Popular threads- A N00bs First Stop

[McBeth]

EDIT: Please use THIS thread instead


The holy path of virtue- aka: a nOObs 1st stop reissue

ToC
Part I) Basics
A) A way of booting homebrew media.
1) Modchips - applies to PS2 FAT version and SLIM versions-
2) swap Magic -applies to PS2 FAT version and SLIM versions-
3) The Exploit. -Fat PS2 only- Slim PS2 users READ ANYWAY
B) Making homebrew media/backups.
C) HDD gaming:
D)popular homebrew, utilities, along with tutorials:
1) HDL:
1a) HDL related.
2) uLaunchElf (aka uLe)
3) SMS media player
4) emulators:
5) other popular files/file collections:
Part II) Advanced topics
A) Ripping audio/video from your games
Ripping audio video
B) Editing Savegames
C) shrinking images
D) Making an SMS compatible DVD
E) LAN playing
F) Playing PSx Games off HDD
G) Cheating off HDD
H) saving directly on HDD
I ) The Ps2ClientLoader
PArt III) Other
A) Suggestions for forum usage:
B)FAQs

DUNNO WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR!!!

Which PS2 version have I got?

Part I) Basics

A)Booting homebrew media.

The first thing most noobs want to know, is how to boot self made cds/dvds on a PS2, so let's start with that.

1) Modchips - applies to PS2 FAT version and SLIM versions-

First of all, there's the modchip.
The installation of a chip is called "hardmod"
-and whenever a member on this board asks you whether you're "modded" or "unmodded", he means:
"have you installed a chip in your PS2?"

Note: A chip is NOT absolutely necessary, but considering the price for a cheap yet good model, you've nothing to lose with it.

Here's a list of the most popular:

1. DMS 4 Pro - a pro-fessional chip. Its greatest advantage? It supports ToxicOS 
(a software that allows HDD gaming. More on this later)
2. Matrix Infinity- very popular chip, which gets cloned a lot.
3. Crystal Chip. A very professional chip, but not as easy to use as others...
4. Modbo (my fav.: model 760), A matrix infinity clone, around 15 bucks, easy to install, comfortable!

Of course you can get any other chip, but be sure it supports:

dev 1/2/(3) mode.

Dev stands for "devolution" and is a feature that allows direct booting of apps off MC/HDD/(USB)

Also check if your PS2 needs a laser fix!! Recommended for v12/13.

ModchipCorner LINKS
Check especially the Matrix Infinity workaround, which also covers dev-modes extensively.

Matrix Infinity Workaround
From definitions, to dev mode installation
Crystal Chips Usage Guide - under construction

2) swap Magic -for PS2 FAT/SLIM versions-

Swap magic is basically a pressed dvd/cd which you can just boot like you do with any original disc.
It will then stop the drive giving you the occasion to open the tray using a special tool, so that you can
swap the dvd/cd for your backup.

Note: the swap magic media work on both the slim and the fat PS2, however, the tools you need for swapping
(aka slide tool) are DIFFERENT. So in case you're buying Swap Magic, be sure to purchase the right kit!

Swap Magic LINKS

Boot homebrew without ModChip (swapmagic and cogswap)
General SwapMagic Howto.
Instructions on how to make your own slide tool included!
help with swap magic
More on Swap magic, with video for noobs!

3) The Exploit-Fat PS2 only- Slim PS2 users READ ANYWAY

Well, this one is not primary meant for booting backups.
The exploit is basically the installation of some files on MC, one of which gets booted (triggered) when using a specific PSx CD(the triggerdisc).
The main part of it (or at least the part you'd be actually using) is the boot.elf (elf= exe equivalent).
That boot.elf is usually a launcher (windows explorer equivalent) which allows you to boot other apps. For example a swap magic.elf
The launcher you'll be adviced to use here on console-exploits is uLaunchElf (link below, tutorial later)

Note: The fact that you cannot install the exploit on slim PS2s is no good reason not to use uLaunchElf.
In combination with a chip with dev mode, the best thing you can do is to have uLaunchElf as your drfault application.
(of course, if you have a chipped fat PS2, you don't need the exploit...you can just "dev mode" uLaunchelf!)

Exploit LINKS
Note that uLaunchElf will be discussed later

Quick info on exploits and alternatives. New to exploit? Dead LAser? PLEASE CHECK!!
New titledb maker This allows for loading the boot.elf from the USB with the PSX trigger disc as an option . This means you would only need the title.db on your MC!
PS2 Exploit Utility Tutorial
A tutorial on how to create an exploit using the PS2 Exploit utility.
Exploit Sender Tutorial
For those who have an AR Max disc without a USB stick can send an exploit over the network with AR Max's "Get Saves" online option.
ubergeeks Exploit installer -A Utility that runs directly off PS2.
E-Z Exploit - No modding, swapping, or coasters- Another Exploit thread, which rounds up topic related info...
ELF Loader 1.0 For exploit users- Too little space on MC? Check this thread out! Elf Launcher is a simple elf which JUST launches
elf files. App can be found here along with some app related info!
How to exploit your Jap console

B) Making homebrew media/backups.

Now that you know what you need for running homebrew stuff, you need to know how to actually make backups/homebrew.

