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HDLOADER - Found Impressions

Cloudy said:
Every game I've tried so far (6 of 'em) has worked without me having to switch modes. Except Xenosaga which doesn't support the hdloader anyways....
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You can download the DVD9->DVD5 rip kit. I tried it and it works. Also Online games won't go online for some reason(SocomII won't detect the NA while REO won't boot up), tried many modes, but none of them seem to work. >_<
 
You can download the DVD9->DVD5 rip kit. I tried it and it works.
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That whole process, I assume, requires a modchip, fliptop or something alike?

REO won't boot up), tried many modes, but none of them seem to work. >_<
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Can you install games like RE:O the 'regular' way and keep it working off the HDD while you have HDLoader installed games on it at the same time (talking of course, about using the official PS2 HDD)

If you install all the software in the FFXI utility disc, you can run installed games from the HDD broswer(assuming the HDLoader is in the PS2tray) instead of running it through HDLoader.
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OK, as far as installation goes - on that utility disc, there's only new DVD drivers (that I already have in the 50001 PS2 ROM) and an option to re-install HDD software in the case the one that is pre-installed somehow breaks... I'm not sure if there's anything new to install, really? Besides, what good is running games that way, it only introduces some unnecessary steps into the procedure, because I can't really even boot into the browser while HDLoader disc is in the drive.
 
Marconelly said:
Can you install games like RE:O the 'regular' way and keep it working off the HDD while you have HDLoader installed games on it at the same time (talking of course, about using the official PS2 HDD)
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This is what I'd like to know - can you install games without breaking whatever is already on the drive? If HDloader and FFXI can't coexist, then the loader is useless to me, but if they can (and the PS2 is dumb enough to just see "other installed apps" that don't effect authentication or anything) then great, sign me up.
 
Crazymoogle said:
This is what I'd like to know - can you install games without breaking whatever is already on the drive? If HDloader and FFXI can't coexist, then the loader is useless to me, but if they can (and the PS2 is dumb enough to just see "other installed apps" that don't effect authentication or anything) then great, sign me up.
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When you install FFXI, Socom II, and REO, those games basically create their own partition on the drives so as to not affect each other. The HDLoader basically creates a partition for each game installed(or use a single partition and resize itself before installing each game). So it shouldn't affect those games. Keep in mind if you are using 3rd party HDD, you won't be able to install those HDD-enabled games(you have to modified the atad.irx file for 3rd party HDD and DNAS file for online, I got them pretty much working).
 
tenchir said:
When you install FFXI, Socom II, and REO, those games basically create their own partition on the drives so as to not affect each other. The HDLoader basically creates a partition for each game installed(or resize current partition). So it shouldn't affect those games. Keep in mind if you are using 3rd party HDD, you won't be able to install those HDD-enabled games(you have to modified the atad.irx file for 3rd party HDD and DNAS file for online, I got them pretty much working).
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I'm using the official HD, so I would be kocher as far as using HDDLoader stuff (without needing to modify stuff as you mention)?

I'll have to take your word for it on the partitions - the PS2 browser just shows them as big rounded files and folders.

I guess to clarify the other part, if they are installed, you don't need the HDDLoader disc to run them?

Thanks for the clarifications tenchir. :)
 
Well, I must say this HDD is a small disappointment so far. It's not only slowing down the booting into browser, but it's slowing down boot sequence of *everything* period. Games now have what seems like a ten seconds longer delay between the time you power the console on to the point where it displays the PS2 logo, which is where they actually start to load. In the meantime it appears that it loads some stuff (and God knows what) off the HDD.

The list of annoyances just keeps growing.

- The long boot sequence. It really feels like it's too long now.
- The ugly yellow light that's lit inside the console every time the HDD works is especially annoying (there has got to be a way to disable that, no? Can't I tape something over it?)
- The flickering swirling balls in the browser annoy me as well. Yes, I'm terribly anal, but I really loved how smooth they were, and now they are not anymore :(

I dunno... HDDLoader better bring some serious decrease in load times for the games that I like to play or I might as well give up on the whole thing, especially considering that common logic tells me that none of the upcoming games will be installable, and if I have to wait *longer* for each of them to load than they normally should, I just don't know if it's worth it...
 
Crazymoogle said:
I'm using the official HD, so I would be kocher as far as using HDDLoader stuff (without needing to modify stuff as you mention)?

I'll have to take your word for it on the partitions - the PS2 browser just shows them as big rounded files and folders.

