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-   -   [PS2] USB Flash Drive for Save Backups (http://www.gamingforce.org/forums/showthread.php?t=15613)

eprox1 Dec 4, 2006 06:42 PM

USB Flash Drive for Save Backups
 
I saw an ad for the Max Drive, which allows Game Saves to be transferred to a computer by using what looks to be a regular old USB Flash Drive.

Is this USB 'Max Drive' formatted a special way that the PS2 can read, or can you use any regular old USB Flash Drive to transfer Game Saves? If not, can a nomal USB Flash Drive be converted somehow to the point that it could be used on a PS2?

Sir VG Dec 4, 2006 07:01 PM

My guess is that there's likely either:

a) software on the USB drive or
b) a small CD that comes with it to load software to transfer.

I don't know personally though. This is just a blind guess.

Vemp Dec 5, 2006 12:21 PM

Probably a software on the USB drive. Are these things reliable? I remember the one for PS1 where you can transfer your PS save files to your PC (Dexdrive, I think), and though it works, I heard people say it fucks up their save files.

Why not buy another memcard? Or is it cheaper with that thing?

JazzFlight Dec 5, 2006 01:26 PM

I personally use the latest Codebreaker. They sell it at EB/Gamestop.

It's cheaper, and it doesn't have the memory card corruption glitch that Max Drive has. You just have to provide your own USB drive.

Kostaki Dec 5, 2006 01:46 PM

I also bought a Codebreaker to do this very same thing immediately after getting the 300/300 Star Ocean 3 trophies, as I'd be crazy NOT to permanently save that fucker.

I can vouch for this method, as I've saved tons and tons of games successfully to my comp with it.

Soluzar Dec 5, 2006 02:03 PM

If your PS2 is modded, or has the exploit installed so that you can run uLaunchELF, you can transfer saves to any USB flash drive.

eprox1 Dec 5, 2006 02:38 PM

Well, actually, I was looking up some secrets for Godhand on gamefaqs and noticed a 'Game Saves' section, and wanted to try some of them out. I was basically wondering what my options were in pursuit of transferring the saves to my PS2 or memory cards.

I noticed there was a 'PlayStation2 Max Drive Save (North America)' section, as well as a 'PlayStation2 CodeBreaker Save (Japan)' section. I have a mod chip installed, so maybe I'll take a look into this CodeBreaker and/or uLaunchELF thing - but does that mean they will only work on the Japanese version of the game :(?

Still, I think it would be fun to be able to get this to work, as it might be fun to transfer some of my saves to other people, as well as back them up so I don't get anymore corrupt files (however rare that may be).

Mucknuggle Dec 5, 2006 03:04 PM

Codebreaker allows one to transfer PS2 saves to the PC via a USB key?

Kostaki Dec 5, 2006 03:30 PM

Yeah. Plug in a USB Flashdrive into either PS2 slot, insert and boot up the Codebreaker. Select Device Manager, and your memory card(s) and the USB flashdrive graphics will be lit up. Select whatever saves you want from the memory card(s), and copy them onto the USB Flashdrive. At that point, you can delete them from the memory card(s).

Remove Flashdrive from PS2, insert into USB port in computer, and move them to whatever location you want on your PC. Permanently saved.

Soluzar Dec 5, 2006 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueBomber
I noticed there was a 'PlayStation2 Max Drive Save (North America)' section, as well as a 'PlayStation2 CodeBreaker Save (Japan)' section. I have a mod chip installed, so maybe I'll take a look into this CodeBreaker and/or uLaunchELF thing - but does that mean they will only work on the Japanese version of the game :(?

Saves from the Japanese version will only work with the Japanese version, if that's what you're asking. There's a utility available to convert max drive saves into raw saves that you can use with uLaunchELF, or into CodeBreaker saves. Essentially it can convert most major save formats.

It's called PS2 Save Builder, and in case that direct link won't work, it is available from PS2 Save Tools. Look in Downloads->Misc Tools, and it's on the second page. There's tons of useful crap on that site.

If you need any help getting uLaunchELF up and running, please feel free to drop me a PM. I'll do my best.

Kostaki Dec 5, 2006 03:42 PM

You should be able to execute the exploit that lets you use uLaunchELF as long as you have a Codebreaker too, I believe it's called the "Independence" exploit.

Been a while since I've done any research on it, the last time I tried it I was able to get it running but couldn't do much else with it. :p

Soluzar Dec 5, 2006 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kostaki
Been a while since I've done any research on it, the last time I tried it I was able to get it running but couldn't do much else with it. :p

I set my exploit up using Swap Magic, bought a Network adapter for 20 quid, and a HDD for 30. Now I play my imports direct from the HDD. It's great. No loading times, less strain on the laser... I don't know why everyone doesn't do it.

eprox1 Dec 5, 2006 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soluzar
Saves from the Japanese version will only work with the Japanese version, if that's what you're asking. There's a utility available to convert max drive saves into raw saves that you can use with uLaunchELF, or into CodeBreaker saves. Essentially it can convert most major save formats.

