PS2 Hard Drive question...

[Dave_K.]

So will you still be able to save games when running them off of a harddrive to the memory card?

I don't see why that wouldn't change.  

[Edgedamage]

I just learned of another big issue, that was confirmed by the HD Loader programmers...to reset the machine you have to physically press the reset button. That's ridiculous.

Sounds like you are unhappy with your ps2 I will gladly take it.

[crashwg]

Anyone try hooking up the HD, that you have coppied games to on the PS2, to a windows based PC?  What format are the games saved in?

Reason I ask... well, I won't give you the exact reason (becuase it would probably break some of the board's rules) but I will propose a hypathetical (to give you a general idea):

Lets say one was to copy a game to the PS2, the game is enjoyed by the person but they would like to install a new game but are out of space!  Oh no!!!    Even worse, the disk is scratched.  So, could one copy the game to a HD on a windows based PC for storage and/or could you burn a new copy of the game?

So if you've got some free time, and of course HDLOADER, could you give it a try?  That would be sweet!

Thanks in advance.

[Edgedamage]

Anyone try hooking up the HD, that you have coppied games to on the PS2, to a windows based PC?  What format are the games saved in?

Reason I ask... well, I won't give you the exact reason (becuase it would probably break some of the board's rules) but I will propose a hypathetical (to give you a general idea):

Lets say one was to copy a game to the PS2, the game is enjoyed by the person but they would like to install a new game but are out of space!  Oh no!!!    Even worse, the disk is scratched.  So, could one copy the game to a HD on a windows based PC for storage and/or could you burn a new copy of the game?

So if you've got some free time, and of course HDLOADER, could you give it a try?  That would be sweet!

Thanks in advance.

Man I really hope sony is not that foolish to use a file system that a windows PC could read and copy. BUT what about Linux there is a linux kit for the ps2 I wonder if the file system is linux based???

[abrannan]

Man I really hope sony is not that foolish to use a file system that a windows PC could read and copy. BUT what about Linux there is a linux kit for the ps2 I wonder if the file system is linux based???

With linux and DD, it doesn't really matter what file format it is.  You're reading the HDD byte by byte.

[igorian]

I must make a correction to my first post.  ATV ORF2 is not blue.  I don't know why I thought it was.  OOPS.  Nerd alert!

[kman1666]

Hey guys, I have a couple of questions I hope to be answered.

1) do you need to put in the HDLoader disk everytime you want to use it
2) with a non-Sony HDD installed, can you see it on the ps2 start menu (with the memory card, etc)
3) Everyone here is using a 120gig or less HD, I have a new Maxtor 160g Ultra ATA/133, will that work? if not I will return it or put it in my xbox.
Thanks!

[igorian]

HD Loader DISC must be in for each game load.

I've also answered another question out there.  The remote can reset the system so that you don't have to physically go up to the machine to reset.  Thus, even if it's behind a cabinet, as long as you have a remote rabbit, you can do it with the sony remote.

You cannot see the non official hard drives in the PS2 start menu.  This is why the official drive is the only one that you can use to transfer game saves.

The drive limitation is 132GB.  Since those aren't made the common size is 120.  You can use 160, but will be short the difference (unusable).

[moobyghost]

Alright guys, I am new, but you seem to have all teh awnsers and I could use your knowledge. I read the thread fully, so please bare with me if I ask a question already asked, I am just trying to organzie all my questions.

1. What HD's work in the PS2

2. I heard you had to install a fiel or something on to the HD before the PS2 would acknowledge it, is this true?

3. Can someone please test the HDloader program with Red dead revolver and or Megaman anniversy collevtion?

4. Has anyone...this is going to sound stupid since the program is not made for it, but has anyone tried to copy a movie or dvd to the hardrive with the loader?

5. Does the HDloader work perfectly with the offical drive?

6. am I getting annoying from all these questions?

[abrannan]

Alright guys, I am new, but you seem to have all teh awnsers and I could use your knowledge. I read the thread fully, so please bare with me if I ask a question already asked, I am just trying to organzie all my questions.

1. What HD's work in the PS2

Read the faq at hdloader.com, or just read this thread.  Maxtor/Seagate drives work best.  The network adapter is IDE, so only the first 136GB of whatever drive you use will be usable.  Western Digital tends to put the connectors for their drives in a little different position, so they don't line up with the connectors on the network adapter.  

