Wii Key - Gamecube SD Gecko - PS2 HDAdvance/HDloader Guide

[skate323k137]

Finally got back my old, fat PS2 (with the original network adapter that came with FFXI) and am excited to fire her up again. I ended up creating a FMCB memory card, but sadly, it is not compatible with my console's model, SCHP-3000 - both the 3000 and 9000 series aren't compatible with Free Mcboot from what I've read, maybe we should mention that in the guide?

That's odd. I could swear all the fat's work (everything but the slim 9000 series). I have used freemcboot on a SCPH-30001 for years. Are you sure you did a multi-version install if the freemcboot install wasn't done on that same console?

[CRTGAMER]

Since I can't find any HDAdvance disc commercially, I've decided to go the flip-top/Swap Magic route, so I've also placed orders on: a 200gb Maxtor IDE, IDE to USB adapter,Magic 3 Plus , and a flip-top). I plan on using the the Swap Magic disc to load uLaunchElf (from a CD-R), and then from there launch HDLoader, USB Advance, OpenPS2Loader, and the like.

Do you guy think this a viable option for my model? It my not be as streamlined as loading a HDAdvance disc (which I can't find) or fire up from FMCB (which I can't), but I figured a three-step process shouldn't be too much of a hassle.

I have a preference of HDAdvance since it is a pressed disc and loads up just like a regular PS2 game. It works with most games including DVDs and CD installed games. A simple ONE STEP RUN and no Flip Top or disc swapping is needed.

The Flip Top is only used for the initial direct install of import games.
Installed import games do not need a Mod Chip.

I also installed newer versions of HDLoader that act as if another game in the Hard drive game menu. The hard drive menu is loaded initially with HDAdvance. HDLoader is selected only for certain DVD9 and a few other games that do not work under HDAdvance.

HDAdvance Pressed Disc - http://www.modchip.ca/store/catalog/Mod ... c-269.html

[xan_racketBOY_fan]

That's odd. I could swear all the fat's work (everything but the slim 9000 series). I have used freemcboot on a SCPH-30001 for years. Are you sure you did a multi-version install if the freemcboot install wasn't done on that same console?

Yea, I'm fairly certain I installed the multi-version onto the card but I'll double check tonight.

I have a preference of HDAdvance since it is a pressed disc and loads up just like a regular PS2 game. It works with most games including DVDs and CD installed games. A simple ONE STEP RUN and no Flip Top or disc swapping is needed.

The Flip Top is only used for the initial direct install of import games.
Installed import games do not need a Mod Chip.

I also installed newer versions of HDLoader that act as if another game in the Hard drive game menu. The hard drive menu is loaded initially with HDAdvance. HDLoader is selected only for certain DVD9 and a few other games that do not work under HDAdvance.

HDAdvance Pressed Disc - http://www.modchip.ca/store/catalog/Mod ... c-269.html

Thanks for the link, CRT - looks like I'll be making some returns

*Edit: Looks like you were right, skate323k137 - Free Mcboot does indeed work with my 3001 model It seems I just had to whip out a can of air on the memory card slots. Just Installed a couple of games, and they both are running perfect - thanks gents

http://kissanime.com/G/33547?l=http%3a% ... U-Returner

[skate323k137]

*Edit: Looks like you were right, skate323k137 - Free Mcboot does indeed work with my 3001 model It seems I just had to whip out a can of air on the memory card slots. Just Installed a couple of games, and they both are running perfect - thanks gents

Glad to hear it. Enjoy!

[CRTGAMER]

I want to get another PS2 for i.link linkage and have a hdd in there as well! with OPL, free mcboot, etc.

Do all network adapters work with a HDD?

I recall reading that some network adapters do not support HDD.
Or do all ps2 network adapter support a HDD?

I have not personally tried Network or Lan Play with games installed in the PS2 hard drive. There is a network disable as one of the modes in the HDLoader so possibly installed games can play thru Lan?

Has anyone tried this?

[d123456]

Are there any types of network adapters that don't have a hdd connection? Or do all network connectors have a HDD connection?

[CRTGAMER]

Are there any types of network adapters that don't have a hdd connection? Or do all network connectors have a HDD connection?

There is a PS2 Fat Network Adapter with just a telephone line, but it is uncommon. All should have the internal IDE connection for the hard drive, used for PS2 Final Fantasy XI.

[CRTGAMER]

CRT, you're still using HDL/HDA? Seriously, why not switch to Open PS2 Loader? HDL is no longer being developed, and hasn't been for years. OPL has better compatibility and more features (like virtual memory cards on the HDD).

Still have not made the move, very happy with "hands off" approach of HDAdvance/HDLoader. I do not have to deal with the Swap Magic disc. I like the idea of just turning on the PS2 with the pressed HDAdvance disc automatic loading without need of running a separate ELF file whenever I want to try a different game. Simply reset for a direct load of the HDAdvance game menu to select a different game. Also the ease of installing and deleting games without need of a PC. Only dual layer discs and a few CD games need the network setup with the PC with HDAdvance 3.0 or the newer HDLoader programs.

I have the latest HDLoader installed as one of the "games" for the few games that will not load from HDAdvance. For me the best option, the HDAdvance pressed disc always stays in the disc reader, only being removed when direct installing a game. I do have a couple of questions concerning OPL.

1. Can Open PS2 Loader can be downloaded as a "game" ISO?

2. I could not find it, but is OPL compatible with a HDAdvance created hard drive?

I would like an option to install OPL as one of the game files for that direct load option running of first running the pressed HDAdvance disc. For example, even though some games are installed with HDAdvance 3.0, all still bootup with HDAdvance 2.0 pressed disc which in turn has an option of run the latest HDLoader if needed. I like this feature of choosing which Hard Drive load program for maximum compatibility of games on the hard drive.

[skate323k137]

I want to get another PS2 for i.link linkage and have a hdd in there as well! with OPL, free mcboot, etc.

Do all network adapters work with a HDD?

I recall reading that some network adapters do not support HDD.
Or do all ps2 network adapter support a HDD?

I have not personally tried Network or Lan Play with games installed in the PS2 hard drive. There is a network disable as one of the modes in the HDLoader so possibly installed games can play thru Lan?

Has anyone tried this?

I've played GT4 with several consoles networked running off of HDLoader. I also played one of the call of duty games online with ESR loader, and one of the Midnight Club racing games with HDLoader. Never noticed any problems.

That said I had to rip my own copy of GT4 for it to work right. I think the boots online have network support stripped out to save space or something ala the dreamcast days. Other games should work fine.

[nightrnr]

1. Can Open PS2 Loader can be downloaded as a "game" ISO?

2. I could not find it, but is OPL compatible with a HDAdvance created hard drive?

I didn't even know it was feesable to put HDloader on as an iso. I mean I know it's possible to convert it TO a PS2 iso. But I had always heard that there could be conflicting drivers and what not.

Otherwise, the Hard Drive structure is the same. HDA and HDL are 2 slightly modified versions of the same program and I alternate between HDloader and OPL for a few games all the time (OPL is my main use). I originally formatted the drive with Winhiip.