Free Vast Continues

[TnA]

But the point is moot, as the current FMCB implementation, based on using the DVDPLx files, does not have room even for the much simpler implementation of HDD booting. That too would require complete DEV9, ATAD, and HDD drivers, and there simply isn't room for all those in the available KELF files.

I think there would be enough space for HD&Net-Stuff, if the loader is compressed in another way/with another compression + IRXs would be external.

There would be room if using the DVDELF.BIN files from fat consoles, but those KELF files are not available on a slim console. And even on a fat console those files will waste an extra 1.4 MB (appx) for each installed MC, and the HDD boot feature just isn't worth that much (17.5% of a normal 8MB MC...).

Best regards: dlanor

That is true.
I don´t think, Slim-Users would need the HD-Support anyway (o.k., there is an exception... the V12/13-Users with a HD.).
I think it won´t hurt, if users have the choice between two loaders.

Simple. If the DVDELF.bin, which is provided by the user or console offers enough space to embed the big loader, it should request if the big, or the small loader should be embedded.

If a small dvdelf.bin (be it from BIOS, or INJECT-Folder) is provided, it wouldn´t ask and install the standard-mini-loader.

If a big dvdelf.bin (be it from BIOS, or INJECT-Folder) is provided, it requests the user which version of the loader to choose (since for example the big-loader can have bugs).
If a big dvdelf.bin is provided for the embeddion, the mc-space is wasted anyway... But the user still should have the choice, which loader to choose.

[Bakke]

And the partial installation of games to HDD supported by a very few games (like FFX International) is even more worthless, as it ALWAYS requires you to have the original game disc in tray while playing, so playing games without working CDVD drive is impossible even after performing the 'install' to HDD, as only some parts of the game data will be read from HDD. With the HDLoader homebrew on the other hand, you can continue to install and run games on HDD even if your CDVD drive has died...

In any case, the gamesave backup features of the uLaunchELF FileBrowser (included in a normal FMCB install) are by far superior to those of the Sony browser, except that uLE won't display the fancy 3D icons of the games. But instead it will allow you to copy all kinds of files, not just gamesaves, between all PS2-compatible media, not just MC and HDD. So that is the tool used by most homebrew users for gamesave backups as well as all other file copying needs on the PS2.

I forgot to add something. My console has an old MARS2 modchip so I can boot any CD or DVD backup.

The HDD browser save backup is exactly the stuff I need the most. I have a massive game library here and most of them are in japanese, so I'm kinda tired of uLe or ARMAX or Codebreaker save backup methods, specially when GAME TITLE isn't shown properly and i have to guess what TITLE ID has my game in order to save. I all need the official save backup because of the icons, it's much easier and confortable to me.

I thought I could inject a modified ATAD module with FMCB somehow.

Anyways, thanks for you quick response. Looks like I'll have to upgrade to a better chip with auto-ATAD patching.

[dlanor]

Anyways, thanks for you quick response. Looks like I'll have to upgrade to a better chip with auto-ATAD patching.

Yes, that is the only way you can get Sony's HDD browser to work with a non-Sony HDD.

Best regards: dlanor

[yoshi314]

Yes, that is the only way you can get Sony's HDD browser to work with a non-Sony HDD.

Best regards: dlanor

i was rather thinking about some kind of software hack to make original, unaltered games recognize generic hdd (those that have the hdd support, at least).

btw, i've recently noticed that ps2 tri-ace games (at least so3 and vp2, didn't look at radiata stories or other games they might have made) have hidden/disabled hdd support (text strings referencing data files and specific pfs partitions on hdd can be found in launcher elfs on the cd). maybe it was active during debugging/testing phase, or something.

if software atad trick was possible and it was all that was necessary - it would be really interesting.

[dlanor]

i was rather thinking about some kind of software hack to make original, unaltered games recognize generic hdd (those that have the hdd support, at least).

There is really not much point in doíng so, as NONE of the games with HDD support will allow you to run that 'backup' without continuing to wear out your original game disc, and your PS2 laser. So using HDL and installing games that way is a far superior method, that will help prolong the lifetime of both your console and your original games.

btw, i've recently noticed that ps2 tri-ace games (at least so3 and vp2, didn't look at radiata stories or other games they might have made) have hidden/disabled hdd support (text strings referencing data files and specific pfs partitions on hdd can be found in launcher elfs on the cd). maybe it was active during debugging/testing phase, or something.

Japanese games often have features that are removed for all exported versions of the games, and this frequently includes HDD-related stuff.

if software atad trick was possible and it was all that was necessary - it would be really interesting.

Well, it's probably never going to happen anyway, as the people who might be able to get a handle on it don't think it's worth their efforts. The current homebrew use of an HDD is so far superior to Sony's use of the PS2 HDD that there is no incentive for a programmer to invest hundreds of hours into getting something that works far worse than what we already have.

Best regards: dlanor

[Amduscias666]

If someone is interested, i've updated the Noobie Package.

FMCB1.8b_Noobie_Package

ChangeLog:
BOOT.ELF - updated to uLaunchELF v4.40i
OPNPS2LD.ELF - Open PS2 Loader 0.7 (this replaced now obsolete HDLOADER.ELF)
SMS.ELF - SMS Version 2.9 (Rev.4)

FMCB1.8b_Noobie_Package_20100513.7z
SHA-1: 0156b30c8b1c4134d905cc69051f2c25ae686efc


SMS Skin

ChangeLog:
SMS.cfg updated to the new configuration file format of SMS Version 2.9 (Rev.4), so it's not compatible with previous versions at all.

skin_fmcb1.8b_SMS.7z
SHA-1: 0199ba1461423a29f988a4a234c0b5c9d1ee5055

After downloading remove rar extension.
EDIT: Done, re-uploaded as in original 7zip format!

I have a request to site Administrators, please add support for uploading 7-zip archives.
EDIT: Done, they are now listed in original 7zip format!

Btw sorry for necromancy.

[Amduscias666]

Thank You garyopa.

The thing is that, whenever possible i try to use free (as in freedom) and open source programs. The only exception for now are windoze, Opera and Total Commander

Edit:
Oops, was so slow that other replies are now gone.

[loki7777]

yy Opera is free

[_zaphod_]

hdloader is still not obsolete unless openps2loader loads everything that hdloader does from it's install parttitions.

Until it's proven there are no regressions, I think both shoudl be on the menu. ALso, hdloader can install from the disc, and i'm not sure openps2loader can.

[TehJawknee]

hdloader is still not obsolete unless openps2loader loads everything that hdloader does from it's install parttitions.

Until it's proven there are no regressions, I think both shoudl be on the menu. ALso, hdloader can install from the disc, and i'm not sure openps2loader can.

First off, there are many games that load with OPL that wouldn't work with HDL. So in that aspect, HDL is obsolete.

Secondly, most of the people using HDL are using a network adapter and it's just as fast to install from network as it is from disc. I'm sure eventually OPL will have the install from disc option, but using HDL dump GUI to install games is something anyone reading this forum can do.

So yes, HDL is pretty much obsolete since OPL will have support for games that can't load at the moment via HDL.