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Questions about HDLoader (non-piracy age)

D

Diablos

Member
I just have some quick questions about the software and what I need.

First of all, I am only asking about HDLoader because my PS2's laser is slowly (but surely) going bad, and it wouldn't surprise me that in the middle of my game of DQ8, or later on during other games, it stops working altogether. I already had to open it up to bring the laser a little closer to the disc which should have bought me some time (works for now), but how much I don't really know. I want to use this program only to copy games that I actually own onto a hard drive, not to pirate.

I already have a Maxtor 40GB and 120GB drive... how much does HDLoader software cost and what about the PS2 hdd add-on? Are there any generic brands that may cost less? I just want something that works...

Thanks in advance.
 
You don't need the official HDD to use HDLoader (though I sort of use the official one, I use the one I got with my hardly ever used Linux Kit).

Just Google HDLoader and you'll get hits to websites and places that sell it. The better thing to do though is to get something like an Action Replay or CodeBreaker, do the memory card exploit that lets you run code off of the memory card, then download the HDLoader program for free (it's easily available) and use the CodeBreaker or AR to transfer it from a USB flash drive to the memory card. Then, you can boot from a PS1 game and start up all sorts of stuff, HDLoader, mp3 player, SNES or Genesis emulator, etc.
 
teiresias said:
You don't need the official HDD to use HDLoader (though I sort of use the official one, I use the one I got with my hardly ever used Linux Kit).

Just Google HDLoader and you'll get hits to websites and places that sell it. The better thing to do though is to get something like an Action Replay or CodeBreaker, do the memory card exploit that lets you run code off of the memory card, then download the HDLoader program for free (it's easily available) and use the CodeBreaker or AR to transfer it from a USB flash drive to the memory card. Then, you can boot from a PS1 game and start up all sorts of stuff, HDLoader, mp3 player, SNES or Genesis emulator, etc.
Click to expand...
Yep Yep Yep and Yep
 
Ok, if you don't need the official HD you still need an adaptor, right? I've looked at the port on the back of the PS2; it's not IDE...
 
"Ok, if you don't need the official HD you still need an adaptor, right? I've looked at the port on the back of the PS2; it's not IDE..."

You need the network adapter. It has the IDE connector built into it. Also, not all HDs "fit". Maxtors work best. I'm using the one that came with FF.


The fact that several of my favorite games simply don't work with HDLoader kinda defeats the point for me. If I played PS2 more I'd probably just spring for the new slim model and be done with it. As it is I'll use my monolith until the laser dies completely.
 
Diablos said:
Ok, if you don't need the official HD you still need an adaptor, right? I've looked at the port on the back of the PS2; it's not IDE...
Click to expand...

IDE is on the network adapter, which is required to use the HDD.
 
Heh, only problem is that my 120GB Maxtor is kind of dying...

I guess my 40GB/5200RPM Maxtor will do. After all, it's just PS2 games... transfer rate is still faster than DVD. :D

Thanks for the help everyone.

Oh, and what about WD and Seagate drives? They don't "fit"?
 
Seagates work fine.. any drive will fit, but you might have to modify your network adapter.

you can also get hdloader and a bunch of other nice programs put on your memory card if you know someone with a modded ps2
 
I'm using my IBM "deathstar" HD which is about to die sometime soon (it's survived the past 2 years so far)...and it's still working, haha. I'm gonna regret it when I have to get a new HD and backup all my games again.

My PS2 seems like it's gonna die too, so I'm trying to use HDloader as much as I can. But my HD is gonna die too so it's kind of a trade off.


p.s. HDloader mem card exploit for the win
 
Do you NEED a Pro Action Replay or CodeBreaker for the exploit or can you do it another way (like you can for Xbox with using a memory stick and programming it for use with PAR software)
 
Just warning you: I find the HD Loader compatibility to kind of suck. The hacked versions of it help, though.

If you know anyone with a modded PS2, you can get a disc that will install it to the card.
 
Diablos said:
Do you NEED a Pro Action Replay or CodeBreaker for the exploit or can you do it another way (like you can for Xbox with using a memory stick and programming it for use with PAR software)
Click to expand...

You either need those cheat devices that can transport files from your PC to your memory card, or you can just find someone with a modded PS2 and burn some CD to get the right files on the memory card. I forgot how to do it though, and I dont think I can discuss the process on this forum

Just to let you know, this will take up 1 MB of space on your memory card, so you're gonna have to give up some save files
 
Wow, that whole pro action replay step seems like work :)

I've got a couple of limping Maxtor drives I thought about using for this purpose, but other than load times (and the archival preservation of my Guitar Hero disc) I don't really have any great reason, since my PS2 is still doing OK (knock on fake wood used for my crappy computer desk)
 
Meh.

Sounds like dual layer discs are a nightmare.
This really seems like a hassle.
$30 for the adaptor, $30 for hdloader (including shipping)... so that's $60 for something that may not even work when I want it to...

Plus I do not have PAR or another cheat device so I can't do the exploit.

I dunno, sounds like a risk.
 
You need a seperate kit for the slimline to use a hdd.

1135094152-14047.vorne.jpg


Features:

* High quality mold processed
* Compatible with all PS2 V12-V13 console.
( SCPH-700XX )
* Innovative design to connect 3.5'' IDE Hard Disk with your Slim PS2.
* Solid ALL-IN-ONE design, easy to carry and go.
* Supports all brands of 3.5'' Hard Disk : Maxtor, Seagate, Hitachi.., especially WD.
* No other extra accessory needed: 80pin IDC cable and power cable inside.
* Two cooling fans support to quench the HDD temperature.
(20,000 hours life time)
* Alone rocker switch for HD power on/off and two-colour indication lamp to show HD status.
* Stand pillar design for PSTwo+HDComBo vertical stand purpose, no extra stand needed.
* Special Y Power cable for people easy to install.
(use PS2 original power cable only)
Click to expand...
 
Diablos said:
Meh.

Sounds like dual layer discs are a nightmare.
This really seems like a hassle.
$30 for the adaptor, $30 for hdloader (including shipping)... so that's $60 for something that may not even work when I want it to...

Plus I do not have PAR or another cheat device so I can't do the exploit.

I dunno, sounds like a risk.
Click to expand...

I don't use exploits or whatnot, but check the game list. Find the games you want to use with it. Dual Layer discs are the big problem especially if you don't want to go through the messy/dubious process of working around it, but HDLoader is invaluable otherwise. MGS3 is damn near unplayable without it, and there are a lot of games that just feel smoother (including DQ8) once on the HDD.

HDloader isn't a perfect solution but it turns the HDD into the best damn peripheral for the PS2. Lots of games could have really benefitted from some official HD support...
 
I put a 200GB drive in mine a while back, though the program I use to transfer data from the PC to the PS2 only recognizes it as a 128GB drive. I haven't put 128GB of data on it yet so I'm not sure how big of an issue that is.

Crazymoogle said:
there are a lot of games that just feel smoother (including DQ8) once on the HDD.
Click to expand...

Ooh, I should rip my DQ8 then.
 
I can help with the CD for putting HDL on a memcard for modded ps2s. Won't post specifics here, but send me a pm and I can work with you.

Please have a ps1 game that you own around.
 
I've always wanted to ask this of HDLoader users. Those who have this, and used it to play their copies of Snake Eater, were the notorious audio flaws fixed?
 
Goreomedy said:
I've always wanted to ask this of HDLoader users. Those who have this, and used it to play their copies of Snake Eater, were the notorious audio flaws fixed?
Click to expand...

MGS3 + HDLoader = codec/radio call problem 100% fixed
 
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