Rick Dangerous Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 So yesterday I received (for free, mind you) a PS2 Network adaptor and an 80gb Seagate HDD. The reason I want something like this for my PS2 phat is as follows -Possibly hook up to the internet (just for fun) -Reduce loading times on games that utilize the HDD -(Main Reason) Get rid of memory cards by using HDD for file storage. So when I fully cleaned and installed the network adaptor and HDD and inserted it into the system, nothing happened when I booted it up. All menues looked the same and I couldn't access the HDD My questions thus far are: -If i use and HDD compatible game, will the system recognize this and prompt for a file install? -Do I need the Sony HDD Utility Disk in order to use the device as a storage manager? -Because my HDD isn't showing up, is it broken or am I doing something wrong? -Wikipedia says "Final Fantasy XI is the only North American game truly dependent on the HDD as it requires various patches and upgrades from Square Enix." How would one get those patches now? Is the game unplayable unless you downloaded them back when they were available? Thanks!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRTGAMER Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 (edited) This might help. If you scroll to the top of the Link, there is a Guide for the Gamecube as well. PS2 HARD DRIVE HDAdvance/HDLoader Guide http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=322333#p322333 Edited September 11, 2015 by CRTGAMER 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted September 11, 2015 Author Share Posted September 11, 2015 Thanks. Looks like I do need the HDD Utility Disc to format my HDD to my specific PS2. Not a big deal, i'm sure I can track one down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg2600 Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 The best approach is to get a HDD caddy or similar adapter to connect it to your PC. I forget the name, but there's a Windows app which will format the HDD (when attached to your PC), and allow you to load games you can download first. Though going that route would make sense to get a larger HDD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RARusk Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 You'll need the following: Free McBoot - This is the softmod that will allow you to run various homebrew stuff on your PS2 and is required for playing games off the HDD. FMCB is usually installed to the Memory Card but I believe that the latest version can be made to run off the HDD which should make it much better to deal with since installation to Cards can be a pain (I should point out that I haven't played around with this version yet). There are multiple ways to install to Memory Cards but it appears that the most reliable is the Codebreaker method. But you'll also have to find a USB drive that will work with a PS2 and there's not too many of those. More information can be found at places like sks-apps.com. Open PS2 Loader - Although HDLoader runs fine this program is way better. It has a better interface, more fine tuning options, and doesn't create game save corruptions. Game compatibility is improved slightly but is still around 85 to 90% WinHiip - This is the PC program that will allow you to format PS2 drives and install games to them. This is way more reliable than using the shitty PS2 DVD-ROM drives. Although the formatting is for HDLoader the drives will work for Open PS2 Loader without any changes. It will take some time to get the hang of this but once you do you will never go back to playing off the DVD-ROM drives again. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
7800fan Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 IIRC the official PS2 HDD were only 40GB so that 80GB is not official PS2 drive for sure. It can be formatted to use on PS2 but I am not sure if games like FFXI would work on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted October 6, 2015 Author Share Posted October 6, 2015 Well, I got my Official Sony HDD utility disc version 1.10 in the mail today (the one that came bundled with FFXI). Needless to say when i put it in my PS2 it did NOT recognize the 80gb seagate as installed or present in any way. I'm guessing it's programmed to recognize the Official Sony 40gb HDD only.. I was originally pursuing an HDD to eliminate the need for memory cards, but apparently the HDD on the PS2 is nearly useless for that because the games simply don't recognize it for that function. The more I think about it though, i wouldn't mind backing up some of my most frequently played games to an HDD in order to eliminate the need to swap discs and have loading times. I would also like to be able to format it so that it's usable for games that do look to install data to the HDD (the sims 2, etc.) I guess at this point I am wondering -Should I look for a later Official Sony Utility Disc (Version 3.0 or 4.0) that might recognize my 80gb Standard IDE HDD -Or should I go with the HD loaded program like this ( http://www.ps2cover.com/products/HD-Loader.html ) in order to format my non-sony HDD and use it as a GUI