PS2 HD Loader

[nesuser2]

Not sure what I can say about this if anything but if load times cripple you on PS2 games, you would love this tool. I preordered it 3 weeks ago or so and about went crazy on the wait. I must admit that it's kind of expensive since it's $25-30 and then the added cost of the hard drive but that's only $50-100 depending on what you're looking for.

Anyways, I've only tested it on one game(NCAA Football 2004) and there are actually no load times most of the time. When you tell it to start a game, it usually sits there and flashes parts from the manual on the screen for 30 seconds or around there. Now it just pauses for a second and goes right into the game. This thing rocks!

[omnedon]

This indeed does seem VERY cool....

[Flack]

Not sure what I can say about this if anything but if load times cripple you on PS2 games, you would love this tool. I preordered it 3 weeks ago or so and about went crazy on the wait. I must admit that it's kind of expensive since it's $25-30 and then the added cost of the hard drive but that's only $50-100 depending on what you're looking for.

Anyways, I've only tested it on one game(NCAA Football 2004) and there are actually no load times most of the time. When you tell it to start a game, it usually sits there and flashes parts from the manual on the screen for 30 seconds or around there. Now it just pauses for a second and goes right into the game. This thing rocks!

Where can you order this from?

[nesuser2]

Check any online mod chip sources or anything like that. I think the official site for the loader is www.hdloader.com and it might not be com as I don't think it's actually US based, who knows. Easy to find though and I just found out that it doesn't work for online, so that's good and bad. Bad...because I can't play my games online and good because it keeps peckers from ruining the good stuff by just ripping off games.

[Bratwurst]

This opens up an interesting concept for the future when PS2 drive motors start failing, the use of the hard disk could extend the system's liifespan. Not that it'd matter perhaps, since the PS5, PS6 and PS7 (etc.) will all be backward compatible too.

[Querjek]

I just ordered an HDD and network adapter from EB games (Used, the total=$70 before shipping with coupon AFF25 :D). Now, I need to order the HDLoader...

So, I registered at Divineo and went through the checkout process. I put in my dad's credit card stuff, went to send in the order, and got a message saying that the payment wasn't verified. I tried this like 5 times with no prevail.

I went and asked my dad if he could try it. He did, and it didn't work for him either.

He called the credit card company and they said that their system was just being weird and that we may not be able to order from them :/

Anybody know of any other sites that sell US/NTSC HDLoaders?

[ddockery]

If it really is a system problem, odds are they will find and fix it, so I'd try again at some other time. Or try calling them for that matter, they may not even know...

[showstoppa]

Me and a friend are thinking about ordering the HDLoader soon too. Just so everyone knows you don't need to buy the actual PS2 HDD. I researched this when I got a bad HDD from a Target return donated to Goodwill. The better bet would be to buy a 120 GB (the largest drive HDLoader supports) and you can format that with HDLoader. That is unless you want the HDD for Final Fantasy XI Online. If you would like the bigger Hard Drive they say Maxtor HD's are the best. Currently a Maxtor 120 GB is $87 at NewEgg.com (good deals on computer parts). It'll save you a little money if you don't need Final Fantasy XI plus you'll be able to fit more games on your hard drive.

[nesuser2]

Well, I'm not much of a PS2 fan myself. Most of the games just don't appeal to me but maybe they will now. The load times really suck when I compared them to my modded xbox and my gamecube. Anyways....I have a 40gb in mine and most games are 3-4gb with sports games around 2gb and the blue bottom discs are roughly 600mb. My 40gb will be soon in no time and I have confirmed that Maxtor drives fit well. I have a few smaller maxtors laying around and they all lined up good. So anyways, 80gb would be good for the average gamer or maybe 40gb for the less average(ME!) but if you're heart in on the PS2, I would say 120gb. As far as where you can order it.....all kinds of places have this thing! The Console Corner and Console Source(CA) but respectible. I've had problems with console corner, like the huge delay with my shipment(1 wk.) and it's in Ohio... lol so anyways, they've fixed all problems in good ways but problems nonetheless...also the best deal I found was at TCC. Good luck people...I hope people start developing something good for it. Can't load PS1 games either :( I tried to put IMBNES on it LOL

[Querjek]

Do any of those places you just mentioned have websites? Links by any chance?

