Xbox:Linux

One of the primary goals for hacking the Xbox was to enable the use of Linux. The result of these efforts was the Cromwell BIOS and the ability to run different Linux distributions.

Installing Linux

Installing Linux requires that you have softmodded or hardmodded your Xbox. This guide is specifically for X-DSL, but other distributions are close in process.

1. Download an ISO of your desired Xbox Linux distribution, such as X-DSL and burn it to a disc using burning software such as ImgBurn.
   • You can identify your DVD drive and check what media is compatible with it using this chart.
2. Insert the disc into your Xbox and launch the disc.
3. A blue screen will appear and automatically select "Boot from CDROM".
4. Press A to select 640x480 as your resolution. Colors will flash onto the screen, and it will eventually boot into the desktop.
5. Use the analog stick to move the cursor to a blank space on the desktop and press B to open a context menu, and select Tools → Loopback install.
   • A prompt will appear asking if you want to continue. Press A to select "Yes".
   • A prompt will appear asking to select a partition to install to. Select the default top option.
   • A prompt will appear asking for your desired partition size in megabytes. Choose the space you'd like to allocate to Linux and select "OK" to continue.
6. A terminal will appear and process your selections. It may take a few minutes.
   • A prompt will appear detailing the risks of the installation. Press "OK" to continue with the installation.
   • A prompt will appear asking "Do you wish to enable autologin?". Select "Yes", or if you'd like, choose "No" and set a username and password.
   • A prompt will appear asking if you are sure you want to proceed. Select "Yes".
7. A terminal will appear and install the distribution to your hard drive. This may take around 10 minutes.
   • A prompt will appear asking if you wish to install xromwell, which is an application shortcut to load into Linux. Choose "Yes" and "OK".
   • A prompt will appear saying "XDSL SUCCESSFULLY INSTALLED" message, select "OK".
   • A prompt will appear asking if you wish to create a swap file. Select "Yes", then "OK" to select the default E: partition, then "OK" to select the default swap disk size, and finally "OK" when you receive a success message.
   • More prompts will appear, at which point you can keep pressing A until they stop appearing.
8. Reboot by selecting the "Quit" application, and the blue reboot button. Linux will now be listed in your application folder on your dashboard.
   • If "Linux" does not show up in the applications folder, navigate to the E: drive and move the "KNOPPIX" folder into the E:\Apps folder, then open the linuxboot.cfg and add "Apps/" to the config as so:

...
kernel Apps/KNOPPIX/linux24
initrd Apps/KNOPPIX/linux24
...

• Upon reboot, it may ask you to add a password to the root account

Cromwell / XBlastOS BIOS

The "Cromwell" BIOS is an open-source replacement BIOS for your Xbox TSOP or modchip. This BIOS can legally boot Linux from system start, but is unable to play Xbox games. Likewise, XBlastOS is another open-source replacement BIOS that is based off of Cromwell and offers extra features.

Common Distributions

Distro	Description
X-DSL	A distribution based on Damn Small Linux.
Xebian/Ed's Debian	An Xbox Linux distribution that can install to the Xbox hard drive, or start a live session. A MythTV frontend can be run under Xebian and connect to a separate backend.
Gentoox	A Gentoo-based distribution, which features the "magic" updater, which allows users to download Xbox-specified packages and updates.

Uncommon Distributions

Distro	Description
Enatux	Enatux is the first ever Linux distro made just for kids! The project is titled Enatux (Ena like Zena, and tux like, well, tux). The main goal of the Enatux project is to create a kid-safe operation system.
FreeBSD for the Xbox	This is a port of FreeBSD, a high performance UNIX breed, ported to the Microsoft Xbox.
Mandriva	Pronounced "Man-dree-vah", the company formerly known as Mandrakesoft, released Limited Edition 2005, a special new version of its operating system that blends the most up to date popular open source applications, including Firefox 1.0.2, with specific customizations resulting in advanced multimedia, internet and development capabilities.
MythTV	A small Linux distro with only mythtv on it. MythTV is a homebrew PVR project.
Resctoox	A tool used for rescuing broken Gentoox installations and for reflashing one's modchip/TSOP.
Slothbox	A Linux distribution based on Slackware, targeted at the XBox.
Xbox Linux Live	Xbox Linux Live Plugin System is a "live" Linux system (in Knoppix style) that does not need to be installed on the hard disk and supports plugins.
Dyne:bolic	GNU/Linux is a live bootable cd, containing a whole operating system that works straight from boot, without the need to install or change anything on the hard disk.
ltools	A linux-based toolbox has now evolved into a "Ultimate Dashboard Exploit 1/2" installer. The mini-linux and its toolbox is still available in this all-in-one game save package.
sXb mini	It's a very fast, very small version of sXb (slackware for Xbox) running on the Xbox.
sXbonastick	This is a version of sXb (slackware for Xbox) that will boot from a USBKEY.