It's called PS2 Save Builder, and in case that direct link won't work, it is available from PS2 Save Tools. Look in Downloads->Misc Tools, and it's on the second page. There's tons of useful crap on that site.

If you need any help getting uLaunchELF up and running, please feel free to drop me a PM. I'll do my best.

Awesome. That save converter would totally help, since I think that the Max Drive doesn't sound like the most feasible solution, and that seems to be the only thing that GameFAQs is offering. I'm totally going to look into that.

I thought I was all smart and badass when I got a modchip, but now I seriously need to look into this HDLoader thing. I'm sacrificing online play with a modchip, and it sounds like HDLoader works better anyways (with reduced loading times and all).

I have two PS2's - one normal and one modded. Maybe I'll do the HDLoader thing with my normal PS2 and sell my modded one to a friend...FUNDS FOR A PS3 BOO YA.

Kostaki Dec 5, 2006 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soluzar
I set my exploit up using Swap Magic, bought a Network adapter for 20 quid, and a HDD for 30. Now I play my imports direct from the HDD. It's great. No loading times, less strain on the laser... I don't know why everyone doesn't do it.

Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooold It!

You mean as long as you execute the exploit, and have an HD + Network Adapter, you can play imports?

Please tell me how. :D

Soluzar Dec 5, 2006 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kostaki
Hooooooooooooooooooooooooooold It!

You found a contradiction in my testimony? Damn it! ;)

Quote:

You mean as long as you execute the exploit, and have an HD + Network Adapter, you can play imports?
Yes. This is precisely what I meant. I use a regular generic 80GB HDD as well, not the official sony one. I think you could probably use the official Sony one, but it's way too small to be much use.

Quote:

Please tell me how. :D
Of course. You just need to download the HDLoader, and use uLaunchELF to install it on your memory card. If you already have the exploit set up, you can just copy it to your exploit folder and then add it to the KeyLauncher menu.

In order to play imports you first need to rip your games on your PC using DVD Decrypter or any other program that will let you make an ISO image from your games. Once you've done that, you can either connect your HDD directly to the PC and use WinHiip to install your games, or you can send them over the network using HDL_Dump. Sending them over the network is slow, but it doesn't involve opening your PC.

Get HDL_Dump and WinHiip here!

If you wanted to play domestic titles from the HDLoader, to save wear and tear on your laser, you can rip them by putting them in the PS2. That won't work for imports, though, because the PS2 won't recognise the disc.

When you come to the HDLoader menu, all the games you've installed will be bootable no matter what region they are from.

I'm having difficulty finding the URL for the actual HDLoader program, but as soon as I do, I will post it.

EDIT: OK So I got it. You can download version 0.7c (fully patched) from that same site, but on a different page. There's actually a version 0.8b out now, but I'm still using 0.7c and there aren't many games it won't run.

Since HDLoader requires you to rip your games to ISO format, it is often accused of being a tool for piracy. It can be used as such, of course. It can also be used to play legitimate imports. If anyone is going to criticise me for enabling software piracy, all I can say is that I've heard the arguments before. I enjoy this level of convenience.

Kostaki Dec 5, 2006 06:59 PM

Can you use any particular HD or is there an established list of what you can and cannot use? I have a Western Digital 100GB ATA/IDE HD that I'm not using at the moment.

Also, the last thing I'm gonna do is criticize your methods, especially something like this lol. The mere thought of Suikoden V Japanese is more than enough for me haha.

Soluzar Dec 5, 2006 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kostaki
Can you use any particular HD or is there an established list of what you can and cannot use? I have a Western Digital 100GB ATA/IDE HD that I'm not using at the moment.

Here's the thing: While most IDE hard drives will work, there are some that won't physically fit the connectors on the network adapter. Some Western Digital models are problematic like that, but not all. Seagate drives are reputed to be incompatible with certain models of the network adapter, but other than that... you can use anything else. I just grabbed the first HDD that I saw that wasn't a WD or a Seagate drive. It happened to be Hitachi.

There's a non-exhaustive list of compatible drives here. On the off chance that you're interested, that site sell discs that will boot HDAdvance in an unmodded, unexploited PS2. HDAdvance is essentially HDLoader minus some of the newer patches, and of course you can't skin HDAdvance. I wouldn't go for it, but I know people who have.

Quote:

Also, the last thing I'm gonna do is criticize your methods, especially something like this lol. The mere thought of Suikoden V Japanese is more than enough for me haha.
It wasn't you that I was thinking of. In the last thread on GFF in which I discussed HDLoader, it was criticised as being for downloaders, not importers. I don't really care about that, but I wanted to forestall the argument, in case anyone was feeling pugnacious.

I'll PM you about the new patched version.

