Original XBox compatible USB memory stick + additional cable question

[Link83]

Link83 - the Sandisk Cruzer Micro 1GB and 2GB are both on the Wiki 'working' list without any additional notes. But the 4GB version is shown as requring formating in a PC to FAT32 before working. Maybe the other two are the same.

<EDIT - The SanDisk 2GB Cruzer Micro I own is working fine with the Xbox, please see my later post>
Thanks, I just tried the Sandisk 2GB Cruzer Micro memory stick formatted as FAT/FAT16 and FAT32, and neither way made any difference

When you first insert it the Xbox does not recognise it at all, it does not come up with any corrupted warnings or anything it simply does not appear.

Once you reboot the Xbox it suddenly appears as a Memory Unit with over 50000+ blocks free, however when you go to the Hard Drive game saves to copy them there is no 'Copy' option, only 'Delete' just as though a memory card was not inserted.

I then tried erasing the whole memory card with the Xbox memory menu, this caused the Memory Unit to dissapear again, and required a reboot to make it appear again, but once again I could not copy any file to it.

I repeated this whole process with the memory stick originally formatted as FAT/FAT16 and FAT32 with exactly the same results.

I think its worth mentioning that although that list stated the SanDisk 2GB Cruzer Micro is compatible, I have since noticed that there is more than one type/style of SanDisk Cruzer Micro, for instance:-



My model is the last one, which does not seem to be Xbox compatible.
<EDIT - The SanDisk 2GB Cruzer Micro I own is working fine with the Xbox, please see my later post>
With all these model variations I dont know how you could find an Xbox compatible one nowadays without a lot of trial and error

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Edit: I certainly can't find any cables with 'enclosed' USB sockets.

On the other matter personally I'd go for that eBay.com off the shelf USB to main XBox controller plug adapter socket. It may be clunky looking but it's going to be a). cheaper unless you have existing cables and b). prettier than splicing together two unmatched cables or attaching that rather crude looking Maplin USB male plug.

Thanks for looking, shortly after I posted I managed to find this USB to XBox adaptor which does have an enclosed USB socket:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170439007093

However the cable is 6 foot long, and I really dont need it that length!

I also found this one:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370327927914

Which is quite neat and compact, although I am not sure if I like the idea of a USB drive sticking out from the Xbox that far. Also, it might put unnecessary strain on the Xbox controller port.

I guess I will just have to stop being so discerning!

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In regards to the Xbox controller to USB adaptors I found this discontinued product:-

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-6m-77-3-49-en-15-xbox+USB-70-252.html

It seems to be just what we were originally looking for, an Xbox controller breakway plug to USB adaptor, although I am having no look finding it still available anywhere.

I have also used the bitsbox store before, really great service and cheap prices

I also had a look at Maplins DIY USB plugs here:-

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=219686

and they do look very crude with no plastic covering.

I also found this one on ebay which is slightly different:-

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390146631190

Although still no mention of a plastic covering. I have emailed the seller just to check if a plastic cover is included and just not pictured, and will update this post if I receive a reply.

I think I will probably just buy the Xbox controller to USB adaptor I previously linked to on ebay as you suggested, it seems like the easiest solution at this point

[fallenangle]

Thanks for all that. It'll be interesting checking out some of those links.

Firstly though: I'm sure it's not the case but I have to ask this so apologies for doing so:-

When you tried to copy to the memory stick were you clicking on a). an actual game save rather than the main configuration file icon and b). were you using a game save that you're certain can be copied? A significant number of XBox games do not allow copying to a memory card at all.

The fact there are 3 different Sandisk Cruzer Micro versions and that some don't work and others do doesn't surprise me either. I think they warn in the wiki article that manufacturers of "cheap" memory sticks source their components on price rather than consistent specification. It is, as I think I said, a total lottery finding a working one (unless you find a nice guy like smouty to help).

