Preventing the Forced Dashboard Online Update
From Xbox-Linux
(by Michael Steil, 25 Sep 2003)
On September 11th 2003, Microsoft started updating the Dashboard of all Xboxes connected to the internet, even those not registered with Xbox Live, and disabled the possibility of adding the "BOOT LINUX" item to the dashboard - without asking (http://www.xbox-linux.org/docs/remotedelete.html)! Although we complained by making telephone calls, writing emails and informing the press, Microsoft could not provide us any other solution than disconnecting the Xbox from the internet in order to prevent the unwanted update.
This article helps you to prevent Microsoft from updating your Xbox, if you are no Xbox Live user. If you subscribed to Xbox Live, there is currently no solution for you.
Edit: Sorry if this is in the wrong place. This is no longer limited to Xbox Live! NCAA Football 2005 and likely other games run the update as soon as you put the disk in! They give you no warning, and load it off the dvd! I did not even have my Xbox connected to my network when it ran. The update does not work (Xbox says it needs to be serviced, and the game is unplayable) if you have Xbox Linux installed, but if you don't, it runs so fast you might not even notice until it is too late to stop!
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Using a Firewall
If you have a firewall, all you need to do is to block port 3074/UDP and possibly 3074/TCP. This port has been registered by Microsoft at the IANA for use with the Xbox. The Xbox also uses port 88/UDP (Kerberos 5) for communication with Microsoft's servers; you might also want to block it as well, if you don't want games such as Splinter Cell to phone home (http://www.xbox-linux.org/docs/xboxphoneshome.html).
Cripple the Network Settings
If you use the network only with Linux, and perhaps for playing (non-Xbox-Live) network games, there is no need to enter everything into the network settings correctly.
Linux on the Xbox does not use the network settings entered in the Dashboard, so if you never play games in a local network, just enter incorrect information in the settings.
If you want to play games in a local network, the IP address and the netmask must be correct, but neither gateway not the DNS servers need to be correct. Just enter incorrect settings.
If you don't have a DHCP server in your local network, the easiest way to enter invalid settings is to set everything to "Automatic".
Rename the Update Application
The file "C:\xodash\update.xbe" seems to be responsible for the update. If you rename it, it cannot be executed any longer. You should get an error when the Xbox wants to update the Dashboard.
Always keep the Dashboard Modification installed
If you have applied "MechInstaller" already, you're safe. The update will not work then.
Never select "XBOX LIVE"
This might be the easiest recommendation, but also the least safe one. You're safe if you never select this menu entry.
Stop the Update, if it's too late
If the Xbox starts updating the Dashboard, and the progess bar has not reached 50% yet, just unplug the network cable. The Xbox will cancel the update then. Do not turn off the Xbox while updating, because this is likely to break the C: filesystem.
Ask Microsoft
For further assistance, you might consider asking Microsoft - since it's them who want to update your Xbox against your will. Contact information (email, telephone) are on their website.
