Where can I get HD Loader or HD Advance or whatever?

[Ichirou]

Not for piracy purposes.  I'm buying a hard drive for my PS2 and I want to install most of my library onto it so I don't have to switch discs in and out constantly.

Anybody know where I can d/l it, or if there's a better alternative?  I hear there's a PC program that lets you just hook up the PS2's hard drive to your PC/laptop and write the games there directly, which works with dual-layer games (which apparently you can't copy to the HD directly from the PS2).

[BlueTsunami]

You can get it Online from some sites but in all honesty, the best version of HDLoader is the altered one (not the official version). I believe you can only use if you've softmodded your PS2 so it can run .elf files (PS2 executables).

I have my PS2 setup this way and the version of HDLoader I have can pretty much play nearly all PS2 games. If it doesn't support a certain game, and if the games popular enough, you can patch the ISO to work with HDloader (created by the online community).

Softmodding your PS2 is kind of complicated though, if you want to go that route, let me know and I'll post the information needed.

Essentially, what you need is..

Action Replay device with Thumbstick
PSX game (used as a trigger)
HDD and Official PS2 Ethernet Device

Those are the essentials. You should also check out compatability of the HDD your choosing with the PS2 ethernet device. If its not compatible (physicall), you can make it compatible by removing a certain piece.

[Ichirou]

I don't have any PSX games here. :/

This sounds more complicated than I expected.  I figured I'd just burn it to disc and run it directly, didn't know I had to do softmodding and stuff.

[BlueTsunami]

I'm not sure if your able to burn it to a disk, you might be able to use Swap Magic or something. The problem comes down to booting into HDLoader (which you won't be able to do with a vanilla burnt disk). Softmodding is complicated but its definitely worth it, being able to have your library of PS2 games on the HDD itself (I have a 160GB HDD in my PS2).

You can also do stuff like RIP your own PS2 games on the PC and dump it to the PS2 over a LAN. This is good since RIP'ing games via the PS2 itself is probably strenuous on the PS2s laser diode.

[Ichirou]

Hmm, if I rip my own PS2 games on the PC and dump them onto the PS2, do I need to do softmodding then?

[ananus]

yes, because you have to access hdloader inside your ps2 so you can load the games. it can be done by booting via cd/dvd (burned from your pc, so an unmodded system can't read it), booting via memory card (also needs at least softmodding + gameshark or something like that), or booting via the hdd itself (needs a modchip with said feature, like a matrix infinity or dms4pro)

if your system has a good modchip, it's easier to do it. i'm not sure about the details tho.

places you can go for more info:
http://psx-scene.com/forums/ (you have to register to access the ps2 hdd forums iirc)
http://www.console-exploits.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=50

[Vizzys]

hdloader is freeware

buy swapmagic and burn hdloader to a disc

[Ichirou]

Oh, fuck this, didn't know it was that complicated just for the convenience of loading stuff off the hard drive.

[Vizzys]

I suppose buying a retail hd loader disc would be easier, however that leaves you with a probably outdated version of hd loader and you have successfully funded chinese pirates would sold you freeware on a pressed disc.

another alternative is to buy a modchip, which is easily the best alternative. No need for fancy swap magic/ fliptops and exploits.

You would need to know how to solder wires though.  I hear DMS4 is good.

[disgruntled_jojo]

I've got 2.0 (retail) copy of HDLoader I can send you if you want it.  The compatibility is quite high.  That makes things less complicated and you didn't support any pirates (I did).  Pee Em me if interested.

[pancakesandsex]

If you want the easy retail method, buy a copy of HD Xtreme, it supports USB and internal HDDs, (although the usb is slower and has more issues)

They even sell it on amazon

http://www.amazon.com/HD-Xtreme-Version-HDAdvance-PlayStation/dp/B000TBG48M/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-4136145-6687933?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1194027130&sr=8-1

Doesnt get much easier.  Just attach an hdd to the network adapter and pop this guy in and you are good to go.
This is what i use personally.

[BlueTsunami]

Dragon Quest 8 with nearly 1-2 second load times = FUCK MY COCK IS HARD OMG

[Ichirou]

pancakesandsex's solution seems to be the easiest one, honestly.

[pancakesandsex]

it really is the easiest, and the cheapest if you dont ALREADY have the tools required to make the memory card exploit one.