I ordered one of those Xbox controller USB adapters you found yesterday. Not sure if was the same seller but it's apparently winging it's way to me as we speak

I found that discontinued one at Play-Asia too, first place I looked after I saw most of the cables on eBay were from HK or China. What I hadn't noticed were the various Mayflash XBox controller to USB cables they do sell and are in stock. More expensive and even the single controller adapter seems to have an extremely large although not that ugly connector dock. Plenty of positive customer feedback so might be worth considering as an option.

[Link83]

After just testing again, it does appear that I have messed up

I was selecting the 'configuration file' as you suggested, and was forgetting to press 'right' in order to select the actual game save file (I do think its a bit odd having to press right to select the actual game save file) It has been years since I last copied an Xbox game save file to a memory card, so I had completely forgotten you had to do that. I feel like a complete idiot, so sorry for any confusion.

Anyway, the SanDisk 2GB Cruzer Micro I own appears to work fine. I have copied game save files across, and even removed it and plugged it in again and the save files are still there so I think you can class that one was as working as well (Assuming SanDisk have not changed chip manufacturers since I purchase it from play.com just under a year ago)

For anyone interested in buying the same model of USB memory stick as mine its still available from play.com for &#163;6.99, although 'Usually dispatched within 10 days':-

http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/904314/SanDisk-2GB-Cruzer-Micro-USB-2-0-Memory-Flash-Drive/Product.html

Amazon have it available even cheaper at &#163;4.88, but says its 'Usually dispatched within 3-5 weeks':-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sandisk-2GB-Cruzer-Micro-Skin/dp/B000BRC76C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1264969311&sr=8-1

You probably already know that if you want to copy the save files to a PC you would need to use the Action Replay software, due to the memory stick being formatted as FATX by the Xbox:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FATX

If you want me to do any more tests please let me know.

I ordered one of those Xbox controller USB adapters you found yesterday. Not sure if was the same seller but it's apparently winging it's way to me as we speak

Please let us know what its like when it arrives (Maybe even a pic of it with an Xbox Controller plugged in?)

What I hadn't noticed were the various Mayflash XBox controller to USB cables they do sell and are in stock. More expensive and even the single controller adapter seems to have an extremely large although not that ugly connector dock. Plenty of positive customer feedback so might be worth considering as an option.

Yeah I had noticed those as well, but they are pretty big considering that no chips are actually needed inside them.
...Unless of course Mayflash have actually added a chip to 'correct' the HID descriptors and so allow an Xbox controller to be used as a standard HID gamepad without any XBCD drivers? I somehow doubt that though.

On an slightly unrelated note, I really cant understand the purpose of this mod:-

http://mesh.typepad.com/blog/2005/01/creating_a_usb_.html

It just seems like a complete waste of an Xbox memory card to me. The Xbox controller acts as a USB hub, with the Xbox controller 'connected' to one port, and the other two ports used for the memory card slots:-

http://euc.jp/periphs/xbox-controller.en.html

So why not just use a USB to Xbox adaptor like the ones we are using?

[fallenangle]

I'll certainly let you know what the cable is like when I get but sorry I won't be able to post a pic - no digital/web-camera.

Good news about the Sandisk memory stick actually working but is there anyway to test if that was also due to the reformatting you did? Is there any way to return it to its original unused state to find out?

Don't worry about the XBox game save copying thing I've made the same mistake myself. It's always struck me as an odd save display system.

The Mayflash cables come with some sort of driver which from what one of the feedback posts says is on a floppy disc. But others mention there is a more up to date driver you can download, presumably, on the Mayflash web site. It suggests there could well be some sort chip in the connector housing - I can't think why it should be that big unless it did contain something more than the basic USB connections.

[Link83]

I'll certainly let you know what the cable is like when I get but sorry I won't be able to post a pic - no digital/web-camera.

Thats great no worries about the picture.

Good news about the Sandisk memory stick actually working but is there anyway to test if that was also due to the reformatting you did? Is there any way to return it to its original unused state to find out?

I dont think it has anything to do with the formatting the memory stick was originally in, as either way the Xbox just formats it as FATX the first time you use it.

