How to softmod your PS2 + Megathread #2 - The Something Awful Forums

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admiraldennis: Jul 22, 2003; When I say D's
I don't mean the caddy -
- I mean deez nuts

This method is pretty much deprecated now in favor of using FreeMCBoot; with the main difference being that no trigger disc is required.

Good tutorials here: http://bootleg.sksapps.com/tutorials/fmcb/

----

Last update: 04.16.07

Original Thread

Below (for now) is a copy&paste of my old guide. Here are some links to updated versions of software, substitute in as needed (this can cause things to vary slightly from the pictures, but everything should be pretty similar):

WinHIIP

uLaunchELF v4.08.zip <-- new 02.06.07 (still latest as of 04.16.07)

hdloader v0.8c (pre-patched /C /L /M# /A, packed) <-- new 04.16.07

hdlpatch thread (ps2-scene.org) (patch your own)

uLaunchElf thread

--

Contrary to popular belief, 'softmodding' is not just for XBox! Assuming you have a v1 - v10 PS2 (everything except slimline and possibly the rare v11), it's quite possible and not too difficult to softmod a PS2.

Geeky Note: I am using the word 'softmod' because it is common terminology. In reality, we aren't 'modding' anything, save the contents of a memory card. What we're actually doing is exploiting a bug in the PS2's PSX compatibility driver. By creating an incorrect entry in the file TITLE.DB (which the PS2 uses to store compatibility information for certain PS1 games), we can cause a buffer overflow and run an unencrypted program stored on a memory card. Naturally, we will run a 'launcher' program which can then be used to run whatever software we wish on the PS2. This bug was fixed in v12 (possibly v11).

What do I need?

For the exploit:

'Fat' PS2, any version except v11 (which might work?).
A PSX 'trigger disc'. This disc will be used to trigger the exploit.
Memory card with preferably 1MB+ available (~200kb min for exploit, ~900kb min for exploit+HD).
A way to get files onto a PS2 memory card. Easiest way by far is through Action Replay MAX or Codebreaker. Make sure your version of either supports USB drives. (8.0+ for CB and 3.30+ for AR are CONFIRMED. Make sure to check the box for this feature, old versions of each are still sold). I bought ARMAX for $30 and it came with a free 16MB memory card which was perfect for the exploit and homebrew software!)
A USB flash drive for ARMAX or Codebreaker (possible without one with ARMAX, but much easier with).
Some free software tools (we'll get to these later!) -- Windows only.

...with a hard drive:

A compatible 3.5" IDE harddrive (most are). Maxtor drives fit the best in the bay, as the 'official' PS2 HD was a Maxtor. Western Digital drives are the most problematic as many of them don't physically fit. I have a 200GB Maxtor Diamondmax10 which works wonderfully. Compatibility database.
The PS2 network adapter (the hard drive plugs into this). Note that you do NOT need the Network Adapter setup discs for this.
Patched hdloader (we'll get to this later!)

What can I do with a exploited PS2?

Run homebrew PS2 software. Essentially this is comprised of a couple emulators, a couple media players, and a couple useful utilities.
Store and play games off of an installed hard drive with hdloader! This greatly reduces loading times, adds convenience, and saves your games and laser.
Play imports from the hard drive.

What can't I do with a exploited PS2?

Play 'backup' CD/DVD-Rs of PS2 games. (a hard drive is a better backup solution anyhow!)
PSX games can not be run from the hard drive. They still work fine from discs.

Will I get banned from online games? Can Sony tell?

No. However, certain games may not work online from the hard drive due to DNAS (more on that later). Your discs, however, will still work fine online.

I'm ready. Let's do this.

OK. First we'll go through just the exploit, then the hard drive. Be sure to go through the checklist above for the required materials.

Here's the PC software you need. All of it is free or public domain and I've mirrored them because the original sites are often dead or nonexistent.

IDGET
Titleman Frontend
PS2 Save Builder

You're also going to need a launcher program that your PS2 will load from the exploit. My favorite is LaunchELF. Here's the latest unofficial build: uLaunchELF v3.41j. The two files in the zip, BOOT.ELF and BOOTc.ELF are identical except BOOTc.ELF is compressed. Loading time is actually quicker on the compressed version (less memory card reading), so most people will want to use BOOTc.ELF. Rename or delete the uncompressed BOOT.ELF and rename the compressed BOOTc.ELF to BOOT.ELF (this is important).

Get your PSX 'trigger disc' and put it in your PC. The vast majority of games will work for this, but a couple won't (namely Quake II and Duke Nukem' games). I use THPS 3 for PSX since I also have the PS2 version

. Open up IDGET, select the drive, and GET the ID of the PSX disc.

Open Titleman Frontend. Click 'Create TITLE.DB' (file is created in same dir as app). Put in the disc ID and click 'Add Exec'. Click 'List current contents of TITLE.DB' and confirm your entry. Pay special attention to the initial four letters, sometimes TMFE messes these up. If all is well, exit the program.

Ok now if you aren't using ARMAX or CB, skip PS2 Save Builder and the ARMAX steps. The goal is to get TITLE.DB and BOOT.ELF onto your Memory Card in the BADATA-SYSTEM directory (same directory as Your System Configuration). If you know another way to do this (DexDrive, etc.) then go ahead. Otherwise...

Open PS2 Save Builder. File > New to create a new save. Under 'Root/ID' put 'BADATA-SYSTEM' (US/NTSC) or 'BEDATA-SYSTEM' (EUR/PAL). Please note that is a - and not a _. Drag TITLE.DB from the Titleman Frontend folder into the list. Drag BOOT.ELF (compressed or not, it has to be named BOOT.ELF exactly) into the list as well. Goto File > Save As... If you're using AR MAX, choose AR MAX v3 (*.max). If you're using Codebreaker, choose Code Breaker Saves (*.cbs). Name the file exploit.max or exploit.cbs.