[nesuser2]

I don't think I should go posting any links about a matter like this. Google....yahoo...console source or the console corner, you can't miss them. Anyways, I just put a whole bunch of games on mine and a 40gb is not recommended. The games will show up at a 4gb or something and actually show that it takes up 5, and if the game is scratched up...it will say there isn't enough space? I'll post a reply here if any of that changes by a miscalculation on my part but that's what I've found so far.

[Querjek]

I completely understand... I found one of those sites through Froogle anyways (My first use of it and I must say that it works well).

Just out of curiousity, do you know why the network adapter is required to use the HDLoader?

[kai123]

Without the network adaptor you can't put a HD drive in. It has the Power and Ide ports built into the back.

I would like to get this but I will wait. I am sure a better version will be released down the line.

[nesuser2]

Just sony's way of linking sales back to themselves since no other companies have the right network adapter. And it's also very obvious that the PS2 was designed this way...another thing I noticed, you HAVE to have your hard drive set as the master, otherwise it won't find it.

[Oobgarm]

i just got my HDLoader in the mail about 2 hours ago and it's great. I got it off Ebay since I'd heard that a lot of people had problems ordering through the 'official' suppliers.

I've ripped 2 games thus far, and am ripping #3 as I type this. Little to no load times are a wonderful, wonderful thing.

HIGHLY recommended if you have a PS2 and HDD.

[Richter]

The better bet would be to buy a 120 GB (the largest drive HDLoader supports) and you can format that with HDLoader. you can use a 160 gb, but you will only be able to use 137gb

havent gotten my 'Loader yet, i i wish it did PS1 games as well ;_;

[Querjek]

Oh, I got mine weeks ago and I really enjoy not having to load my blue disc games from discs.

[Cmosfm]

OK, question, the game that you use to play with the HD Loader....does it actually save some data onto the HD? If so, how large is that data and is it a permanant or temporary data save? I'd hate to fill up a HD with just Loader saves.

I figure it has to save something, but then again, who knows. :P

[youruglyclone]

OK, question, the game that you use to play with the HD Loader....does it actually save some data onto the HD? If so, how large is that data and is it a permanant or temporary data save? I'd hate to fill up a HD with just Loader saves.

I figure it has to save something, but then again, who knows. :P

hd loader does not act as a memory card, and for those who will "wait" for a newer version, although it would be the wise thing to do but I'm pretty sure sony is going to squash this product like a bug(think connectix virtual gamestation), pretty much this thing is a pirating tool....think about it store games on Hd you pretty much don't need the original...

but then again users here wouldn't pirate games now would we....

[nesuser2]

It's a pirating tool and so are mod chips. Mod chips even offer better functionality. The hdloader was released for legit people looking to squash load times. Online games won't go online...can't save data and whatnot. They have a hard time shutting down all mod chip resellers because they claim that the users are using them to preserve the game they paid $50 for. This does the same...and of course, with all good things..comes evil. Lots of people are going to buy this and just rent games to play them but I would tend to think that's less people than most might think. Not only do they have to pay for the hdloader itself...but also a hard drive. Not hard to find for many but alot of people will shy away.

Finally, updated versions....not released like this. The elf file is already available(600k or so) and they've read the code to include the authors which were hidden until that point which were some homebrew developers gone wrong. They left the ps2 hb scene because everybody was always out for the money...so they threw in the hat and produced this. They made their money but they definitly trimmed the functionality. The hd loader could easily be used to play unofficial copies, game save data, and be online(I say this because the first HD game used online features)

Sony squash it? Probably not...they wouldn't get far anyways, atleast I don't think they would. It would be too long of a battle to waste the time when they are on top. If an updated version includes any of the previously mentioned goodies...I would bet they might pursue it. They sell tons of memory cards and they don't want to lose that(M$). Plus...it's not 100% functional and some games you do have to play with the switches(select w/play highlighted).

But then again....talking about Sony bringing them down isn't going to change anything. They don't care what anybody thinks....no DP online debates will change their mind. But this is just food for thought I guess.