for loading games to the HDD. I know the WiinHip program is better but I like the GUI option since i'm not really savvy with homebrew stuff and interfacing HDD's with a PC. I'm also starting to wonder if the HD itself is broken (I did get it for free, but it looks to be in good shape) and that's why it's not being recognized by the Sony Utility Disc Version 1.10. In that case i'm wondering whether to cut my losses and go with a Sony 40gb that will work with my Sony Utility Disc, or max out my Memory with a 250gb IDE drive and get the HD loader program... Decisions decisions...but as always your thoughts and input are much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg2600 Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 -Or should I go with the HD loaded program like this ( http://www.ps2cover.com/products/HD-Loader.html ) in order to format my non-sony HDD and use it as a GUI for loading games to the HDD. I know the WiinHip program is better but I like the GUI option since i'm not really savvy with homebrew stuff and interfacing HDD's with a PC. This is the only reason to fiddle with HDD's and PS2's these days, if you ask me. Get a 250-400 GB drive, and go to town. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted October 6, 2015 Author Share Posted October 6, 2015 So... I did my homework. -The Sony Utility Disc V. 1.10 will only format "official" sony 40GB HDD's. It looks for firmware on the disc when initializing the formatting process. -If I want to use my 80GB I will need to get a third party software program, like HD loader. So I think (since I'd get so much more use out of it) that's the route I'm going to go (HD Loader program.) I know people are sensitive about piracy on here, but PS2 games are so cheap right now i'd really only be using it for backing up my existing collection and playing them on the spot. Last few questions I promise. -If I format an HDD to my PS2 via a third party software, would games that utilize the HDD be able to recognize and use it (the Sims 2 for example?) -Any reason a 500 GB Seagate IDE HDD wouldn't work, like this one? http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-ST3500630A-500GB-7200-RPM/dp/B000G5SGA0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444140989&sr=8-1&keywords=Seagate+500gb+ide+hdd I know people have gone as big as 250-500gb, so if anyone knows of an compatibility list that would be helpful. Thanks everyone, I know this isn't the most entertaining topic or a particularly glamorous, interesting or "classic" system we are talking about here... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempest Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 So what is the current version of OPL? I'm not sure where to find updates. I think I'm running 0.9.2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted October 6, 2015 Author Share Posted October 6, 2015 So what is the current version of OPL? I'm not sure where to find updates. I think I'm running 0.9.2. What is OPL? I keep hearing about it on various PS2 HDD discussion topics. An OS for modded PS2's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempest Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 What is OPL? I keep hearing about it on various PS2 HDD discussion topics. An OS for modded PS2's? Open PS2 Loader. It's a program for running games off your HD on a PS2. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted October 6, 2015 Author Share Posted October 6, 2015 Open PS2 Loader. It's a program for running games off your HD on a PS2. Gotcha. So an alternative to HD Loader or HD Advance. I tracked down a copy of HD Loader from a reputable (enough) looking shop in Hong Kong, and ordered a 128mb memory card as well. If all works well with the 80gb hard drive i'll spring for a massive 500gb and throw all my PS2 games on there! Seems so convenient, why can't we do this with all our systems? Is it too much to want a physical and digital copy of all the games we buy? lol.. Seriously though, gives some control to the consumer VS. all game company control. That's why I still buy physical copies whenever possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProperRogue Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 There's really no reason to use HDLoader or HDAdvance as they're long outdated. OPL is pretty much where it's at currently in regards to using a hard disk with the PS2. Take that utility disc and use it for a frisbee, or better yet, as a drink coaster next to your gaming rig. You'll NEVER need it. Winhiip+HDD+FMCB+OPL= Good times!