Hey all-
I bought an pre-modded xbox a few years ago and pulled it outta the closet thinking I could relive its glory days by installing xebian on it and making it a drupal test box. However, I quickly realized that it can run unsigned code, such as xmbc, but I can't flash the BIOS and install a full dose of Xebian; I can only do a live disc.
This is one of the older mod-chips that has a toggle switch on its side in order to turn off the modchip. I know it doesn't have the TSOP points soldered; which is why I'm confused. I have softmodded one xbox. but the fact that it is sorta a hybrid-mod confuses me and makes me hesitant to really jump in an commit to changes. It also has a 100gig HDD in it, fairly certain unlocked.

So, I am quite computer literate, but have played around with this box and can't figure out quite what to do, short of actually flashing the BIOS; I don't want to brick this thing because it can still function as a great XMBC box.

So two questions- 1) Is there someone in Houston that can help me through this.
2) Is there someone out there that can help me out with a walkthrough. I'm sure I haven't given sufficient amount of info, but please respond if you think you can assist and I'll get you any info you need in order to help me through committing this to a full fledged linux box.

Thanks so much-
~Ben

Ok- so instead of waiting for a response, I thought I'd throw out my idea and see if you anyone sees issues with it.

I have SplinterCell original disk that works for the softmod
Could I load that, after ftping the game save exploit to my xbox. Then load a exploited gamesave that flashes my xbox BIOS with the cromwell BIOS?

Again, I'm just unsure of the steps because of the awkward hybrid mod I have on this box- I would really appreciate any insight into the correct and/or risky steps inherent with this idea.

Thanks
~ben

first take a picture of the chip maybe someone can help ID it and then give a method to flash it. Plus do know the version of your xbox by chance if not Whats the manufacture date of your xbox

If it can run unsigned code, it can run a full fledged linux distro. You just have to have the bootloader xbe. If you are really that adiment about flashing it, then keep doing your research and youll figure it out. I have one thats a full fledged linux machine running a command-line only gentoo distro. Has made a fine file server, absolutely perfect for what i needed.

If you wanna run XBMC, Cromwell is not the way to go. Just flash it with a normal BIOS. After you have XBMC and all that installed, you can install Linux as an app in the free space of your drive.