Ps2 hard drive installation

[brained]

Hi.

I've got a 60gb hard drive laying around, and I want to use it with my ps2. I know that you need a network adapter and hdloader/advanced software to use your ps2 drive. I've got a couple of questions before I buy the network adapter.

I've read that you can use the hdloader copied to your memory card just by downloading the program to your memory card, how can this be achieved?

Also, can you play imports/backups with the hdloader?

Can you give some advice on this topic?

[Hoagie_one]

Only thing I know is that not all hard drives will fit the network adaptor and even if they do, not all work.  If you do have one that fits and works, note that not all games can be backed up and played properly.  In fact, I'd say it was like 70% or less, last time i glanced at the compatibility list.

[clanggedin]

Yes you can play imports and backups using HDloader.

[TalkingOctopus]

What brand hard drive is it?

[pointdablame]

Western Digital drives dont fit the adapter without modification.  Maxtor and Seagates will.

I have heard that the newer HDLoader versions are very good with compatibility compared to previous versions, but yes, not all games work.

[Generic Eric]

This thread is very timely for me.  In my local game crazy, they have 4 ps2 network adapters.  This may sound dumb and I can probably ask the guy that works their, but is there any difference between the network adaptors?

I plan to hook up a drive in the same manner as the OP.

Many thanks.

[TalkingOctopus]

This thread is very timely for me.

[JoyMonkey]

Here's a thread on how to install an irregular drive in your PS2. Works a treat.

[G@M3FR3@K]

This thread is very timely for me.  In my local game crazy, they have 4 ps2 network adapters.  This may sound dumb and I can probably ask the guy that works their, but is there any difference between the network adaptors?

I plan to hook up a drive in the same manner as the OP.

Many thanks.

As far as I know, there is only one type of network adapter.  http://www.gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=801403

Actually, there are 2 slightly different variants, one has both RJ10 (dial-up) & RJ45 (broadband) connections and the other just has RJ45 (broadband only) connection.  The one with both connections is obviously better as it gives those on dial-up a way to connect.  Either one will allow you to attach a hard drive to your PS2.

[dennis808]

a nice and easy tutorial here:
http://users.tpg.com.au/adslgvfk/MC.html

Basically you need:
- a compatible harddrive ( http://ps2drives.x-pec.com/ ) - Maxtors seem a perfect fit
- any PS2 network adapter
- an original PS1 disc
- a memorycard
- a way of booting a non-original disk (swap-magic or something)

[brained]

Thanks everybody for your help. Luckily my 60gb drive is a maxtor. This post has cleared most of my doubts, when my ps2 network adapter arrives I'll let you know how everything went.

[PacManFan]

I just got a network adapter and HD for my ps2 also. At first, the tutorials were a little confusing, but it all worked out in the end. Now I've got 20+ games on my  HD, and it rocks!

Basically, you've got to get some files onto a memory card. There are a couple ways to do it, I used an action replay max with a usb mem stick. Once you've got the files on a mem stick, you've got to use a ps1 game as a "trigger" disk to make the ps2 boot off of the mem card.
   I've got HDLoader on my mem card along with an ftp server and a few other tools.

-PMF