Kostaki Dec 5, 2006 07:51 PM

Well, this WD1000 IDE/ATA barely misses the mark and doesn't fit. :(

That sucks. I suppose I could try to find a cheap HD somewhere at like Best Buy to put in, 80GB-100GB IDE/ATAs can't be too expensive anymore.

Soluzar Dec 5, 2006 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kostaki
Well, this WD1000 IDE/ATA barely misses the mark and doesn't fit. :(

Damn... I heard that it's possible to mod the adapter in some way, but it doesn't seem worth it to me. Considering how cheap hard drives are.

Quote:

That sucks. I suppose I could try to find a cheap HD somewhere at like Best Buy to put in, 80GB-100GB IDE/ATAs can't be too expensive anymore.
You shouldn't have to pay much more than 40 bucks. Based on my recent experiences, I recommend Hitachi. I have two in my computer, one in my xbox, and one in my PS2. They are great drives. :D

Oh, and check your PMs.

Kostaki Dec 5, 2006 08:12 PM

I suppose I'll grab one from Newegg then, since most B&M retailers have HDs priced through the roof.

I saw the PM. :p I'll reply to it momentarily.

EDIT: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822145091 would that one work?

Soluzar Dec 5, 2006 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kostaki
I saw the PM. :p I'll reply to it momentarily.

Ahh, sorry. Since I found out today there was a new version, I've been in slightly hyper-mode, installing and testing and whatever. I didn't mean to be impatient... The new version is much nicer for us PAL users, since it now actually fills the whole screen, so I've been quite excited.

I'm so easily excited like a kid when it comes to stuff like this. :D

It's actually specifically mentioned on the compatibility list, and it's the same range as the one I use, just a higher capacity. You'll be fine with that. It's pretty large, considering that PS2 games take up an average of 2GB. You'll be able to install your whole colection. :D

Kostaki Dec 5, 2006 08:36 PM

I don't know about my whole collection, considering I have 100+ PS2 games. A great deal though I imagine. I have a couple of imports (my LE copy of Suikoden V Japanese) and some other things I'd like to try out and as long as it stops the wear and tear on my laser it's all good.

PiccoloNamek Dec 5, 2006 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kostaki
You should be able to execute the exploit that lets you use uLaunchELF as long as you have a Codebreaker too, I believe it's called the "Independence" exploit.

Been a while since I've done any research on it, the last time I tried it I was able to get it running but couldn't do much else with it. :p

Ah, that. I used the independence exploit to install a bootloader onto my PS2... I don't use it much though.

This thread has inspired me to pick up my own copy of codebreaker. I have so many saves that I simply cannot afford to lose.

Soluzar Dec 5, 2006 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kostaki
I don't know about my whole collection, considering I have 100+ PS2 games. A great deal though I imagine. I have a couple of imports (my LE copy of Suikoden V Japanese) and some other things I'd like to try out and as long as it stops the wear and tear on my laser it's all good.

The DVD drive stops spinning as soon as the HDLoader is booted, so it's pretty kind to your laser. It cuts down wear to just a few minutes per playing session, instead of hours. It also means that there's no chance for you to scratch up your originals.

Kostaki Dec 5, 2006 09:19 PM

Just came back from CompUSA in a failed attempt to find a Hitachi drive there, I guess I will have to wait out Newegg on that one I linked. Which is all good of course, I have way too much to do anyway.

Soon as I get that HD I'll let you know.

eprox1 Dec 5, 2006 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uLaunchELF Documentation
LaunchELF is designed to run in a variety of situations. Most users run the program from either the hard drive or memory card, but it is also possible to run LaunchELF from CD or DVD. Depending on your system setup, you may consider using one of these methods.

* Run LaunchELF directly from CD/DVD
* Use Swap Magic 3.6's USB functionality to boot mass:/SWAPMAGIC/SWAPMAGIC.ELF from USB mass storage device
* Use your modchip's Devolution Mode 1 (DEV1) to allow direct boot from memory card on system startup
* Use your modchip's Devolution Mode 2 (DEV2) to allow direct boot from hard drive on system startup
* Use M.R.Brown's PS2 Independence Exploit to allow boot from memory card when an assigned PSX disc is inserted

The first two options are often used by users who have a Playstation 2 which is incompatible with the exploit and do not have a modchip, but have a Swap Magic. It is less favourable to the other methods since it is harder to upgrade the program, and frequent swaps are required in order to use the program. You can however boot LaunchELF from CD/DVD and use it to copy itself to the desired location on your memory card or hard drive.

The last three options require LaunchELF to be stored on a storage medium generally only accessible from the Playstation 2. Most modchips look for the Devolution Boot Executable in mc0:/BOOT/BOOT.ELF or hdd0:/__boot/boot.elf. The PS2 Independence Exploit looks for the boot executable in mc0:/BxDATA-SYSTEM. The x represents your PS2's region (I=Japan/Asia, A=America, E=Europe).

Oh christ. I have no idea what kind of modchip I have, or if it has that exploit. TIME TO DO SOME RESEARCH.