I guess to clarify the other part, if they are installed, you don't need the HDDLoader disc to run them?

Thanks for the clarifications tenchir. :)
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No, you will need the HDLoader disc to launch the games(either through the HDLoader Launch or through the HDD Broswer that is installed by FFXI utility disc).
 
Marconelly said:
Well, I must say this HDD is a small disappointment so far. It's not only slowing down the booting into browser, but it's slowing down boot sequence of *everything* period. Games now have what seems like a ten seconds longer delay between the time you power the console on to the point where it displays the PS2 logo, which is where they actually start to load. In the meantime it appears that it loads some stuff (and God knows what) off the HDD.

The list of annoyances just keeps growing.

- The long boot sequence. It really feels like it's too long now.
- The ugly yellow light that's lit inside the console every time the HDD works is especially annoying (there has got to be a way to disable that, no? Can't I tape something over it?)
- The flickering swirling balls in the browser annoy me as well. Yes, I'm terribly anal, but I really loved how smooth they were, and now they are not anymore :(

I dunno... HDDLoader better bring some serious decrease in load times for the games that I like to play or I might as well give up on the whole thing, especially considering that common logic tells me that none of the upcoming games will be installable, and if I have to wait *longer* for each of them to load than they normally should, I just don't know if it's worth it...
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If it's anything like Action Replay or Gameshark, you can probably get upgrade disc cheap if you have proof you own the original(if it does really well and Sony doesn't crush them).
 
Crappy part about the HDD is that since the PS2 is reading the HDD from the beginning you boot it, why can't it read the new dvd drivers on the HDD but only from a memory card?(For those who don't have 50001).
 
Marconelly said:
- The long boot sequence. It really feels like it's too long now.
- The ugly yellow light that's lit inside the console every time the HDD works is especially annoying (there has got to be a way to disable that, no? Can't I tape something over it?)
- The flickering swirling balls in the browser annoy me as well. Yes, I'm terribly anal, but I really loved how smooth they were, and now they are not anymore :(
Click to expand...

These three things happen regardless of which HD you use - I've got the normal FFXI package, no HDDLoader, and yeah, the flicker thing is dumb. I'm kinda surprised the HDD itself doesn't wait until you try to access the browser, but oh well.

The yellow light doesn't bother me at all, but yeah, you can probably tape over it by taking apart the outer casing and looking for the LED.
 
These three things happen regardless of which HD you use - I've got the normal FFXI package, no HDDLoader, and yeah, the flicker thing is dumb.
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You mean it happens even if you just plug any HD and don't even install the new browser? What about the boot-up delay? Does that happen if you use HD *only* for HDLoader games, and don't install the new browser or any official software on it?
 
Yeah. It looks like a hardware thing - when the PS2 detects the IDE port (or probably just the power connector) is in use, it waits for the drive to spin up before going into the browser - this is the PS2 system boot up delay (although it seems to be less so from sleep (red light) mode).

The LED thing happens regardless because its part of the PS2, not the hard drive. The flicker, well, I have no idea on that one.

Its possible the system may behave somewhat differently if a no-browser HDD is in use, but I don't have a spare to check with. I'm just speaking as a guy with the 50001 model PS2, the FFXI HD, and not installing anything from the utility disk (browser and whatnot comes already preinstalled anyway). With no browser I imagine some of the boot delay might go away, but that all depends on how the PS2 handles alien HDD device connections. It's entirely possible some of the handling software is built into the PS2 and the whole thing suffers a delay anyways.
 
yeah there was more of a startup delay just adding the official HD also have FF10 on it but now with the HD loader its defintely longer and some werid stuff seems to be happening before startup but this may not bother others. I tested it on a 50001 and 30001.


also just for the heck of it anyone ever try formatting the official sony HD and hooking it up to their computer and get it working as a computer HD or is that not possible?
 
Hang on -- HD Loader supports non-Sony HDs, but I can't use the non-Sony HD for "regular" HDD functions (FFXI, etc)? I can only use the Sony HD for that, right?

So my next question then is: I have a modded UK console -- can I use ANY region HDD with it, or do I need the UK Sony HDD? And will games from all regions work fine with the official HDD (again, it's a modded console)?
 
Question - can the PS2 CD games be installed? I've seen the compatibility list, and the only CD game listed on it is said to not work.
 
