USB Mass Storage support in XBMC for Xbox

Note: This is a Xbox specific page.

With the XBMC for Xbox 2.0.0 point-release Team-XBMC added better support for USB Mass Storage devices. Simply insert a USB memory-key/stick device, it will auto-mount and be available everywhere in XBMC.
 * NOTE! You need a USB to Xbox-gameport adapter to connect a USB device to your Xbox.

USB Mass Storage Device Class
The USB Mass Storage Device Class, sometimes refered to as MSC (Mass Storage Class) or UMS (USB Mass Storage), is a set of computing communications protocols defined by the USB Implementers Forum that run on the Universal Serial Bus. All of the four gamepad-ports on the Xbox game-console front follow the USB 1.1 standard which support these Universal Serial Bus protocols. The 'USB Mass Storage' standard provides an interface to a variety of storage devices, like; external harddisk-drives, digital-cameras, digital audio-players (ie. portable MP3-players), and portable flash memory devices (particularly so called key-drives/memory-keys), plus adapters bridging between standard flash memory cards and a USB connection (such as memory card readers).

Because of its ubiquity and relative simplicity, the most common file-system on memory devices such as USB flash drives, digital cameras, digital audio players is one of Microsoft's FAT (File Allocation Table) file-system, with (optional) VFAT support for long file-names. Such as FAT12, FAT16 or FAT32.

The following file-systems are supported on Mass Storage devices in XBMC:
 * FATX (read and write) Xbox File-System.
 * FAT12 (read-only).
 * FAT16 (read-only).
 * Including VFAT support for long file-names.
 * FAT32 (read-only).

NOTES! Not all USB flash drives, digital cameras, digital audio players, and other USB memory devices support the 'USB Mass Storage Device Class' standard; some instead use the MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) standard, or other proprietary protocols in lieu of this standard. (This information is not always revealed by the published device specifications provided by the devices manufacturer.) Large USB-based hard disks may come formatted with the NTFS file-system, which is much less supported outside Windows-based operating systems by Microsoft (and not yet supported by XBMC). Some keydrives or any other device which is primarily intended for storage may be formatted using for example "HFS Plus" on an Apple Macintosh computer, or "EXT2" under Linux-based operating-system environments, or "Unix File System" under Solaris and BSD-based operating-system environments. Those file-systems are not yet suppored by XBMC, nor are there any plannes by Team-XBMC own developers to add support for those file-systems).

Limitations
The following are known XBMC (and Xbox) limitations (if you are a programmer then help us overcome the XBMC limitations*): Note! Successfully tested hub functionality with an IBM USB Keyboard and two Mass Storage devices. Test scenario used: IBM USB Keyboard connected to XBOX, Nokia 770 Internet Tablet connected to keyboard USB port and listen MP3 music from it. At the same time Minolta Dimage X20 digital camera was connected to another USB port of IBM keyboard and image slideshow was shown from the camera. Mass storage devices appeared to XBOX File Manager as Unit 1 and 2. PS! If you are a C/C++ programmer then you might be able to help overcome the software limitations, read this.
 * Only "read-only" support for FAT12/FAT16/FAT32 (so write support is limited to FATX)*
 * Maximum 4GB in 'device'/'drive' size (ie. the size of the whole flash-storage or harddrive)*
 * USB Mass Storage compatible harddrives or memory-sticks are supported, not USB CD/DVD-ROM devices*
 * The Xbox game-ports hardware only support read speed for the USB 1.1 standard, ie. 12 Mbit/s (1.5 MB/s)
 * Though not tested we assume only one storage-device at a time can be connected to a Memory Card Reader*
 * Though not tested we assume only one storage-device at a time can be connected to a USB-hub*

Compatible USB Mass Storage Devices
These USB storage devices should be compatible with XBMC (but not been verified yet):

USB Harddisk Drives
Feel free to add tested/verified devices here, (remember the 4GB limit before you test)
 * None tested as of yet.