Soluzar Dec 6, 2006 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueBomber
Oh christ. I have no idea what kind of modchip I have, or if it has that exploit. TIME TO DO SOME RESEARCH.

Unless it is ancient, it can probably do one or the other Dev mode. Even if it cannot, it will be possible for you to make an exploit installer CD that will allow you to put it on the memory card. No matter what you have, there's a really good chance this will work out in your favour.

Mucknuggle Dec 6, 2006 04:35 PM

Guys, where can I get a Codebreaker for the PS2? I looked at the EBGames website and they don't have it...

Forget about it. The EB Games search function sucks. Code Breaker finds it, CodeBreaker doesn't. :tpg:

leaf Jan 14, 2007 08:58 AM

So are you telling me that PC type HD does work with PS2? That would be cool. Do all PS2 PAL games can be run from the hard drive? And do I have to have a modchip to run games on HD or to use that HDloader and LaunchELF? I admit I am a newbie to that thing :/

Soluzar Jan 14, 2007 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leaf (Post 364605)
So are you telling me that PC type HD does work with PS2? That would be cool. Do all PS2 PAL games can be run from the hard drive? And do I have to have a modchip to run games on HD or to use that HDloader and LaunchELF? I admit I am a newbie to that thing :/

If you have the fat PS2, you can run the memory card exploit. Setting it up is a fairly involved process, and it will go a lot easier on you if you have something like the Action Replay that allows you to transfer saves to your memory card. Swap magic will work too.

Once you have the files transferred across, you need a PS1 game (any game) to act as the trigger disc. With regards to compatibility, the official list claims that (with the latest patch) HDLoader is compatible with 86% of all games. I've been very lucky. There are only a tiny handful of games I've tried that didn't work.

http://list.ps2hd.com/

leaf Jan 14, 2007 04:29 PM

Soluzar

Thanks for bothering. Anyway could you tell me few things about HD and PS2? Let's say we have a clean, fat, PAL PS2 without modchip. What do we need to store all original PAL games on HD (HD Loader, Network Adapter just everything)?

If I understood right, PS2 works with PC type hard drives, right? But then is it ATA100, ATA133, Serial ATA, 2,5'' (notebook type) or 3,5'' (standard)? Do you think for example, that Samsung Spinpoint series work with the PS2?

Thanks again. I am a gaming veteran, but what you said is totally outstanding.

Soluzar Jan 14, 2007 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leaf (Post 364927)
Thanks for bothering. Anyway could you tell me few things about HD and PS2? Let's say we have a clean, fat PS2 without modchip. What do we need to store all games on HD (HD Loader, Network Adapter just everything)?

You need a network adapter, an appropriate hard drive, and some method of transferring files to your memory card. Any of the various cheat devices that allow you to do this will work. For example, the Action Replay Max Drive, the SharkPort, and things like that. If you have a Swap Magic, you can use that too. If you don't have any of these things, you need to purchase one. Finally you will need an original PS1 game. Any will do.

The next step is to prepare the memoryexploit on your PC. If you're ready to do this then you should consult the thread and tuturial here. You may need to register. Preparing and transferring the exploit is covered in that tutorial, and it's only a slight ball-ache.

Then you can boot your exploit by triggering it with your PS1 game, and transfer additional files onto your PS2 via FTP. You will want to install HDLoader of course, and possibly install uLaunchELF as your front end.

When you get to that stage, you can either transfer games via the network, or copy original discs by placing them in the PS2 drive. It's a learning process. You'll have mastered it in a few weeks, so don't worry if it sounds complex now.

Quote:

If I understood right, PS2 works with PC type hard drives, right? But then is it ATA100, ATA133, Serial ATA, 2,5'' (notebook type) or 3,5'' (standard)? Do you think for example, that Samsung Spinpoint series work with the PS2?
It has to be Paralel ATA, since the network adapter only works with this particular type of drive. It also has to be a 3.5" drive, and a very small number of models will not physically fit the hard-wired connectors. I use Hitachi, but I don't hear any bad things about Samsung drives when used with PS2.

Your imports will thank you. :D

leaf Jan 14, 2007 05:13 PM

It truly sounds little complicated :P To worry you, I have few more questions.

1. It may sound dumb, but what does the Action Replay have to do with transfering files to memory card. How does it work?

2. I don't get it. How to transfer something to PS2 via FTP? O_O Do you mean File Transfer Protocol?

3. Do I have to put a PS1 game each time I want to play a PS2 game from HD?

4. On the PS2HD compatibility list I saw something like "works with mode 3". What does it mean?

5. Can I save all PS2 games on HD by just placing them in drive? What with PS2 CDs and these dvd9 like Gran Turismo 4?

6. Are you sure I don't need a modchip to run PAL games from HD?

7. Are there any pros besides size while using non-Sony HDs? And if I am using non-Sony one: is there a difference if I use ATA 100 or ATA 133? Or can it be even old ATA 66?