Fowler said:
Hang on -- HD Loader supports non-Sony HDs, but I can't use the non-Sony HD for "regular" HDD functions (FFXI, etc)? I can only use the Sony HD for that, right?

So my next question then is: I have a modded UK console -- can I use ANY region HDD with it, or do I need the UK Sony HDD? And will games from all regions work fine with the official HDD (again, it's a modded console)?
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I think all 3rd party HDD aren't region specific(even the official sony HDD aren't region specific, but their FFXI utility disc ARE region specific though), if your PS2 system is PAL, then buy the PAL version(there are NTSC version and PAL version available).

Marconelly said:
Question - can the PS2 CD games be installed? I've seen the compatibility list, and the only CD game listed on it is said to not work.
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I don't know, but I don't see why not. I check the compatibility list at www.ps2nfo.com where they keep a better list(with DVD9 games listed) and they don't show much PS2 CD games. So I think most cd-based PS2 games should work.

Here's their list so far for non-workin games.

ATV Quad Power Racing 2 (DVD) USA/PAL Not Working
Biohazzard Outbreak (DVD) JAP Not Working
Champions of Norrath: Realms Of EverQuest (DVD9) USA/PAL Rip To DVD5
Destruction Derby Arenas (DVD) USA/PAL Enable Mode 3
Eve Of Extinction (DVD) ALL Enable Mode 1
Fight Night 2004 (DVD) ALL Enable Mode 3

Final Fantasy X-2 (DVD) ALL Enable Mode 3
Final Fantasy XI (DVD) JAP Supports $ony HDD Only
FreekStyle (DVD) USA/PAL Enable Mode 1

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (DVD9) USA/PAL Rip To DVD5
Gran Turismo 4 Prolouge (DVD) PAL/JAP Enable Mode 2

James Bond 007: Everything Or Nothing (DVD) ALL Enable Mode 3

Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (DVD9) ALL Rip To DVD5
MVP Baseball 2004 (DVD) USA Enable Mode 3

MX 2002: Featuring Ricky Carmichael (CD) USA/PAL Not Working
Peter Pan: The Legend Of Neverland (DVD) PAL Not Working
Ratchet And Clank (DVD) USA/PAL Not Working
Sakura Taisen Atsuki Chishio Ni (DVD9) JAP Rip To DVD5
Soul Calibur 2 (DVD) ALL Not Working
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm (DVD) ALL Enable Mode 3
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 (DVD) USA/PAL Not Working
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (DVD) USA/PAL Not Working
Van Helsing (DVD) USA/PAL Enable Mode 1

Wild Arms: Alter Code F (DVD9) JAP Rip To DVD5
Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht (DVD9) ALL Rip To DVD5
 
Haha, the pirates already found a way to burn and use the HDDLoader. All you need is a legit copy of Crazy Taxi. Only took them a week to figure it out...amazing
 
Yes

I meant they figured out how to burn a copy of the HDDloader disc and use it, so they don't even have to buy the HDDloader. All they need to do is buy a cheap used copy of Crazy Taxi and it works just as good

I won't post any more details about it here though
 
That dvd-9 rip solution is no solution for me seems like way too much trouble to go through unless you are using this to pirate games. I think its pretty good so far if you can get it for around $30 shipped having quick access to your game library is great and you can rotate the most played games and erase easy, less wear on the drive. I have one of these 80 disc easy access cd/dvd holders from staples that I used for most games but noticed it was slightly scratching discs sliding them back in and poping them out unless I was extremly careful about it, but it was a slight improvemnt over just keeping them stacked on top of each other, but this solution is even better than both those options. I never understood people keeping their games in original boxes and in big shelfs but hey whatever floats your boat.

Also for those using the 120 hd there might be issues of overheating so just put a fan on it, I think the 30001 model has more heating problems even without the HD but I could be wrong. The biggest negative forf me was no PS1 support if they make an upated one to include that I would buy it.
 
Wario64 said:
Yes

I meant they figured out how to burn a copy of the HDDloader disc and use it, so they don't even have to buy the HDDloader. All they need to do is buy a cheap used copy of Crazy Taxi and it works just as good

I won't post any more details about it here though
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Curious stuff :).
 
One question that may have been answered above...

If I were to install an HD into a Japanese PS2, use the HDD Loader, install a specific game, and then remove that drive and place into a US PS2...would the game load?
 
i cant get any of the Cabella Hunting games to work....yes and i tried to modes and all. anyone have this problem or these games even?

edit: nor arctic thunder....5% of games my ass
 
dark10x said:
One question that may have been answered above...