USB Flash Stick Devices
Please note that for all U3 devices, the U3 partition uninstaller can be found here U3 Uninstaller


 * AIPTEK MP-1003 128mb 
 * Apacer [USB1.1] 256MB Flash
 * Apacer-2 SL202 [USB2.0] (Memory: AniMeta AMI-2205) 128MB Flash
 * ASUS [USB1.1] (Memory: Phison PS1011G) 64MB Flash
 * Asus [USB1.1] 64MB Flash
 * AVB [USB1.1] 64MB Flash
 * AVB [USB1.1] 128MB Flash
 * CnMemory Core [USB1.1] 1Gb
 * CnMemory Micro X Pro [USB2.0] 1GB
 * Corsair Flash Voyager [USB2.0] 512MB
 * Corsair Flash Voyager GT [USB2.0] 4GB
 * Creative MuVo [USB1.1] 128MB Flash (oldest model)
 * Creative MuVo TX [USB2.0] 512MB Flash
 * Crucial Gizmo! [USB2.0] 2MB Flash
 * Dell [USB1.1] 64MB Flash
 * Edge DiskGo! [USB1.1] 64MB Flash
 * Energy Sistem Lunnatic 3600 Duo 512MB Flash
 * Fujifilm [USB1.1] 64MB Flash
 * Generic [USB1.1] (Memory: Freedik-LWFormat) 128MB Flash
 * Generic [USB2.0] (Memory: SM_USB20?) 128MB Flash
 * Huibo Netspirit [USB1.1] 32MB Flash
 * Imation [USB 2.0] 2GB
 * Iomega Micro Mini [USB2.0] 64MB Flash
 * Iomega Micro Mini [USB2.0] 128MB Flash
 * Kingston [USB1.1] 256MB Flash
 * Kingston DataTraveler DTI 1GB USB 2.0
 * Leadtek WinFast [USB2.0] 128MB
 * Lexar JumpDrive [USB1.1] 64MB Flash
 * Lexar JumpDrive [USB1.1] (Memory: Secure JDS064-04-500D) 64MB Flash
 * Lexar JumpDrive [USB1.1] (Memory: Secure JDS128-04-500D) 128MB Flash
 * Lexar JumpDrive Pro [USB2.0] 256MB Flash
 * Lexar JumpDrive Elite [USB2.0] 1024MB Flash
 * Lexar JumpDrive Secure [USB2.0] 1024MB Flash (Must format after removing secure partition)
 * LG Mirror [USB2.0] 1024MB Flash
 * Memorex Thumb Drive [USB2.0] 128MB Flash
 * PNY Attache [USB1.1] 64MB Flash
 * Sandisk Cruzer Micro [USB2.0] 128MB Flash
 * Sandisk Cruzer Micro [USB2.0] 512MB Flash
 * Sandisk Cruzer Micro [USB2.0] 1024MB Flash
 * Sandisk Cruzer Micro [USB2.0] 4096MB Flash
 * Sandisk Cruzer Micro U3 [USB2.0] 512MB Flash (SDCZ6-512) (tested before removing U3 partition)
 * Sandisk Cruzer Micro U3 [USB2.0] 1024MB Flash (SDCZ6-1024) (tested after removing U3 partition)
 * Sandisk Cruzer Micro U3 [USB2.0] 2048MB Flash (SDCZ6-2048) (tested after removing U3 partition)
 * Sandisk Cruzer Micro U3 [USB2.0] 4GB Flash (SDCZ6-4096-E10) (tested after removing U3 partition)
 * Sandisk Cruzer Mini [USB2.0] 128MB Flash
 * Sandisk Cruzer Mini [USB2.0] (Memory: SDCZ2-25607) 256MB Flash
 * SimpleTech [USB2.0] 128MB Flash
 * SimpleTech [USB1.1] 256MB Flash
 * SYNNEX 406 [USB1.1] (Memory: Oti oti006808) 128MB Flash
 * SwissBit Twist 128MB
 * TakeMS MEM-Drive Easy [USB.2.0] 2048MB Flash
 * Transcend Jetflash [USB2.0] (Memory: TS256MJF2A) 256MB Flash
 * Transcend Jetflash [USB1.1] 128MB Flash
 * Transcend Jetflash (Memory: TM256MJFLASD) 256MB Flash
 * Transcend JetFlash 110 (512 MB)
 * Transcend JetFlash 110 (Memory: TS1GJF110 )(1024 MB)
 * Transcend JetFlash V30 (TS1GJFV30) (1024 MB)
 * TwinMOS Mobile Disk 111 [USB1.1] 128MB Flash
 * TwinMOS Mobile Disk Z4 [USB 2.0] 2GB
 * Wharton "Flash Disk" [USB 2.0] 1GB

