v1.61 written for GameCop by Mooney
Last Update: May 23, 2007
Updated for: FlashMe v8a

Intro
With the recent release of slot-1 flashcards for the Nintendo DS, slot-2 DS flashcards and GBA flashcarts seem to have been left in the dust. However, I'm sure many people will soon realise one major flaw with slot-1 cards: No GBA games. No GBA games not only means you won't be able to play all your GBA backups on your DS, but it also means that none of the emulators for GBA will work anymore and you'll have to buy another flashcart just for your GBA stuff! Well, just as Dark_AleX's custom firmwares for PSP saved people from owning two PSPs just so they could have homebrew AND play the latest games, there is a little firmware patch for DS known as FlashMe that can solve all your troubles. What FlashMe does is it patches the NDS's firmware so that if there is a GBA or slot-2 flashcart in the DS, it will automatically boot that device into NDS mode, or in human language: It will let you run NDS games from your GBA or slot-2 flashcart. This means that you will only need a GBA or slot-2 flashcart, and nothing else.

Notes
- The latest version of FlashMe reportedly has problems with the DS Link.
- You can install FlashMe from a slot-1 card, but that would be completely useless so I will not cover it.
- Unfortunately, to install FlashMe you will need a method of running NDS homebrew (i.e. PassMe, WifiMe, or NoPass). After FlashMe is installed, however, you will not need any hardware other than your GBA/slot-2 flashcart. Your best bet is to borrow a pass device from a friend or to buy the cheapest possible pass device.
- There is also a *small* chance that an improper installation of FlashMe could brick your DS. If you choose to install FlashMe, you do so at your own risk! Although the chances of this happening are rather slim, you have to be warned.
- Installing FlashMe will technically void your warranty because it requires going inside the DS, but unless the clerks at your local EB Games or Gamestop take the time to remove your DS's battery cover, no one will know... I actually traded in my first DS that I bricked for a brand new one.

Installation
Installation of FlashMe is pretty straightforward, but there are a few choices you'll have to make for yourself.

Required Materials
- A Nintendo DS
- A GBA flashcart (EFA, EZ-Flash 2 PowerStar, etc.) or a slot-2 memory card adapter (M3, SuperCard, etc.)
- One (temporary) pass device/method: Wifime (more info HERE), PassMe (Passme, PassMe 2, PassKey, etc.), or NoPass (Max Media Launcher, PassCard 3, etc.)
- The latest version of FlashMe (at the moment: v8)
- A screwdriver (To remove the battery cover)
- A metal object (To short the SL1)

1. Download FlashMe
Wow, even downloading has choices:
- FlashMe v8.nds
- FlashMe NoAuto v8.nds (This version will only boot the slot-2 device into NDS mode if you hold "Select")
- FlashMe Stealth v8.nds (This version will NOT remove the health warning message)
- FlashMe Stealth NoAuto v8.nds (This version will not remove the health warning and will not autoboot a slot-2 device unless you hold "Select")
- FlashMe v8 SuperCard.nds (This is a version of FlashMe v8 that has been patched with ndsloader.bin so it will work on SuperCards. This version is for SuperCard users ONLY)
Since FlashMe only comes in one flavor (.nds) you do not have to worry about getting the right kind for your flashcart. For instructions on how to make your own SuperCard compatible version of FlashMe, please see the second reply to this post.

2. Set it up
Put FlashMe onto your flashcart the same way you would put any other game on, but make sure of two things:
- FlashMe must be the ONLY game/app on your flashcart.
- If you are using a GBA flashcart that has a GUI, make sure it is disabled. FlashMe must be loaded directly; a GUI would get in the way and FlashMe would not be able to install. You do NOT need to disable the menu of an NDS flashcard.
Now, for FlashMe to be able to completely install, you will have to short the SL1. This means you will have to take off the battery cover and remove the sticker over the SL1, as shown here:
- SL1 on original DS
- SL1 on DS Lite
You will also need a metal object that you will insert into the hole (later), such as a small screwdriver or a paperclip. I found that a toothpick covered in tin foil worked the best for me.