If I were to install an HD into a Japanese PS2, use the HDD Loader, install a specific game, and then remove that drive and place into a US PS2...would the game load?
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Does HD Loader work for Japanese PS2 systems?
 
Lyte Edge said:
Does HD Loader work for Japanese PS2 systems?
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How would your Japanese PS2(I am assuming its not modded to read any other region disc) even read the HD loader disc if its made for the US/NTSC and PAL only?
 
Defensor said:
How would your Japanese PS2(I am assuming its not modded to read any other region disc) even read the HD loader disc if its made for the US/NTSC and PAL only?
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Oh shit, you're right. :P
 
In related news, the protection on the HD Loader disc observed is indeed STRONG (20+ checks!) as mentioned in out past NEWS updates. People seem to wonder why no release groups are touching this... the answer is quite simple- they were requested NOT to directly by those making the loot. With over 200 people in our IRC chat room awaiting a 'patch' for the image to allow it to PLAY the games, all we can say ito be patient...


And now Team PS2Ownz presents...
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So it seems PS2ownz has released this! Looks like a regular CD image too. Can't confirm yet since I don't have a NA but check your local listings.
 
PS2Ownz is saying that someone else released it under their name. Who knows what happened. I tried the "cracked" version(use cracked on my mod, and legit on my non-modded PS2) and it seemed to have screwed up my HDD. Now I am in the middle of reformating it again......
 
Most people who used the cracked version have confirmed it works. I need to stop down to Den Den and pick up an extra hd to...errr test for myself.

Like this is a surprise. If people can figure out how to play PS2 burns online, this was nothing.
 
Tried the second cracked version and it was a hassle to get it to work compare to the original. It wouldn't past the splashscreen unless I eject as it hits the splash screen and put it back in. Even if I get to the screen to launch the game, I keep getting black screen and rarely can play them.

My 120GB HDD is pretty hot, I have to idea how to cool it, most of my HDD cooler wouldn't fit and I have to do some case modification to put in fans.
 
question.

i have the network adapter/modem combo, 80 gig maxtor, and hdloader

all is working fine, cept the reset button no longer works, no matter how quickly i tap it, my ps2 is either on or off. wtf?
 
So what is the deal with this, is it crap or what? I'm hearing about more games not being compatible, HDD overheating, and a general bad vibe to this thing. Can somebody shoot straight on this thing, and give the real deal. I'm still waiting on a the f*cking software itself, ordered it on June 16 with 24 hr ground. Today is June23rd, no tracking number, no response from divineo.com to my customer email. Great. This day keeps going from bad to worse. I love it.
 
PanopticBlue said:
http://www.ga-forum.com/showthread.php?t=2278&highlight=loader

My impressions are in there as well... bottom line, it's worth it. Very nice piece of kit, I've had only a few games not work so far.

And for those saying 7200rpm drives are too hot, I played for a good 4-5 hours straight last night without a hitch.
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I am not talking about short term problems concerning heat, I am talking about long term for both the HDD and the PS2. How long do you think the PS2 and HDD will last against that kind of heat without proper ventilation? And I am not posting the link to the cracks.

I think I will buy an external cooling fan for the ps2

http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?category=26&products_id=3195
 
I am not talking about short term problems concerning heat, I am talking about long term for both the HDD and the PS2. How long do you think the PS2 and HDD will last against that kind of heat without proper ventilation? And I am not posting the link to the cracks.
Click to expand...

btw I have a modded Xbox with the exact same hdd in it, a Maxtor 120gb 7200 rpm...I've had it for a year and it works perfect, and my Xbox gets pretty heavy use. (many people warned against putting 7200 rpm drives in Xbox as well)
 
I'd reckon playing games via discs will wear out the lens faster than a hot hard drive will damage a PS2. Just my opinion, though.
 
I'm sure if/when this becomes widespread enough, Sony will enforce publishers to put in a new scheme in all their future games to make them copy proof somehow. Then y'all will probably have to buy an updated HD Loader or something to that effect...
 
I'm just happy I can have different versions of Winning Eleven 7 International - one for my Master League, one for Euro 2004 etc. They all coexist nicely on the HD.
 
nothing like being able to boot with no optical disk at all in the ps2 because of the DMS3's wonderful Dev.olution 1 mode that can boot the HDLoader from a Memory Card :D
 
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