Killer load times though! I haven't even played it since the 3rd day I had it...if that LOL

[Brian_Provinciano]

I'm a homebrew developer and must say that although most of these things are used for pirating, I am one who actually uses this stuff for development. It's understandable how the large companies want to stop these things, and I would want to as well if I were them. However, all the effort they put into keeping the development info top secret and such decreases a lot of innovation. For one, I've had to waste a lot of time doing manual reverse engineering on the NES due to the lack of documentation.

I've built dev hardware for the NES, SNES, etc. Sure, they can be used for running ROMs, but I use them for running my own code (as well as other's code for them). I also have the GB and GBA flash linkers. Thanks to the GBA one, I created GBAGI which runs the Sierra games on the GBA.

I'm going to get one of these HD loaders and a hard drive for the PS2, because I'm quite sure I'll be able to rig it up to be a cheap development system. Hopefully it'll allow me to get less of those damn disc read errors! Bah! Everyone I know with a PS2 who bought one within the first two years of it being out has disc read errors, or had them and got a new PS2. I don't even use my PS2 a huge amount, can go weeks without using it. Still get disc read errors--on brand new DVDs and games. BTW, reconditioned PS2s don't have better lasers--same old crap. Get your PS2 reconditioned, it'll go again. Bad NES connectors, PS lasers, aaah! Why couldn't these companies put a little extra into their products?

[Oobgarm]

Looks like Sony finally got to them, as their site has been taken down. And the prices for them on Ebay have doubled. I hear that there are new companies that have disc that do even more? Anyone know about any of there?

[Querjek]

Looks like Sony finally got to them, as their site has been taken down. And the prices for them on Ebay have doubled. I hear that there are new companies that have disc that do even more? Anyone know about any of there?
Yes. Someone told me that the HDLoader place was shut down (I had no idea but then said that HDAdvance was the new thing.

[Oobgarm]

Looks like Sony finally got to them, as their site has been taken down. And the prices for them on Ebay have doubled. I hear that there are new companies that have disc that do even more? Anyone know about any of there?
Yes. Someone told me that the HDLoader place was shut down (I had no idea but then said that HDAdvance was the new thing.

Yeah, the HDAdvance looks sweet since you can put imports on the HDD now. :rocker:

Pop'n Music here I come!

[Flack]

I'm not sure how long HDLoader would have made it anyway ... a cracked image of their disc already hit the newsgroups. The people that were going to use the HDLoader for piracy have no qualms about using a pirated copy of HDLoader either.

BTW, if you don't frequent the newsgroups, there are a lot of cool tools coming out that can be used with HDLoader, like ps2ftp ... and actually, there are several tools that will let you move files to and from your PS2 with HDLoader without ever putting a disc in your PS2.

[buttasuperb]

Yeah, the HDAdvance looks sweet since you can put imports on the HDD now. :rocker:

Pop'n Music here I come!

And they'll work without a modchip?

if that's true, it might be time for another ps2. I want to play Gradius V

[Oobgarm]

From the manual:


Converting Import Game Disc

Please follow the steps below so as to convert import game disc to PS2 HDD.

1. Boot your console with HDAdvance. Using CD version for CD import and the DVD version for DVD import

2. Choose”Convert” in the “Option” menu.

3. When the system asks for the game disc, please use the slide tool or flip top cover to exchange the import and HDAdvance Disc.

4. Select “Go” by pressing “X” when you are finished.

I would assume it works based on that info. The sites I looked at offered the HDAdvance and a slide tool for $40.

[AJay17]

Just curious about something. If someone (not me) were to download the hdloader disc. Would they need a modchip to use it

[Richter]

yes, a modchip is required to read/run backups/copies/rips

i need a tool to run & store PS1 games ;_;

[buttasuperb]

yes, a modchip is required to read/run backups/copies/rips

i need a tool to run & store PS1 games ;_;

i was talking about real deal imports.

anyways, josie maran is real hot. not quite as hot as kim smith though.

[Flack]

Just curious about something. If someone (not me) were to download the hdloader disc. Would they need a modchip to use it

Yes, because it's still a backup and you've got to boot it somehow.

[classic gamer]

There's a torrent out there that says "Free_HDLoader_..." is that what you all are talking about?