If you mean the formatting I did in the Xbox memory menu, then no I dont believe that had anything to do with it either, the Xbox just seems to format it by itself the first time its used, which I think is why it does not appear at all the first time you use it (As it was originally still formatted as FAT16 or FAT32, so was not recognised as a memory card by the Xbox) It only appears as a memory card once you reboot the Xbox.

When I plug it back into the PC it appears as a RAW unformatted drive, as expected. I can reformat it easily in Windows XP by just right clicking the drive and clicking 'format', the memory stick seems to suffer no ill effects. I would imagine I could access it when formatted as FATX using the Action Replay software, but I have not tried this as yet.

Hopefully that answers your question? Please let me know if not.

Don't worry about the XBox game save copying thing I've made the same mistake myself. It's always struck me as an odd save display system.

Glad it's not just me then! I cant think of any other console where you cant just select the displayed save file and copy it. Its almost like a folder structure on Windows, with you having to press right to go inside the folder to copy the individual files.

The Mayflash cables come with some sort of driver which from what one of the feedback posts says is on a floppy disc. But others mention there is a more up to date driver you can download, presumably, on the Mayflash web site. It suggests there could well be some sort chip in the connector housing - I can't think why it should be that big unless it did contain something more than the basic USB connections.

If it did have a chip inside then there should be no need for a drivers disk, so it sounds like its just a straight through adaptor, but in a large-ish casing.

I would imagine the Mayflash two port and four port adaptors do have a chip inside them - but only because they are basically a USB hub (USB hubs do usually have a chip inside them) just with Xbox controller port shaped USB sockets.

[fallenangle]

Thanks for the info on the memory stick. Now I have a working one reserved exclusively for XBox use sometime I might well take the risk and get one of the other versions of that Sandisk Micro just to see if it works for that as well as the other task I have for it.

I looked at that memory card USB mod link you posted and agreed it is a very odd, rather wasteful, ugly and over complicated solution to the problem. I can't think of any benefit doing it that way. Interesting to see the workings inside a XBox memory card though.

[Link83]

Just a little update, for fun I downloaded and installed the Xbox Action Replay software just to see if it could read the USB memory stick I had copied save files to with the Xbox. Unfortunately it did not recognise it at all initially, then I read here:-

http://www.xbox-linux.org/wiki/Savegame_Transfer_using_Action_Replay_HOWTO

That you need to add the USB memory stick vendor ID and product ID to the configuration file, which I did, but it still did not recognise the memory stick

Next I used the Windows device manager to update the driver for the USB memory stick to the special driver provided with the Xbox Action Replay software, and then finally it recognised the memory stick!

However, when the Action Replay program loaded up it started listing the save files that I had copied to the memory stick, but then carried on listing files called 'unnamed title' repeatedly. It seemed to keep adding an infinite amount of these 'unnamed titles' files to the list, so that after about 10 seconds the program just crashed, so I was unable to copy the saves files using the Action Replay software. I uninstalled the Action Replay software/drivers and thought that was that.

However, after a little research I found a program called 'Xplorer360' here:-

http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EEZlFFZukunmrBvsbQ.php

Which is mainly meant for reading Xbox 360 hard drives/memory cards, but since the 360 also uses FATX formatting it mentioned that it should work for original Xbox memory cards aswell. So I gave that a go, and after selecting:-

Drive > Open > Harddrive or Memcard...
and then double clicking 'Partition 0'

I was able to access the USB memory stick, and open all the folders with each individual game save file! (The memory stick uses a 'tree' folder structure like Windows, so you need to click the little '+' sign to open individual folders/files) It worked great, no driver changes necessary

I just thought I would mention all this in case somebody is interested in trying a similar thing in the future, to save them all the hassle I had

[smouty]

I found a spare cable if anyone needs one to mod.

[C0ward]

I'm in a similar situation. I bought the xbox-usb cable and a copy of Splinter Cell for the softmod and am just getting around to finding a compatible usb stick now.

I was thinking about buying one of the Sandisk micro's but I'm not so sure now. I wouldn't want to spend money on one that doesn't work.