Plug in your USB flash drive and copy the exploit .max or .cbs file to it (root level).

Now it's PS2 time. I have ARMAX so that's what I'll be using for the tutorial. Codebreaker people should be able to figure it out, as CB is supposed to be pretty similar.

Put your USB flash drive in either USB slot, and your ARMAX disc in your PS2. Load up ARMAX. Go to 'Max Memory', hit X, and wait for it to load the memory manager (which takes far too long). Press X on 'My Devices'. Choose memory card 1. Find and select 'Your System Configuration', then choose delete to delete it. We do this because our exploit files are going into the same folder as the system configuration (BADATA-SYSTEM) and certain versions of ARMAX will display an error (File already exists) if you don't do this first. All the system configuration file contains is a couple settings (screen size, language, etc), so don't worry about deleting it. These will be reset to default after doing this.

Press triangle to go back. Now Choose the USB drive as the primary device. Wait for it to search the drive. Check 'NEW_FILE' (this is our exploit.max) and go down to 'Uncrush to MC1'. Confirm and wait a couple seconds for it to extract.

(people not using ARMax should start reading again now)

When it finishes, shut off your PS2 (you can remove the USB drive). Turn it on and insert your PSX trigger disc.

If everything worked, you should see a flash of white followed by this screen:

Congratulations! You have successfully exploited your PS2!

You can now load up LaunchELF by simply having that memory card in either slot and the trigger disc in the drive. From here we can run homebrew PS2 software (directly from a USB drive, even) and set up some other stuff.

Note that the exploit is stored under the 'Your System Configuration' file in your memory card. Deleting this will delete the exploit. You can safely configure your PS2 without worries, however. You also might see one or two small 'corrupted data' files appear in your memory card. Don't let this alarm you and don't delete them. They are configuration files for programs like LaunchELF. They're not actually corrupt.

How to configure LaunchELF

LaunchELF is a 'loader' program and a PS2 file browser. It can be used to load other ELFs (PS2 executables) and copy/move/delete files. It's pretty easy to use and has an all-text interface, so pictures aren't necessary.

LaunchELF defaults to Japanese/Metal Gear Solid style keys (O is Confirm, X is Cancel), though you can change this in options. Press select to enter configuration, where you can assign different keys to different ELFs. 'Default' will be launched after a specified number of seconds ('Timeout'). I set my default to HDLoader with a timeout of 3. It's also useful to assign the 'built in functions' (under MISC when assigning). These include FileBrowser (browse PS2 file system) and PS2Browser (launch the PS2 Browser).

--

So what's the deal with these HDLoader and HDAdvance discs people are selling? Shouldn't I get one of these instead?

NO! If you're buying a copy of HDLoader nowadays you aren't buying it from the original creator (who has long since stopped selling HDLoader). The people you buy it from are most likely ripping you off by selling someone elses product. In addition, the standard HDLoader is pretty outdated nowadays. it doesn't support drives over 127GB and it has many more compatibility issues than the latest patched HDLoader. Why pay money to a bunch of people selling someone else's now-outdated product?

HDAdvance is even worse. Do you really want to give your money to a bunch of crooks? HDAdvance is literally a hex edit of the HDLoader binary. The HDAdvance 'team' took HDLoader, applied some community-created patches they didn't even create, modified the splash screen and menu bitmap, and are selling it for $20-$30 or whatever. Not to mention it's not up to date. If you buy HDAdvance you are literally supporting rear end in a top hat plagiarist criminals.

How do I set up a hard drive with HDLoader?

First, the physical hard drive installation. This is easy.

The hard drive goes in the 'expansion bay' and connects directly to the network adapter.

Remove your PS2's expansion bay cover if it still has one. Set your drive's jumpers to 'cable select', attach it to the network adapter, and insert it into your PS2. Remember to attach the drive to the network adapter before you put it in the PS2. Tighten the screws on the network adapter. Sony recommends you use a nickel, but I use a screwdriver nowadays. If you decide to use a screwdriver, make sure not to tighten it too much. It's very easy to break the plastic. Make it firm but not tight.

The physical installation is complete, now it's time for HDLoader.

Based on what qirex said below, I'm assuming it's OK to post a direct link to HDLoader. I'll maybe post a guide on patching/packing your own later, but for now here is a copy I have fully patched for exploit use and packed myself: HDLPDZC1.zip.

quote:

This HDLoader was patched on 07.30.05 via hdlpatch 0.7c with

/N - No disc seek while loading (stops freezing at splash screen on V9).
/C - Compatibility options update (press SELECT to access).
/S - Stop cdvd-drive motor after loading (use ONLY with disc based booting).
/L - LBA 48bit patch (allows full use of HDDs up to 2 terabytes).
/IS - Custom splash screen. (I put a nice modified splash screen that denotes the patches applied)

and packed with ps2-packer 0.4.

Unzip the file and copy 'HDLPDZC1.ELF' (612KB) to your USB flash drive. Plug the drive into your PS2, and turn your PS2 on with your trigger disc.

If you followed my tutorial thus far, you should be booted into LaunchELF and you are able to access LaunchELF's built-in file browser. In the file browser, go to mass:/ to access the USB drive. Find HDLPDZC1.ELF, select it, press R1, and select copy.

