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HDLOADER - Found Impressions

Can we get a list of HDDs that are confirmed to work?

Anyone who is using a specific HD or has seen someone post that they are using a specific HD, please detail it here.
 
There was some small list on one ps site but you gotta remember there like 3 different model ps2's at least so, I have a feeling that thing will be modified. I think people trying it now are really beta testing it.
 
davis said:
There was some small list on one ps site but you gotta remember there like 3 different model ps2's at least so, I have a feeling that thing will be modified. I think people trying it now are really beta testing it.
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True. But I'm just encouraged I guess. I was really starting to worry for a while. I think eventually the "community" will come through with a good set of drives that work.
 
I thought only some of the WD drives won't fit, turns out that nearly all WD drives won't fit.

As for HDLoader, it seems you can install imports/backup without a modchip...... by using flip-top and Swap Magic.
 
tenchir said:
I thought only some of the WD drives won't fit, turns out that nearly all WD drives won't fit.

As for HDLoader, it seems you can load up imports/backup without a modchip...... by using flip-top and Swap Magic.
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Are you sure you need swap magic? I thought the HDLoader was a boot disc itself.
 
follow this process EXACTLY:

* 1. boot up HD Loader
* 2. at main menu, use EJECT button to insert Swap Magic DVD
* 3. go to install, the Swap Magic DVD will stop spinning
* 4. swap with your back-up via Flip-Top or Slide Card
* 5. press OK to install
 
I already explain in my previous message. The PS2 will check the disc for region/protection codes each time you insert the disc after it ejects.

So you put in the HDLoader, the PS2 checks the disc if it's authentic. The disc is ejected. You put in a game you want to install, the PS2 will still check the codes. That's why backups won't work without a modchip.

A Swap Magic disc is technically not a true boot disc. The PS2 will check the disc for the code, after that, it will run an exe(to boot the backup disc). You then have to either A) Forcibly open the tray with the card or B) Use a Flip-Top, both to avoid the ejection(and the check).
 
I just ordered from consolesource.com also. I already got an email stating that my order will be shipped within 24hrs.
 
Does anybody here actually have one of these things??
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No! But we all gave the money :PPP

Damn, I'll be a bit mad if this turns out to be some kind of scam. I doubt it though. Divineo looks like a very serious modding site.
 
I have a question and if it's rather noobish I apologize. What's the barrier to the HDLoader being pirated itself? What sort of proprietary software is on their disc that makes it read as official Sony software? Couldn't the pirate be pirated? Yea, I know your all just going to play backups of your owned games and I'm sure that's how they intended it as well.
 
The CD is written so that it is difficult to make a 1:1 cd image. It'll probably be a while before someone makes a ripped copy of the actual HDDloader. Think Bleem! if you ever seen that (PC Psone emulator). Disc contained a bunch of sessions to create errors purposely when you try to make a burned copy of the disc
 
It's sort of like the Magic Swap discs. You can make a backup copy of it but it will not boot up correctly due to the type of protection it has. Heh, the HDLoader disc has already made its way out as a iso... useless though.
 
Heh, yeah, I found the iso(411MB rared). I didn't download it since I already have one, but from what I heard, it will boot to the menu, does some checking, then black screen.
 
Defensor said:
It's sort of like the Magic Swap discs. You can make a backup copy of it but it will not boot up correctly due to the type of protection it has. Heh, the HDLoader disc has already made its way out as a iso... useless though.
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Can it be booted with the Swap discs? Or if you have a modchip installed?
 
Just found out compatibility might be affected by which network adapter you have(The BB only one and BB+Modem). Someone couldn't get Tiger Woods 2004 to load up with a BB only adapter, but it worked once he switched it to the BB+Modem one.

You can only can the broadband only adapter from the Linux kit. The broadband+56k modem adapters are the retail ones.

Can it be booted with the Swap discs? Or if you have a modchip installed?
Click to expand...

No, won't work, go read previous posts.
 
