Nspire Nlaunch

{{Note|Nlaunch is only compatible with the classic TI-Nspire models (Clickpad/Touchpad), both CAS and non-CAS. It hasn't been ported to the CX series as of this writing.}}

Nlaunch is a Boot2 exploit that allows users to run any kind of OS on the Nspire without regard for version, model, or source checking. This also makes it possible to dual-boot OS versions.

It replaces the OSLauncher of old, which was patched over by TI's update protections in OS 2.0.

Preparations

Make sure that you have Ndless 3.1 installed before proceeding.

Download the nLauncher files and extract them someplace accessible.

To send files to the TI-Nspire, use the TI-Nspire Computer Link program or some equivalent.

nTNOC

nTNOC frees up space, and deletes the integrated Boot2 update package to keep it from interfering with the downgrade.

1. Send the ndless folder to the root of the calculator. Overwrite existing files/folders if necessary.
2. In the ndless folder launch ntnoc. If the calculator does reboot try again.
3. Type {{Key|Esc}} once complete.
4. Remove the ntnoc file in the ndless folder.

Install Boot2 v1.4

Boot2 v1.4 has an exploit that Nlaunch uses, so we need to install it.

1. In the ndless folder launch nsNandMgr.
2. Type {{Key|2}} then {{Key|2}} to flash Boot2 1.4.
3. Press {{Key|0}} to return to the main menu once complete.
4. Check the Boot order line on the screen:

• If it shows Boot2 Diags, leave it alone.
• If it shows Diags Boot2, press {{Key|4}} and then {{Key|6}} to switch and {{Key|0}}.

5. Press {{Key|0}} to quit.
6. To save space, remove the boot2.img and nsnandmgr files in the 'ndless' folder.

Free Up Space

{{Note|If you already have 16.2MB free space on non-CAS TI-Nspire or 14.8MB on TI-Nspire CAS}}

1. In the ndless folder, launch ncleaner.
2. Check all unneeded items with the {{Key|Click}} key and validate with {{Key|Enter}}.
3. Press {{Key|Esc}} once complete.
4. To save space, remove the ncleaner file in the ndless folder.

Install nLaunch

Critor's original guide does not work for the Touchpad (which is not helped by the incorrect key combination). Therefore, I made a new method for the Touchpad to get nLaunch working.

Touchpad Method

{{Warning|This method will format all data in the process. Make sure that all data on the calculator is backed up.}}

1. Unplug the USB cord and remove a battery for 5 seconds.
2. Put the battery back in but don't turn on the calculator.
3. Press and hold the 3 following keys: {{Key|Doc}} + {{Key|Enter}} + {{Key|EE}}
4. Without releasing those keys, press {{Key|On}} to turn on.
5. Around 60% of the loading bar, you should enter the maintenance menu.

• If not, remove a battery and go back to step 2.

6. Type {{Key|4}} then {{Key|1}} to delete the OS and all data.
7. Once it's done, press any key to restart. You will get an Operating system not found message.
8. Plug in the calculator to the PC.
9. Send the ndless_resources.tns file to the ndless folder.
10. Send the entire nlaunch folder to the root of the calculator.
11. Send the 'nlaunch.tno' file for a non-CAS TI-Nspire or 'nlaunch.tnc' for a TI-Nspire CAS. Ignore any error messages.
12. If the calculator moves to the "Loading Operating System" message and boots into v3.1, nLaunch was successfully installed.

• If it's still stuck at the Operating system not found message, try again from step 10.

Clickpad Method

1. Send the nlaunch folder to the root of the calculator.

• Overwrite existing files/folders if necessary.
• If it doesn't fit, remove files in other folders. Just don't delete ndless_resources.tns in the ndless folder.

2. Unplug the USB cord and remove a battery for 5 seconds.
3. Put the battery back in but don't turn on the calculator.
4. Press and hold the 3 following keys: {{Key|Home}} + {{Key|Enter}} + {{Key|P}}
5. Without releasing those keys, press {{Key|On}} to turn on.
6. Around 60% of the loading bar, you should get the maintenance menu.

• If not, remove a battery and go back to step 2.

7. Once it's done, press any key to restart. You will get an Operating system not found message.
8. Plug in the calculator to the PC.
9. Send the ndless_resources.tns file to the ndless folder.
10. Send the 'nlaunch.tno' file for a non-CAS TI-Nspire or 'nlaunch.tnc' for a TI-Nspire CAS. Ignore any error messages.
11. If the calculator moves to the "Loading Operating System" message and boots into v3.1, nLaunch was successfully installed.

• If it's still stuck at the Operating system not found message, try again from step 10.

Using nLaunch Dual-boot

In this example, we are currently using OS v3.1 + Ndless.

To switch to OS v3.2:

1. Enter the nlaunch folder in the Nspire.
2. Rename the phoenix.back file to phoenix .
3. Press the {{Key|Reset}} button on the back of the calculator or remove a battery for 5 seconds and turn back on

The calculator will restart into OS v3.2.

To go back to OS v3.1 + Ndless, just repeat the same steps.

Creating your own images

(needs elaboration)

CAS Firmware on Non-CAS Calculators

Warning: We do not sanction nor recommend the abuse of nLaunch to bypass test restrictions on CAS calculators. We warn you that some testing organizations will check for and reprimand violators, such as in Portugal.

Since CAS calculators are physically the same as non-CAS calculators, we can use nLaunch to bypass model checking and install CAS firmware on the cheaper, non-CAS calculators. nLaunch bypasses all known protections made by TI, such as the following:

• either a development or production OS (the RSA signature is ignored)
• accordingly, any modified official OS
• either a CAS or non-CAS OS (bits indicating the type of model are ignored)
• an OS whose version number is earlier than the minimum version normally installable, written before the beginning of the NAND filesystem (the anti-downgrade protection is ignored)

It was an unintended and undocumented side effect of the power of nLaunch, and took quite a bit of innovation and risk-taking to produce, putting it far beyond the layman's ability.

Nevertheless, TI was forced to release OS 3.2.4 to disable both Ndless and nLaunch in response. If you are a concerned educator, simply use the Nspire crib to update all your student's Nspires before a test, which will remove Ndless, nLaunch, and any custom OSes, returning them to their original state.

Sources

• Omnimaga - nLaunch
• TI-Planet: Critor - Installation Ndless 3.2 Switch
• Hackspire - Operating System - States that the correct key combination to enter maintenence mode on the Touchpad is Doc+Enter+EE .