Press triangle to navigate back to the root path in the file browser. Select your memory card (mc0 for slot 1, mc1 for slot 2), select BADATA-SYSTEM (we might as well put it in with the exploit files), press R1, and go to paste. After a few seconds, HDLPDZC1.ELF should be copied onto the memory card. Now, you probably want to set up HDLoader to load automatically after a few seconds (or at least map it to a key). Press Select to exit the file browser and then enter CONFIG from the LaunchELF menu. Select either DEFAULT (for timeout loading) or a key to map HDLoader to. Navigate to your HDLPDZC1.ELF file (mc/BADATA-SYSTEM/HDLPDZC1.ELF), and select it. For DEFAULT, choose a TIMEOUT value.

Go back to the LaunchELF menu, select HDLPDZC1 and hit OK to load HDLoader!

You should see the HDLoader splash screen followed shortly by this screen:

(if you see this instead, HDLoader can not see your hard drive. Check your connections, jumper settings, and model. If you see a black screen, something's wrong with your copy of HDLoader or the way you are launching it. Note that HDLoader does NOT like being the BOOT.ELF file on many PS2 versions, which is why we do it through LaunchELF)

Press 'continue' to format your drive. You should see this screen:

You're done with setting up your hard drive with HDLoader! You may now install games directly via your PS2 and play them from your hard drive. Note that dual layered games and games in .iso format can not be installed within HDLoader. PSX games may not be used with HDLoader at all.

Outdated list of DVD9 games (must be installed via PC):

quote:

8.05GB USA Xenosaga
7.93GB USA God of War
7.74GB USA Champions of Norrath
7.55GB USA The Guy Game
6.47GB USA Madden 2005 Collectors Edition
5.99GB USA Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance
4.95GB USA Gran Turismo 4

What about compatibility modes?

Certain games require certain compatibility modes to be set in order to work correctly with HDLoader. An up-to-date list of game compatibility and modes can be found here. To access the compatibility mode settings for games, highlight them and press Select (note that the terms 'Mode 1', 'Mode 2', and 'Mode 3' refer to the first three compatibility modes, respectfully).

How do I install games via PC directly?

This is the best way to install games (either from optical media or from an ISO) in my opinion. You will need the freeware WinHIIP.

First step is to connect your PS2's hard drive to your PC. You can do this directly to the IDE bus or with some kind of case (FireWire or USB2, generally).

(My hard drive connected to the FireWire case I recieved that day. Before that, I hooked it up to the IDE cables still visible below it. No, this is not my primary workstation, it's a cheapo Dell Pentium III I got for free.

)

Note that the hard drive will not show up in Windows Explorer, as it is not in a Windows-readable format.

If you already have the ISO of the game you want to install, skip this next section.

While WinHIIP can install games directly from media, I usually don't do this. WinHIIP doesn't support dual layer DVDs for one, and PS2 hard drives are easily corrupted by failed installations. Creating an ISO doesn't take too long as it is. The choice is up to you.

To make an iso of a DVD, you will need a program like the free DVD Decrypter.

Launch DVD Decrypter, go to the 'Mode' menu, and select ISO>Read.

Mash the big DVD>HD button and to create an ISO of the DVD.

To make an ISO of a CD, you simply need an ISO creation utlitity. I use the shareware IsoBuster, but there are some decent free tools out there.

You can install multiple ISOs at once with WinHIIP, so repeat these steps for all the games you wish to install.

Once you have the ISO(s) of your game, launch WinHIIP. Go to 'Select Drive' and select your PS2 hard drive.

Go to 'Add Image(s)' and select the ISO(s) of the games you wish to add, filling out their names appropriately (don't touch the other options).

Be sure to double-check the CD/DVD selection, as sometimes it defaults incorrectly (thanks, BillyBoBob). I'm not sure what exactly this setting does, and I've never had any problems with the wrong setting selected, but better safe than sorry.

When everything's set to go, hit Start and watch your games install fairly quickly (I generally get 14-16MB/sec).

--

Links: (these seem at least somewhat legit -- please don't post links to websites with warez)

http://list.ps2hd.com/ - Up to date game compatibility list.
http://ps2drives.x-pec.com/ - Hard drive compatibility list.
http://ps2-scene.org/ - Great resources and forums.

--

Feel free to ask questions in this thread or PM me, I've installed this exploit on a multiple PS2s using a few different methods and know a decent amount about it.

admiraldennis fucked around with this message at Jan 31, 2009 around 00:53

# ? May 24, 2006 05:25

Adbot: ADBOT LOVES YOU

# ? Dec 15, 2009 20:07

ZeroAX: Jan 26, 2004

How is the newest version of HDL? I took out my ps2 HDD about a year ago when it got corrupted and haven't put it back in yet. It seemed like more and more games weren't working as time went on, but I've heard more games work now because of the newest patch. Is there any truth to that?

Also, since you have an AR MAX or Evo or whatever the hell it's called, do you happen to know how to add your own codes somehow? There is a hidden song in Guitar hero's you can only get using a cheat device but it looks like you can only use stuff from their code database which is terrible

# ? May 24, 2006 05:53

Encor3: Jun 29, 2005; Konnichiwa Bitches

ZeroAX posted:

How is the newest version of HDL? I took out my ps2 HDD about a year ago when it got corrupted and haven't put it back in yet. It seemed like more and more games weren't working as time went on, but I've heard more games work now because of the newest patch. Is there any truth to that?

Yes, more games now work on the newest HDLoader, such as Shadow of the Colossus and Amplitude. I've personally tried Shadow of the Colossus and besides one random black screen that required a reset, I played through it all without any difficulty.

A couple notes:
-ULauncher ELF requires that a controller be plugged in in order to boot. This caused me a couple "oh crap i broke it" moments that were easily fixed by simply plugging a controller in.

-If the USB drive you currently have doesnt work with your PS2 and are looking to upgrade to something with a large storage capacity, a 2GB PNY Atache USB drive will work.

