| Wii - How To - System Settings

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How To: System Settings

Please select a topic

Date & Time
Country
- How to Change the Country Setting
Data Management
Format (Erase) System Data
- How to Format System Memory
Basic Set Up & Installation
- How to Access System Settings
- How to Change the Console Nickname
Internet Settings
Language
- How to Change the System Language
Parental Controls
Sensor Bar
- How to Change the Sensor Bar Position
- How to Adjust the Sensor Bar Sensitivity
Sound
- How to Change the Sound Settings
System Update
- How to Determine the Wii Console's Menu Version
- How to Get the Latest System Menu Update
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WiiConnect24

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or feature that you are looking for help with.

Date & Time

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Country

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Format (Erase) System Data

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Basic Set Up & Installation

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Internet Settings

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Language

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Parental Controls

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Video

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Parental Controls

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Sound

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System Updates

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WiiConnect24

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Data Management

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How to Access the Calendar

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to access the Calendar settings.

What to Do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Select Calendar.

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How to Change the Date

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to change the date in the system settings.

What to Do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Select "Calendar."

Select "Date."

Use the up and down arrows to adjust the date values up or down.

Select "Confirm" to save changes.

Related Articles:
How to Change the Time

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How to Change the Time

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to change the system time.

Important Note!

The Wii console displays in military time, which is based on a 24-hour clock. There is no way to change it to standard time, and there is no built in compensation for Daylight Savings time.

What to do:

Access Wii System Settings. (How To)

Select "Calendar."

Select "Time."

Use the up and down arrows to adjust the values up or down.

Select "Confirm" to save changes.

Related Articles:
How to Change the Date

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How to Change the Country Setting

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to change the Wii console's country setting.

Important Note!

It is important to set the country setting for your current residence, as some online features may not be available in all areas.

This setting will only become available once the Wii Console has connected to the internet and downloaded the first system update.

What to Do:

Access "System Settings." (How To)

Click the blue arrow on the right side twice to proceed to Wii System settings 3.

Select "Country."

Use the scroll bar on the right to find your current country and select it.

Select "Confirm" to save the change.

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How to Format the System Memory

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to format the system memory.

Important Note!

All saved data, game data, and downloaded channels will be erased. Once erased, this data can never be recovered.

We recommend removing your Wii Shop Channel account before you transfer ownership of your console. (How To)

What to Do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Click on the blue arrow to the right twice to proceed to Wii System Settings 3.

Select "Format System Memory."

If Parental Controls are set, enter the PIN.

Select "Format."

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How to Change the Console Nickname

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to change the console Nickname.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Select "Console Nickname."

Select the white text area.

Use the on-screen keyboard to enter the new nickname.

Select "Confirm" to save the changes.

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How to Access the System Settings

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to access the System Settings.

What to Do:

From the Wii Menu, select the "Wii" button.

Select Wii Settings.

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How to Wirelessly Connect the Wii to the Internet

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to connect the Nintendo Wii to the internet using a wireless connection.

What to do:

Power on your Wii console and press the A Button on the Wii Remote to reach the Wii main menu. Use the Wii Remote to select the "Wii" button.

Select "Wii Settings" to access the "Wii System Settings" menu.

Using the arrow on the right side of the screen, scroll to page two and select "Internet."

Select "Connection Settings."

Select "Connection 1: None."

If you do not have an empty connection slot, you will need to clear a slot. (How To)

Click on "Wireless Connection," then click "Search for an Access Point."

Select "OK." The Wii will display all the wireless networks it finds.

Select the wireless network that is yours.

(If you're not sure which is yours, or you don't see any wireless networks,
click here.)

Asked to enter a security key?
If you are prompted to "Enter the Password or Key," then the wireless network you are trying to connect to has wireless security turned on. You will need to type in your security key or password and select "OK."

(If you don't know your Network Security Key, click here.)

Select "OK," "Save Settings," and then "Yes."

