I just heard that MS plans to disable support for "unauthorized" memory units with the next system update. I have been using the Datel MAX memory unit since MS doesn't offer one that supports more than 512MB (Datel support up to 16GB). I need a larger MU because I have two XBOX 360's and I need a way to store all of my profiles and game saves on one MU so that I can easily play on either system. There are 5 gamers in my house, each with their own profile so the standard Microsoft MU just won't cut it.

With the upcoming update, all of my profile and game save data will be inaccessible, unless I move all of my files to a MS memory unit (or two).

I don't understand how MS can disable the functionality of a third party MU that is sold by reputable stores like Game Stop and Best Buy.

There has got to be a way to stop MS from moving forward on this change. I assume that I will have to make another call to the Better Business Bureau.

What's next? Are they going to disable the ability for me to play my xbox on my Sony Bravia TV?

Count Macphisto

 Count Macphisto wrote:

I don't understand how MS can disable the functionality of a third party MU that is sold by reputable stores like Game Stop and Best Buy.

Just because it's sold at Best Buy and GameStop doesn't make it an "authorized" device.  They sell a bunch of unauthorized devices for all console.  Your Datel MAX memory is not authorized by Microsoft, so it's not allowed.   Where they are sold is irrelevent.

 Count Macphisto wrote:

There has got to be a way to stop MS from moving forward on this change. I assume that I will have to make another call to the Better Business Bureau.

Yeah sure, let's all waste the BBB's time with frivolous claims.  Do you remember when you made your Xbox Live account, that bit you didn't read, but clicked on "agree" anyway?  Here is what you agreed to:

 Xbox Live Terms of Use wrote:

13. SERVICE OPERATION AND EQUIPMENT

The Service may only be accessed with an original Xbox, an Xbox 360 console, a personal computer, or by logging into your account via Xbox.com. You agree that you are using authorized software and hardware to access the Service, and that your software and hardware have not been modified in any unauthorized way (e.g., authorized repairs, upgrades and downloads). Any attempt to disassemble, decompile, create derivative works of, reverse engineer, modify, further sublicense, distribute or use for other purposes either the hardware or software associated with an original Xbox or Xbox 360 console or the Service, is strictly prohibited and may result in cancellation of your account and/or your ability to access the Service, and the pursuit of other legal remedies by Microsoft. Microsoft may take any legal action it deems appropriate against users who violate Microsoft's systems or network security or this contract or any additional terms as described in Section 2 above, and such users may also incur criminal and/or civil liability.

You are breaching these terms by using that UNAUTHORIZED device, so you have no re-course with the BBB.

 Count Macphisto wrote:

What's next? Are they going to disable the ability for me to play my xbox on my Sony Bravia TV?

Count Macphisto

What type of dumb statement is that?

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Xbox Account Security
Any victory without class and dignity, is no victory at all

Unfortunately until they clear up what "IS" and "ISN'T" a legit HDD or MU then the only stupid thing coming out of this is MS's move.

I know I'm safe (although I am warey of a 512gMU with chinese writing I have, it MUST be legit though it has a MS sticker on it )...but there are thousands of people out there that have bought HDDs from ebay and Amazon in "faith" that it was a legit product. People can live with faulty hardware and consoles can be repaired from RROD, but messing with peoples game saves (legit ones of course) is close to theft imo!  The Terms of Use don't own YOUR game saves!

A small statement from Major Nelson will luckily dribble to 5% of the online community, the rest will update and be unaware that the HDD mum bought off ebay is a rip off'...and thats sad.

I can understands MS target hackers and modders, but seriously...are they even chasing down these retailers, or will they just let the consumer cop the punch in the face.

---

Come have some fun...
Dad's Army ANZ

 The Blue Duck wrote:

Unfortunately until they clear up what "IS" and "ISN'T" a legit HDD or MU then the only stupid thing coming out of this is MS's move.

Actually, yeah they do.  This link identifies the logos that appear on genunie and licensed accessories.  If the product you buy does not have any of these logos, it's not authorized.

