've known for quite some time what MS looks for.. it's just with this round, MS caught them off guard and they haven't figured out what MS is looking for. [/quote]

I'm strictly referencing the current crop of bans. They've found ways to circumvernt banning before, yes. But regarding the mass numbers of bans that have occurred since 11/9, the hacking community has no idea what the new criteria for banning is, specifically (unless you think that all modders will end up banned shortly).

Perhaps if you can acknowledge that xboxes can be modified in different ways, we can move forward in this dialogue.
Click to expand...

I never said there was one specific way to mod an XBox.[/quote]

Well, in that case, the "modded xboxes are not being banned, but modded xboxes are" statement I made make some semblance of sense. Some modders are banned, others are not.

I'm curious if non-Halo 2 playing modders have been banned as well.

Then again, I'm curious if any non-Halo 2 title has touched any Xbox since 11/9/

myke.
 
[quote name='mykevermin'][quote name='Scorch']
Nobody outside of MS has any idea what the identifying mechanisms are for modders yet.
Click to expand...

Actually, they do, and that's why next generation modchips have switches. They've known for quite some time what MS looks for.. it's just with this round, MS caught them off guard and they haven't figured out what MS is looking for. [/quote]

I'm strictly referencing the current crop of bans. They've found ways to circumvernt banning before, yes. But regarding the mass numbers of bans that have occurred since 11/9, the hacking community has no idea what the new criteria for banning is, specifically (unless you think that all modders will end up banned shortly).

Perhaps if you can acknowledge that xboxes can be modified in different ways, we can move forward in this dialogue.
Click to expand...

I never said there was one specific way to mod an XBox.[/quote]

Well, in that case, the "modded xboxes are not being banned, but modded xboxes are" statement I made make some semblance of sense. Some modders are banned, others are not.

I'm curious if non-Halo 2 playing modders have been banned as well.

Then again, I'm curious if any non-Halo 2 title has touched any Xbox since 11/9/

myke.[/quote]

Yes, Halo 1, but it was just a mistake of not paying attention and grabbing the disc next to Halo 2. Halo 1 was promtly replaced with 2
 
HEre's a question; Haven't they come up with a way to use external Hard drives via the memory unit slot or somethign along those lines? I'm not a tech-head, but it would seem like a great wqay to get around the HDD scans. Again though, I'm sure someone's already thought of it.
 
[quote name='Scorch']I think that they used Halo 2 as a vehicle to catch more. They knew people would buy it, so maybe it installed stuff on their system, too. Like a virus.

A virus that amuses the holy shaq-fu out of me.[/quote]

I love your point of view on this whole situation. It totally adds to the hilarity. As if, "OMG WTF M$ WON'T LET ME USE THEIR SERVICE BECAUSE I WON'T FOLLOW THE RULES" wasn't enough. Cheers!
 
yeah why you gotta tell me to stfu...it was my opinion as I clearly stated...so it is my opinion that no one cares about what you think so just take your own advice....
 
[quote name='sying'][quote name='Dr Mario Kart']Then the modders can buy two xboxes, one to mod and one not. Thus M$ loses more money. Wouldnt that be funny to see it backfire like that. At least if they're playing it on Live they've probably bought a game.[/quote]


I fail to see how you giving Microsoft more money for a normal XBOX system somehow hurts Microsoft. Last time I checked revenue was good. I'll check with my accountant and get back to you on that.[/quote]

Best response Ive seen all month. Kudos!!!!
 
[quote name='strayfoxx'][quote name='sying'][quote name='Dr Mario Kart']Then the modders can buy two xboxes, one to mod and one not. Thus M$ loses more money. Wouldnt that be funny to see it backfire like that. At least if they're playing it on Live they've probably bought a game.[/quote]


I fail to see how you giving Microsoft more money for a normal XBOX system somehow hurts Microsoft. Last time I checked revenue was good. I'll check with my accountant and get back to you on that.[/quote]

Best response Ive seen all month. Kudos!!!![/quote]

see leader, loss in your dictionary.
 
This is awesome...more used copies of Halo 2 will probably be available now. All those people can't play on live will not want to keep it. :)
 
[quote name='jmcc'][quote name='Tromack'][quote name='jmcc'][quote name='sying'][quote name='Dr Mario Kart']Then the modders can buy two xboxes, one to mod and one not. Thus M$ loses more money. Wouldnt that be funny to see it backfire like that. At least if they're playing it on Live they've probably bought a game.[/quote]


I fail to see how you giving Microsoft more money for a normal XBOX system somehow hurts Microsoft. Last time I checked revenue was good. I'll check with my accountant and get back to you on that.[/quote]

Because MS sells Xboxes at a loss and buying a second Xbox won't translate into extra game sales also when they already have a system.[/quote]

