> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://insignia-1.gitbook.io/unofficial-guide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://insignia-1.gitbook.io/unofficial-guide/insignia-live-guide/prepare-your-console.md).

# Prepare Your Console

This page provides guidance on how to prepare your console to connect to Insignia Live.

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**Insignia Closed Beta Period**

Insignia's closed beta is coming up, and we'd like to ensure our users can play as soon as their invites have been delivered; this blog post will run through setting up your console and account and potential pitfalls you might run into.
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**Important Note:** You must complete this guide using an Official Microsoft Xbox controller; using third-party or modified devices may result in an error.
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## Prerequisites <a href="#getting-your-console-ready" id="getting-your-console-ready"></a>

To connect to Insignia Live, your console will require the Version 2 (V2) Xbox Live Dashboard. This is commonly referred to as [Microsoft Xbox Dashboard 5960](https://archive.org/details/XboxDashboard5960).

You confirm that you have the correct Xbox Live Dashboard by selecting "Xbox Live". If the "Select Account" screen appears, as shown below, you have the correct version.

Your console has the stock dashboard **if you do not see this screen**. In this instance, you will need to update your console.

<figure><img src="https://r2-cdn.insignia.live/ConnectPageMOTD.png" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Xbox Live Dashboard with Insignia Message of the Day</p></figcaption></figure>

### How To Update An Unmodified Console

You can get the update by inserting a game that includes the updated dashboard. A list of games that include the update on the disk can be found here: <https://consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox:5960_Games>

### How To Update A Modified Console

If your console is modified, you should refer to the user documentation for your chosen modification. Some custom dashboards, such as XBMC4Gamers, include a downloader function, which will provide you access to the required dashboard.

## Register Your Xbox

To connect to Insignia Live, you must register your console using the Insignia Setup Assistant. You can complete this registration before receiving your subscription code.

To register, you need to run the setup assistant; this is easier if your system is already modded, but it's not an issue if it's a stock console.

### Using The Setup Assistant On Modified Consoles <a href="#hardmoddedsoftmodded-systems" id="hardmoddedsoftmodded-systems"></a>

Modified consoles can already run unsigned Xbox Executable (.XBE) files. To register your Xbox, complete the following steps:

* [ ] Visit <https://github.com/insignia-live/setup-assistant-release/releases/latest>
* [ ] Download the Default.xbe File
* [ ] Connect to your Xbox using FTP
* [ ] Navigate to your prefered "Applications" folder and create a new folder called "InsigniaAssistant"
* [ ] Transfer the Default.xbe file to the newly created "InsigniaAssistant" folder
* [ ] On the console, navigate to the "InsigniaAssistant" folder
* [ ] Run the Default.xbe Xbox Executable
* [ ] When the application loads, select "Register Xbox"

#### Known Issues

* Some older software modifications may block Xbox Live; Rocky5's software modification does not block Xbox Live, and you can easily upgrade by using the Extras Disc.
* Most BIOSes block Xbox Live in some capacity; in testing, the insignia team confirmed EvoX M8+ doesn't block Xbox Live. To fix this permanently, you could reflash your BIOS. However, the [xblunblock](https://github.com/insignia-live/xblunblock) tool would work if run before launching your game of choice (this would need to be run every time you rebooted the console).
* Any console using a "NULLed" HDD Key (a key of all zeroes) will not be able to connect without changing the HDD key. [Some games](https://consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox:Games_with_Non-Roamable_\(EEPROM-Locked\)_Saves) are signed using the HDD key, so changing it would break those save games.
* Some dashboards (EvolutionX and UnleashX) do not support a Dynamic IP with Static DNS combo and may overwrite your DNS every time they're launched, causing connectivity issues. If you're experiencing connectivity issues in-game, you will need to use their settings to set a static IP and DNS combo, using **46.101.64.175** as your primary DNS and another DNS provider (such as Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 or Google's 8.8.8.8) as secondary. XBMC will work if its Network Settings are set to "Default (Dashboard)", as will other dashboards such as [LithiumX](https://github.com/Ryzee119/LithiumX).

