Hi folks, I am a total novice to both this forum and the concept of loading backup games on a console. I apologize in advanced if I have posted this thread in the wrong section of the forum or if I am missing any vital information.

This is the equipment I have to work with:
Sony Slim PlayStation 2 Model SCPH-77001 NTSC
1 PS2 memory card (used for save games and would prefer not to format)
Several USB flash drives
1 USB 250gb external hard drive for PC use
I do not own a PS2 hard drive.

This is what I have accomplished so far by following instructions on another site:

Removed the case of the unit

Modified the unit by forcing the two internal switches to remain closed so the unit does not reset when the disk tray is opened

I have tested the unit with PS1 games with the following method:

Backed up a PS1 game using Alcohol 120%

Tested the PS1 backup disk in an emulator to verify it burnt correctly

Inserted an original PS1 game in the unit, waiting for the Playstation logo to appear

Opened the tray and switched to the backup game.

Result: The PS1 game loaded successfully.

Current problem:
I am now attempting to play a backup copy of a PS2 game. It is a PS2 CD based game (under 750 MB). I have backed up the game using Alcohol 120% and it loads fine in a PS2 emulator, but my machine is not fast enough to play it properly so I need to get my PS2 to load it. I tried the method I used with the PS1 game but I do not have any original CD based PS1 games handy (only DVD games) so I am not sure if that is the problem or if the method does not with with PS2 games. Browsing this site and others I have found several methods. I am not willing to go with any hardware modification methods, I am hoping there's a software based method to use. I have found several applications that claim to be able to enable disk swapping, as well as usb boot software.

I am hoping somebody can recommend a method that involves using some sort of PS2 boot cd/dvd or software for a USB drive that will allow me to bypass the original disk protection the Playstation uses to prevent backup disk usage.

I can most likely figure it out on my own but any help you can proved will save me hours of trial and error as well as a lot of blank disks. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
-Illuvatar

Originally posted by Illuvatar:

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Hi folks, I am a total novice to both this forum and the concept of loading backup games on a console. I apologize in advanced if I have posted this thread in the wrong section of the forum or if I am missing any vital information.

This is the equipment I have to work with:
Sony Slim PlayStation 2 Model SCPH-77001 NTSC
1 PS2 memory card (used for save games and would prefer not to format)
Several USB flash drives
1 USB 250gb external hard drive for PC use
I do not own a PS2 hard drive.

This is what I have accomplished so far by following instructions on another site:

Removed the case of the unit

Modified the unit by forcing the two internal switches to remain closed so the unit does not reset when the disk tray is opened

I have tested the unit with PS1 games with the following method:

Backed up a PS1 game using Alcohol 120%

Tested the PS1 backup disk in an emulator to verify it burnt correctly

Inserted an original PS1 game in the unit, waiting for the Playstation logo to appear

Opened the tray and switched to the backup game.

Result: The PS1 game loaded successfully.

Current problem:
I am now attempting to play a backup copy of a PS2 game. It is a PS2 CD based game (under 750 MB). I have backed up the game using Alcohol 120% and it loads fine in a PS2 emulator, but my machine is not fast enough to play it properly so I need to get my PS2 to load it. I tried the method I used with the PS1 game but I do not have any original CD based PS1 games handy (only DVD games) so I am not sure if that is the problem or if the method does not with with PS2 games. Browsing this site and others I have found several methods. I am not willing to go with any hardware modification methods, I am hoping there's a software based method to use. I have found several applications that claim to be able to enable disk swapping, as well as usb boot software.

I am hoping somebody can recommend a method that involves using some sort of PS2 boot cd/dvd or software for a USB drive that will allow me to bypass the original disk protection the Playstation uses to prevent backup disk usage.

I can most likely figure it out on my own but any help you can proved will save me hours of trial and error as well as a lot of blank disks. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
-Illuvatar

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I am afraid to tell you that you can't play PS2 backups on a slim without some sort of mod, be it a hardware or software mod.

You would have to purchase a cheat disk such as codebreaker, ar max with media player. The first choice is cheaper as you can get Codebreaker 10 on ebay for about $10-12

The reason for this is so it can see the usb device.

