Bump. No additions to the latest response?

Its not a necessity to remove/desolder the eeprom chip to be able to get a reading off it - there's a few tutorials around the web showing both methods. Is your reader like this one off ebay ? Yes that is the same exact one! I ordered that specific one from eBay too. I just want to know if I could ...

Very good info, thank you! I did not know I would be desoldering or soldering at all :( I figured I could use the "fake" eeprom to unlock the hdd since it matches on the hdd and then rebuild and lock with new, working eeprom that matches Mobo...... I can't use my hdd I have now at all?? :(

Thanks ! I'll try to do this later of I can figure it out

I found the disc!!!!!! So will a data cable work to USB?? Because I'm not sure how to use Ubuntu to do that

Great ideas and info.... But please keep in mind I have no way to resinstall OS since no disc for that.

Also, wouldn't a sata to USB cable work too??

Thank you! I'll try when I get a chance next couple days wish me luck.

You just need a recovery disc, assuming you have another computer with vista on it and both have optical disc drives do this http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/141820-create-recovery-disc.html . It only costs the price of a blank CD/DVD :) What if the other computer is not the same brand. Like a son...

Hello everyone!!! Thank you for reading my thread. I will explain why I have made this thread and the background details. Hopefully someone with experience or related situation may have a contribution and resolve this issue!! Windows Vista Home Premium Gateway M6846 laptop Phoenix Mobo/bios...? Miss...

I compared the serial number on the bottom sticker of the XBOX to the backup TXT file which was created FROM the eeprom.bin file that I attempted to use. I guess this is why it didn't work. What are you saying here? The serial in the eeprom TXT file doesn't match the serial on your Xbox's case? Yes...

OKAY. I will allow flaming on everyone's behalf because I know I overlooked this small, but VERY significant detail. Since Ive been out of the game for a while... that is. I compared the serial number on the bottom sticker of the XBOX to the backup TXT file which was created FROM the eeprom.bin file...

As I said earlier, and xman just now. Chip it. With a chip, the lock/unlock of a HDD is irrelevant at that point. I Understand...... and believe me I MORE than appreciate your and everyone's input thus far. I am just curious and exploring all of the options considering the time I spent..... so I'd ...

I don't have a chip as of yet. Otherwise I wouldn't be in this predicament. :mrgreen: I would still like to find out the last few things I asked, if possible..? I know when you UNLOCKHD -a it allows you to use the eeprom.bin file to unlock. Is this not the way you're supposed to do it? The Key shoul...

OKAY. I did not know that the chip was so dammmm cheap. Will installing a chip fix all of my problems with the eeprom/hd/files etc? lol

And does it require soldering? If so I need to get one...

You have really hit the nail on the head, I think. So you're saying the only way to unlock the current hdd is to obtain the eeprom bin file via an eeprom reader or find the backup file if I can find it, right? Also, what about if I have another HDD lying around the house.. Is this any good? Or am I...

... and I have my XboxHDM ready to go. So what do I do next? Have you got a PC with an IDE port on the motherboard? That's what you need to use XBOXHDM. Yes sir. I have replied with updates to my endeavors...... I do have and IDE cable/port and have been using it. As you can see I have attempted to...

So I have spent a couple hours trying to hotswap. It appears I can in fact unlock and lock, but also rebuild hdd. However, the xbox shuts off by itself after so many minutes!!! Therefore the power cycle/reboot screws up the series of necessary events (unlock - rebuild - lock). No idea how to prevent...

Same situation. eeprom reader or a chip are your 2 answers. I've just discovered by digging up my OLD desktop.... my FILES!!! NOW, I don't know if this EEPROM backup file that I found is the CORRECT one... but how do I know? I found apps like LiveInfo Beta 3, Slayer Evox, etc... and I have my XboxH...

Hello, What I can basically understand of your post is that you have a Softmodded Xbox with a locked HDD inside. The locked HDD cannot currently be unlocked by the Xbox and returns an error code 06. Basically, the content of the eeprom chip on your Xbox motherboard does not contain the proper "...

Thank you both for your very helpful links and information. I will further read and review my options as suggested by you. I will reply in the near future with what my conclusion is. Thanks again!!