The Wii console will run a connection test with your wireless network. When the test is completed, you should see the following screen:

As long as you see "The connection test was successful," the "Wii Support Code" does not matter and can be ignored.

If the connection test succeeds, then your Wii is now connected to the internet. Click here to find out what's next!

If the connection test was not successful, you will receive an error code.

Error Code 51330 or 52130: This means the security code you entered into the Wii is not the same one your router is set to. Look in your router's settings and try again. Please refer to step eight (8) above for more information.

All other error codes: Try our error code troubleshooting where we have detailed information on many common error codes. (You can ignore any "Wii Support Code" you receive on a connection test.)

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How to Find the Console Information

Description:

Step by step instructions on accessing the Console Information.

Important Note!

If the Wii console has a wired connection a LAN Adapter MAC Address will be displayed below the system LAN Adapter.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Click the blue arrow on the right to access Wii System Settings 2.

Select "Internet" and "Console Information."

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How to Review the User Agreements

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to review the User Agreements.

Important Note!

The User Agreements must be read and agreed to in order to use any of the Wii console's online features such as the Wii Shop Channel.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Click the blue arrow on the right to access Wii System Settings 2.

Select "Internet" and "User Agreements."

Select "Yes" and "Next" to review the User Agreements.

The Wii console must connect to the internet to retrieve the User Agreements.

Select "I Accept" if you agree to the User Agreement.

Related Articles:
Unable to Connect to the Internet

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How to Change the System Language

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to change the language displayed on the Wii console's system menu displays.

Important Note!

Changing the system's language setting may change the language displayed in the game if it is supported.

The system language setting is separate from the language settings available in some individual games.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Click twice on the blue arrow to reach Wii System Settings 3.

Select "Language."

Select the language you wish to change to, and press the A Button to select it.

Select "Confirm" to save changes.

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How to Set Up Parental Controls

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to complete the initial setup of parental controls.

Important Note!

To input text, select the white text box to access the on-screen keyboard. Select "OK" to close it.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Click the blue arrow on the right to access Wii System Settings 2.1

Select "Parental Controls" and "Yes."

Click "Ok" three times to begin setup.

Input the desired PIN and select "OK."

Input the PIN again and select "OK."

Select a secret question and click "OK."

Input the answer and select "OK."

Select "Game Settings and PIN" then "The Highest Game Rating."

Use the blue arrow to scroll through the ESRB ratings.

Select the desired rating restriction and "OK."

Select "Confirm."

Select "Other Settings" and "OK."

For each setting select "Do not restrict" or "Restrict" and "Next" to proceed.

Note: Some features will not appear until the Wii Console is connected to the Internet.

Once all selections are made, select "Confirm."

Select "Settings Complete" to save the changes.

Related Articles:
How to Reset Parental Controls

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How to Change Parental Controls

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to change restrictions in Parental Controls.

What to do:

From the Wii Main Menu, select the "Wii" button then Wii Settings.

Click the blue arrow to proceed to page 2 and select "Parental Controls."

Select "Yes" and enter the 4-digit PIN.

Adjust the "Highest Game Rating Allowed" to be played on the Wii Console.

Adjust any additional features, clicking "OK" after each selection.

Note:Some features will not appear until the Internet is accessed, as they are online only.

Select "Confirm" to save all of the changes.

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How to Remove Parental Controls

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to remove Parental Controls from the system.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Click the blue arrow on the right to access Wii System Settings 2.

Select "Parental Controls" and "Yes."

Input the PIN and select "OK."

Select "Clear Settings" and "OK" twice to return to System Settings.

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Forgot Parental Controls PIN

Situation:

Unable to access Parental Controls as the PIN has been forgotten

What To Do:

Select the System Settings icon on the HOME Menu, and tap "Open."

Tap "Parental Controls."

Tap "Forgot PIN."

If you do not know the answer to the secret question, tap "I Forgot."

Make note of the confirmation number that is displayed.

