1. Q. How do I burn PS2 games? A. Use DVD Decrypter.
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/1/298323#1710763 2. Q. Does the type of media I use matter? A. YES: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/1/240341 If you're too lazy to read, use Taiyo Yuden, Verbatim, Ritek, Sony, TDK, Maxell, Sony or Phillips DVD-R's. Avoid Memorex, Staples, Imation, Dynex, Princo, Bulqpaq, etc.
CMC Magnetics is garbage. Need proof (Thanks to Alkohol):
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/1/262544 If you really want to do the PS2 backup thing right, pick up some Taiyo Yuden or Verbatim's. I only burn to TYG02, the 8x Taiyo Yuden DVD-R's. So far I've never had a lag, skip, freeze, or boot failure since I switched to Taiyo Yuden's. With results like that, why would I use anything else? The brand of media you use means very little.
The key determinant of media quality is the Media ID. For info on the Media ID, check the bottom of this thread.
Try this link for all types of different info on media quality, compatibility, and console reliability: http://www.videohelp.com/dvdmedia
8. Q. What should I use to download PS2 games? A. Bit torrent, P2P, IRC, or newsgroups. Bit torrent is the easiest and most common way. You need a BT client like Bit Tornado, Azureus, Bitlord, Bitcomet, Shareza, etc.
10. Q. What does rebuilding an iso mean? A. It means that some games 4.36-4.38GB's may need rebuilt to work with Swap Magic. This isn't true for ALL games over 4.38GB's and differs on a game to game basis. The main purpose of rebuilding is to shrink the game's Table of Contents (TOC-the size of the game) in order to boot it with Swap Magic. The TOC for the Swap Magic DVD is around 4.37GB's. There is no need to rebuild games if you have a modchip. Another purpose of rebuilding is to make games run smoother. Usually the size of the game after rebuilding is smaller, but not always. Some games have dummy files used to beef up the TOC and help them run more smoothly. A good way to lower the game's TOC is to overwrite a large dummy file. If you are having trouble getting a backup to boot, and you're sure the media isn't the problem, try rebuilding the game.
Here's how to use it.. it might not work for all games though.
Open the program.
1. Select the Shrinker_ps2_psp_CdDvd5_iso.epi on the plugins drop down list.
2. Select the iso you want to rebuild.
3. Click extract LBA.
4. Click extract file and wait for it to finish.
5. Click rebuild file and wait for it to finish.
6. Click rebuild LBA.
7. Burn the new iso with Nero or DVD Decrypter as usual.
53. Q. What is Booktyping? A. Booktyping is the ability to burn a DVD+R so it that appears as a pressed DVD-ROM in any DVD-ROM drive it's inserted in. If you booktype DVD+R's, this allows for greater compatibility with most stand alone DVD players, including your PS2. Your burner has to support booktyping (most newer ones do).
Booktyping with Nero and DVD Decrypter: http://www.k-probe.com/bitsetting-booktype-faq.php
91. Q. What is the Media ID of a DVD and how can I find it? A.The Media ID of a DVD is the true measure of it's quality. It contains prerecorded info about the disc's manufacturer. The quality of the disc will vary depending on the media code. The media code isn't visible on the disc or the packaging. To check the media ID, Open DVD Decrypter, insert your disc, and check what it says under Media ID or Manufacturer ID. You can also use a program called DVD Identifier which is very useful. You can find it here: http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/dvd_tools/dvd_id... Last but not least you can use DVD Info Pro: http://www.dvdinfopro.com/ Compare the Media ID to this link: http://www.digitalfaq.com/media/dvdmedia.htm Huge List of Media ID's (Thanks to DogBomb): http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/155431
My own Q&A
Q.I am using Swap Magic and have a problem.
A. I find that very hard to believe. re-read it. but if u have to post then atleast follow this format:
Name of Game
Game Region (PAL/NTSC)
Media Make
Media ID
Disc Max Speed
Speed of Burning
PS2 Modification (Swap Magic Version+Tool used /Name of Modchip)
PS2 Version (V1-Vx)
Game acquired (downloaded/original disc/back-up disc)
Rebuilded (Yes/No)
Rebuilding Software
Burning Software