[fallenangle]

I received my Xbox controller to USB cable today. Nice speedy delivery for the US - 6 working days

The eBay seller was not the same one Link83 found I think but another: knightdiscounts.com who were offering it slightly cheaper.

Haven't worked out how to test it yet but it looks fine.

EDIT 1: not having a PC (yet) I can't test it for that purpose. Instead I simply connnected it to the Xbox via my Xbox to USB (female) adapter cable. The controller worked perfectly used this way so I guess everything is wired up correctly.

The controller connector socket on the cable is a bit chunkier than it needs to be but the design is a very good match for the Xbox controller plug. It certainly doesn't look ugly.

In short - if you need a Xbox controller to PC USB cable I can't see any reason to bother with DIY mods to convert existing cables when you can get this at <$10 delivered.

EDIT 2

I've just bought a SanDisk 1GB Micro Cruzer U3 Smart from Amazon. Looks to be very similar to the second picture of the three SandDisk versions posted by Link83 earlier in the thread. Unfortunately it does not work with the XBox.

I tried booting it from each of the three spare controller ports starting with the XBox powered off and then starting with it already powered on. It just isn't recognised. Smouty's natty little stick is working fine and I've used it just this week when softmodding my XBox.

EDIT 3

Add another USB compatability failure to the list. The silver 2GB SanDisk Cruzer Micro Skin USB 2.0 Flash Drive doesn't work either. Recognised as a FAT16 memory stick by one of my Xboxes but not the others and in neither case can game saves be copied to it.

[fallenangle]

Also meant to say about the SanDisk Cruzer sticks that there are apparently quite a few dodgy ones out there, particularly via eBay.

The one I bought from Amazon looks genuine and seems to have all the correct files and apps it apparently should have.

What I'd be interested to know is exactly what makes it incompatable with the XBox and whether by deleting some of what's there you could make it work. I guess that's a bit too techy a question to ask here.

I'm now trying to get hold of one of those silver 2GB SanDisk Cruzer Micro versions Link83 confirmed works. Unfortunately due to site incompatabilty issues I can't order it from Play.com who still sell them but I found one on eBay which seems to be the same. Fingers crossed it is the same, isn't dodgy and, of course, works on the XBox.

[Link83]

Thanks for the info about the Xbox controller to USB adaptor, I think I may just have to get one now

Sorry to hear about your memory stick, just out of curiousity have you tried formatting it on a PC as both FAT16 and FAT32 before putting it in the Xbox to see if that makes any difference?

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On another note, Microsoft recently released a new Xbox 360 dashboard which allows you to use any USB memory stick between 1GB to 16GB on an Xbox 360. Whats interesting is that they are also releasing an official Xbox 360 branded USB memory stick which is made by SanDisk, you can read more about it here:-

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/xbox-360-branded-16gb-drives-from-sandisk-coming-in-may/

http://www.sandisk.com/products/gaming-cards/sandisk-xbox-360-usb-flash-drive

Heres a picture:-

You may notice that it is actually just a rebranded version of the silver SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB memory stick I have! There are only three changes I can see:-
- They have left off the clear outer rubber sheath that covered the main body of the drive (This is meant to be removable any way, as mine has a sticker on the back under the rubber sheath where you can write your name/file contents)
- They changed the colour of the stick and the rubber lid to black
- They added an Xbox 360 logo
Apart from these cosmetic changes its identical to the SanDisk Cruzer Micro I have.

I just wonder if theres is a specific reason why Microsoft choose this model of SanDisk Cruzer Micro as their 'official' Xbox 360 USB memory stick? SanDisk does make plenty of other models of USB memory sticks which they could have choosen.

Perhaps Microsoft tested numerous memory sticks and this model had the best compatability with the Xbox 360? If so I imagine the same compatability might apply to the original Xbox as well - which seems to be confirmed by my own testing of the SanDisk Cruzer Micro on an original Xbox.