For GBA Movie Player CF users:
Make sure you have the latest of chishm's GBAMP custom firmwares installed (chishm's GBAMP firmware hack page) Then, put flashme.nds onto your CF card, but rename it to _BOOT_MP.NDS and proceed as normal.

3. Run it
If you have any doubts about this, now is the time to turn back. Otherwise, go ahead and run FlashMe. If it loads correctly, you will be presented with a message, which is different on original DSes and Lites.
- Original DS FlashMe message
- DS Lite FlashMe message ( You do not need to worry about this, just press START to continue. NOTE: This might not come up with FlashMe v8, sinc eit includes fixes with the DS Lite)
After you press X B X B, installation will begin. This is where you insert your metal object into the SL1 hole to short it. Make sure you put it straight in and it goes down all the way. Once you get the metal object in place, FlashMe should begin to install (you will see the percentage done going up). If nothing happens, just wiggle your metal object around a bit. If you take your metal object out early or if it loses the connection before you reach 100%, do not panic, and do not shut off your DS! Just move your metal object around till you get it going again. Once installation finishes, you will be presented with this message:
- FlashMe Installation Complete message
Now you can turn off your DS and throw away your pass device; you won't be needing it any time soon!

Features
Now that you have FlashMe installed, here's what you can do:
- Run NDS games from a GBA or slot-2 flashcart: Put as many NDS games as you can fit onto your flashcart and stick it into the slot-2 on your DS. When you turn it on, it will automatically go into NDS mode if you have the flashcart in. If there is nothing in the slot, it will boot to the regular menu.
- Brag to your friends that you don't have to sit through that "health warning" message when you turn your DS on.
- Hold SELECT to boot normally (unless you've installed a NoAuto version of FlashMe)

Bugs
1. Sleep mode
Sleep mode is when you close your DS without shutting it off and it goes in to a power saving mode. With FlashMe, this mode does not work properly (The same problem occurs with PassMe and NoPass). However, this problem is easily fixed. You can:
- Put a real DS game into the DS card slot and sleep mode will work fine.
- Buy a Dummy Card for roughly $2 USD and put that into the DS card slot to make sleep mode work.
- Open up the DS and solder a piece of wire between pins 1 (GND) and 7 (IRQ) of the slot-1 socket. This is normally shorted by the contacts inside a DS card, so what you are doing is simulating a card being inserted.

Uninstallation
If, for any reason, you find that you are unsatisfied with FlashMe, or if you need to get rid of it for another purpose, it is possible to uninstall FlashMe.
- NoFlashMe.nds
Uninstallation is not recommended, however, because it removes the failsafe code that can help recover your DS if malware damages the firmware. Install and run this file the same way you would for the original installation file.

Recovery
If malware ever hits your DS and damages your firmware, FlashMe has a recovery feature that can save your DS. Unfortunately, this recovery mode can only be used if FlashMe was already installed on your DS before the malware hit. Here's how to use the recovery mode:

1. Download FlashMe
See the links above to download the latest version of FlashMe.

2. Set it up
- Put flashme.nds onto your slot-1 or slot-2 flashcart the same way you did before (no other files, menu disabled).

3. Run it
- Hold START+SELECT while you turn your DS on.
The DS should now boot directly to GBA mode, where either flashme.nds will automatically run or you can launch it yourself, and reinstall it.

Coming soon
- Checking your DS's firmware and choosing a compatible pass device (This will be included in a guide I am writing on NDS flashcarts) Buyer's Guide is now up, read it HERE.
- Any corrections or additions I might make

Sources
- home.comcast.net/%7Eolimar/flashme
- wiki.pocketheaven.com/FlashMe
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FlashMe
- www.dspassme.com
- www.scdev.org

Added a few things:
- Uninstallation of FlashMe
- Recovery Mode
- A few minute changes

Added a patched version of FlashMe for SuperCard users.