BasicTuts LINKS

Unpacking and burning homebrew images
build your own dvd

C)HDD gaming:

You probably want to play games off HDD.
A few things first:

- for BEST "hdd gaming experience" use an internal HDD.
This means you'd need:
a) either a FAT PS2 with networkadapter/IDE hdd

b) a Slim Ps2 V 12 or 13 in combination with the hdcombo/hddconnect! If you have a later model than v13, you onlöy chance is USB hdd gaming.
BEWARE: really low games compatibility, no speed gain! A real PITA

Summing up in a more visual way:

PS2Model----------Fat PS2, v 1-11 -----------Slim Ps2 Version 12,13--------------any other slim PS2 version

HDD?--------------internal/USB---------------hdcombo/hddconnect/USB--------------USB only

Software?---------HDL/HDA/Toxic/-------------HDL patched for v12-----------------USBExtreme/Advance
------------------USBExtreme/Advance---------USBExtreme/Advance------------------ //---------//---

Compatible HDD Devices

hdd's comp.

Problematic Device: WD HDD

Make A western digital hdd fit your network adapter

More info on "HDD on slim PS2"

HDD on Slim PSTwo?
Learn what to do if you have a PS2 slim and want to connect a hdd

D)popular homebrew, utilities, tutorials:
1) HDL:

You want to play games off HDD? That's what you are looking for (unless you're using Toxic/USB)

Please check these links, especially the first introductory one. Even if you're using HDA/Toxic,check the links on how to put games on hdd!

Quick info on HDL/ HDD gaming/compatibility
Software updates
HDD Games Compatability List Mirror
Games that support progressive scan
How-to Boot HDLoader elf with HDLoader retail disc
How to patch HDL- Learn how to patch HDL to match your needs using the HDL PAtch GUI.
HDL 0.8b- Get HDL 0.8b with antifreeze!

HDLOADER Modes: Compabilty and DMA - You're wondering what the HDL compatibility and DMAmodes are? Check this instead!
2disc games on hdl- Star Ocean TTEOT, Onimusha DoD....All 2-disc games. Do they run on HDL?
More on 2games discs- Additional info on 2 Disc games
A guide to install PS2 games over a network -This guide will show you how to install isos to your ps2 over lan.

1a) HDL related.

WinHiip

A Guide to using WinHiip 1.7.6 A basic how-to for the common tasks of installing ISO's to a ps2 hdd via a PC

Lord Bogami's HDL Dump GUI

basics on LordBogami's HDL Dump GUI 2.1

Game Patches

Current/Archieved Patches
Still using HDA or need patches for later games like FFXII?? That's your thread then!! Check page 6 for a list and download link!

2) uLaunchElf (uLe)

The best launcher to date, also very useful for savegame management:

Software Updates
Get the latest uLaunchElf version here and check the included changelogs! Ulaunchelf also allows to manage SAVEGAMES
The built in FTP server guide -This will help you set up your networking options so that you can connect to your PS2 over the network though FTP.
A guide to using uLaunchELF -This guide is meant to be a bare intro to using uLaunchElf.
uLaunchElf First Steps for noobs Covers saves management, files management, skinning, network, hdd management, etc. Check it out

3) SMS media player

the best media player to date:

Software Updates

Get the latest version of the best media player!
How to build an SMS/PS2 compatible DVD/CD

4) emulators:

Emulator collection

5) other popular files:

Elf List
A list of elfs and their description....the elfs are not actually here, but this thread gives you an overview onpopular elf files.
PS2 Apps -A collection of many ps2 apps, old and new

Slicer74's Big Surprise for his #1000 post!
Files collection by Slicer74!

continued in the next post

[JNABK]

Part II) Advanced topics

A) Ripping audio/video from your games

Watch ps2 fmv's- watch your favourite fmv on your PC...A tool package is linked to in this thread

PS3 Video Converter 3.1.21.0115b- Presentation of a video converter for PS3.

B) Editing Savegames

savebuilder ntsc pal
Use the PS2Savebuilder to convert NTSC saves to PAL
If you're looking for a way to manage your savegames check the uLaunchElf section above

C) shrinking images

Manual Shrinking tutorial Learn how to shrink manually.
Shrink Kits - There are 256 ready made "shrink kits" for PS2 games here

D) Making an SMS compatible DVD

How to build an SMS/PS2 compatible DVD/CD

E) LAN playing

LAN Games That are Compatible w/HDL .8b-
Xlink Kai - network gaming from the HD
Setup the PS2 for GT4 LAN play

G) Cheating off HDD

Cheat on hdd games using CodeBreaker 9.2 ELF

Tutorial:Codebreaker incompaitble modchip and swap solution
General AR MAx- General AR Max info with a txt file for AR MAX on HDD.
"Action Replay Max To Boot HDloader"- Boot games from hdl with AR codes on!

Toxic OS master Codes A growing collection of Master Codes for Toxic -All regions!

H) Saving Directly on HDD

http://www.console-exploits.com/foru...ad.php?t=10198

I) The Ps2ClientLoader

PS2ClientLoader- Transfer files over LAN

Part III) Other
A) Suggestions for forum usage:

A READ ME for new Members
Tips for New Members

B)FAQs

console-exploits's FAQ
Questions & Answers -common questions to basic understanding

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submit suggestions and comments

[bootlegninja]

fixed.