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RARusk Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 There's really no reason to use HDLoader or HDAdvance as they're long outdated. OPL is pretty much where it's at currently in regards to using a hard disk with the PS2. Take that utility disc and use it for a frisbee, or better yet, as a drink coaster next to your gaming rig. You'll NEVER need it. Winhiip+HDD+FMCB+OPL= Good times!! What he said. In addition, OPL can recognize up to 2TB hard drives from what I understand. One of these days I would like to install an SSD into my unit but I want the prices for 512GB units to come down some more first (plus I need to find appropriate IDE/SATA adapters for that). I wish somebody would come up with a HDMI mod board that converts the raw digital signals into HDMI so I can use my PS2 with my flat screen monitors. I know there are boxes for that but I want the best possible method and converting the PS2 for HDMI is the best way. Besides, I think it is cool to make old hardware do new tricks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempest Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Anyone ever get that hard drive installable version of FMCB working? It says it installed on my hard drive but I still need the memory card with FMCB on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg2600 Posted October 6, 2015 Share Posted October 6, 2015 Anyone ever get that hard drive installable version of FMCB working? It says it installed on my hard drive but I still need the memory card with FMCB on it. http://psx-scene.com/forums/f153/can-you-install-fhdb-using-fmcb-your-ps2-internal-hard-drive-120381/ Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted October 6, 2015 Author Share Posted October 6, 2015 Winhiip+HDD+FMCB+OPL= Good times!! Im sure this is better but I need a simple one disc solution...like I said I'm not a tech genius and don't want to be interfacing HDD's to my PC, running USBs to my PS2, etc. HD loader will have to do for now, if it works as promised and gets even 80% of my games on the HDD that's good enough for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
78001987 Posted October 7, 2015 Share Posted October 7, 2015 So... I did my homework. -The Sony Utility Disc V. 1.10 will only format "official" sony 40GB HDD's. It looks for firmware on the disc when initializing the formatting process. -If I want to use my 80GB I will need to get a third party software program, like HD loader. So I think (since I'd get so much more use out of it) that's the route I'm going to go (HD Loader program.) I know people are sensitive about piracy on here, but PS2 games are so cheap right now i'd really only be using it for backing up my existing collection and playing them on the spot.... once the product's retail life for new sales has ended, and the manufacturer ends support officially, it's no longer piracy. Everyone reselling used games are not considered pirates, so backing up or online sharing roms of games that are no longer sold at retail by the original manufacturer is actually less heinous than reselling games for profit where the original manufacturing chain doesn't get a cut. Piracy would be to talk about sharing or worse selling backups if PS3 or ps4 games still being sold. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted November 2, 2015 Author Share Posted November 2, 2015 So my HD Loader disc came in and works great. The 80gb Seagate I have not only didn't need to be formatted but had about 15 games on it. So here is my question...I want to get a 250-500gb drive for it so I can back up my whole library (other than the DVD9 titles, God of War, etc.) The disc case says "will work with most IDE drives 40gb or larger" How big is too big? Can I get a 500gb or 1tb without a worry or would I be better off playing it safe and getting a 250gb. This is the version of HD loader that I got: http://www.tototek.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=155 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Dangerous Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 Welp, not that anyone asked, but i'm going for it. Going to grab a 1 TB Seagate IDE HDD and see if it will let me format it... If not, I'll try a 500gb I will report back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempest Posted November 11, 2015 Share Posted November 11, 2015 I have a 300GB drive in mine since that was the largest one I could find at the time that I knew worked. I filled that sucker up almost instantly. I wish I had gotten the 500GB one. Keep in mind though, the larger the HD and the more stuff you have on it will make the initial loading of the game list slower since the program has to scan all the games. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
omegadot Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 All the acronyms in those posts along with terrible grammar always throws me off. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rfancella Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 (edited) I use a small 250gb hdd for a few games that have a hard time with FMV. All the rest are on a SMB share. Thanks, Ron Edited November 12, 2015 by rfancella Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tempest Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 I use a small 250gb hdd for a few games that have a hard time with FMV. All the rest are on a SMB share. Thanks, Ron Yeah but the SMB share is even slower to load and some games have extra issues with SMB. Still, it's a good solution if you have a smaller PS2 HD. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
AtariAge on Instagram
Watch us on YouTube
Chat on Discord
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.