How to make your own FlashMe for SuperCard:

1. Download flashme.nds and ndsloader.bin
2. Put flashme.nds and ndsloader.bin into C:\nds
3. Go to Start > Run and type "cmd"
4. Enter this command:

That should generate a new file in C:\nds named flashme_patched.nds which you can now use on your SuperCard!

Your links to the downloads for the FlashMe file itself are broken.

Do you know of a current place to find a safe, official version of the file?

Ah, good catch. I've fixed the links (Yes, I know, but Rapidshare was the only place I felt like using).

You can get FlashMe (safely) from the PocketHeaven Wiki or here, or the official page.

Official FlashMe Download Page

FlashMe v8 released! I've updated most of the download links and I'll be doing more updates and edits throughout the day.

Hi All

Thanks for the great newbie tutorial, but there is one thing I'm confused about:



Having this card in slot1 is required to step through the rest of the FlashMe proccess?

Edit: Arf, I didn't realize that I posted a reply nested under another reply... not used to boards setup like this. =x

You will have to have a PassMe/NoPass card in slot-1 to run and install FlashMe. Once it is installed, however, you will no longer need one.

Thanks! One more question:

Are .nds files the files that are loaded through the supercard gui? Or do they have to be run through some kind of program to get them into the right state. I looked at my girlfriends flash card (someone modded her ds for her a while ago, and I'm doing my own now) and she had .nds (most ~256k) and .nds.dsq files (15+ megs).

All the backups I see available for download come in .nds format, though. I haven't seen any of these .dsq's anywhere...

Sorry if that is hard to read...

Thanks again for the help.

I found this on the PHWiki:

So I'm assuming what you would do is download an .nds file, and use the patching software to convert it to .nds.dsq or nds.dsi.

is FLashMe like a memorycard that you can save? im really wondering how to save in NDS emu

A FlashMe has nothing to do with NDS emulators. You save in an emulator like you would on the actual handheld.

Hi, although you said that how to use a slot-1 device to install flashme would be useless, I am still wondering if it would be an easier task to do?

Because before I bought my R4DS, I have my DS flashed by my friend to use the slot-2 device(flashme v7).
And now I want to flash it to v8 with noautoboot.
Would it be easier by using a slot-1 device?

Do you mind to write a short guide on how to install/uninstall flashme with slot-1 device?

THANKS!!

According to the official website (http://home.comcast.net/~olimar/flashme/) all you have to do is put the desired version of FlashMe onto your flashcard and run it just like any other homebrew. After you get it running, though, you'll have to follow the same installation steps as a slot-2 user (Follow the on-screen instructions, short the SL1).

umm... if some how u got tricked into downloading a fake rom or a homebrew program that turns out to be a virus and brick ur ds u can restore it if u had flashme installed, so there is still a reason to install it even if ur using slot one card

Basically,

Unlike Passme or a cartridge based modifier to the Nintendo DS, Flashme is literally in the DS's firmware, saving you your SLOT-1 and letting you do what you please as long as your slot 2 source is availible (supercard/m3 + SD/CF)

However, when you download bad Homebrew or ROMS and bick your DS. with Passme, since it doesnt put anything into your firmware, cant do anything about it. You can download some recovery Cartridges, or if you use Flashme you can use the recovery option. However, if you're smart, you shouldnt ever need to recover your DS

some short tips on Homebrew and ROMS

1. Dont download malicious looking ones. If the site claims its NINTENDO MARIO 64 DS and the name of the rom WaRVBackdoor.nds i sure wouldnt download it. If this site looks malicious too it may not have good things.

2. Only download homebrew applications from original site or mirrors. They list the latest (and trusted) holders of homebrew applications, downlaod from them and you have a good bet of some safe software

3. Dont dig too deep if you cant find it. You may find a malicious site that may drop you malware too.

P.S. dont look for leaked games from E3, or games not released yet, that just begs to be a fake, or virus.

i agree with u there, that's y i still haven't flash my ds lite after getting a new one from nintendo but that stupid warning screen kinda bug me just a lil good thing i don't have to touch the screen to continue

Mooney i have a few quick questions.