Call 001 (425) 558-7078 for further assistance. You must contact Nintendo on the same day that you get your Confirmation Number from the Nintendo Wii.

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How to Activate Screen Burn-in Reduction Mode

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to Activate the Wii console's screen burn-in reduction mode.

Important Note!

Some televisions have their own screen burn-in reduction function that may fade back the screen imagery or darken it entirely.

This mode does not work while playing Nintendo GameCube software.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Select "Screen."

Select "Screen Burn-in Reduction."

Select "On."

Select "Confirm" to save the changes.

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How to Adjust the TV Resolution

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to adjust the picture resolution transmitted from the Wii Console to the television.

Important Note!

Not all games support progressive scan mode.

The "EDTV or HDTV (480p)" option is not available unless a Wii Component Video Cable is connected to the console.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Select "Screen," then "TV Resolution."

Select "EDTV or HDTV (480p)" or "Standard TV (480i)."

Select "Confirm" to save the changes.

Related Articles:
How to Adjust Widescreen Settings

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How to Adjust Widescreen Settings

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to adjust the aspect ratio of the image being transmitted from the Wii console to the television.

Important Note!

This option adjusts the aspect ratio and not the television resolution.

The television's options must also be adjusted to take advantage of its own widescreen mode, even when receiving widescreen input from the Wii console.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Select "Screen" and "Widescreen Settings."

Select "Standard" or "Widescreen" then "Confirm" to save the changes.

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How to Change the Screen Position

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to adjust the position of the image on the screen to the left or right.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Select "Screen."

Select "Screen Position."

Click the left or right arrows to adjust the screen position.

Select "Confirm" to save the changes.

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How to Deactivate Screen Burn-in Reduction Mode

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to deactivate the Wii console's screen burn-in reduction mode.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Select "Screen."

Select "Screen Burn-in Reduction."

Select "Off."

Select "Confirm" to save the changes.

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How to Change the Sensor Bar Position

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to switch between Sensor Bar position options.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Click the blue arrow on the right to access Wii Settings 2.

Select "Sensor Bar."

Select "Sensor Bar Position."

Select whether the Sensor Bar will be position Above or Below the TV.

Select "Confirm" to save the changes.

For optimal performance, make sure the Sensor Bar is in the selected position.

Related Articles:
How to Adjust the Sensor Bar Sensitivity

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How to Adjust the Sensor Bar Sensitivity

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to adjust the Sensor Bar sensitivity setting.

Important!

The higher the setting, the more sensitive the Sensor Bar is to direct sunlight and various light and heat sources, which can make the Pointer operation less optimal.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How to)

Click the blue arrow on the right to access Wii System Settings 2.

Select "Sensor Bar."

Select "Sensitivity."

Aim the Wii Remote at the television.

Use the + and � buttons on the Wii Remote to adjust sensitivity until only two blinking lights appear.

If there is only one dot visible, click here for troubleshooting.

If there is more than one dot visible, check for additional light or heat sources.

Heaters
Flames from candles or fireplaces
Stoves
Lamps or Christmas lights

Press the A button when done.

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How to Change the Sound Settings

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to change the sound output.

Important!

In order to experience stereo or surround sound, the proper home equipment must be installed.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How to)

Select "Sound."

Select the desired sound output method.
- Mono: For use a TV or stereo system that does not broadcast in stereo.
- Stereo: This option is used for stereo (Left and Right Channel) TV or home stereo system.
- Surround: The Wii console can output a Dolby Prologic II for simulated surround sound. This option is for a surround sound setup.

Click "Confirm" to save the changes.

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How to Determine the Wii Console's Menu Version

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to determine what Wii Menu Version is present on the console.

Important!

Certain features are not available until the System Menu is updated.

Click here for a list of features and enhancements found in the latest system update.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How to)

The Wii menu version number will be displayed in the top-right corner of the screen.

If no version is displayed, the system may have the original system menu with no updates.