[edit] clarity

Encor3 fucked around with this message at May 25, 2006 around 00:46

# ? May 24, 2006 06:10

Xenomorph: Jun 13, 2001; Serious Hardware

the biggest deal with the latest HDL is Amplitude working.

i had most of my most-played PS2 games copied to my HD already, but i always had to drag around my Amplitude disc.

now me and my friends can enjoy PINK, DAVID BOWIE, and FREEZEPOP from the hard drive!

# ? May 24, 2006 07:48

phrax: Apr 18, 2005

Are there any options for we slim-lined few? I've heard whispers of softmodding (with a usb hard drive for game storage) but havent been able to come up with anything conclusive.

I'd really rather not crack it open for a proper modding.

# ? May 24, 2006 08:15

Det_no: Oct 24, 2003; -Insert coin-

Has this been confirmed to work with the V11? In the last thread there was a guy having problems with that but never came to a conclusion.

# ? May 24, 2006 08:27

DrQuack02: Jul 27, 2004; The ducktor is in

This guide is amazing, setting up my hard drive was flawless.

Now if only PSX games could work off the hard drive, I would never have to use disks again.

# ? May 24, 2006 08:39

Spooky Chris: Aug 18, 2003; Harleyite Extraordinaire

I've been doing my ripping with the console dvd drive and I've been meaning to do it with the pc. Does anyone know if this ide to usb convertor would work?
http://contents.fifthunit.com/html/...th/sku.474.html
I ask because of the ide to usb switch in connection, and the price is right that's for sure.

# ? May 24, 2006 20:32

Nevett: Aug 31, 2001; I'm fine. Everything's fine like wine.

There was a new patched version of HDLoader that I saw that added compatability to a few games (notably: Shadow of the Colossus). I think its quite recent, is that the version in your post?

If not, you can check it out here.

Also, its worth noting that you can run backup disks of PS1 games without a boot disk. Theres a tutorial
here

edit

Spooky Chris posted:

I've been doing my ripping with the console dvd drive and I've been meaning to do it with the pc. Does anyone know if this ide to usb convertor would work?
http://contents.fifthunit.com/html/...th/sku.474.html
I ask because of the ide to usb switch in connection, and the price is right that's for sure.

Yeah, that looks fine. Ive got a cheap adapter similar to that and it works a treat.

Nevett fucked around with this message at May 24, 2006 around 22:44

# ? May 24, 2006 20:41

admiraldennis: Jul 22, 2003; When I say D's
I don't mean the caddy -
- I mean deez nuts

Nevett posted:

There was a new patched version of HDLoader that I saw that added compatability to a few games (notably: Shadow of the Colossus). I think its quite recent, is that the version in your post?

If not, you can check it out here.

The version is my post includes that patch.

Also I think the version in my post has a weird new interface and judging by the size (a few MB!) is unpacked. It was a pre-patched one I downloaded. I'm going to patch it myself and check out this new interface scheme tonight.

# ? May 24, 2006 20:57

Helter Skelter: Feb 10, 2004; "Is this thing loaded?"
"It can be."

I have the three HDL 0.7e variants (Default, UDMA66, and MDMA) linked in the last thread mirrored here, ready for the memory card exploit:

http://www.topoftheslide.net/ps2/HD...HDD Loading.zip

They are packed and confirmed working with LaunchELF.

# ? May 24, 2006 21:50

Naky: May 30, 2001; Resident Crackhead

So what exactly is new from the c to e upgrade? Just SotC and Amplitude? Is there a list somewhere? I only ask because I own at least half a dozen games that don't work

I really, really want to get Suikoden V working flawlessly. The load times in it are killer.

# ? May 24, 2006 22:27

DrQuack02: Jul 27, 2004; The ducktor is in

I've heard numerous people say Suikoden V works now.

As for the PS1 games, I have been using a gameshark for awhile now, but just wishing I could run them off the hard drive.

# ? May 24, 2006 23:23

helopticor: Sep 21, 2004; Helping goons with math.

I may have stupidly missed it in the first post, but is there an ELF that can take files from the thumb drive that its on and put them on the memory card so I don't have do have something to connect the memory card to my computer?

# ? May 25, 2006 00:19

Nevett: Aug 31, 2001; I'm fine. Everything's fine like wine.

helopticor posted:

I may have stupidly missed it in the first post, but is there an ELF that can take files from the thumb drive that its on and put them on the memory card so I don't have do have something to connect the memory card to my computer?

Theres an FTP program if thats convenient for you? You'd just FTP into the PS2 and upload things to the memory card.

# ? May 25, 2006 00:24

Bart Fargo: Mar 24, 2005; I'm sorry, could you repeat that?

Helter Skelter posted:

I have the three HDL 0.7e variants (Default, UDMA66, and MDMA) linked in the last thread mirrored here, ready for the memory card exploit:

http://www.topoftheslide.net/ps2/HD...HDD Loading.zip

They are packed and confirmed working with LaunchELF.

Thank you for this. It looks far better than the weird new interface.

# ? May 25, 2006 00:42

Dr. Video Games 0031: Jul 17, 2004

Naky posted:

So what exactly is new from the c to e upgrade? Just SotC and Amplitude? Is there a list somewhere? I only ask because I own at least half a dozen games that don't work I really, really want to get Suikoden V working flawlessly. The load times in it are killer.

Suikoden V does indeed work, I've tried it myself. The load times are much better now!

# ? May 25, 2006 01:10

Naky: May 30, 2001; Resident Crackhead

BillyBoBob posted:

Suikoden V does indeed work, I've tried it myself. The load times are much better now!