...Maybe I am reading into Microsoft's choice too much, since it could have been just been a random decision, or one based on pricing, but I just thought it was at least an interesting coincidence.

I hope you get a genuine Sandisk memory stick and that it works on your Xbox

[fallenangle]

Unfortunately not having a PC I can't try formatting it as FAT16 or FAT32.

I do have the ability to read the files on the stick using my Netgem/BT i-Player and I was looking for perhaps confirmation about how it was formatted but I couldn't find anything relevant.

What's annoying is that the stick works perfectly well on my Netgem i-Player which itself is notoriously very picky about any attached USB device. Everything I've tried before hasn't been recognised.

Interesting info about the official XB360 ones being rebranded SanDisk sticks. No doubt they will be disgustingly overpriced and it'll probably be just as much of a lottery whether they work on the original XBox or not.

EDIT

I've been mostly soft/modding my Xboxes this week and this has allowed me to use the File Manager to look at the previous mentioned IGB SanDisk and a new 2GB SanDisk sticks. Both, when they're recognised that is, are clearly shown as FAT16 memory devices. I've updated the earlier post with more details.

The 2GB one looked/described the same on the eBay listings as Link83's working silver 2GB SanDisk version but when it arrived it wasn't. It was a 2.0 USB Cruzer Micro Skin - perfectly decent (genuine) stick but no good with the XBox.

I'm going to try for a third time and if that doesn't prove successful beg smouty for a couple more of his working sticks. Interestingly the one he sent me is shown as FATX so presumably it was in unformatted state before use.

[Link83]

Sorry to hear your about your bad luck fallenangle

I would really recommend formatting them both on a PC as FAT16 or FAT32 first, because it states on the Xbox Linux compatability page that quite a few brands/models didnt work unless they were first formatted as FAT16 or FAT32 before use. Also I imagine the SanDisk files/utilities could be causing problems as well, and a format should remove those entirely (Although maybe you want them?)

Have you tried testing them on a completely unmodded Xbox? I inserted mine into the USB adaptor before turning on my Xbox console, and then went into the data management section, then only after a reboot did it became visable as a memory card.

I will see if I can dig out the packaging for my SanDisk Cruzer Micro to see what the exact name and SanDisk model number is, although now that you mention it I seem to remember the packaging mentioning 'Cruzer Micro Skin' (Although the 'Skin' bit is not mentioned on the play.com product listing, or on the drive itself) so it sounds like you probably have the same model as mine.

<EDIT>
Well after a bit of searching I found the packaging, and on the front it says:-

SanDisk
Cruzer Micro Skin | USB
USB 2.0 Flash Drive | 2GB

The SanDisk model number shown above the barcode on the back is:-
SDCZ4-2048-E11

I can probably take a picture later if you like?

Does yours match the above? If it does and you have tried all the things mentioned above then the only thing I can think of is that maybe SanDisk changed the USB controller chip used in later revisions

[fallenangle]

Interesting idea. I did try both of them using the MS dash option on the modded machine but not on an untouched PAL one. Worth a try but I don't hold out much hope.

If they're displaying as FAT16 devices surely they've been pre-formatted and that is the problem? Presumably all the partitions are in the wrong places and
and only unformatting them would perhaps allow them to be recognised and correctly formatted when used with the Xbox.

The description and code of the 2GB SanDisk is exactly the same apart from the - E11. My one doesn't have anything after the SCDZ4-2048. Came in sealed retail packaging and looks all correct. It does have a prefix number before the inevitable Made In China lettering which I read is the manufacturing batch code. That is BE0910NSVN - is that the same too?

Did you use it in a PC before using it with the Xbox because I know form all th estuff I've read about softmodding that Windows will reformat any storage device automatically unless you take steps to stop it from doing so?

Many of the claimed working mass storage devices on the wiki list mention reformatting to FAT32 rather than FAT16. I've no idea how the reformatting works but if you have have a modded XBox just how does the File Manager or Hardware (in XBMC) describe the stick?

BTW Hope this post turns out OK because for the first time in ages I'm using my DC with DK.3 to get online.