Announcing the recently patched, and updated
PhatHack DMS Tools for Windows!
This could well be the last version of the DMS tools, given it hasn't needed to be updated in over a year since the last version!
This update has primarily been released to resolve the issue we introduced over the last couple of months, where the DMS Tools is essentially useless as the file controlling the firmware downloads has been altered to work with PhatNoise software, breaking our very own tools.
NOTE: This means ALL versions up to this version will NO LONGER WORK correctly without some clever hacking around of files.
As a reminder, the tools are (excluding Hack Files, DMS Disk Signature Backup and Formatting Code) entirely sourced from my own code and may remember to to update the code in the SVN one day. The tools are a standalone application with an easy to use GUI and a little bit of documentation on the side.
This current version has had VERY LITTLE testing, and so there may be some teething problems which I'll resolve as, and when reported.
I offer general support myself for the application (bug fixing etc) for anyone that runs into problems with the tools....so please let me know if you have any problems/concerns running them!
Feel free to PM/e-mail directly if you encounter any problems with these tools and I'll do my best to provide solutions where possible.
Check out the documentation for some work-arounds to some of the things that have, and may, crop up again.
Breaking news...Please Note: It is becoming apparent that some people are having problems with 'Quick Format'.
If things don't appear to work correctly using this option, then please try again without using the 'Quick Format' option!
Vista/Windows 7 Known IssueThere is a known issue with Windows Vista/7 where the DMS tools may fail at the 'Formatting' stage of the 'Create New DMS' or repair processes.
After much investigation, we've established this is down to Vista/Windows 7 'locking' the file system. We have no idea what this means, or why this happens... but it does seem that a reboot and running the DMS tools straight after reboot gets round this problem. (DO NOT launch any other processes, particularly explorer).
The DownloadsRequirementsCheck out the documentation for PC requirements. To be able to run the tools you must have the .NET Framework 2.0 installed, which is available from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=0856EACB-4362-4B0D-8EDD-AAB15C5E04F5&displaylang=enLatest fixesVersion 2.15- Compatability fix so DMS Tools and PhatNoise software can update firmware from the original dailyphat domain
- Updated patch, which should now inform you if you are hacking a box that is already patched
- Phatbox patch also contains additional fixes to make 'hack' run smoother
- Quick format now available in DMS Tools mode, by answering the new prompt appropriately
Version 2.14- Added 'Install Plugins' feature (DMS Tools Mode)
- Added 'Enable PhatMac Compatibility' feature (DMS Tools Mode, when 'Install AAC' option is checked)
- Fixed 'Create New DMS' failing to launch format process on some machines
Version 2.13- Fixed pre-partitioned disks not being recognised in DMS Tools mode
- Fixed bad/corrupt/unknown volume on disks not allowing disks to be recognised in DMS Tools mode
- Fixed incompatibility with PhatHack Media Manager (requires PhatHack Media Manager update)
- Added stub launcher, to run DMS tools with elevated permissions (Vista/Windows 7)
- Added 'Boot Check' process, to create/verify contents of bootload.log file to establish cause of boxes that fail to boot
- Added 'RC Logs', options to install RC pairs to the DMS. (Note: Default=No logging)
Version 2.12- Reverts to playlist style hack
- Added AAC plugin workaround
- Added Repair DMS(PHTSYS) function (formats and loads firmware to PHTSYS)
- Added Repair DMS(FULL) function (formats PHTSYS, PHTDTA and loads firmware)
- Fixed New DMS process (or repair DMS FULL) to create single playlist, plus SSA data files
Version 2.11Version 2.10- Added 'Install non-hacked firmware' option for use with original DMS/PhatBox combinations.
Version 2.9- Fixed firmware download issues.
- Fixed error when using 'Update firmware'.
Version 2.8- Added firmware selection to log (for replication purposes).
Version 2.7- Modified location of firmware definition file 'am.xml'.
- Fixed GUI not showing successful DMS creation/firmware update.
Version 2.6- Added automatic device ejection on successful patch application.
- Added 'Flash PhatBox with Firmware' option to enable firmware switching. (Experimental, may cause your PhatBox to stop working - recoverable)
- Added 'Update Firmware' button to perform firmware updates only. (Unproven, and may cause your PhatBox to stop working - recoverable)
- Added 'Install VIOT' option to install Kenwood SSA. (This installs and works fine, if your data files are good that is!)
- Fixed error when no firmware available for loading.
- Added backup URL for Firmware XML files.
Version 2.5- Fixed issues caused by WMI returning device entries with no signature information
Version 2.4- Fixed issues caused by WMI reporting invalid partition records
- Now generates CurrentSetup.xml. PhatNoise Media Manager may now work with your DMS!
- Fixed formatting issue for firmware details
ThanksMany thanks to all the testers who have perservered, re-running the tools where required and providing me with invaluable information!
Thanks also to ButchHandy for the basis of the documentation for the Windows Vista workarounds for the dd backup...!
Everyone that has provided feedback should be appropriately credit as per the screenshot above. If you are not shown, and you provided feedback, let me know and I'll put you on the list!
Let the bug reporting begin!
[Ignore this stuff here, just a bunch of tags for searching purposes]
Create New DMS, DMS Hack, Create DMS, Update, Firmware, Tools, Windows, Hack, PMM