HD Loader testing results:


USING PS2 with online adapter and 120 Segate/Maxtor Hard Drive

1. Followed the instructions on the HD Loader instructions manual to install Hard Drive. It is quite easy and simple the only thing to remember here is that only certain 3rd party drives actually fit the Sony PS2 Hard Drive. We found that the Maxtor/Seagate brands work well with the online adapter. Western Digital would not fit. Don’t force the Drive into the online adapter or you might break something.

2. Load HD loader into the disk drive and format your Hard Drive (like a 10 second job). Easy

3. Push the eject button and put in game you wish to backup in your hard drive. You can only put in “ORIGINAL” games for the HD Loader to backup into your hard drive if you do not have a modchip in your PS2.

4. Just click Install and HD loader will install your game into the Hard Drive. Now, there is also a Remove function for you to remove games in your Hard Drive. Simple enough.

5. Below are the games that we have save into the Segate/Maxtor Hard Drive for testing purposes. We first tested the list of games that HD loader has tested:

Devil May Cry 2__________Installed into HDD and working

Dragonball Z Budokaai 2__Installed into HDD and working

Final Fantasy X__________Installed into HDD and working

Man Hunt_________________Installed into HDD and working

Legacy of Kain, Defiance_Installed into HDD and working

GTA Vice City____________Installed into HDD and working

Max Payne 2______________Installed into HDD and working

Time Splitters 2_________Installed into HDD and working

Tony Hawks Underground___Installed into HDD and working

Hitman contracts_________Installed into HDD and working

Gacket (Japanese title)__Installed into HDD and working

Final Fantasy XI_________DOES not work requires SONY HDD




6. After installing the games on your Hard Drive. HD loader will put them on your screen and you can pick whichever one your want to load and play. To load your games from the hard drive, simply pick the game from your HD loader list and select play. No modchip or slid cards are required to do this.

LOAD SPEED, INSTALL SPEED of HD LOADER

LOADING SPEED OF games is at least 2X as fast. In some cases even 3 to 4X faster than loading from disk. Insalling games’ speed is as follows: 2 gig game (15 minutes); 3 gig game (25 minutes); 4 gig game (35 minutes).



LIMITATIONS OF THE HD LOADER

The HD Loader’s only function in this release is to install your games into your 3rd party hard drive. Unfortunately to load your backup games and to save your backup games into your hard drive you will still require a modchip. Also HD loader will not play import games or online games. It seems that Sony servers checks for sony hard drives. Finally, the HD loader will not make your PS2 region free, you need a modchip for that.

TEST with modded PS2 with Matrix modchip and HD loader

HK SILVERS (GUMDAM DX, WINNING ELEVEN 7) Installed into HDD and working.

BACKUPS (MANHUNT, Soul Reaver) Installed into HDD and working

FINAL FANTASY XI________________WILL NOT WORK, still require SONY HDD

If your guys have any questions, feel free to contact us, we will try our best to answer all questions.

MODCHIPWORLD.com
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Sounds great. Mine should be here any minute now :D
 
umm wth, I got an email monday morning this thing shipped and have not got it yet, but ordered something from Bestbuy.com on wensday but got it already, I think I may have been OWNED.
 
umm wth, I got an email monday morning this thing shipped and have not got it yet, but ordered something from Bestbuy.com on wensday but got it already, I think I may have been OWNED.
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Same here, getting impatient. The tracking # didnt even register at usps.com until thurs night.
 
Impatience here too. I ordered Monday or Tuesday night from Divineo and was told to expect a FedEx tracking Number in 24-48 hrs. Guess what? It is Friday.
 