It's all moot because it wouldn't happen. Either they will realize that being upset is stupid or they will say something like "Well, M$ (because they are the type of people to use the horribly stupid M$) is never getting any of my money again" which is exactly what Microsoft wants.[/quote]

I don't know. "They're never getting any of my money again" could translate to them just pirating every game now instead of buying select titles and paying for Live service. Why actually buy any games if they can't use them on Live anyway? This is a good idea by MS, but it's not going to do anything in the long-run except lead to more piracy, since mod-chip makers will just work around this within a month or two.[/quote]

That is not true. Most people are not going to buy 2 Xbox systems. If you can only have 1 xbox most people want to play on Live with their friends.
 
Okay so my question is will MS next write a program to disable the Xbox for those who are not using Xbox LIVE?

(ie... MS could erase the hard drive if the wrong bios is detected.)
 
While I'm totally against piracy and myself do not have a modded Xbox or Xbox Live or even Halo 2 for that matter, I'm surprised that no one feels at least uneasy about the idea that Microsoft in a sense has used Halo 2 as a trojan horse in order to gain access to your Xbox without your knowledge (I assume there's no disclaimer in the manual or the game box about this). While it's one thing to use it as an anti-piracy measure, what's to stop Microsoft from using it to track how you use your xbox or what games you play etc for marketing purposes without your knowledge? Maybe it isn't a big deal to most people but I have to admit, I wouldn't feel comfortable with it.
 
[quote name='Indiana'][quote name='jmcc'][quote name='Tromack'][quote name='jmcc'][quote name='sying'][quote name='Dr Mario Kart']Then the modders can buy two xboxes, one to mod and one not. Thus M$ loses more money. Wouldnt that be funny to see it backfire like that. At least if they're playing it on Live they've probably bought a game.[/quote]


I fail to see how you giving Microsoft more money for a normal XBOX system somehow hurts Microsoft. Last time I checked revenue was good. I'll check with my accountant and get back to you on that.[/quote]

Because MS sells Xboxes at a loss and buying a second Xbox won't translate into extra game sales also when they already have a system.[/quote]

It's all moot because it wouldn't happen. Either they will realize that being upset is stupid or they will say something like "Well, M$ (because they are the type of people to use the horribly stupid M$) is never getting any of my money again" which is exactly what Microsoft wants.[/quote]

I don't know. "They're never getting any of my money again" could translate to them just pirating every game now instead of buying select titles and paying for Live service. Why actually buy any games if they can't use them on Live anyway? This is a good idea by MS, but it's not going to do anything in the long-run except lead to more piracy, since mod-chip makers will just work around this within a month or two.[/quote]

That is not true. Most people are not going to buy 2 Xbox systems. If you can only have 1 xbox most people want to play on Live with their friends.[/quote]

Juh? I don't see what point you're trying to make in relation to my statements. Please to clarify.

I think it follows that people who want to mod and play on Live will continue to do so, be it by getting a second Xbox or by working around Halo 2's scanning. I don't think too many are going to see this as a wake-up call and change their modding ways It's just a bump in the road.
 
[quote name='Indiana']Okay so my question is will MS next write a program to disable the Xbox for those who are not using Xbox LIVE?

(ie... MS could erase the hard drive if the wrong bios is detected.)[/quote]

No. That would be opening a big can of worms, legally, that they're not going to want to touch.

[quote name='dopa345']While I'm totally against piracy and myself do not have a modded Xbox or Xbox Live or even Halo 2 for that matter, I'm surprised that no one feels at least uneasy about the idea that Microsoft in a sense has used Halo 2 as a trojan horse in order to gain access to your Xbox without your knowledge (I assume there's no disclaimer in the manual or the game box about this). While it's one thing to use it as an anti-piracy measure, what's to stop Microsoft from using it to track how you use your xbox or what games you play etc for marketing purposes without your knowledge? Maybe it isn't a big deal to most people but I have to admit, I wouldn't feel comfortable with it.[/quote]

It's improving most people's gaming experience, so I don't think they'll complain. Besides, what information can they collect from the Xbox? It's already reporting what and when you're playing a game on Live just by connecting to it.
 
[quote name='dopa345']While I'm totally against piracy and myself do not have a modded Xbox or Xbox Live or even Halo 2 for that matter, I'm surprised that no one feels at least uneasy about the idea that Microsoft in a sense has used Halo 2 as a trojan horse in order to gain access to your Xbox without your knowledge (I assume there's no disclaimer in the manual or the game box about this). While it's one thing to use it as an anti-piracy measure, what's to stop Microsoft from using it to track how you use your xbox or what games you play etc for marketing purposes without your knowledge? Maybe it isn't a big deal to most people but I have to admit, I wouldn't feel comfortable with it.[/quote]

It already does:

http://xbox-linux.sourceforge.net/docs/xboxphoneshome.html
 
Let me explain this to you guys who seem to be arguing over why XBox's are being banned.

