Xbox 360

Reading the NAND

Reading the NAND is the first hands-on step of every Xbox 360 install. The NAND is the console's onboard flash memory, and it holds both the system software and the unique data that identifies this exact machine. You read it so the software can learn about your console and so you keep a safe backup before changing anything.

Why it matters

It reveals the CPU key. J-Runner recovers your console's unique CPU key from the dump, and the modified image must be built around that key.
It is your safety net. A clean dump taken before any modification is what lets you restore the console if a later step goes wrong.

The overview

Connect the programmer
Attach a NAND programmer to the console's flash and to your computer.
Read the flash
Use J-Runner to dump the NAND to your computer.
Verify the dump
Confirm the read is good and recover the CPU key from it.
Archive a backup
Store an untouched copy somewhere safe before continuing.

Never skip the backup. Without a clean original dump there may be no way back if a later flash fails, so save it before you build or write anything.

With a verified dump and the CPU key in hand, you are ready to install the glitch or exploit and build the image.