Finally got mine from console corner. I'm a bit ticked though. I paid $5 for shipping and they shipped it for $1.15 (They are located in Ohio and I'm in Michigan so it probably wouldn't have got here much faster but I still feel duped :p)

And as if that wasn't bad enough, they shipped it with just the booklet, dvd cover and cd with no case lol. The cd looks fine and they did have it for $24.99 instead of $30 like everywhere else so I guess it evens out. Full impressions coming soon :D
 
http://ps2nfo.com/ps2hdd.html

PS2 GAME TiTLE (CD/DVD) REGiON STATUS
Biohazzard Outbreak (DVD) JAP Not Working
Champions of Norrath: Realms Of EverQuest (DVD9) USA/PAL Rip To DVD5
Fight Night 2004 (DVD) ALL Enable Mode 3

Final Fantasy X-2 (DVD) ALL Enable Mode 3
Final Fantasy XI (DVD) JAP Supports $ony HDD Only
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (DVD9) USA/PAL Rip To DVD5
James Bond 007: Everything Or Nothing (DVD) ALL Enable Mode 3

Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance (DVD9) ALL Rip To DVD5
MVP Baseball 2004 (DVD) USA Enable Mode 3

MX 2002: Featuring Ricky Carmichael (CD) USA/PAL Not Working
Peter Pan: The Legend Of Neverland (DVD) PAL Not Working
Ratchet And Clank (DVD) USA/PAL Not Working
Sakura Taisen Atsuki Chishio Ni (DVD9) JAP Rip To DVD5
Soul Calibur 2 (DVD) ALL Not Working
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Jungle Storm (DVD) ALL Enable Mode 3
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six 3 (DVD) USA/PAL Not Working
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow (DVD) USA/PAL Not Working
Wild Arms: Alter Code F (DVD9) JAP Rip To DVD5
Xenosaga Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht (DVD9) ALL Rip To DVD5
 
Xenosaga is more than 3 gigs, and it doesn't work on HDDloader unless you use the pirate version I think
 
Anyone know if there's a way to get back to the HD loader menu without resetting the ps2?

PS: Klonoa 2 and Disgaea work while Xenosaga does not...
 
Received confirm of ship email 06/18/04 from consolesource.com(they are in Canada) with USPS tracking #. As of 4:00pm eastern time 06/19/04 tracking number does not exist in the USPS system. WTF?
 
Oh just FYI, you might try to install a game and it'll tell you there isn't enough room even if there is. Just try it again and it'll work...
 
so my 1st game I loaded EON didn't work so thought this thing might be junk but thanks for the link at least that one works more games won't though than that 94% claim it looks like, cool anyway since games seem to work after loading and taking the disc out.
 
Marconelly said:
What the hell is Mode 3?
Click to expand...

modes.gif
 
Marconelly said:
What the hell is Mode 3?
Click to expand...
The HD Loader has like a secret menu where you can enable or disable 3 different modes that could or could not solve some loading problems with some games. By pressing select when highlighting a game before playing it, that secret menu appears.
 
I've just read the page where it explains it. It's great, once you enable it for a game, the setting is preserved for the future use.

I've just got a FFXI HDD and now I'm testing it and getting rid of the FFXI :P

I've noticed that just installing the HDD changes the browser software on PS2, I've also noticed that little swirling lights on the browser bootup sequence now flicker a bit before they settle in a circle (doesn't look as smooth as it used to... grunt...) and that just booting into browser now takes some more time than it used to (maybe even 3-5 seconds more) Is this all normal?
 
Every game I've tried so far (6 of 'em) has worked without me having to switch modes. Except Xenosaga which doesn't support the hdloader anyways....
 
Marconelly said:
I've just read the page where it explains it. It's great, once you enable it for a game, the setting is preserved for the future use.

I've just got a FFXI HDD and now I'm testing it and getting rid of the FFXI :P

I've noticed that just installing the HDD changes the browser software on PS2, I've also noticed that little swirling lights on the browser bootup sequence now flicker a bit before they settle in a circle (doesn't look as smooth as it used to... grunt...) and that just booting into browser now takes some more time than it used to (maybe even 3-5 seconds more) Is this all normal?
Click to expand...

If you install all the software in the FFXI utility disc, you can run installed games from the HDD broswer(assuming the HDLoader is in the PS2tray) instead of running it through HDLoader.
 
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