I agree with the need for PS1 compatability. I keep all my games in a 100 disc binder but it would be nice to load them all onto a HDD, put them back in their original cases and up on a shelf for safekeeping.

[Richter]

butta -
that was in response to AJay17
:)

you dont need to torrent the free loader - this site (http://www.maxconsole.com/?mode=comments&newsid=2387) has it for DL

[Neil Koch]

Looks like the HD Loader is still for sale here:

http://consolesource.com/ecomm/customer/search.php?substring=hd+loader&in_category=

[Flack]

One minor update.

I picked up a 40 gig Western Digital drive the other day for this, and it simply won't fit on the PS2 broadband adapter. The IDE and power connections are simply too far apart. I'll have to do some computer drive swapping so all's not lost, but just thought I'd mention that it's not as "universal" as I had been led to believe.

[Richter]

most if not all WD drives wont fit

http://ps2drives.x-pec.com/?p=list

[nesuser2]

They recommend maxtors for a reason....anyhow, some seagates fit...maxtor is highly recommended. Maxtor hard drives pretty much eat dirt....but they work.

[Darth Sensei]

Is anybody using the HD Advance product? I heard about it in passing, but I can't find much about it on the net.

D

[Flack]

http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/97429

It looks like HD Advance allows for swapping, which means with a flip top or a drive opener you can swap in a copy or an import and put it on your HD.

[neo-zen]

i have the hdloader and it works awsome.
but i like haveing the actual game, so this could never replace me having the actual game in hand.

[Flack]

So, anyone else still using HD Loader/HD Advance?

I've been using it for about a month or so now. I get LOTS of errors when trying to back up disks. I'm sure it doesn't help that lots of them are "backups" but ... x_x

On almost everything I try and backup, I get an error at 99%. Then if you tell it to continue, it adds like 132 read errors. Most games still work after that, some don't. I couldn't get the home brew Beats of Rage or the new Gradius V to work, but most everything else did.

Also, I've messed with both, and as far as I can tell, HD Loader and HD Advance are the exact same software. I guess HD Advance comes with a drive slider tool for swapping, but other than the logos, the menu layouts and design are identical.

[davidbrit2]

So, anyone else still using HD Loader/HD Advance?

You bet I am. Heh.



I've been using it for about a month or so now. I get LOTS of errors when trying to back up disks. I'm sure it doesn't help that lots of them are "backups" but ... x_x

On almost everything I try and backup, I get an error at 99%. Then if you tell it to continue, it adds like 132 read errors. Most games still work after that, some don't. I couldn't get the home brew Beats of Rage or the new Gradius V to work, but most everything else did.

Are the games you're ripping DVD rips made to fit on a CDR? I find that overburn sized CDs don't rip properly. And there are a few odd CD games that don't rip either. The best way around this is to use hdl_dumb for Windows. Stick your PS2 hard drive into your Windows computer of choice, and use hdl_dumb to write a disc image onto the drive. You can rip the CD/DVD with Nero or something like that. You'll have to extract tracks in mode 1 format, but CDMage (freeware) will probably be able to help you with that and convert the images.

[midgey]

Also useful is PS2 Handiness if you don't understand command line stuff. Its a gui of hdl_dumb

[Ed Oscuro]

Here's a thought for folks using the HDD Loader but who don't want to spend top dollar on new hard drives.

Ever consider getting a bunch of smaller capacity hard drives? You could swap them out. Just write down which games are on each drive and you're all set. Glancing at eBay, I don't think extra 20GB drives would be the way to go, necessarily - $20-$30/unit adds up in a hurry, so try something higher (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=64460&item=5124802674&rd=1). I'm assuming most any modern IDE hard drive would work, yes?

[Wayne Ryder]

Here's a thought for folks using the HDD Loader but who don't want to spend top dollar on new hard drives.

Ever consider getting a bunch of smaller capacity hard drives? You could swap them out. Just write down which games are on each drive and you're all set. Glancing at eBay, I don't think extra 20GB drives would be the way to go, necessarily - $20-$30/unit adds up in a hurry, so try something higher (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=64460&item=5124802674&rd=1). I'm assuming most any modern IDE hard drive would work, yes?

