Archive:Install XBMC on ZBOXHD-ID11
Difficulty: (Beginner to Intermediate)
Hardware: Zotac ZBOXHD-ID11-U
XBMCFreak Version: 10.0 Beta 1
XBMC SVN Version: 33324
Author: wiz561
Last Updated: Sep 11, 2010 Started this endeavor.
Introduction
First, hats off to rodercot who I'm borrowing the format of his howto page for the zotac box.
The reason why I'm doing this is because there's a ton of good information out there on using the ZBOXHD-ID11 (id11 for short, for now on), but there's not a good repository of information out there on how to get this started. I'm also doing this for myself so when I go to upgrade, I can look back at my notes here and get it back up and running without much fuss.
Parts List
I picked all the parts up at the local Fry's. I am not endorsing or telling you to go to Fry's, I just picked it because it was local and they had everything in stock. Feel free to use whatever place you want.
| Fry's Part Number | Manufacturer's Number | Description | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6334091 | ZBOXHD-ID11-U | ZOTAC ZBOX ZBOXHD-ID11-U Intel Atom D510 1.66 GHz Dual Core All-in-One Mini-PC Barebone | 1 | 229.99 |
| 6206320 | WD1200BEVT | WESTERN DIGITAL 120GB SERIAL ATA/300 5400RPM 8MB BUFFER NOTEBOOK HARD DRIVE - WD1200BEVT | 1 | 39.99 |
| 5175606 | VS2GSDS667D2 | 2GB DDR2 PC5300 SO-DIMM / 200-PIN (single) / CORSAIR / VS2GSDS667D2 | 1 | 49.99 |
| 5390958 | CE-000022-S1 | SIIG Vista MCE Remote Controller | 1 | 39.99 |
| Subtotal: | 359.96 |
Other things you might need...
- USB Thumb Drive
- HDMI Cable
- Keyboard
Step 1: Install Hardware
I'm not going to detail this step because the Zotac manual does a good job at doing this. Basically, put the hard drive in, the memory in, connect the HDMI cable to your TV, and a keyboard to a USB port.
Step 2: Update Bios
It's probably a good idea to flash the BIOS before you get started. Some may advise against it because you risk bricking the box. I like it because it fixes many problems.
- Download 'unetbootin' from sourceforge. unetbootin
- Download BIOS flash files from Zotac Zotac ID11 Downloads
- Start unetbootin and choose "FreeDos" for the distribution.
- Copy "AFUDOS" and the BIOS from the Zotac flash bios download to the usb thumb drive.
- Restart
- Load FreeDOS LiveCD with HiMEM + EMM386
- Change the drive to B: or C:. Basically, you want to find the AFUDOS directory. Some say it's on B:, I found it on C:.
- Read the readme.txt file for instructions to flash the BIOS!!! I had to add a couple of switches to the command so it flashes everything!
- Flash the bios.
- Reboot and hopefully things will work.
Step 3: Change some BIOS Options
After the flash, I went in and made a few changes in the bios. Here are the changes...
- Load optimal settings
- Change IDE SATA drive from IDE to AHCI.
- Changed power saving to S3
- Changed the post to video thing to enabled
i think that was it. I'll verify this later.
== Step 4: Download xbmcfreak and 'burn' it to usb
I chose xbmcfreak for the livecd distribution. I usually like installing Ubuntu, then configuring xbmc and doing everything else. As I get older, I'm getting lazier and don't feel like going through all the hassles of it. I was a little leery at first on using this distribution, but I'll take my chances. While I haven't used it extensively yet, I like it so far.
I also used the SVN version of xbmcfreak livecd. I guess it's still in me to tinker with things a little bit. ;)
- I'll finish this later. I have to run out for a few hours. ***