 The Blue Duck wrote:

I know I'm safe (although I am warey of a 512gMU with chinese writing I have, it MUST be legit though it has a MS sticker on it )...but there are thousands of people out there that have bought HDDs from ebay and Amazon in "faith" that it was a legit product. People can live with faulty hardware and consoles can be repaired from RROD, but messing with peoples game saves (legit ones of course) is close to theft imo!  The Terms of Use don't own YOUR game saves!

Somehow I don't think Amazon would risk their reputation by selling fake products, although some Ebay sellers might. 

Yes these people ARE putting "faith" in the fact that the product is genunie, but that "faith" lies solely in the person (or company) selling it.  Not with the company that these products happen to represent. 

People get scammed by fakes over the internet all the time.  I know one example.  A woman at work who was not very technology savvy bought an iPhone over eBay, and couldn't work out why it didn't have the same functions as mine.  It turned that it was a fake iPhone.  Now does she go to Apple expecting her money back, and for them to make everything right?  Of course not.  Her only re-course was with the people who sold it to her.

 The Blue Duck wrote:

A small statement from Major Nelson will luckily dribble to 5% of the online community, the rest will update and be unaware that the HDD mum bought off ebay is a rip off'...and thats sad.

You're right.  It is a small percentage of people who read his blog (maybe smaller than the 5% you mentioned).  This is why there is this concept called "word of mouth".  If you have read it, it's up to us to spread the word.  If you know someone who using an unauthorized hard drive, and is unaware of these changes.  What is stopping you telling them about them.

 The Blue Duck wrote:

I can understands MS target hackers and modders, but seriously...are they even chasing down these retailers, or will they just let the consumer cop the punch in the face.

There is nothing they can do with the retailer.  It's not "illegal" to actually sell these products.

---

Xbox Account Security
Any victory without class and dignity, is no victory at all

>> Actually, yeah they do. This link identifies the logos that appear on genunie and licensed accessories.
>> If the product you buy does not have any of these logos, it's not authorized.

Not always.
Most of fakes come with Microsoft hologram seals.
Anyone can sell a fake drive as official, and buyer won't even notice this.

>>Somehow I don't think Amazon would risk their reputation by selling fake products, although some Ebay sellers might.

Amazon (US and european) selling these product. I will not provide links, but you can make search.
You can't call them fakes, but they are definitely not Microsoft products (they are unauthorised 3rd party products).

Instead of bringing an action against developers and sellers of such products, Microsoft prefers to punish own users.
Very clever.

 Zen Like Calm wrote:

 Count Macphisto wrote:

I don't understand how MS can disable the functionality of a third party MU that is sold by reputable stores like Game Stop and Best Buy.

Just because it's sold at Best Buy and GameStop doesn't make it an "authorized" device.  They sell a bunch of unauthorized devices for all console.  Your Datel MAX memory is not authorized by Microsoft, so it's not allowed.   Where they are sold is irrelevent.

 Count Macphisto wrote:

There has got to be a way to stop MS from moving forward on this change. I assume that I will have to make another call to the Better Business Bureau.

Yeah sure, let's all waste the BBB's time with frivolous claims.  Do you remember when you made your Xbox Live account, that bit you didn't read, but clicked on "agree" anyway?  Here is what you agreed to:

 Xbox Live Terms of Use wrote:

13. SERVICE OPERATION AND EQUIPMENT

The Service may only be accessed with an original Xbox, an Xbox 360 console, a personal computer, or by logging into your account via Xbox.com. You agree that you are using authorized software and hardware to access the Service, and that your software and hardware have not been modified in any unauthorized way (e.g., authorized repairs, upgrades and downloads). Any attempt to disassemble, decompile, create derivative works of, reverse engineer, modify, further sublicense, distribute or use for other purposes either the hardware or software associated with an original Xbox or Xbox 360 console or the Service, is strictly prohibited and may result in cancellation of your account and/or your ability to access the Service, and the pursuit of other legal remedies by Microsoft. Microsoft may take any legal action it deems appropriate against users who violate Microsoft's systems or network security or this contract or any additional terms as described in Section 2 above, and such users may also incur criminal and/or civil liability.

You are breaching these terms by using that UNAUTHORIZED device, so you have no re-course with the BBB.

 Count Macphisto wrote:

What's next? Are they going to disable the ability for me to play my xbox on my Sony Bravia TV?