2. I heard you had to install a fiel or something on to the HD before the PS2 would acknowledge it, is this true?

With HDloader, you only need to format the drive, which hdloader will prompt you to do the first time you boot it.

3. Can someone please test the HDloader program with Red dead revolver and or Megaman anniversy collevtion?

Sure, send me the games, and I'll load them and tell you if they work.  

4. Has anyone...this is going to sound stupid since the program is not made for it, but has anyone tried to copy a movie or dvd to the hardrive with the loader?

Won't work.  The PS2 has already selected Playstation2 compatibiltiy mode when it boots the hdloader disc.  That's also why PS1 games won't work.  Now, some genius out there might be able to work out a HDloader-type program for the PS2 that will do DVDs or PS1 games, but the current version doesn't work that way.

5. Does the HDloader work perfectly with the offical drive?

Define "work perfectly".  You still can't load games that don't work with HD loader, regardless.  You can still use the Official HD to transfer memory card saves, download FFXI content, etc. even if HDloader has games saved on the drive (space permitting)

6. am I getting annoying from all these questions?

Do you really want me to answer that?

[moobyghost]

So there is absoltuely no real reason to buy the offical sony hard drive? I dont care about memory saves and if I want FFXI I would rather buy it for the PC for better resolution. The only benifit is you see the hard drive at the load screne. ok...

What do you guys think the odds of this are with working with future games?

[AlexC]

Just an FYI : Compusa has the Maxtor 160gb HD on sale this week $79.99 +tax out the door no rebates.
I know you won't be able to use the full 160gigs but still not a bad price for it.

Also, where did you guys order the HD loader from ? A couple places I looked at were either too high (34.99 for it no including shipping) or they were in Canada, I don't want to have to wait a couple weeks to get my hands on it.

[moobyghost]

Another question:

Say I buy a harddrive right, and before I get the HDloader program here, how will I know if they ps2 acknoledges the fact that there is hard drive in there?

[abrannan]

Another question:

Say I buy a harddrive right, and before I get the HDloader program here, how will I know if they ps2 acknoledges the fact that there is hard drive in there?

Why do you care?  You won't be able to use it for anything.  

[abrannan]

Just an FYI : Compusa has the Maxtor 160gb HD on sale this week $79.99 +tax out the door no rebates.
I know you won't be able to use the full 160gigs but still not a bad price for it.

Also, where did you guys order the HD loader from ? A couple places I looked at were either too high (34.99 for it no including shipping) or they were in Canada, I don't want to have to wait a couple weeks to get my hands on it.

I ordered mine from Divineo (In Canada, it was $30 + $16 for FedEx Express shipping).  I got it two days after it shipped.  

[kman1666]

Hey everyone, just for your info, the hard drive offered at Comp USA does work with HDLoader. I installed it today. It recognizes 127gigs of the 160.

[kman1666]

Hey, I am having a problem...I am using a Maxtor ATA133 160gig and HDloader..it loaded, formatted, and I ripped a couple of games, but none of them work. When I click on any of them the screen goes black. I have looked on a couple compatibility lists and some of the games I've installed are suppost to work default. I am not sure if it is my hard drive, but I would figure if it installed and ripped, it wouldnt be the HD. Any suggestions? Thanks

[abrannan]

Hey, I am having a problem...I am using a Maxtor ATA133 160gig and HDloader..it loaded, formatted, and I ripped a couple of games, but none of them work. When I click on any of them the screen goes black. I have looked on a couple compatibility lists and some of the games I've installed are suppost to work default. I am not sure if it is my hard drive, but I would figure if it installed and ripped, it wouldnt be the HD. Any suggestions? Thanks

Installed and "ripped", as you put it, doesn't mean squat as far as being playable.  I can install and "rip" Soul Claibur 2 on my drive, but it doesn't play.  

Check the drive compatibility list here http://ps2drives.x-pec.com/

[jujuman]

Great site for drive compatability!

IS there a site for game compatability

how is everyone mounting the drive. I mean the PS2 drive has the special mounting brackets and I'm afraid of shorting out the drive is i just place it in the expansion bay.

Are you wrapping it bubble wrap or what?

[igorian]

how is everyone mounting the drive. I mean the PS2 drive has the special mounting brackets and I'm afraid of shorting out the drive is i just place it in the expansion bay.