Unless you have a friend close by that has a modded PS2 and they could install the software to your mc for you.

From there you could then install the new Free_MCBOOT and ESR Beta 8 and then you wouldn't need to modify your PS2 at all and could play any backups, plus load usbadvance which allows you to play games off your USB hdd.

Ok, that sounds simple enough. Thanks a lot for the help. I'll try to get Codebreaker 10 and go from there. I will update as I make progress or run into problems.

Thanks again,
Illuvatar

Just so you know Bootlegninja is still working on the tutorials on how to install using cheat disks.
http://psx-scene.com/forums/freevast/584...html#post425272

So maybe just hang on yet and wait to see what he comes up with.

Otherwise like I say, if you have a friend with modded ps2, they could install it for you.

Once again, thanks so much for the help!
I'm planning on going to Wal-Mart when I get out of work in an hour and picking up a copy of CodeBreaker 10 anyways - it can never hurt to have cheat software handy, especially if it will help me install a softmod that useful! I'll check out that link you recently posted in this thread and see how far I can make it. I will be posting my results as well..

And no, unfortunately I am the only one in my circle of friends that would even feel comfortable with the concept of modding their PS2. After having 3 of my original "fat" PS2 lasers die on me I am used to having to replace them now and again so I don't mind being the test subject. =)

Thanks a lot man, you're awesome!
-Illuvatar

P.S. I read in other threads that USB drives are compatable once you get the right mod/memcard setup, does that apply only to flash drives or can the PS2 support large drives (like my Seagate USB 250gb). I also read that you can connect a standard IDE HD such as a Maxtor/WD 300gb using some sort of IDE->ETH converter.. I have both types of HD's laying around. I also saw somewhere that with the right software mod you could set your PC up so that the PS2 can ftp to it for loading games.. If any if these options are possible which route would you recommend? I wouldn't mind trying any of them and posting results..

Ok well here is the info I have so far then once you get your codebreaker.

http://psx-scene.com/forums/424968-post14.html
If you want to read the whole thread, the link is at the top right, I just wanted to point you to the file you need.

Basically you are going to be able to launch uLaunch 4.12
Read up on it, as it is basically a file management for the PS2 and you are able to launch other elf files, move files etc.

So then once ule is running you will be able to install the Free_MCBoot 1.5 or 1.4 whichever you prefer.
Now you will also need the DVDELF.bin inside your BOOT folder along with the FREE_MCBOOT.ELF, so just download my BOOT file, and it has it with it. But if you want the 1.4b then download it from here.

So once the loader is installed, with it you will be able to copy the ESR Beta file to your memory card, which allows you to boot backups on an unmodded PS2.

The link to the whole Freevast forum is here, in case you need more info or help.
http://psx-scene.com/forums/freevast/

Now as for your other questions, yes you can use an USB hdd on your Slim PS2 using USbadvance.elf.

As for the transferring games to hdd, you only need to use the first app listed, USB Extreme Win32 utility

Not all games are compatible with the USB drive due to the 1.1 usb speed of the PS2 and due to the DNAS. They may require you to swap the DNAS or IOPROP, and rebuild the ISO.
http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/348187#2100927

If you still have your FAT PS2, you could get a hdd network adapter and use an IDE hdd, which is more compatible.
You would just launch hddloader.elf off your mc
http://www.console-exploits.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9236

I think you can FTP files like video, music, pictures etc.

But for games this method works, it is slow though.
http://www.console-exploits.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9708

Read this first to setup your ip address
http://ubergeek.awardspace.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=5

You can find many elf files here that you may need down the road and tutorials etc.

Good luck, let me know how it goes, and I hope I haven't confused you on anything. Its early here, so if I forgot anything let me know.

Anyway I gave this a go on my unmodded V5 PS2 using Codebreaker and it worked.

Wow! You're a virtual knowledgebank of PS2 info.. I didn't have any luck finding CodeBreaker 10 yesterday, I checked all the retal stores in the area. The best I could do was to get GameStop to order me one for next week.