Count Macphisto

What type of dumb statement is that?

That statement is kinda what is happening if you get the point with all of the new updates that are coming and what not. MS says you can't do this, can't do that, etc... yeah, we agreed to the terms, but still.. why should users have to keep "updating" their belongings just so MS is happy? But the point is... if MS is going to keep on saying that you need a authorized compatibility device... whats next? Our tvs? Our headphones? etc...

---

Would you kindly?

 Golovanov wrote:

>> Actually, yeah they do. This link identifies the logos that appear on genunie and licensed accessories.
>> If the product you buy does not have any of these logos, it's not authorized.

Not always.
Most of fakes come with Microsoft hologram seals.
Anyone can sell a fake drive as official, and buyer won't even notice this.

>>Somehow I don't think Amazon would risk their reputation by selling fake products, although some Ebay sellers might.

Amazon (US and european) selling these product. I will not provide links, but you can make search.
You can't call them fakes, but they are definitely not Microsoft products (they are unauthorised 3rd party products).

Instead of bringing an action against developers and sellers of such products, Microsoft prefers to punish own users.
Very clever.

You should really learn how to use the "quote" button. 

I didn't say that Amazon (or Gamespot, Bestbuy, Walmart, and any other major retailer) don't sell unauthorized products.   I said "fake" products. 

I am going to assume you are referring to the 'Ifuncity" hard drive they are selling.  It is an unauthorized product, but not a "fake" product.   It would be a fake if they sold it as a genunie MS hard drive.  They are not.

What action could they take against the retailers?  These retailers are free to sell any legal product they chose. 

---

Xbox Account Security
Any victory without class and dignity, is no victory at all

Making copies of products that are copywritten is illegal, it's just to bad that some people weren't smart enough to know the difference and will suffer. I back MS in this!

I'm pretty sure that most people know that... but we're not talking about making copies of a game, (unless I mis-read the topic)

---

Would you kindly?

Wait, I'm trying to comprehend this. Are we talking about standard third party accesories, like Mad Catz and such? For example, MS does a update and suddenly my third party controller is no longer compatible? If thats the case, I don't think it would wise to alienate the consumers anymore. Especially after the whole RROD, PS3 price drop etc.

---

Bring Death Smiles and other SHUMPS to USA

 Zen Like Calm wrote:

 Count Macphisto wrote:

What's next? Are they going to disable the ability for me to play my xbox on my Sony Bravia TV?

Count Macphisto

What type of dumb statement is that?

I think that is a valid statement. Basically I understood the TOS statement " You agree that you are using authorized software and hardware to access the Service" meant that I would not mod my Xbox or Pirate software, not what kind of storage device I may use. So under the way that it is now being interpreted, my Turtle Beach headset, T.V., modem, Internet Provider, Ethernet cables,  or even the AA batteries may violate the Terms of Service.  All of them I use to access XBL; even though, they may or may not be Microsoft Authorized.

 I can understand what Microsoft is trying to do, but go after the Modded Xboxes and  the Software Pirates.

 Zen Like Calm wrote:

You should really learn how to use the "quote" button. 

I didn't say that Amazon (or Gamespot, Bestbuy, Walmart, and any other major retailer) don't sell unauthorized products.   I said "fake" products. 

I am going to assume you are referring to the 'Ifuncity" hard drive they are selling.  It is an unauthorized product, but not a "fake" product.   It would be a fake if they sold it as a genunie MS hard drive.  They are not.

What action could they take against the retailers?  These retailers are free to sell any legal product they chose. 

Xbox forums is very inconvient and limited in editing unlike others.
I even need to use HTML tags to break lines, and quote buttons quoting whole post (and you need to HTML format him).
Or it is only for non-US users? Just kidding.

I'm not against banning all fake products, if they can be determined.
But if they planning to ban 3rd party products, this can harm many users.

According to Microsoft opinion, if it is unauthorised MS product then it is not legal.
But Amazon selling them (I sent an US Amazon link for you to check).

Anyway, It is still not clear, which devices MS will block.