8. Do I need something special to run fan-made emus from HD? And how to put them on that HD? By coping it from PC's HD or by inserting some CD-R?

I know it's much and it's newbie like but it's better to ask an expert than to google for faqs. Thanks again, man!

Soluzar Jan 14, 2007 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leaf (Post 364976)
1. It may sound dumb, but what does the Action Replay have to do with transfering files to memory card. How does it work?

The PS2 Action Replay Max comes with the Max Drive, a USB pendrive that you can plug into the USB port on the PS2. You can then use the AR software to transfer saves to and from the memory card in .max format. I've not used the SharkPort, but I believe it's the Game Shark equivalent. If you have Swap Magic, or intend to buy it, you can boot a CD with uLaunchELF, and use any USB pendrive. Swap Magic involves using a slide card though, which I'm not keen on.

Quote:

2. I don't get it. How to transfer something to PS2 via FTP? O_O Do you mean File Transfer Protocol?
I do. Once the exploit is installed, you can transfer files to your PS2 by using uLaunchELF's built in FTP server. There is also a stand-alone FTP server application, but uLaunchELF is superior.

Quote:

3. Do I have to put a PS1 game each time I want to play a PS2 game from HD?
Yes. The PS1 game is what triggers the exploit. Once the exploit has been configured to recognise the PS1 game you intend to use, instead of loading the game in question, you will be able to boot homebrew applications from your memory card. If you want to play that PS1 game again, just don't have the exploit memory card in your PS2.

Quote:

4. On the PS2HD compatibility list I saw something like "works with mode 3". What does it mean?
There are different compatibility modes which can be enabled on a per-game basis. Some games won't work without a specific mode being enabled. Mode 3 is one of these.

Quote:

5. Can I save all PS2 games on HD by just placing them in drive? What with PS2 CDs and these dvd9 like Gran Turismo 4?
It is true that not as many games on CD (blue discs) are compatible as games on single-layer DVD, but many of them do work. They can be copied just by placing them in the drive tray. Even games which aren't compatible can be copied to the hard drive, but there's not much point in that. Dual-Layer games also suffer from a lower compatibility rate, but some do work. They must be ripped on the PC, and manually transferred using an application called WinHIIP though.

Quote:

6. Are you sure I don't need a modchip to run PAL games from HD?
Let me put it in practical terms for you. I use a PAL PS2, and I don't have a modchip. I am able to run both NTSC-U and NTSC-J titles direct from the hard drive without a problem.

Quote:

7. Are there any pros besides size while using non-Sony HDs? And if I am using non-Sony one: is there a difference if I use ATA 100 or ATA 133? Or can it be even old ATA 66?
You won't be able to fit many games on your Sony HD, but it will work. It doesn't matter what transfer rate your drive supports, but HDLoader is compatible with UDMA transfer modes up to 133 MB/s and will take advantage of higher transfer rates for reduced loading times.

Sometimes you need to manually force a lower transfer rate for the sake of compatibility though. This is easily done. Overall, you can use almost any old drive you happen to have laying around. Here is a non-exhaustive compatibility list. Don't pay any attention to the games compatibility notes on that page, since it refers to HDAdvance which is a retail product that you can buy. It uses the same HDLoader you can download from SKSApps.com, but without the benefit of the latest community patches.

Quote:

8. Do I need something special to run fan-made emus from HD? And how to put them on that HD? By coping it from PC's HD or by inserting some CD-R?
Once you've installed the exploit that we've been discussing, the easiest way would be for you to run them on your PS2 hard drive. You can launch them using the excellent uLaunchELF, also available from SKSApps.com.

uLaunchELF is pretty much the best front-end for PS2 Homebrew. When you install the exploit, if you use the files from that tutorial, it will use KeyLauncher as the front-end, but you can replace that (and should) with uLaunchELF, which is fully skinnable, and has a built-in FTP server, file manager, and everything else you will ever need.

If you PM me when you're ready to get to work, I'll provide you with a custom exploit using uLaunchELF that you can just download and install. Let me know what installation method you're using so I know whether to prepare it for the AR Max Drive, or the Sharkport, or whatever else.

Quote:

I know it's much and it's newbie like but it's better to ask an expert than to google for faqs. Thanks again, man!
If I didn't want to provide help with this I would have not spoken about it in the first place. I don't mind.

leaf Jan 15, 2007 08:29 AM

Again :/

1. Is this Action Replay max always containing that flash drive, or not? I saw some boxed sets with 8MB memory card.

2. To be honest I don't know how can you just transfer something to PS2 via FTP? Could you tell something more?

3. Weren't PS2 CDs purple? Or purple and blue? I hope most of them work.

4. Does the HD which I would insert in PS2 need to be formatted in some "special" way?

Thanks for your future help. To be honest I wonder if it is worth a hassle considering I would play PAL games mostly. Anyway I wish to know as much as I can before I decide. Anyway such helping attitude isn't a very common thing so I highly appreciate it (well, maybe on Gamingforce :riiight:). If you ever need any help, just ask. I may be dumbass in HD/PS2 stuff but I might know other things.

