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How to Get an XBox HDD Key

When an Xbox 360 is manufactured, a hard drive is added to the console. This hard drive is "locked" by Microsoft to prevent the contents from being viewed. In order to unlock the hard drive, the system reads a password that is stored in a memory chip known as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory module or EEPROM when the console is first powered on. If a user wants to unlock the hard drive manually, the password must be extracted from the EEPROM chip. Thankfully, using a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) cable and a free program known as JungleFlasher, the password can be downloaded to a computer.

Things You'll Need

Torx-style screwdriver, size 8 and 10
SATA Cable
JungleFlasher software program

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the outside plastic shell of the Xbox and unscrew the Torx screws from the metal case. This will give you access to the Xbox 360 motherboard.
- 2
  Disconnect the SATA cable that runs from the Xbox DVD player to the motherboard.
- 3
  Connect your SATA cable to the Xbox motherboard. The other end of this SATA should be connected to your PC's motherboard.
- 4
  Turn on your PC, ensure its connected to the Internet and download the JungleFlasher software program. Install the software and restart your computer.
- 5
  Run JungleFlasher on your computer. From the main menu, select "Xbox 360 motherboard" and click "Copy HDD Key and EEPROM." The program then connects to the Xbox motherboard and collects the information from the EEPROM chip containing the password. Once completed, click "OK."
- 6
  Turn off your PC. Disconnect the SATA cable running from your PC to the Xbox. Re-attach the SATA cable from the Xbox DVD to the motherboard. Replace the metal casing with the Torx screws and snap on the plastic shell.

Xbox 360