 Zen Like Calm wrote:

13. SERVICE OPERATION AND EQUIPMENT

The Service may only be accessed with an original Xbox, an Xbox 360 console, a personal computer, or by logging into your account via Xbox.com. You agree that you are using authorized software and hardware to access the Service, and that your software and hardware have not been modified in any unauthorized way (e.g., authorized repairs, upgrades and downloads). Any attempt to disassemble, decompile, create derivative works of, reverse engineer, modify, further sublicense, distribute or use for other purposes either the hardware or software associated with an original Xbox or Xbox 360 console or the Service, is strictly prohibited and may result in cancellation of your account and/or your ability to access the Service, and the pursuit of other legal remedies by Microsoft. Microsoft may take any legal action it deems appropriate against users who violate Microsoft's systems or network security or this contract or any additional terms as described in Section 2 above, and such users may also incur criminal and/or civil liability.

Did you noticed, that this statement is about Service usage.
They means Xbox Live.
And as hardware they mainly means console (or maybe I understood them wrong because I'm not native english speaker).
If you modify console then definitely you worth a ban.
But it is difficult for users to control fakes usage.
Or did you really want to receive ban or any other punishment when, for example, your friend connect his unauthorised memory unit to your Xbox?
This even can become sort of revenge - to going with a fakes and inserting them into consoles to ban them and their users. :)
They will not stop hackers by blocking unauthorised memory storages, because hackers and unfair players using other tools for their deeds (for example, you can even use official MS transfer cable to connect HDD to PC and gain full access with specific software).

 JWSpeed wrote:

Making copies of products that are copywritten is illegal, it's just to bad that some people weren't smart enough to know the difference and will suffer. I back MS in this!

I agree. If I were in their position I would've done this a long time ago.

Yeah, I am loyal xbox console gaming console since 2002. Now, thats what I really **** off at MS will disable the unauthorized MU for Xb360. I refusing to get update for my F$%*ing system via firmware.. I MEAN IT! otherwise I will get used the OEM MS 20GB HDD for online such as multi-players and others. I can switch ones of MS HDD, one storage device is for gaming saves, back up files, etc.. and other storage device for online.. thats simple..

---

DeafGamer

Are Turtle Beach headsets authorized MS products?

Burn consumers who tried to save a buck.
Devalue the used hardware market
Scare people into buying only new MS stuff

Win-win.

If Microsoft would just make a memory card large enough to hold all the Rock Band music I have purchased so I could take them to a friend's house, then I would have purchased a Microsoft brand memory card instead of the Datel Memory Max.

Since MS only sells a 512MB memory card, which only holds about 14 songs, that didn't cut it.  So since I purchased the Datel card, not only is that money wasted, I am back to not being able to bring all my purchased Rock Band music with me anymore.  (And no, brining my harddrive doesn't work since then we can't use my friend's Rock Band music without swapping harddrives back and forth.)

I'm very disappointing with Microsoft.  They can say this move is to prevent hackers, but when you can hook up your authorized MS harddrive, or authorized MS memory card to your PC with 3rd party devices anyway, this move doesn't stop the hacking.  It just hurts honest customers.

So let me get this straight.  I buy an HDD from a reputable store.  It's worked just fine and appears to be an official product.  It has all of my content (profile, saves, etc.) which is my property (nowhere does it claim that I signed those over to Microsoft) on it, but now it will suddenly be disabled so I have no access to it?  This sounds like this should be a "their problem" and not a "my problem" if they are losing out on sales of their overpriced storage units.  I don't buy this argument of a buyer beware.  I've never heard of a company that has that much authority to dictate that existing 3rd party peripherals can be made incompatible, retroactively.  So I needed to know before making this purchase that in the future, Microsoft reserved the right to disable apparently officially licensed accessories that they don't want paying customers to use?  Even though that ToS agreement does not indicate anywhere in it, their intent to infringe upon consumer rights?  Wow, I should have consulted a palm reader first.

I don't give a hate meat giz what microsoft's issue is with this.

Dear Microsoft, if you do this, you will lose a customer with 2 xboxs and 2 xbox live accounts.

I don't care for your reasons, I don't care what legal mumbo jumbo BS you throw behind it. it's bullshit.
and I have a low tolerance for it.
I've been a consumer for years. I even used to work for microsoft as a tester in redmond.