Sexellent. Now if Kingdom Hearts 2 and Shadow Hearts 2 worked without fuckups, I'd be a very happy man indeed. I've been delaying my Shadow Hearts marathon starting with Koudelka because of the freezing problems. Man, the HD really spoiled me. I can barely tolerate any kind of loading screens anymore and I think Suikoden V is the ONLY game since I got it that I put up with it after buying, the few others have just sat there. Waiting. I guess eventually, if the scene dies completely, I'll stomach it or if the PS3 will let me do it... but I ain't getting one of those for a couple years yet.

# ? May 25, 2006 01:27

Pheener: Jun 07, 2003; Extraordinary!

Great to see this again.

At this point I consider myself a pretty savvy softmodder, but I did have one question that I can't seem to resolve.

I use a MaxDrive, with MaxDrive software (NOT an Action Replay Max) to bring the files to my memory card, but I can only seem to carry over one "corrupted data" save at a time. If I create a save (in this case, to change my title.db) and attempt to bring it over to my memory card, it reads the data, then before it writes it gives me an error message telling me that the file I'm copying already exists (when clearly it doesn't). It doesn't matter whether I change the name of the file, or the save, or anything.

The only way to combat it is to format the memory card any time I need to maxdrive files to it. Normally I have execFTP set up, but my PS2 is no longer reading the one disc I use to boot it, and there aren't any other titles in my title.db list.

Any solutions?

# ? May 25, 2006 01:35

damn you grandpappy!: Dec 03, 2003; For my birthday I got this poorly photoshopped Jewday cake, and a lick of Funky's penis.

Pheener posted:

and there aren't any other titles in my title.db list.

Use IDGET and Titleman Frontend to create your own title.db using your own title IDs. That way you can use any disk that you want.

Nevett posted:

Theres an FTP program if thats convenient for you? You'd just FTP into the PS2 and upload things to the memory card.

You can also use the filebrowser inside of LaunchELF (And copy the files from the Mass drive to MC1 or whatever it is)

Edit: Also, I was looking for programs that let me copy games over the network, because I did not feel like opening up my pc and sticking a harddrive in it then copying the files, and I stumbled upon hdl_dump/hdl_dumb. Using the included .ELF you can start an ftp server on the ps2, then on windows/linux you can directly install .isos and manage the titles already in hdl directly from there. Way slower than putting the drive directly inside your pc/enclosure, but great for the lazy folk like me!

I also figured out how to copy the savegame using a Gameshark 2 v1.1! (As stated near the end of the last thread). Simply save it as a Sharkport (.md) file using the PS2 savegame creator app, rename it to a .ps2 and copy it from a usb device to the memory card. It will show up and work like gravy. (Well, it did it fine for me.)

damn you grandpappy! fucked around with this message at May 25, 2006 around 01:58

# ? May 25, 2006 01:50

helopticor: Sep 21, 2004; Helping goons with math.

Module posted:

You can also use the filebrowser inside of LaunchELF (And copy the files from the Mass drive to MC1 or whatever it is)

Thank you so much. I wasn't sure about the finer details of launch elf, and that's exactly what I wanted.

# ? May 25, 2006 02:34

Craptacular!: Jul 09, 2001

I haven't followed the softmodding developments since sometime late last year when I followed the guide in the original first post. I know I have an old version of HDLoader, and it's been so long that I wouldn't be suprised if I had an old version of LaunchELF (if there is such a thing) too. Is there someway I can check LaunchELF and upgrade all this software? The OP is written for how to do it from scratch and I have no idea what I'm doing when I work with this stuff.

Craptacular! fucked around with this message at May 25, 2006 around 06:26

# ? May 25, 2006 06:23

Helter Skelter: Feb 10, 2004; "Is this thing loaded?"
"It can be."

LaunchELF should be easy enough, just fire it up and it should tell you the version number in the upper right. I should probably upgrade from 3.41j or whatever it is I'm running now. The most current unofficial version is 3.72, if I'm not mistaken.

Anyway, if I recall correctly, you should just be able to copy it right over from a USB device with your current version of LaunchELF using the file browser, overwriting itself on the memory card.

Likewise, just copy the new version of HDLoader over and get rid of your old one.

# ? May 25, 2006 09:31

GFBeach: Jul 06, 2005; Surrounded by wierdos

I really wish I saw this thread before I tried rigging up my PS2 hard drive.

I'm trying to set up my PS2 to transfer games via LAN. I set up my PC's IP address to where it can link up to my PS2 (I hit Attach on HDL_Dumb and it connects; I can see the amount of free space on my PS2 hard drive) but whenever I try Installing a game I get an error message that simply says 'Unexpected error'. Whenever I try using ExecFTP to rig my PS2 for an FTP server, I get the following error messages on my PC using WS FTP:

500 Not Understood
! Failed 'port'
! Retrieve of folder listing failed (0)

Has anyone else had similar troubles?

I'm going to try hooking up the hard drive directly to my computer and use Winhiip. This is proving to be a major headache, but if I can get it working then it'll be worth it.

# ? May 25, 2006 15:05

admiraldennis: Jul 22, 2003; When I say D's
I don't mean the caddy -
- I mean deez nuts

Helter Skelter posted:

I have the three HDL 0.7e variants (Default, UDMA66, and MDMA) linked in the last thread mirrored here, ready for the memory card exploit:

http://www.topoftheslide.net/ps2/HD...HDD Loading.zip

They are packed and confirmed working with LaunchELF.

Thanks! That's exactly the ones I was going to make. Linking to this in the OP (I'll mirror when I get home).

# ? May 25, 2006 15:19

Helter Skelter: Feb 10, 2004; "Is this thing loaded?"
"It can be."

Link them in the OP however long you like, they'll be there for a while. When I have some free time I'll probably throw up the Independance Compiler and a few other handy things like current versions of LaunchElf in the same directory there.