Soluzar Jan 15, 2007 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leaf (Post 365615)
1. Is this Action Replay max always containing that flash drive, or not? I saw some boxed sets with 8MB memory card.

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Playstati...281167-8934841

That's the one you need. You can clearly see the 'Max Drive' on the front of the pack. It's called the "Evo Edition".

Quote:

2. To be honest I don't know how can you just transfer something to PS2 via FTP? Could you tell something more?
Dead simple. First connect your PS2 network adapter to your LAN. Then go into the config menu in uLaunchELF and select network configuration. Configure the IP address settings to suit your network, and save the settings. Then go to the "Misc" menu and start the FTP server. Then just connect to your PS2 using the IP address you selected earlier. You can browse the contents of the hard drive and the memory cards over the network. Obviously in order to do this you need uLaunchELF, which means you already need to have the exploit working. Which is why you need the Max Drive to get it set up.

Quote:

3. Weren't PS2 CDs purple? Or purple and blue? I hope most of them work.
Whatever color they were exactly isn't important. It's something in the blue spectrum, but they are slightly more problematic than DVD games. I've managed to get a lot of them working, but what works is what's on that list. If a title is not on the list, it may or may not work...

Quote:

4. Does the HD which I would insert in PS2 need to be formatted in some "special" way?
Either the HDLoader itself or WinHIIP (the PC application) can handle this, so no worries. It is a different filesystem than normal, but you don't need to know anything about it. When you first boot HDLoader from your memory card, it will ask you if you want to format your drive.

leaf Jan 15, 2007 12:13 PM

Ah. So I have to have a PCI Ethernet Lan Card, right?

And about that pendrive. So I would have to buy Action Replay Max Evo Edition - that's clear. But does this set contain a real Action Replay, which can be seen here:

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/...V40407922_.jpg.

Or do I have to buy it separatelly? Heck, do I need that thing for something? Or just the pendrive will do?

You are da man :-)

Soluzar Jan 15, 2007 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leaf (Post 365706)
Ah. So I have to have a PCI Ethernet Lan Card, right?

Or a built-in lan adapter on your motherboard. Most motherboards from the last five years or so seem to have them.

And about that pendrive. So I would have to buy Action Replay Max Evo Edition - that's clear. But does this set contain a real Action Replay, which can be seen here:
There's another page here that might explain a bit more clearly. It does contain the bootable AR Max disc in addition to the pendrive. It can be used as a standard AR Max, or in conjunction with the pendrive.

Quote:

Heck, do I need that thing for something? Or just the pendrive will do?
Without the bootable CD, your PS2 will not access the pendrive. You do need this to set up the exploit, but the Evo Edition contains the disc and the pendrive.

^-^ Jan 23, 2007 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueBomber (Post 334263)
Awesome. That save converter would totally help, since I think that the Max Drive doesn't sound like the most feasible solution, and that seems to be the only thing that GameFAQs is offering. I'm totally going to look into that.

About the code converter software, ARMaxEVO will not read the saves after converting, for some odd reason. I've also had issues converting back to codebreaker format too.. >_>

Also, once you start using uLaunchELF, you can start using other ps2 "client/server" programs to stream stuff to the ps2, like anime, for example, eliminating the use for burning it on CDR/DVDR..

Soluzar Jan 23, 2007 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ^-^ (Post 371821)
About the code converter software, ARMaxEVO will not read the saves after converting, for some odd reason. I've also had issues converting back to codebreaker format too.. >_>

Judging from you comment below, I can't figure out why you'd be using the AR Max EVO or the Codebreaker to transfer saves. If you have uLaunchELF, and a working Independance Exploit, you don't need either of those things to backup and restore your save files. You don't need them for anything that I can think of, once you have uLaunchELF running.

If you need any help transferring saves with uLaunchELF, please let me know. I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have either here in this thread or by PM. If there's another reason you need to use these devices, then I'd be intrigued to hear it. Perhaps there is a creative solution.

Quote:

Also, once you start using uLaunchELF, you can start using other ps2 "client/server" programs to stream stuff to the ps2, like anime, for example, eliminating the use for burning it on CDR/DVDR..
This of course is true, but with the limitations of the various media players on PS2, the XBox is a more natural platform for this kind of thing anyway. They are now so cheap (even new) that I'd recommend anyone to get one just for use as a media centre. Even if you have no interest in XBox games, the homebrew scene (primarily XMBC) is first-rate.

^-^ Jan 23, 2007 09:37 PM

Well, let me explain. I didn't have both at certain points while doing this stuff, so I had to use converting software to convert the saves to the appropriate cheating device. Also, I tried backing up through FTP and the save files went corrupt, so I'd just rather use the cheating devices.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soluzar
This of course is true, but with the limitations of the various media players on PS2...