USB Memory Card Readers
'''Note! Only one memory-card/storage/device at a time can be connected to a Memory Card Reader when testing:'''
 * Lexar JumpDrive Trio SD Memory Stick adapter, (supported memory-cards: SD and Sony Memory-Stick). Sizes tested: 256MB
 * SIIG CF Card Reader (supported memory-cards: Compact Flash)
 * HAMA 32in1 Card Reader, USB 2.0 Hub (supports: CF I/II, MemoryStick, SecureDigital, MMC & xD) Tested: Sandisk SecureDigital 512MB (NOTE: only 1 USB port in Hub works with XBMC)
 * Sandisk imagemate 12 in 1 card reader (supports: memory stick pro duo 1GB and 2GB)

Portable Media Players (Music and Video Players)

 * S1 MP3 Player, a unbranded flash-based S1 MP3 Player, which is a type of Chinese-made digital audio player. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is GEMBIRD (GMB Tech) but they are sold under at least two dozen different other brand names and in a variety of case designs. There are also several models which carry no brand name or model number on the device or packing, and a few sold under counterfeit trademarks such as Sony or iPod. Some versions have a small colour (1.5 - 3.5 inch) display and can play videos, these are referred to as an MP4 Player or MTV Player. This is a list of a few of the availble "S1 MP3 Player" brands and models (a more complete list can be found here):
 * InnoAX iMX-120
 * Orb A3188
 * Sandisk Sansa C150 ( USB-Auto-Detect must be disabled in settings-menu )
 * Sumvision M18 (256MB/512MG/1GB/2GB models in different colors)
 * Tamashi KXB256 / KXB512 / KXB1024
 * Tamashi KSB256 / KSB512
 * Tamashi MKB256 / MKB512
 * Mach Trio 2 GB
 * JFF Nano (Digital MP3/4 Player)
 * Mithus (Digital MP3 Player)
 * DNT V-Box 1GB MP3-Player
 * iRiver T10 1GB UMS Change from MTP to UMS

Digital Cameras

 * Fuji FinePix A330 (tested Size 256mb)
 * Minolta Dimage X20 (tested cards: Nokia DTS-64 MMC 64MB FAT12 / Toshiba MMC 128MB FAT16 / Nokia MiniSD 128MB FAT16)
 * Nikon 4300 Digital Camera [uses memory-card: Compact Flash] (tested sizes: 256MB)
 * Nikon D50 SLR Digital Camera [tested Cards: Secure Digital] (tested sizes: 1GB)
 * Nikon Coolpix L4 [tested Cards: Secure Digital 512MB]; USB setting on camera set to "Mass Storage"
 * Traveler DC-5600 Digital Camera (tested size: 256mb)
 * Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX9 Camera [tested card : Secure Digital] (tested size: 256Mb FAT16)

Mobile/Cellular Phones

 * Nokia 5300 ME mobile-phone (tested: Nokia 512MB microSD, FAT16)
 * Nokia 6280 mobile-phone
 * Nokia E50 smart phone (tested: SanDisk 2.0GB microSD, FAT16)
 * Nokia E60 smart phone (tested: Nokia 256MB MMC Mobile, FAT16)
 * Nokia E61 smart phone (tested: Kingston 512MB miniSD, FAT16)
 * Nokia E70 smart phone (tested: Kingston 512MB miniSD, FAT16)
 * Nokia N73 smart phone (tested: Nokia 1GB miniSD, FAT16)

Other USB Mass Storage Devices

 * PlayStation Portable (PSP) by Sony (can hold a Memory Stick PRO Duo up to 4GB in size)
 * Nokia 770 Internet Tablet (tested: Kingston 256MB MMC Mobile, FAT16)

USB Devices that are not compatible with XBMC
These USB devices have been tested with supported file-system and did NOT work in XBMC:

USB Harddisk Drives

 * None tested as of yet.