# ? May 25, 2006 16:14

admiraldennis: Jul 22, 2003; When I say D's
I don't mean the caddy -
- I mean deez nuts

Helter Skelter posted:

LaunchELF should be easy enough, just fire it up and it should tell you the version number in the upper right. I should probably upgrade from 3.41j or whatever it is I'm running now. The most current unofficial version is 3.72, if I'm not mistaken.

3.71 is the current version, it came out two days ago.

I haven't switched from my ancient version, either. I don't like the new default color scheme at all and I haven't had time to configure it to be the same as the old one yet.

Helter Skelter posted:

Anyway, if I recall correctly, you should just be able to copy it right over from a USB device with your current version of LaunchELF using the file browser, overwriting itself on the memory card.

Likewise, just copy the new version of HDLoader over and get rid of your old one.

Yep, this is how you do it.

# ? May 25, 2006 16:51

Helter Skelter: Feb 10, 2004; "Is this thing loaded?"
"It can be."

admiraldennis posted:

3.71 is the current version, it came out two days ago.

Just checked, 3.72 came out yesterday.

Anyway, it's up in my webspace now as well.

http://www.topoftheslide.net/ps2/uLaunchELF v3.72.zip

# ? May 25, 2006 17:05

admiraldennis: Jul 22, 2003; When I say D's
I don't mean the caddy -
- I mean deez nuts

Helter Skelter posted:

Just checked, 3.72 came out yesterday.

Anyway, it's up in my webspace now as well.

http://www.topoftheslide.net/ps2/uLaunchELF v3.72.zip

These developers are nuts!

# ? May 25, 2006 17:46

Monopthalmus: Nov 02, 2005; 382 BC - 301 BC

Finally got around to doing this thanks to this thread. I can get into HDLoader, but when I try to install any games it tells me they aren't valid PS2 discs....

edit: I think this is just my PS2 drive being faggoty as usual (it won't launch games 75% of the time. yes, I've opened it and recalibrated the laser to no avail). Looks like I'll have to load them via my PC

Monopthalmus fucked around with this message at May 26, 2006 around 01:23

# ? May 26, 2006 01:05

Kryptozone: Sep 19, 2004; >: 4 8 15 16 23 42

For some reason my PS2 wont read any files from the USB stick once it's in the LaunchELF screen. Has anyone else had this problem?

# ? May 26, 2006 03:22

Helter Skelter: Feb 10, 2004; "Is this thing loaded?"
"It can be."

Kryptozone posted:

For some reason my PS2 wont read any files from the USB stick once it's in the LaunchELF screen. Has anyone else had this problem?

USB stick compatability is spotty. Try another stick.

# ? May 26, 2006 03:27

Monopthalmus: Nov 02, 2005; 382 BC - 301 BC

So uh....how do games with multiple discs work? I'm guessing you save at the disc swap screen (all games give you this option, right?) and then reboot and load the second disc from HDL? The only multi-disc game I own is Xenosaga II, if that matters.

# ? May 26, 2006 05:04

Helter Skelter: Feb 10, 2004; "Is this thing loaded?"
"It can be."

Monopthalmus posted:

So uh....how do games with multiple discs work? I'm guessing you save at the disc swap screen (all games give you this option, right?) and then reboot and load the second disc from HDL? The only multi-disc game I own is Xenosaga II, if that matters.

Yeah. Typically, multi-disc games ask you to save before swapping discs. Do so, then reboot and load up the second disc in HDLoader. You should be able to continue from there.

# ? May 26, 2006 05:08

Bloodplay it again: Aug 25, 2003; Oh, Dee, you card. :-*

Helter Skelter posted:

Just checked, 3.72 came out yesterday.

Anyway, it's up in my webspace now as well.

http://www.topoftheslide.net/ps2/uLaunchELF v3.72.zip

I don't suppose there's an update log handy, is there?

# ? May 26, 2006 05:10

admiraldennis: Jul 22, 2003; When I say D's
I don't mean the caddy -
- I mean deez nuts

Neonight posted:

I don't suppose there's an update log handy, is there?

quote:

Changes: Unofficial LaunchELF releases by EP + dlanor

LaunchELF v3.72 (2006.05.24)
-Fixed a bug that sometimes caused incorrect display of free MC space
-Fixed a bug that prevented correct display of file size sums of 4GB or more
-Fixed a bug that prevented correct display of free size for HDD partitions > 4GB
-Changed various configuration menus for better consistency and appearance

LaunchELF v3.71 (2006.05.21)
-Changed browser to allow MISC/ pseudodevice for manual browsing (except 'FileBrowser')
-Changed browser to select folder created by 'New Dir' command
-Changed browser to select object preceding object(s) removed by 'Delete' command. For multiple marks the object preceding the first deleted one will become selected, and at delete failure an attempt will be made to keep selection unchanged (may fail though).
-Removed test message from triggerPowerOff function (was visible at PS2PowerOff)
-Fixed a bug that made 'Disc Control' necessary for Launch Key paths using CD

LaunchELF v3.70 (2006.05.18)
-Fixed a bug from v3.69 that messed up screen when switching CNFs or canceling CONFIG
-Changed text for ynDialog used to confirm Delete operations

LaunchELF v3.69 (2006.05.18)
-Changed MISC/PS2PowerOff function to work without either HDD or Network Adaptor
-Changed MISC/PS2Net message to "Loading NetFS and FTP Server Modules..."
-Changed Clipboard indicator to make it larger (now 14 pixels total width)
-Changed 'New Dir' command to avoid 'automatic' navigation (stay in old dir)
-Changed display of file names during Paste/mcPaste operations
-Changed ynDialog and nonDialog to preserve operational messages on screen
-Changed ynDialog to clean up screen background after completion
-Changed text for ynDialog used in query to continue/abort paste operations

