Question about the latest cromwell + latest xbox

Hi list,

I'm an old linux developer and a new xbox noob :-)

Yesterday I purchased 2 new xboxes which I want to convert completely to 
Linux. I have a doubt if they will be supported from cromwell 2.31

The kernel in the MS dashboard says version 5838.01  *but*
When hacked with the latest softhack it is identified as K:1.000.5713.01 
(howcome???)

I have opened one and there's a Winbond W49F020T (i.e. a real flash) and the 
video chip is a "Focus", so I guess is is a 1.4 or 1.5 (didn't do the 
continuity check).

I went ahead and flashed a xxxx bios (not cromwell) with the latest raincoat 
0.7 ... and fried one of the boxes badly (red-green led flashing). Since the 
flash went ok (programming and testing) I guess the bios was not "signed" or 
something.

My question is... shall I go for the other xbox and flash cromwell 2.31 ?
I don't need the games and I would like to partition the harddisk with 
standard linux partitions.
Shall I "sign" the cromwell bios downloaded from the sourceforge or shall I 
just use it as it is with raincoat (i.e. no modifications)?

Is it possible that I have purchased a "hybrid" xbox with more protections 
inside (the box is produced in July 2004), which prevent the known bioses 
out there from loading?

I am sure this has been asked many times... but can't find it in the 
archives.

Thank you,
DaveXXX 



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