The first thing MS did when you 1ST logged onto Live with an UNMODDED XBOX was log an eeprom nmber and hard drive serial number.

After logging on each time thereafter, those 2 numbers were checked to make sure they matched the very first log.

Now, after MODDING the XBox AND(THATS AND) puttiing in a new HDD, the hard drive serial number changed, while the eeprom stayed the same.

Upon checking these numbers the first time you went on Live with the modded XBox, you were flagged. (my assumption)

For being flagged, and for violating the MS user agreement, MS was allowed to break the privacy policy, and search your hard drive for foreign files. Doing so would help eliminate the chance of banning a clean Xbox with a replacement stock hdd.

Now there have been reports of modded XBoxs with a stock hard drive being banned. What you may not know is that those people had been banned before, and therefore were flagged the entire time.

Now, the Halo 2 disc does have some programs on it that check some stuff in the hard drive. However, I was banned before I was able to get online with Halo 2 and before I downloaded the update. So, it is my opinion that MS banned on the eve of Halo 2 just to piss people off. This is why you're seeing alot of backlash from modded box users. There is evidence that MS has been logging the eeprom and hdd serial for 8 months and knew well before 11/9 who was going to get banned.

There ARE workarounds for the ban, which I won't discuss here.

Me? I'm not angry that I got banned. I didn't plan on it, but it wasn't totally out of my mind either. I just bought another Xbox solely for Live purposes.

Say what you will about modders and myself, but it truely is a convenience to have sooooo much media at your fingertips. (Also the newest generation of modchips only cost $60 and only take a little know how and solder to install).

Also, not as many people pirate games as everyone here seems to think. I think the only game I ever "pirated" was Street Fighter Anni Collection because I can't find an online store to import it from. Most of the modding community is strongly opposed to pirating as well. And for those of you who seem to be condeming people who pirate games, I honestly want to know how many of you have illegal mp3s or movies on your computer?

And to let you know why I modded my XBox...

- XBMC (Yes I d/l movies, I admit that. But I have never EVER NEVER downloaded a movie I have not yet seen in theatres or a movie that is available on DVD. I also download mixtapes. But the number one download for me is probably new TV shows such as recent South Parks and CSI's or ones that aren't out on DVD yet)
- Emulation
- Homebrew games
- Mods to regular games (Halo is number 1 for that category)
- Extremely fast load times
- Imports
- A 2nd Region free dvd player
- Bunch of TV related features (tivo)

I could go on but I fear I would bore you :D

If you have any questions let me know.

This has been one great post that took me 1 hour to write :( I just had ankle surgery Friday and am in the most awkward position for typing :(
 
[quote name='slimpip']There is evidence that MS has been logging the eeprom and hdd serial for 8 months and knew well before 11/9 who was going to get banned.[/quote]

This seems the most plausible theory; it's still a theory. Where is the evidence of HD serials and EEPROM logging?

And, what in the hell is an EEPROM?

thanks and sorry 'bout the ankle.

myke.
 
[quote name='JebusMcLucifer']That rocks. :applause:[/quote]

tiems a million, you see I knew this was going to happen, i predicted that tehy were going to use special searching to find the modification, but all the GFAQERS were like "no, liek OMG no, you stupid idiot!!!",you see, they all have modded XBOX, I for one am Happy they did this
 
I read an article (it was from a reputable media outlet it might have been IGN?) over at XBox-scene in one of those many crazy posts. It didn't say anything about banning, but only that MS was stepping up security measures for Live and the eeprom hd serial number log was one of them. The article was dated about 8 months back.

The eeprom is something that is unique to every single XBox and it is linked to both the motherboard and hard drive of the XBox. When MS bans you from the Live service, they ban the eeprom. I'm guessing it is used as some sort of identification card for the Xbox. I have heard of extreme cases where they ban the IP address, but if that is true or not I dont know.
 
[quote name='slimpip']I read an article (it was from a reputable media outlet it might have been IGN?) over at XBox-scene in one of those many crazy posts. It didn't say anything about banning, but only that MS was stepping up security measures for Live and the eeprom hd serial number log was one of them. The article was dated about 8 months back.

The eeprom is something that is unique to every single XBox and it is linked to both the motherboard and hard drive of the XBox. When MS bans you from the Live service, they ban the eeprom. I'm guessing it is used as some sort of identification card for the Xbox. I have heard of extreme cases where they ban the IP address, but if that is true or not I dont know.[/quote]

If you recall the source, please post it here.
 
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