1. What does it mean in the guide when you said your ds could get bricked.
2. With flash me installed, can you still run nds games from slot 1.

The recovery option for Flashme says to boot it from a slot-2 card. What about a slot-1 card? It may be necessary to even have flashme if you have a slot-1 card (except for allowing you to unbrick your DS should that occur) but it is something that would be nice to know.

1. When something gets "bricked," it no longer functions in a normal way. For instance, it might not turn on anymore. Thus it becomes a "brick" (or paperweight).
2. Yes, you can still run slot-1 games with FlashMe installed. Flasshcarts and original games will both still work.


I believe the newest version of FlashMe (ver. 8a) can be installed from a slot-1 device, but I am not completely sure. On the official website, though, it does say this:

This doesn't necessarily mean you can install it from slot-1, but recovery mode will work with a slot-1 device.

well I would hate t have my ds bricked, how can i prevent it from being bricked?

1. make sure the DS is plugged into the charger

2. (if you have a lite) be careful

what I use for flashing lites is two paper clips with the ends bent out and taped together using scotch tape.... the tape acts as an insulator and also stableizes it if you use enough

because my ds was 130 dollars i dont want it to become bricked. it is not a lite. so your saying as long as i have it plugged in to a power outlet i will be fine. because tony hawks proving ground is coming out and i would hate to have my ds bricked and not get to play that game ) :

oh? if it's a Phat, I don't think you have anything to worry about, since there is much less risk of brickage with phats... just make sure it's plugged in, and you should have nothing to worry about, really

Yes, you should make sure to keep your DS plugged in during flashing, but also remember:
- Do NOT shut off your DS until flashing is complete
- If you lose the SL1 connection (and flashing stops) don't panic, just wiggle your metal object around till you reestablish the connection and flashing resumes.

i cant find a screwdriver small enough to get open the battery pack. does anything else work.

not that I know of, but I have heard techniques like melting a pen cap and sticking it on the screw, but I wouldn't recommend it because the plastic goop will get stuck there

jeweler's screwdrivers don't cost much, just head to your local wal*mart/target/hardware store and get a cheapo set for a few bucks

what is a gui.

does m3 perfect have a gui??

a gui is a graphical user interface... it's the graphics that you interact with in order to do certain tasks, and yeah M3 should have some sort of GUI, I mean how else are you going to select DS homebrew apps/games?

I used a toothpick with some tin foil tightly wrapped around the end.


As Reaper Man said, a GUI is a graphical user interface that makes it easy to select ROMs and apps, and yes, the M3 has one. Every DS/GBA flashcard made these days does.

well this sucks.


I bought a tiny flat head and philips screwdriver package at wal-mart and they forgot to include the philips.....

and how do i disable the gui

Just go back, explain the issue and return/exchange it. Hope you kept the receipt...

lolwut

why would you want to do that?

Well, with most GBA flashcarts, the GUI gets in the way of loading FlashMe, so you have to disable it. With slot-2 flashcards made for the DS, you might not have to disable the GUI (I'm not sure, I've never installed FlashMe with a slot-2 NDS flashcard, only a GBA flashcart). Just try to load FlashMe from the M3's menu.

i'm loading it from the gba slot, and on the m3 it says for nds.gba so is it a gba flashcart or a ds one

FlashMe has to be installed in DS mode, so you'll have to boot your M3 into DS mode (using PassMe or NoPass) then run the FlashMe .nds file.

yeah i know, but i dont understand how to disable the gui

from my personal experience with the M3 lite, all you do is load flashme as you would load any other DS game in DS mode. I honestly don't know of any flashcart that allows for the disabling of the GUI.

with the M3, you shouldn't have to (and I doubt you actually can). Like mooney said, you need to load the flashcart in DS mode, which requires a slot2 bootloader like passme2 or nopass. Once you do that, you have to load the flashme program from the menu.