{% hint style="info" %}
**Domain Name Server (DNS) Issue**

If you're having trouble connecting through a custom dashboard, you can resolve this by setting your **Primary DNS: 46.101.64.175** on all custom dashboards.

You may have to change your DNS settings from Automatic to Manual for the stock Xbox dashboard.
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**Backup DNS:** Backup DNS in case the main DNS server is down **129.80.250.17**
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**EvolutionX/Evox** dashboard installs a memory-resident stub that interferes with online connectivity; it is highly recommended to switch to another dashboard.
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### Using The Setup Assistant On Unmodified Consoles <a href="#stock-systems" id="stock-systems"></a>

Detailed [text](https://consolemods.org/wiki/Xbox:Game_Save_Exploit) and [video](https://youtu.be/lW6QsGXTrFQ) guides exist for modified Xbox consoles; the only significant difference is that you need to use [Insignia's exploit savegames](https://github.com/insignia-live/setup-assistant-release/releases/latest) instead of the Rocky5 modifications saves mentioned in these guides.

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This section will be expanded upon in due course.
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## Insignia Setup Assistant Guide <a href="#using-the-assistant" id="using-the-assistant"></a>

When you first launch the Insignia Setup Assistant, you will see the following screen:

<figure><img src="https://r2-cdn.insignia.live/197649405-d10211b1-c87c-49f9-9ac6-6e70249baffb.png" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Insignia Setup Assistant</p></figcaption></figure>

In most instances, the only step required will be to select "**Register Xbox"**, after which you will be shown the following success message:

<figure><img src="https://r2-cdn.insignia.live/197650254-19a8ef07-daf6-4d65-8e6f-a3dce36baf96.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Error Messages

An error message will be displayed if an issue arises when attempting to register your Xbox.

#### Server Rate Limit

The Insignia Live Team has a set rate limit, preventing the request server from overloading. You may see a "too many requests" message. If you see this, please wait a few minutes and then try again.

<figure><img src="https://r2-cdn.insignia.live/197649439-01364ba3-ad36-4a97-9ccf-d8c11c101d3c.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Console Already Registered

If you receive a message advising that your console is already registered for Insignia, this means your console is already registered for Insignia Live. However, if you are sure it shouldn't be, please contact the Insignia Live Team by email to <support@insignia.live>.

<figure><img src="https://r2-cdn.insignia.live/197649476-7aa4eed9-9a34-4b24-8eee-bcbfa7c6baef.png" alt=""><figcaption><p>Insignia Setup Assistant Serial Number Taken Error</p></figcaption></figure>

### Using The View HDD Key Feature

We strongly encourage all Original Xbox owners to back up their HDD keys. This is especially important if you're on a stock system. The Original Xbox console has not been manufactured in over a decade, and your HDD will likely fail.

Having the HDD key allows for quick unlocking of the existing HDD, copying information, or even preparing a new drive without further modification of the console.

<figure><img src="https://r2-cdn.insignia.live/197649623-c62aa74f-ef46-434b-bdf3-1fea1abf0613.png" alt=""><figcaption><p>Insignia Setup Assistant Displaying HDD Key</p></figcaption></figure>

## Conduct A Connection Test

If you've registered your Xbox using the assistant, you should return to the Xbox Dashboard and go to the Xbox Network Settings screen to perform a Connection Test.

<figure><img src="https://r2-cdn.insignia.live/197363044-53d614a2-2338-4243-b8aa-f5a4cfa8e5d7.png" alt=""><figcaption><p>Xbox Network Settings Test</p></figcaption></figure>

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**Manual DNS:** If the "DNS Resolved" or "Connected to Xbox Live" tests fail, select "Settings" and change the DNS configuration from Automatic to Manual. You should see the Primary DNS change to **46.101.64.175.**
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If you are still unable to connect after registering, it may be that your network environment or console is having issues. The Troubleshoot button should be able to give you some information here.

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**Note:** Insignia Live does not currently support the detection of DNS poisoning that some ISPs (notably Sky UK and Comcast in some situations) perform that will hinder your connectivity. The Insignia Live team is working on a solution.
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