Modify MPC 3000 bin files

Hi

I have extracted the OS from MPC 3000 EPROM chips to .bin files. I wanted to modify some text stuff, like put my name on the startup screen etc. I opened the files with a hex editor and searched for the strings I want to replace, but couldn't find anything.

I have some experience with programming and know not to mess with the program logic, but replacing a string usually shouldn't break the code.

I know that this is all at my own risk and nobody can guarantee that it works.

But does anyone know how to find those strings? Is there a better way to look at the .bin files than a hex editor? Perhaps another app?

Unfortunately the guy that created OS 3.16 and 3.50 isn't on this forum anymore, or is he?

I hope someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks
Steveo

jazzcat has some experience in editing the OS file text on the 2000/XL, you might want to talk to him about it

memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=56657

MPC-Tutor wrote:jazzcat has some experience in editing the OS file text on the 2000/XL, you might want to talk to him about it

memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=56657

Since I'm a new member, I can't see his profile page. Is there anyway someone could lead him to this post?

Thanks
Steveo

I didn't realise new member had that restriction - I've fixed that and you should be able to see his profile now.

steveomentals wrote:I have extracted the OS from MPC 3000 EPROM chips to .bin files. I wanted to modify some text stuff, like put my name on the startup screen etc.

You didn't mention which OS you intend to modify, I only know of one which has users names on the boot screen, to show who the software is licensed to.

Clint wrote:

steveomentals wrote:I have extracted the OS from MPC 3000 EPROM chips to .bin files. I wanted to modify some text stuff, like put my name on the startup screen etc.

You didn't mention which OS you intend to modify, I only know of one which has users names on the boot screen, to show who the software is licensed to.

OS 3.11. It doesn't have a name on it, yet, but I would like to change that.

Well, that would be an extreme modification.

You know that old saying, "if it aint broke, don't fix it", springs to mind.

If you pull it of, post some pics.

steveomentals wrote:But does anyone know how to find those strings? Is there a better way to look at the .bin files than a hex editor? Perhaps another app?

The strings you are looking for are split between the two binaries. You need to look at both binary files at the same time to find what you are looking for.

@MPCHunter How would I do that? Is there some software or command line script, that can merge the files?

I have tried a bunch of hex editors and none of them seemed to have such a function.

why do you lie?

>>and searched for the strings I want to replace, but couldn't find anything

>>OS 3.11. It doesn't have a name on it, yet, but I would like to change that.

So you are searching your 3.10 chips for a string which doesnt exist?

I guess well have a new distributer of Ronans chips on ebay soon

mpc_fiend wrote:why do you lie?

>>and searched for the strings I want to replace, but couldn't find anything

>>OS 3.11. It doesn't have a name on it, yet, but I would like to change that.

So you are searching your 3.10 chips for a string which doesnt exist?

I guess well have a new distributer of Ronans chips on ebay soon

There's plenty of other on screen text that can be replaced, I'm not familiar with the screens of the MPC3000 but perhaps he wants to append additional text to some existing text - e.g. the start up screen text might say 'MPC3000 OS 3.10' he might want to change that to read 'John Smith's MPC3000'.

Please don't assume people are up to no good!

O.P please be aware that we've recently had problems with people pirating the Valixi OS and others passing off an old beta MPC60 OS as their own new OS, so people are somewhat weary of anyone talking about this kind of thing. If you're intentions are to just mess around with the default OS for your own pleasure, then good luck.

mpc_fiend wrote:why do you lie?

>>and searched for the strings I want to replace, but couldn't find anything

>>OS 3.11. It doesn't have a name on it, yet, but I would like to change that.

So you are searching your 3.10 chips for a string which doesnt exist?

I guess well have a new distributer of Ronans chips on ebay soon

Thanks for just assuming that I am liying, really makes me feel welcome.
Every OS has "strings" of text, otherwise you wouldn't have anything display.



I respect people like Rohan who spent a lot of time perfecting something, that the manufacturer doesn't care about anymore... But you can't get the Vailixi with your own name anymore and like you said, there are a lot "fake" ones on ebay already. Thats not what I'm after.
I just want to customize my own mpc and change some text on the stock os.

And who said the strings don't exist? Like MPCHunter said they're just split up between the 2 chips, which makes it really hard to find anything.
I'm just asking for a way to merge/combine the two files so it can be edited. I know it can be done, but don't know how.

I hope there is someone who can help me and doesn't just doubt my intentions.

MPC-Tutor wrote:

mpc_fiend wrote:why do you lie?

>>and searched for the strings I want to replace, but couldn't find anything

>>OS 3.11. It doesn't have a name on it, yet, but I would like to change that.

So you are searching your 3.10 chips for a string which doesnt exist?

I guess well have a new distributer of Ronans chips on ebay soon

There's plenty of other on screen text that can be replaced, I'm not familiar with the screens of the MPC3000 but perhaps he wants to append additional text to some existing text - e.g. the start up screen text might say 'MPC3000 OS 3.10' he might want to change that to read 'John Smith's MPC3000'.

Please don't assume people are up to no good!

O.P please be aware that we've recently had problems with people pirating the Valixi OS and others passing off an old beta MPC60 OS as their own new OS, so people are somewhat weary of anyone talking about this kind of thing. If you're intentions are to just mess around with the default OS for your own pleasure, then good luck.

I'm glad someone still sees the good in people. Thanks.

MPC-Tutor wrote:
Please don't assume people are up to no good!

Wouldn't it also be fair to say not to assume they aren't?

Since the 3k OS belongs to Linn just contact him and ask him how to do it.
He shouldn't mind because it's such a minor good hearted act.

If Roger can remember that after 20 years, I'll eat my hat!