USB Flash Stick Devices

 * Apacer Handy Steno HT203 1GB USB 2.0


 * Dane Elec 4GB USB 2.0
 * Dell [USB1.1] 64MB Flash


 * Integral Flash Drive {Silver} [USB2.0] 4096MB Flash


 * Intenso Premium Line 4GB (FAT16 and FAT32 Tested)
 * Kingston DataTraveler ELITE 512MB USB2.0
 * Kingston DataTraveler ELITE 1GB USB2.0 (tested with FAT16 and FAT32)
 * Kingston DataTraveler II 1GB USB 2.0
 * Kingston DataTraveler DTI 2GB USB 2.0 (FAT16 and FAT32 Tested)
 * Kingston DataTraveler DTI 4GB USB 2.0
 * Maxell USB Disk [USB 2.0] 1GB


 * PNY Attache 1GB USB 2.0
 * PNY Attache 2GB USB 2.0


 * Ram Bo UltraDisk Pro 4GB USB 2.0


 * Sony Micro Vault 512MB USB 2.0
 * Toshiba TRANS MEMORY 512MB USB 2.0
 * Toshiba TRANS MEMORY 2GB USB 2.0
 * Twinmos Mobile Disk T4 USB 2.0 512 MB
 * Mikomi 256MB USB 2.0


 * Verbatim Store'n'Go 01GB USB 2.0 Drive

USB Memory Card Readers
'''Note! Only one memory-card/storage/device at a time can be connected to a Memory Card Reader when testing:'''
 * A-data 9 in 1 Card Reader (Model No: CR-V10-U9I)
 * Lexar Media "Multi-Card Reader" - RW018 VER:B2 - 3 in 1 - USB 2.0
 * Sony Memory Stick Reader/Writer MSAC-US1
 * Typhoon "8 in 1 Card Reader" USB 2.0 (MS pro Duo 512mb + SD Card PQI 256mb)
 * Tevion "6 in 1" MS pro Duo 512mb + SD Card PQI 256mb)
 * TwinMOS USB2.0 8 in1 Card Reader / Writer
 * TwinMOS USB2.0 RSMMC Card Reader/ Writer
 * TwinMOS USB2.0 MiniSD Card Reader / Writer
 * TwinMOS USB2.0 MicroSD Card Reader/ Writer
 * TwinMOS USB 2.0 8-in-1 Card Reader/Writer (Model nr:CRW82IB)
 * Silicon Power - Multi-Slots, 8-in-1 USB2.0 CardReader, model SP8R-2

Portable Media Players (Music and Video Players)

 * iPod (Apple iPod) which have more than 4GB in memory-size (doesn't work because they are larger than 4GB)
 * iPod Nano 2nd Generation 2GB
 * SITECOM Cube MP3 Player, Model : MP-310 (plugs-in a SecureDigital card) (sizes tested: 64MB, 128MB, 4GB)
 * GPH GP2X - F100 (portable gaming console and media player featuring an SD slot and 64Mb internal NAND)
 * Creative MuVo TX (1GB, USB2.0)
 * iRiver H340 [USB2.0] [40gb], (probably doesn't work because it is larger than 4GB)
 * Rio Carbon (Silver, 5GB)

Digital Cameras

 * Canon Ixus 40 (1GB Kingston Secure Digital memory card)
 * Canon PowerShot A510 (512MB SanDisk memory card) - Note: Uses PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol)
 * Canon PowerShot G3 (Note: PTP mode and NORMAL mode)
 * Canon Rebel XT
 * Casio Exilim EX-Z3 (Casio Docking CA-21 - SanDisk 128MB SD Card)
 * Fuji FinePix A370 (tested with 256Mb xD card)
 * Olympus C-3030 Zoom (USB cable and 64MB Card, Camera to PLAY mode).
 * Sony F707 (Sony MS 128MB)

Mobile/Cellular Phones

 * Motorola SLVR L7 cellphone with 1GB PNY Micro-SD card, configured as card reader
 * Sony Ericsson W810i
 * Nokia 9300 Communicator (DKU-2 cable) (Note: This device does *not* support USB Mass Storage class at all)

Other USB Mass Storage Devices

 * Audiovox PPC-6600 WM2003SE PocketPC with Card Export II

More information about USB Mass Storage

 * USB Mass Storage and FAT12/FAT16/VFAT/FAT32 in XBMC for Xbox - developers development-discussion in this WIKI
 * XBMC developers forum topic-thread on FAT12/16/32 (and VFAT) development-discussion
 * XBMC end-user USB Mass Storage discussion forum topic-thread before FAT16/FAT32 was added to XBMC