The only program that is recommended to use for a media player on the ps2 is SMS, and it can play every format out there (except dual audio files, and mpg). The program has also been written with XMB's gui!

Soluzar Jan 23, 2007 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ^-^ (Post 371867)
Well, let me explain. I didn't have both at certain points while doing this stuff, so I had to use converting software to convert the saves to the appropriate cheating device. Also, I tried backing up through FTP and the save files went corrupt, so I'd just rather use the cheating devices.

The problem you had when backing up saves by FTP is easy to solve. I'm guessing you took the files directly off the memory card via FTP. That would probably have been your mistake. If you copy them to the PS2 HDD first, using uLaunchELF's 'MCPaste' function, that will preserve the special file attributes that PS2 memory cards expect. Then you need to use MCPaste to put them back on the memory card too. It creates a special file containing information about the extended attributes that it can use to properly set them when you restore the files to your memory card.

Once the saves are on the hard drive, complete with their special attribute file, you can freely FTP them, copy them, do what you want with them. You just need to make sure to retain the attribute file. If that's lost, the saves will show as corrupt, every time.

I probably didn't do the best job of explaining that, but I hope it helps you. If you continue using your cheat devices to transfer files, I am sure that will work for you, but it's not as convenient as FTPing.

Quote:

The only program that is recommended to use for a media player on the ps2 is SMS, and it can play every format out there (except dual audio files, and mpg). The program has also been written with XMB's gui!
It doesn't bother you not being able to play MKV and OGM files? That's the only limitation I was referring to, and it would bug the crap out of me. I guess I'm just waaaaay too spoiled by XBMC.

^-^ Jan 23, 2007 10:36 PM

Thanks for the heads up about the save function. I didn't know about that. However, do you have to use a PS2HDD for the mcpaste function to work?
I hope not, 'cause I'm using a slim, and well..
Also, those guides that say it's impossible for the hack to be put on the slimline, I guess I just broke that rule >_>

Oh, it bothers me about the whole not-playing-dual-audio files. But they're working on that.

Trust me, if the xbox does it, I'd buy an xbox if I could. But for right now, my projector and myself are going to have to put up with my ps2.

Both are pretty cool.

Soluzar Jan 23, 2007 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ^-^ (Post 371905)
Thanks for the heads up about the save function. I didn't know about that. However, do you have to use a PS2HDD for the mcpaste function to work?

Off the top of my head, a USB flash drive would work. I don't know if the slimline can use those, but I'm assuming it would. You can MCPaste files either from a memory card to any medium other than a memory card, or vice-versa. Since it's essentially performing a conversion of sorts, you can't MCPaste files from a memory card to a memory card... because there would normally be no need.

Since I've got limited experience of the slimlines, the safest thing for me to say is that you can copy 'em to any filesystem you can connect to your PS2, as long as you are using uLaunchELF to do so.

There's even a way to do it across the network to your PC... but that's complicated, and I haven't done much with it yet. Essentially it involves running software on your PC to permit incoming connections from uLaunchELF. If that's your preferred option, I can probably advise you... but I'll need to try it out more thoroughly for myself first.

Quote:

Also, those guides that say it's impossible for the hack to be put on the slimline, I guess I just broke that rule >_>
They do indeed. I've never tried it, but it's a generally accepted scene rule as far as I know... I'm distinctly curious. Any idea what version your slimline is?

Quote:

Trust me, if the xbox does it, I'd buy an xbox if I could. But for right now, my projector and myself are going to have to put up with my ps2.
The xbox does indeed do it. It has limited support for styled softsubs, but there's hope for that in the future. XBMC development moves at a glacial pace though...

I guess if the SMS devs are working on MKV/OGM support, they could easily surpass XBMC soon. If they can implement styled ASS/SSA subtitles, I'm going to have to eat my words. I'll be thoroughly delighted to, of course.

^-^ Jan 23, 2007 11:21 PM

Ok, I'm posting this from gfchat, when I explained it to users there. This is how I went about using the memorycard exploit to run uLaunchELF and SMS on my slimline.