Related Articles:
How to Obtain the Latest System Update

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How to Get the Latest System Menu Update

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to update to the latest Wii Menu version.

Important Note!

Some game discs contain a System Menu Update.

Click here for a list of features and enhancements found in the latest System Update.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Click the blue arrow on the right twice to access Wii System Settings 3.

Select "Wii System Update."

Select "Yes."

Review the update message and select "I accept" if you agree to the messaging.

The Wii console will connect online. If an update is available, it will be downloaded and installed automatically.

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How to Activate WiiConnect24

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to allow receipt of data via WiiConnect24.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How To)

Click on the blue arrow to access Wii Settings 2.

Select "WiiConnect24," then select "WiiConnect24" again.

Select "On" and "Confirm" to save the changes.

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How to Adjust the Disc Slot Illumination

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to adjust or turn off the disc slot illumination.

Important!

Data will still be received even if the disc slot does not illuminate.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How to)

Click the blue arrow on the right to access Wii System Settings 2.

Select "WiiConnect24."

Select "Slot Illumination."

Select the amount of desired illumination.

Select "Confirm" to save the changes.

Related Articles:
What Does the Slot Illumination Mean?

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How to Deactivate Standby Connection

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to receive WiiConnect24 data only when the console is active.

Important!

Deactivating Standby Connection does not prevent the system from receiving WiiConnect24 data while the console is active.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How to)

Click the blue arrow on the right to access Wii Settings 2.

Select "WiiConnect24" then "Standby Connection."

Select "No" and "Confirm" to save the changes.

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How to Deactivate WiiConnect24

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to deactivate WiiConnect24.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How to)

Click on the blue arrow to access Wii Settings 2.

Select "WiiConnect24," then select "WiiConnect24" again.

Select "Off" and "Confirm" to save the changes.

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How to Activate Standby Connection

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to automatically receive WiiConnect24 data when the console is not active.

What to do:

Access System Settings. (How to)

Click the blue arrow to access Wii Settings 2.

Select "WiiConnect24."

Select "Standby Connection" and "On."

Select "Confirm" to save the changes.

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How to Delete Wii Console Data

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to delete data from the Wii Console.

What to do:

Access the Wii Data Management screen. (How To)

Select "Save Data."

Select "Wii" to display all Save Data.

Select the tab labeled "Wii" at the top of the screen to view the data stored on the Wii console.

Select the desired data, and then select the "Erase" option.

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How to Erase Nintendo GameCube Memory Card Data

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to erase Nintendo GameCube memory card data.

Note: Only Wii consoles with model number RVL-001 can use Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards. (learn more)

What to do:

Insert the Nintendo GameCube Memory Card you wish to view into one of the Nintendo GameCube Memory Card slots of the Wii. (How to)

Access the Wii Console data management screen. (How to)

Select "Save Data" and then "Nintendo GameCube."

Select the Memory Card slot to be displayed (Slot A or Slot B).

Select the file you wish to erase and select "Delete."

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How to View Nintendo GameCube Memory Card Data

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to view Nintendo GameCube memory card data.

Note: Only Wii consoles with model number RVL-001 can use Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards. (learn more)

What to do:

Insert the Nintendo GameCube Memory Card you wish to view into one of the Nintendo GameCube Memory Card slots of the Wii. (How to)

Access the Wii Console data management screen. (How to)

Select "Save Data" and then "Nintendo GameCube."

Select the Memory Card slot to be displayed (Slot A or Slot B).

All currently-saved games for that Memory Card will be displayed.

The available blocks of free space on the Memory Card are displayed in the bottom-right corner.

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How to Reach the Wii Console Data Management Screen

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to reach the Wii Console data management screen.

What to do:

With the Wii console properly connected power on the console to reach the Wii Channel menu.

Use the Wii Remote to move the cursor over the "Wii" button in the bottom-left corner of the screen and press the A Button.

From the main Wii Menu and System Settings screen, use the Wii Remote to move the cursor over the "Data Management" option.