LaunchELF v3.68 (2006.05.14)
-Added LED-like clipboard content indicator Red=CUT, Green=COPY (overlaps scrollbar)
-Added ability to abort Paste/mcPaste file transfers (partial dest file is removed)
-Added loadable custom key maps for the USB keyboard driver. Note that the built-in font used at present is not capable of displaying non-english characters. Some such keys may correspond to graphics characters in this font, and will then be displayed as such, while other national keys may not have any corresponding font character. Those keys will then be displayed simply as an underscore character ('_').
-Added MISC/ShowFont for reference purposes (Displays font on screen until next input)
-Added 'Show Launch Titles' to main CONFIG with CNF variable Menu_Show_Titles. When set this causes Launch Key titles to be displayed instead of ELF pathnames. The variable Menu_Hide_Paths is no longer involved in that decision, though it was earlier.
-Moved 'TIMEOUT' config to 'STARTUP SETTINGS' as it only takes effect on startup
-Corrected a bug with tooltips for configurable files
-Rearranged various font operations to allow for larger fonts (more characters) later
-Corrected bug in string drawing routines (missing test for 2byte char validity)
-Corrected bugs in char drawing routines (missing tests for font array limits)
-Corrected a usb_mass bug (false error msg for folder creation in root directory)
-Updated ps2sdk's libpad.c in external projects source package. This is the same bugfix that EP added to libpadx.c in v3.67

LaunchELF v3.67 (2006.05.13)
-Added PS2PowerOff function to MISC. Only works with PS2's that have a hard drive installed?
-Updated ps2sdk's libpadx.c in external projects source package.
-Added fixed header files to the libito external projects source package. This eliminates all the compiler warnings related to libito when building launchELF. Note: includes ito.h, itodma.h, itotypes.h, itomisc.h, itosyscalls.h, and itoimage.h.

LaunchELF v3.66 (2006.05.11)
-Added Triangle as quick exit button for all CONFIG menus, and at top level this acts the same way as the 'Cancel' command. The purpose of this is to allow you to exit and recover original settings, if you accidentally create settings that make the screen text invisible. All you need do in such a case is to press Triangle repeatedly. When you reach the main menu, all settings will have been restored.
-Added ability to complete boot without any gamepad connected. Note that you'll need a USB keyboard to use uLaunchELF without gamepad, and that this keyboard must be enabled in the CNF (also default). If you connect a gamepad after booting, then it needs to be a Sony original, or fully compatible, otherwise it may fail to work correctly.
-Added startup setting to enable (also default) or disable the USB keyboard driver. This setting uses the new CNF variable USBKBD_USED.
-Added startup setting for external keyboard driver as alternative to that built in. Note however that this is not compatible to Sony drivers, but only to those from PS2SDK. This setting uses the new CNF variable USBKBD_FILE.
-Modified browser for CNF paths, to block browsing USB to set USB drivers (can't work)
-Modified browser for CNF paths, to block browsing MISC for anything except launch keys
-Fixed a bug in the initialization of the keyboard, which made it work only if mass: had already been accessed in the boot process (either for booting, or for skin loading).
-Fixed a bug causing the wrong tooltip to be shown for Init_Delay in 'STARTUP SETTINGS'
-Fixed a bug which has prevented external USBD.IRX drivers from being used. This bug never reported any errors, but merely caused the internal driver to be used at all times. The new routine will only fall back on the internal driver if loading of the external one really fails, or if no external driver was specified.
-Fixed a bug in skin loading that caused a file handle never to be closed if a JPG file was selected with zero size, or a size for which memory allocation fails.

LaunchELF v3.65 (2006.05.09)
-Implemented 'Rename' for PS1 MC files (still not possible for PS2 MC)
-Merged support for USB keyboard in filename entry, contributed by Polo
-Added support for USB keyboard as alternate gamepad in uLaunchELF.
NB: See separate file "keyboard.txt" for additional details.

LaunchELF v3.64 (2006.05.08)
-Fixed some bugs in launch key title management.

LaunchELF v3.63 (2006.05.07)
-Implemented user defined launch key titles for use in the main menu, in place of the ELF names. Such titles can be edited in the main CONFIG menu, but doing so is completely optional. The file name will be used (as previously) if no title is defined for an entry. Titles will only be displayed if the option "HIDE FULL ELF PATHS" is set ON in the CONFIG menu. Otherwise the full ELF path is shown (that setting replaces the old entry "PRINT ONLY FILENAME"). Titles will be saved to the CNF file in the form "LK_xxxx_Title", where xxxx is some button designation (eg: "Circle", "Square", etc. By editing the CNF directly you can also define some titles that are not accessible in CONFIG. These are LK_Select_Title, LK_Left_Title, and LK_Right_Title, and those titles will then be used for the corresponding entries in the main menu, even though these are not really launch keys. Note that the current virtual keyboard places a 33 char limit on these titles. This limit will be extended later. All other parts of the implementation allows for 70 characters.
-Modified timeout halting, so that timeout will continue even if a button is pressed, if that button lacks any defined purpose in uLaunchELF. This is intended to allow button commands to mod chips without affecting the timeout of uLaunchELF.
-Added configurable init delay, so that button commands to mod chips can be used in the starting of uLaunchELF, and yet allow the user time to release those keys before uLaunchELF starts responding to any buttons. If a default program has been defined, its timeout delay will not start until the init delay has completed. You can control the new delay through the new CNF variable Init_Delay, which has a default value of zero. This new delay method also replaces the one used for emergency booting, as introduced in v3.62, but using a default delay of two seconds for that boot method (since no CNF is expected then).
-Dropped the 'emergency' CNF inhibit feature introduced in last version, as it interferes with compatibility to other launchers. (Partly some gamepad driver issue.)