I will tell you quite frankly that if you do this crap I will go buy a PS3 and not even bother with your reasons and stupidity. 

What's next? banning wireless headsets or aftermarket controllers?

The unauthorized products do not go through any testing proceedure, software or hardware related.  This is a liability for M$ since they don't know what effect it will have on the console, long or short term.  I remember that there were many unlicensed memory cards and controllers for the old Playstation.  They either didn't fit right, didn't last, or caused some adverse effects.  Perhaps they had some repair issues related to this stuff and decided to put a stop to it.

 CapnPhoton wrote:

The unauthorized products do not go through any testing proceedure, software or hardware related.  This is a liability for M$ since they don't know what effect it will have on the console, long or short term.  I remember that there were many unlicensed memory cards and controllers for the old Playstation.  They either didn't fit right, didn't last, or caused some adverse effects.  Perhaps they had some repair issues related to this stuff and decided to put a stop to it.

My experience is different, I've used 3rd party memory units back in the day with the N64, PS1 and Gamecube and never had any problems. 

IMHO official memory units are always inferior from the point of view of cost and capacity, the problem is MS has the ability to change the function of equipment we've already bought an paid for in ways the consumer may not desire.

Yes they can probably ban 3rd party controllers, TVs and any other device that does not hook up via an analog cable if they feel like it, and other than the possible backlash there is nothing stopping them from doing it.

I'm not using an official HDMI cable with my Xbox ($8 cheapie) and there are no issues, but because it's not an officially authorized and licensed cable I may be violating TOS.  The TOS should be just don't cheat, don't steal content, play nice with others and nothing more, that covers it all ... of course lawyers are involved and it suddenly becomes a brier patch of rules that it's nearly impossible to not trip on.

Statements were made that unauthorized use greatly outnumbers those just trying to save money.  I wonder if Microsoft already knows exactly how many people they are shutting down and forcing to buy authorized products.

---

http://www.slimgamer.com

why would you have a memory unit filled with profiles in the first place i just have my 360 and hdd and one profile thats all you need

maybe your doing something else over there :/

i support microsoft in this and if they decided to discontinue MU's i support that too

way too many modders out there as it is and having external memory

makes it even easyier for them

GREAT!!! Just want I wanted lose all the data I had on my max memory card! I usually back M$ up but that is ridiculous they can easily detect who is using modded consoles.. The only real reason they are disabling support for the "unauthorized" MU's is so that we have to buy their inferior memory card garbage. Now I have to play through all my games again for a 3rd time.. :/


I really want to punch major nelson in the ***..

And just so people who don't use max memory cards know this.. Not everyone that uses them is modding or pirating.. I bought mine for the simple fact of having more storage space so I could bring my memory card with all my saves, to my friend's house to play... but M$ had to *** that up... Look at Sony for example they let people use external HD's with their PS3 and Microsoft makes us pay $150 for a 120. Whenever I get the money I'm switching.

 xDeadshot wrote:

why would you have a memory unit filled with profiles in the first place i just have my 360 and hdd and one profile thats all you need

maybe your doing something else over there :/

LOL, if I had to guess I'd say more than one person plays the system....?  wow, just wow.

This is nothing more than a petty cash grab by MS, if you don't see that you're a friggin sheep.

 BeakJones wrote:

 xDeadshot wrote:

why would you have a memory unit filled with profiles in the first place i just have my 360 and hdd and one profile thats all you need

maybe your doing something else over there :/

LOL, if I had to guess I'd say more than one person plays the system....?  wow, just wow.

This is nothing more than a petty cash grab by MS, if you don't see that you're a friggin sheep.

mindless its called a harddrive use it we now have 250gig harddrives MU's should be disposed of

other people live here too theres no need for a bunch of MU's with a bunch of profiles

only types of peolpe i know that do that are "boosters"

 BeakJones wrote:

 xDeadshot wrote:

why would you have a memory unit filled with profiles in the first place i just have my 360 and hdd and one profile thats all you need

maybe your doing something else over there :/

LOL, if I had to guess I'd say more than one person plays the system....?  wow, just wow.

This is nothing more than a petty cash grab by MS, if you don't see that you're a friggin sheep.