<^-^> I've been using it since july >_>
<Krizzzopolis> oh
<^-^> on my slim.
<^-^> that's how I'm able to use SMS with my anime lol~
<Krizzzopolis> link?
<^-^> >_>
<^-^> I just followed the guide >_>
<^-^> burnt SMS to a CD-R
<Taco> :o
<^-^> and then... I've kinda forgotten the rest LOL
<Taco> oh what is this
<^-^> hold on, it'll come to me
<^-^> I know I had to have SMS on a CD-R to get it to work at first, by manually giving my PS2 a network address
<^-^> then having it save the file as IPCONFIG.DAT or something
<^-^> Ah! that's it!
<^-^> after that, I had uLaunchELF start up it's FTP
<^-^> and bam.
<^-^> yeah.
<^-^> after that you can use any FTP program to browse your pstwo's memcard, etc.
<^-^> while doing that, I uploaded SMS to my memcard
<^-^> and then I just run it off of my memcard and start streaming.
<^-^> Krizz: http://sms.ps2-scene.org/eng/index.htm
<Taco> that sounds really neat
<Taco> could watch all the animu on my external HDD
<^-^> yes Taco you can do that
<^-^> well
<^-^> I don't know what version I have of slimline, but it shouldn't matter.
<^-^> because I explained how to do it >_>
<^-^> using swapmagic + cdr version of sms with uLaunchELF.
<^-^> it shouldn't matter once you have swapmagic and a cd-r though, guys >_>
<^-^> because once you have uLaunchELF put sms on your memcard, then you just manually assign it it's ipaddress, then just kinda go from there
<^-^> you're going to keep using the disc though, but that's just to start up uLaunch.
<^-^> once you have it set up the FTP, then you throw the files on that one program..
<^-^> ugh what's it called
<^-^> Radhost something
<^-^> anyway, throw the files in that and the PS2 will see it, and then stream from it.
<^-^> done.
<^-^> either way, you kind of have to use the CDRuLaunch, just so you can enable the FTP for testing and saving files and such

Soluzar Jan 23, 2007 11:41 PM

I see. You've found a fairly creative way to sidestep the part of the process that won't work with slimline consoles. I'm assuming you have the version of Swap Magic that allows you to execute ELF files direct from the memory card. Mine can do that, but I never tried it, because I was able to install a modified TITLE.DB file and set up autobooting throught the Independance Exploit.

Your way is pretty decent for a slimline though. I'll remember that.

Did you try using USBAdvance yet? If you've got an external USB hard drive, you would be able to play imports or copied games that way, assuming that's your thing. The compatibility isn't as good as with HDLoader, but it doesn't suck.

^-^ Jan 23, 2007 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soluzar (Post 371942)
I see. You've found a fairly creative way to sidestep the part of the process that won't work with slimline consoles. I'm assuming you have the version of Swap Magic that allows you to execute ELF files direct from the memory card.

Yes, and no. I have the Swap Magic that loads elf files from a usb source. 3+ I believe. Note, all of this info is coming from the top of my head, because all of my stuff is still back in florida, so I can't give like, serial numbers and exact disc names yet.

Quote:

Did you try using USBAdvance yet? If you've got an external USB hard drive, you would be able to play imports or copied games that way, assuming that's your thing. The compatibility isn't as good as with HDLoader, but it doesn't suck.
I have use USBLoader, both from my old USB to IDE converter, and my Neuros 440. I wouldn't recommend it for music games such as DDR and IIDX, but RPG's are ok (I played some ollllllllllllllllllldddddddddddddd games on it a long time ago, and then recently (again, in florida) played .hack//G.U. on it) but it's just that the USB on the slim and fatty isn't as fast as HDLoader and such. I just couldn't bear the load times though, so I only use that if I'm really desperate.

ceraf Feb 12, 2007 06:18 PM

I'm having trouble backing up my save files.


I followed the instructions of using the mcPaste function to copy the save files from the memory card to my usb drive (an Ipod shuffle, in this case). When I open the folder up in windows, I see the PS2_MC_Backup_Attributes.BUP file.

I then mcPaste it back from the usb drive to the memory card, then proceed to run the corresponding game. I get the corrupted data error.


Any suggestions would be helpful!

iamamoogle Feb 13, 2007 03:21 AM

Alright, I have my PS2 with a Slide Card and Swap Magic 3.8 + Coder... I've been trying to figure out the best way to copy my memory card data to my 1 GB USB Flashdrive and therefore help clear up space on my memory card so I can save some games again (I'm no where close to beating Fatal Frame to get back my 1,800 KBs of space its eating up).

I've heard about booting ulaunchELF (which I cannot seem to find anywhere... I think its up to v. 3.55) from either a CD or the USB drive itself using Swap Magic. Does it have a transfering program built in to copy from the memory card to the USB flashdrive and vice versa? If I could get this to work, I think it would work best... but I am very ignorant about such stuff still and haven't even been able to find it anywhere to test it.

The other way I've read is to use Action Replay MAX EVO (which I'm downloading now, but I'll have to burn it myself since I don't have much money after just getting Swap Magic and the slide card with replacement cover, heh). This would work, but I've heard a lot of horror stories of loosing all saves, copying the data and then becoming corrupted/unable to uncompress, or only copying parts of the memory card... I'd really hate for this to happen (wouldn't we all?)... as keeping these saves is the main reason I wanted to copy them elsewhere to begin with. Maybe there a specific way to avoid the data loss?

I think it would also be fun to mess with the Save Builder utility and/or downloading saves off the internet... but this is less important...

Thank you for any help. I'd test out the MAX EVO route when it finishes... but I'm too much of a coward.


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