LaunchELF v3.62 (2006.05.06)
-Improved free space calculation, to make it work correctly for PS1 memory cards
-Changed browser display to show final slash for all links to directories, which was not done previously for ".." or for gamesave titles.
-Added support for PS1 gamesave titles, both as separately copied gamesave files, and in the standard form produced by the built-in PS2 browser (save file in folder of same name). You can easily tell the difference from the fact that folders always have a slash at the end of the string, even in title mode.
-Reimplemented string cursor blinking for virtual keyboard
-Added support for both keypads, in parallel. Use both or either one, with no need for the other to be connected.
-Added emergency CNF inhibit. Pressing 'Select' button during startup will prevent the normal loading of "LAUNCHELF.CNF". This can be used either to load an "EMERGENCY.CNF" file holding user-defined defaults, or to fall back on the built-in defaults (simply by not having any "EMERGENCY.CNF" file). When the emergency button is used there will be an extra 2 second delay from program init until button commands are accepted, to allow the user time to release the 'Select' button (so it is not misinterpreted as a normal command).

LaunchELF v3.61 (2006.04.18)
-Added PathPad array for user defined browser shortcuts which can be accessed in browser by pressing R2 to bring up the PathPad submenu. Though not strictly a CNF variable, since it doesn't really configure anything, this array is saved at the end of each CNF file, so the paths can be reused in future sessions. (The main purpose of this is to minimize repetitive manual browsing) NB: There is no separate save command for this feature, so you must enter the CONFIG menu and then exit it with 'OK', to resave a CNF with PathPad.
-Modified some menus for consistent use of Triangle button
-Modified MISC/PS2Browser to make it go directly to that browser (as before v3.50)
-Slightly modified CD init for MISC/PS2Disc launching (eliminated a rare error case)

LaunchELF v3.60 (2006.04.11)
-Split the background colour usage into one colour used by libito/GS for pixels outside of the normal screen area, and another used inside the normal screen area. The former will now always be max black (value 0) while the latter will remain as used previously. This change eliminates the inconsistent colouring of screen borders, making them consistently black from now on.
-Added configurable option for opaque popup menus to the 'SCREEN SETTINGS' submenu.
-Fixed a bug in loadSkin function, that prevented skins from being loaded from HDD folders using long path strings (as for deeply nestled folders or very long names). That bug may have caused other errors too, depending on path strings used
-Fixed a cosmetic bug that affected top right corner of menu frame in filebrowser, when using simple colour setup instead of JPG skin.

LaunchELF v3.59 (2006.04.04)
-Modified 'CONFIG' so that 'CANCEL' restores original skin state
-Modified 'SCREEN SETTINGS' so that 'DEFAULT SCREEN SETTINGS' turns off skin
-Modified main menu so that 'LOAD CONFIG++' and 'LOAD CONFIG--' will update all screen settings correctly. This was already done for skin, but not for screen offset and interlace.
-Fixed a bug that made v3.58 use wrong default value for vertical screen offset

summary of prior changes:

LaunchELF v3.41a (2005.05.30) - LaunchELF v3.58 (2006.04.04)
-Skin 'Brightness' control
-Improved resolutions 640x512(PAL) and 640x448(NTSC) (by Polo35)
-Full support for NTSC and PAL modes for any console type
-Event driven menu handling
-Menu Frame option
-Menu Titles
-JPG 'skin' implementation (by Polo35)
-Support for 'slim' PStwo using IDE HDD
-ELF loader compatibility improvements
-progress reports when copying files
-capability to write files to a PC used as host: device
-mcPaste for safe backup of MC gamesaves
-IOP reset
-multiple CNF config loading
-key mapping to swap X and O associations
-FTP server and PS2NetFS support through key config MISC/PS2Net
-host: device support using ps2client
-alternate sort order for showing titles: L1=sort_by_title, L2=sort_by_folder
-network settings menu for changing IPCONFIG.DAT settings
-new CNF format that allows for easier file editing
-ability to copy timestamps and attributes of saves from one PS2 mc to another
-special preserved attribute set on mc saves when restoring saves from other devices
-selectable USBD.IRX module
-various changes and bug fixes to many different things

# ? May 26, 2006 05:33

Helter Skelter: Feb 10, 2004; "Is this thing loaded?"
"It can be."

In addition to the above, here's where you can find the changelog as well as a download for the newest version (PS2-Scene forum registration required):

http://www.ps2-scene.org/forums/showthread.php?t=37242

# ? May 26, 2006 05:51

Dr. Video Games 0031: Jul 17, 2004

Kryptozone posted:

For some reason my PS2 wont read any files from the USB stick once it's in the LaunchELF screen. Has anyone else had this problem?

If you don't have another stick, you can unpack files exactly the same way you unpacked the exploit files. Make a fake save with hdloader in it and uncrush it wherever. It's a pain in the balls, but it works. Launchelf doesn't like my USB stick either

# ? May 26, 2006 08:36

scrotus: Dec 14, 2004

Remember, a lot of mp3 flash players are seen as storage devices. I actually use a 128 Meg iRiver player to transfer my files over. I have a 1 gig mp3 player that doesn't work though. So, if you have one laying around, try that. Or if you have an SD/Memstick/other mem card and a USB reader, that might work.

# ? May 26, 2006 14:16

helopticor: Sep 21, 2004; Helping goons with math.

Does anyone know of a program like launchELF that will read files through the firewire?

# ? May 26, 2006 14:40

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