In your last reply you mentioned that if I had my old FAT PS2 I could use the IDE->Ethernet method. Is that specific ONLY to FAT PS2s? I ask because my slim ps2 has a built in ethernet port in addition to the USB ports..

Thanks,
-Illuvatar

Originally posted by Illuvatar:

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Wow! You're a virtual knowledgebank of PS2 info.. I didn't have any luck finding CodeBreaker 10 yesterday, I checked all the retal stores in the area. The best I could do was to get GameStop to order me one for next week.

In your last reply you mentioned that if I had my old FAT PS2 I could use the IDE->Ethernet method. Is that specific ONLY to FAT PS2s? I ask because my slim ps2 has a built in ethernet port in addition to the USB ports..

Thanks,
-Illuvatar

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Lol, I guess I am. Ok so will wait til next week to see how you make out.

Yes, if you have a V12-V13( SCPH-70012 or SCPH-70001)slim, then you could go with what they call a hddcombo.

Sorry it took so long for an update. Life's been a bit hectic. I called Game Stop today and verified they have a copy of Code Breaker v10 in stock. I will be picking it up in an hour.. Will post my progress..
Once again, thanks for the help!
-Illuvatar

Cool, and Bootlegninja has posted his tutorials now also.
http://bootleg.sksapps.com/tutorials/fmcb/

Good luck

Bad news:

I bought my CodeBreaker v10. It does not have functioning usb drivers for my PS2 77001. According to [url=http://forums.cmgsccc.com/showthread.php?t=1458&referrerid=1278640][/url]
12.4 any PS2 75001+ came with cheap hardware that does not allow CB's usb drivers to function and they cannot use Sony's for legal reasons, there is no patch yet nor is there one scheduled in the near future. Guess I'm SOL unless anyone has any advice on alternatives..

Thanks,
-Illuvatar

Originally posted by smokyrain:

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Cool, and Bootlegninja has posted his tutorials now also.
http://bootleg.sksapps.com/tutorials/fmcb/

Good luck

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Yeah, thanks.. I had found that earlier.. I was following it and got to the point where I'd copied FreeMCBoot and ULaunchELF to the flash drive and tried booting the PS2 77001 with a couple different FAT32 formatted flash drives (One specifically was a SanDisk Cruiser Micro which is on the supported list from Pelican) and CB loads super-slow (about a half hour to get to the initial splash screen and it hangs) and is completely nonfunctional. When the drive is removed within 5 seconds CB finishes loading, but if the USB drive is reinserted it lags out again (apparently due to new Sony hardware which makes Pelican's USB drivers obsolete). I'm relatively disappointed with this and I'm hoping somebody happens to know a workaround or alternate route, maybe another cheat device that is compatible with my system. Any help would be greatly appreciated..

Thanks again,
-Illuvatar

Oh crap, that's my mistake.. so sorry.

I wasn't even thinking about that as I have 2 PS2 FAT as well as my V14 slim.

You would then need AR Max evo with media player. Its hard to find the one with media player.
Its the media player in it that lets you use the usb device.

If you can't find one, let me know.

After just waking up and thinking about it more clearly I think it may still be possible to get this running with a pre-installed FreeMCBoot mem card installed via a properly modded PS2. I had read that the new Sony USB drivers do work with the new models, just that CB hasn't updated their drivers to work around this as of yet. I know none of my friends have the ability to install this on my memcard to test it though so if anyone has had success with this method please let me know so I can try to obtain a preinstalled mc online somehow. Also if anyone knows any workarounds I'd also love to hear them.

-Illuvatar (not such a newbie after all this research O.o)

Just an update: I contacted Pelican to see if they have an update for CB v10. On their forums I noticed there is a v10.1 release but I'm not sure what issues this fixed. I'll keep everybody posted on my progress.

Thanks
-Illuvatar

Yes I knew that too, and didn't even think of it at the time I told you to get codebreaker.

I like my retail codebreaker for my original disks, and then just run the codebreaker.elf for my backups.

Anyway I am going to help you out and get your mc installed with fmcb.

And yes we can hope Pelican does fix its usb compatibility issues with the slim PS2's