Hi i know there is a warning at the top of the page saying if the install is interrupted it may brick your ds, well i had a fully charged original ds i was going to install this on but my ds somehow shutdown and when i turned it back on the screen didn't change from the original grayish black screen and wouldn't bypass that screen. is there any way to unbrick my ds from this point. i ran the flashme8 noauto off of a games n music card i got yesterday and i have a bigger ezfa 3 cart that i was going to run ds games off of. so is there any way to unbrick my ds

This is the only option for recovery given by the official FlashMe website:


If that doesn't work, I hope your warranty was still active for your DS. :/

oh thanks it works somewhat

sorry for double post but my games and music seems bricked at least i think, because it wont boot passed a white screen if i hold start+select and all my other games work also the green battery light continues to blink as if i was playing a ds game and closed the screen. any way to unbrick it

Sorry, I've never used a Games N Music, much less heard of them getting bricked. :/

well it isnt that my games n music is bricked because i cant run any gba games either so is there anyway to fix this issue

Don't use Datel's products, you might think you feel special at first with 'em but they are a rip off.. (as I got their Max Media dock)

but never heard of the game cart getting bricked, you might have shorted something out in there... or are you talking about your NDS?

no my ds is the one that wont read my ezfa 3 or any other gba games plus the games n music

blackdagger, I think the only solution for you now is a new DS.

ok

Hey, I know I'm like 2 years late in posting to this but I was skeptical on the DS for a long period of time. In stores in my area I was only seeing childish or gurlie games for the system, but I've always been into homebrew, emulation, and PC mod development. I searched around online until I started finding stable DS emulators that would run commercial roms, and thus started searching the market for interesting titles. I just finally bought a DS before Christmas of '08 do to the titles I had found that I was already a huge fan of. I also ran into an EFA-Linker in a pawnshop, picked it up and it works great for GBA roms, but I have Action Replay's Games & Music that I can run GBA roms on. Not to mention a huge stockpile of GBA games I've already had for ages. I ran into this guide for making DS roms run from Slot-2 Carts like GBA, but a the passcards are needed for FlashMe. I also read in here that you can use the Action Replay code junkies DS cart for NO Pass, but I'm running into a problem. When I put FlashMe v8 on the EFA and refresh my Client freezes, if I close it and re open it shows the app flashme on the EFA as an NDS rom, and then when I go to start it with Action Replay holding Select, Both my DS screens freeze white and nothing happens. I hard reset and I'm back to DS. I'm not sure if my problem is in the copy process of FlashMe to the EFA-Linker or if Action Replay's NoPass mode just isn't possible on my DS being so new. Is there any light you could shed on this for me, or other simple maneuvers for flashing my DS? Any help would be appreciated. As I said my DS is very new.. It's a DS-Lite, and I'm not able to get anything updated on my action replay due to compatability with Vista. The Games & Music does work with Vista tho, but that would only work if I manage to turn that into the Pass card as well. I'm stumped. Please help me with this? I can tell you anything you need to know about PSP PS3 Xbox Xbox360, Wii, and a vast range of other mods and tricks, but the DS has me at a stand still... if you can help me get my EFA-Linker to run my DS Commercial Backups you would be a life saver!!!! Thanx in advance... ~HolesinHappyness~Danyael~

sorry for double post... I do still want to know if there is anything I can do to flash my NDS Lite with what I've got, but I also just ordered the R4 SDHC, and during reading this I've run into another issue. In the documentation it mentioned supporting Micro-SD from 128mb to 4gb, but then it also states that 4gb=32gbit that leaves me puzzled. I noticed something similar I think on my EFA-Linker as well. Before I knew about flashing, I tried to put an NDS rom on it that was 22mb, but the card had little to no space left afterward and it was a 512mb card... Can someone explain that? MOONEY HELP ME!!!!