The wife suggested this very idea to me, funnily enough. Definitely an option.

I've had mine a couple of months now, and it's the best investment I've ever made. It's the original legit version, bought it via eBay before Sony killed the product and the price doubled.
A friend of mine has HDAdvance as well, which is basically the same deal, but he can't play all his games on it. For some, he has to use HDLoader; I think it's down to the software, the installed game has to match the installer used.

The ONLY fault with HDL is the lack of save file space. If you could save them to disk instead of/as well as card, it'd be the perfect product. I've had no problem with installs yet, though there's a list out there that covers compatability.

I can understand Sony's decision to kill off the program, but from my standpoint I just want to inflict less wear & tear on the disks & laser. Both of which are less than robust. Playstations are cheaper than ever, but not cheap as in 'impulse buy'. I'd like it to last as well as my PS1.
The console's not modded, by the way.

[Flack]

See, I was thinking that same thing. Even you have a pretty bad PS2 that didn't read much of anything, as long as it would read HD Loader, you'd be okay. Apparently there's a new tool that allows you to dump games to the PS2 via the broadband connection (over your local network from the PC). So at that point, the only thing your PS2 cd drive is doing is reading HD Loader to boot.

[thehistorian]

See, I was thinking that same thing. Even you have a pretty bad PS2 that didn't read much of anything, as long as it would read HD Loader, you'd be okay. Apparently there's a new tool that allows you to dump games to the PS2 via the broadband connection (over your local network from the PC). So at that point, the only thing your PS2 cd drive is doing is reading HD Loader to boot.


And there are other tools that put the HDLoader on a memory card... thus completely bypassing the cd/dvd drive....

Mine has been working fine, though I find that there are some games that will just not play from disk...

[TheJuggala]

I've read a little info on this so let me get this straight. All i need is
-A PS2
- Network Adapter
- A harddrive (internal)?
- HDadvance

Then i can store my games on the harddrive and play then from there?

[Wayne Ryder]

I've read a little info on this so let me get this straight. All i need is
-A PS2
- Network Adapter
- A harddrive (internal)?
- HDadvance

Then i can store my games on the harddrive and play then from there?


Apart from some physical compatability probs with certain hard drives, which used to be documented on the HDLoader site, that's exactly right.
I think similar/exactly the same info is on the HDAdvance page: http://www.hdadvance.com/
And here's a useful guide to games that work, or not:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/casey.miller/HD%20Loader%20Compatibility.htm

[Flack]

Thanks for the link to the compatibility list! That explains why Gradius V wouldn't work for me at OKGE.

[youruglyclone]

Yeah, the HDAdvance looks sweet since you can put imports on the HDD now. :rocker:

Pop'n Music here I come!

And they'll work without a modchip?

if that's true, it might be time for another ps2. I want to play Gradius V

actually if you do a PC install of the images or Disk, regional lockout is nulified

[Oobgarm]

Yeah, the HDAdvance looks sweet since you can put imports on the HDD now. :rocker:

Pop'n Music here I come!

And they'll work without a modchip?

if that's true, it might be time for another ps2. I want to play Gradius V

actually if you do a PC install of the images or Disk, regional lockout is nulified

I must learn how to do this. PM me, please, if you(or anyone else, for that matter) know how. I'd be mucho grateful.

[K3V]

I've ordered my HD Loader, should be here any day now.

http://www.hdloader.net/ is the new official site, BTW.

[Ed Oscuro]

And there are other tools that put the HDLoader on a memory card... thus completely bypassing the cd/dvd drive....
Wow! Mega sweet you know. I will definitely be considering these options quite seriously whenever I break down and pick up a PS2.

[towerofsong]

Just thought i'd awaken this old thread...and probably get a slap round the back of the head for it. But I really reccomend putting a hard-drive in your PS2. All the games I have are compatable with it and its great for keeping your games in perfect condition. Most of my games have only been in the console once and are now staying minty fresh. And imports can be put on it, so i'm playing Growlanser Geneations on my PAL PS2...yay
But yeah, if you have a PS2 it's worth doing
yep...

[SirDrexl]

Well, the problem is that Sony made the PSTwo incompatible with a hard drive, and I honestly believe it was because of the HD Loader.