Running PS2 Games from HD

[Beak]

Hey, I read through the other topics, but I was still confused.

In not so many words, is there any advice for getting something like this set up?

It looks like I need HDLoader and Free McBoots, a PS2 memory stick, a compatible hard drive, a network adapter, and then PS2 ISOs?

I'm confused. I'd really appreciate any starting advice. What do I need to do first and foremost?

[CRTGAMER]

I wrote an article concerning this.
http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 33#p322333

Gamecube and PS2 Mod Guide: Alternate Media

[fvgazi]

If you want to just use a HDD, all you need is HD Loader. Not all games are compatible and some needs special modes enabled to work. You need to find a network adapter, compatible PS2 HDD and format it to be compatible with the PS2. You can use the program WINHIIP for this.

FreeMC Boot is needed to play any backup or homebrew game. If you have the FreeMC Boot noobie package, the HDLoader frontend is already built into it.

[Ziggy]

Additionally, you can buy HD Advance if you don't wanna mess around with Free MCboot. The website has guides and compatibility lists, so it's a great reference.

http://www.hdadvance.com/

Just to add a little more info:

Not all games are compatible and some needs special modes enabled to work.

Final Fantasy 12 needed a patch. Not sure if other games exist that need to be patched.

You need to find a network adapter, compatible PS2 HDD and format it to be compatible with the PS2. You can use the program WINHIIP for this.

Pretty much any hard drive that will fit the network adapter will work. If I remember correctly, there's a size limit. That website I linked above has that info, as well as a list of known compatible drives.

There's also a program called HDL Dump, which is what I use. Not sure if they both have all the same features. I'm pretty sure you can use HDL Dump to format the drive. I have my PS2 linked up to my PC via a crossover cable. HDL Dump allows me to view the drive in my PS2 and I can transfer games to it or delete games off it.

It's a little more difficult to set this up, but it's the best way to do it. Otherwise you'll have to take the hard drive out of your PS2 and connect it to your PC every time you wanna put games on it. Or you have to rip a PS2 to the disc using your PS2 console, which puts wear on the drive and also takes a while.

[alexis524]

I'm still using a ps1 disk to launch HDL. Would someone be willing to copy the free mcboot noob package onto my PS2 mem card if i pay for postage the whole way around?

[Ziggy]

I know there's several RB members that'll do it for you, though I can't remember any of them by name.

[Hobie-wan]

gtmtnbiker did mine for me. I think skate#### was doing them, but he hasn't been around in a while. There might have been one more.

[Beak]

How does one normally get the Free McBoot package on their PS2 memory card?

[Ziggy]

I think you need a slide key and GameShark or something.

http://bootleg.sksapps.com/tutorials/fmcb/#

Hover your mouse over "installation" to select a method.

[gtmtnbiker]

How does one normally get the Free McBoot package on their PS2 memory card?

http://bootleg.sksapps.com/tutorials/fmcb/noobie.php