Press the A Button to enter the Data Management tool.

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How to Copy a Channel From an SD Card to the Wii

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to copy a channel from an SD Card to the Wii.

Important!

While it is possible to copy WiiWare and Virtual Console games to an SD Card and load onto another Wii console, the games will not be playable if they have not been previously downloaded from the Wii Shop Channel to that particular Wii console.

What to do:

Insert a compatible SD Card into the SD Card slot on the front of the Wii console.

Access the Wii Data Management screen. (How to)

Select "Channels," then "SD Card."

Select the channel you wish to copy, and then select "Copy."

Select "Yes" to copy the channel to the Wii console.

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How to Move a Channel From the Wii to an SD Card

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to move a channel from the Wii console to an SD Card.

Important Note!

Channel files cannot be moved in the following cases:

When there is no SD card in the SD Card Slot.
When there is not enough space on the SD card.
The kind of SD Card being used is incompatible with the Wii console (More info)

What to do:

Insert a compatible SD Card into the SD Card slot on the front of the Wii console.

Access the Wii Data Management screen. (How to)

Select "Channels."

Select the channel you wish to move, then select "Move."

Select "Yes" to move the channel to the SD card.

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How to Move a Channel From an SD Card to the Wii

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to move a channel from an SD Card to the Wii console.

Important!

Channel files cannot be moved in the following cases:

When there is no SD card in the SD Card Slot.
When there is not enough space on the Wii console.
The kind of SD Card being used is incompatible with the Wii console. (More info)

What to do:

Insert a compatible SD Card into the SD Card slot on the front of the Wii console.

Access the Wii Data Management screen. (How to)

Select "Channels," then "SD Card."

Select the channel you wish to move, and then select "Move."

Select "Yes" to move the channel to the Wii console.

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How to Check Available Blocks of Memory on the Wii

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to check the available blocks of memory on the Wii.

What to do:

Access the Wii Data Management screen. (How to)

Select "Save Data" and then select "Wii."

The available memory is shown on the lower-right, where it says, "Blocks Open." (Each save block on the Wii console takes up 128KB of data.)

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How to Move Save Data From the Wii to an SD Card

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to move Wii Console save data to an SD Card.

Important Note!

Some developers may choose to block the transfer of save files to an SD Card for specific games. Additionally, some games may only transfer partial save data.

Virtual Console games have two types of save data - suspend data (the console remembers where you were and "pauses" you there) and save files. The suspend data will not be moved to the SD card. If a game does not have another form of save data, the save file cannot be moved.

Because the save file for each game will always have the same name, it's not possible to have multiple save files for one game stored on an SD Card.

What to do:

Insert a compatible SD Card into the SD Card slot on the front of the Wii console.

Access the Wii Data Management screen. (How to)

Select "Save Data," then select "Wii."

Select the desired data, and then select "Move" to move it to the SD Card.

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How to Move Save Data From an SD Card to the Wii

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to move save data from an SD Card to the Wii Console.

Important!

Only one save file is allowed per game, so moving a save file is only possible if there is no existing save data for the game already on the Wii Console, or if the save file has been deleted.

What to do:

Insert a compatible SD Card into the SD Card slot on the front of the Wii console.

Access the Wii Data Management screen. (How to)

Select "Save Data," then select "Wii."

Select the "SD Card" tab to display all the compatible files on the SD Card.

Select the file you want to move, then select "Move" to move it to the Wii's memory.

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How to Use Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards

Description:

Step by step instructions on how to use Nintendo GameCube memory cards with the Wii Console.

Important!

Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards can only be used to save game information for Nintendo GameCube Game Discs.

Only Wii consoles with model number RVL-001 can use Nintendo GameCube Memory Cards. (learn more)

What to do:

To use a Nintendo GameCube Memory Card, open the slot cover and insert the Memory Card, with the label of the Memory Card facing towards the top or right side of the Wii console.

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