Yeah I agree with you Beak... I used the card to play with my friends whenever I went to their houses... and Play with my family (we have 3 different boxes) So simply moving the hd wouldn't do.. it was much easier to plug in a memory card.. and since I play Rockband alot I had to have a memory card big enough to support my collection of songs and Microsoft didn't offer that, but guess what Delta did..

@xDeadshot
This move will not stop pirates at all, they can still do what they do with the "Authorized" memory units, but since you are ignorant of that fact you spoke out too soon and instantly sided with M$.Even if this update was the end all be all of pirating on the 360. It doesn't change the fact that Microsoft screwed over many honest trust-worthy xbox players that were using the memory cards for legitimate reasons.

IMO Microsoft did this to get more money out of the community... That's nothing new

 DeviateRogue wrote:

 BeakJones wrote:

 xDeadshot wrote:

why would you have a memory unit filled with profiles in the first place i just have my 360 and hdd and one profile thats all you need

maybe your doing something else over there :/

LOL, if I had to guess I'd say more than one person plays the system....?  wow, just wow.

This is nothing more than a petty cash grab by MS, if you don't see that you're a friggin sheep.

Yeah I agree with you Beak... I used the card to play with my friends whenever I went to their houses... and Play with my family (we have 3 different boxes) So simply moving the hd wouldn't do.. it was much easier to plug in a memory card.. and since I play Rockband alot I had to have a memory card big enough to support my collection of songs and Microsoft didn't offer that, but guess what Delta did..

@xDeadshot
This move will not stop pirates at all, they can still do what they do with the "Authorized" memory units, but since you are ignorant of that fact you spoke out too soon and instantly sided with M$.Even if this update was the end all be all of pirating on the 360. It doesn't change the fact that Microsoft screwed over many honest trust-worthy xbox players that were using the memory cards for legitimate reasons.

IMO Microsoft did this to get more money out of the community... That's nothing new

 ignorant? watch what you say to me kid

i dont care what the reason and why would you go to someone elses house to play games

i play at home on my xbox and thats it

all im saying is i support microsoft in anything they want to do its there show so let them play it
we are nothing more then guests in it

Well that is hands down the poorest idea that has come from MS. I have...er had a Max Memory card because i have xbox original games on there along with numerous other saves and a few profiles. Seeing i could not afford a new HDD or much less a way to move larger files from one to the next, i am screwed unless there is a way to undo this. If not i guess my xbox will be on the market soon. And instead of being such a negative nancy Zen... just don't say anything at all. I am not update on my Xbox news, or much less care. But a notice on the Dashboard would have been nice so i could have at the least worked something out to keep half of my saves!!!

                *Gone crushing things....*

 xDeadshot wrote:

 DeviateRogue wrote:

 BeakJones wrote:

 xDeadshot wrote:

why would you have a memory unit filled with profiles in the first place i just have my 360 and hdd and one profile thats all you need

maybe your doing something else over there :/

LOL, if I had to guess I'd say more than one person plays the system....?  wow, just wow.

This is nothing more than a petty cash grab by MS, if you don't see that you're a friggin sheep.

Yeah I agree with you Beak... I used the card to play with my friends whenever I went to their houses... and Play with my family (we have 3 different boxes) So simply moving the hd wouldn't do.. it was much easier to plug in a memory card.. and since I play Rockband alot I had to have a memory card big enough to support my collection of songs and Microsoft didn't offer that, but guess what Delta did..

@xDeadshot
This move will not stop pirates at all, they can still do what they do with the "Authorized" memory units, but since you are ignorant of that fact you spoke out too soon and instantly sided with M$.Even if this update was the end all be all of pirating on the 360. It doesn't change the fact that Microsoft screwed over many honest trust-worthy xbox players that were using the memory cards for legitimate reasons.

IMO Microsoft did this to get more money out of the community... That's nothing new

 ignorant? watch what you say to me kid

i dont care what the reason and why would you go to someone elses house to play games

i play at home on my xbox and thats it

all im saying is i support microsoft in anything they want to do its there show so let them play it
we are nothing more then guests in it

Theres this wonderful thing called human to human contact. Or have you never heard of that? Stop being such a fool.