Are you wrapping it bubble wrap or what?

The official drive, being smaller, is slim and doesn't fit the full size of the bay.  While the bracket does 'lock' the drive into place I would say that it's more primary feature is to widen the drive so as to make if 'fit' the slot.  All of the 120's I've tried fit exactly perfectly into the bay.  There would be no reason, or room to fit, any other packing material for safety.  It fits just fine.

[Floyd10]

...cool...

[moobyghost]

I read someone say that the HDloader program asks you to format the drive when you put it in, if you buy the offical drive do you still have to do this?

[kman1666]

I read someone say that the HDloader program asks you to format the drive when you put it in, if you buy the offical drive do you still have to do this?

No, if the HD is already formatted for ps2 use you do not have to format it..meaning you can leave FFXI in tact and still rip games onto the HD.

[jam92102]

Gotta a letter from them today saying they moved and have many backorders of HD's to ship.  Hope I get mine.  I'm kinda worried!

[stubby0011]

I am wanting to get NFL2k5 for PS2 and if you have the hard drive you will get highlights at halftime and at the end of the game.  I don't want to drop $100 on the FFXI/HDD and was curious if I bought a 120 GB and the HD Loader program if that the drive would allow the game to use it correctly?  

[abrannan]

I am wanting to get NFL2k5 for PS2 and if you have the hard drive you will get highlights at halftime and at the end of the game.  I don't want to drop $100 on the FFXI/HDD and was curious if I bought a 120 GB and the HD Loader program if that the drive would allow the game to right to it correctly?  

My guess would be no, but you never know whether or not the game will write to any HDD or not.

[moobyghost]

Wal-mart now has the PS2 harddrive for 88 bucks instead of 100. Just thought somone may like to know.

[crashwg]

Does anyone have the HDloader + a modchip and check if you can load from a burned disk?  You know, for backup purposes only of course...

[Dave_K.]

Does anyone have the HDloader + a modchip and check if you can load from a burned disk?  You know, for backup purposes only of course...

Isn't the point of the harddrive to be used as a form of backup device?  Also, if the original works fine, why would you be using your backup to load it on the HD then?  

[crashwg]

I have disks that are too scratched for the PS2 to read, but I have backups, so I would like to load them from that...

[Dave_K.]

 

[Alex,N]

I've read throught this forum in curiousity on getting the HDD and HD Loader but the one thing that hasen't been menchened is that when you rent a game you can put it on the hard drive on have it untill you get bored of it or whatever not that thats why i would want it of course i just want it to get rid of all the clutter on my tabble.

[dema]

I've read throught this forum in curiousity on getting the HDD and HD Loader but the one thing that hasen't been menchened is that when you rent a game you can put it on the hard drive on have it untill you get bored of it or whatever not that thats why i would want it of course i just want it to get rid of all the clutter on my tabble.

That's why these things are being contested legally, because people can rip games for next to nothing by renting it. I only burn the games I have, and I do it so I don't have to reload discs, and to have everything in one place.

[Alex,N]

Well whatever i'm going on vacation and when i get back i'm going to order one and will be able to do what i want with it all i need now is a 120 gigabyt hard drive.

[Alex,N]

I'm interested to know if theres a way to get the hardware that comes with the official playstation HDD other then having to buy the actually HDD like the programs on it for the memory cards and watever else is on it.

[jam92102]

Just got mine in the mail today.  I was reading the manual and it said a minimum of 40g hd.  Has anyone tried anything less.  I've got a 20g laying around I'd like to use temporarily but I don't want to mess anything up.  Anyhelp would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

[John]

I've tried with a 30gb maxtor and it worked fine.

[sofakng]

My 20GB Seagate 5400RPM drive worked fine.  It even fit perfectly so I didn't need to modify the network adapter

However I'd recommend getting a bigger drive.  I thought my 20GB would be fine but I'm already looking to purchase something a little bigger.

[jam92102]

THanks everybody I'll go try it now and post back.  

[b3atmania]

Has anyone seen a version of the HD Loader that will boot on a non-modded Japanese PS2? I have the SCPH-50000/MB package that came with the network adapter and official 40GB drive.

I have looked everywhere and only see US or PAL region HD Loader boot discs... I would be so ---fouled up beyond all recognition--- if they didn't release it for the Japanese region  machines... And no, I don't want to mod it...