ESR backups

[resincake]

HI, I am totally new to the PS2 scene, and have just ordered a PS2 off ebay, I dont know what model it is as it hasnt arrived yet.

Anyway, I have tried to red up on installing a softod (or MC exploit as it seems to be referred to on the PS2 :>), and have been a bit overwhelmed by the amont of informatiopn (some conflicting) available on the internet. I have managed to pick up the general idea though, and think I know which exploit would suit my needs (The Free Mcboot MC exploit). I didnt really properly understand some other methods, but what I want to do is play backups off DVD-r, and it would be nice to be able to use homebrew & Emulators too. As such I have a few questions that would clarify a few things for me. :>

1.) Can an unmodded (no softmod (MC Exploit) or no modchip) PS2 read an ESR-patched backup ? Or do you at least need to install a MC exploit ?

2.) I have been looking on ebay and similar places for AR Max Evo or Codebreaker (which I believe is what needed to install a MC Exploit), but cant seem to locate them anywhere. I have found a place to get swap magic from, but would prefer the Free McBoot method, as it seems easier to me. So my other question is, what is the easiest (and cheapest, as I've just been made redundant) way to install the free McBoot or similar MC exploit to my PS2 memory card, so I can use backups (My main goal atm), Homebrew & Emulators ? And also, a link to buying the preferred option (I am in the UK) would be great.

3.) Can an unmodded PS2 access the internet without extra hardware ? And does it have wireless capabilities or do you need to connect it to a router via ethernet cable ?

Thanks for any info given, I am really looking forward to playing the PS2 games that I have heard are great (Shadow of the Colossus, Go of War, Final Fantasy etc) :>

P.s. If this is in the wrong forum, I apologise in advance.

[Xeauron]

HI, I am totally new to the PS2 scene, and have just ordered a PS2 off ebay, I dont know what model it is as it hasnt arrived yet.

Anyway, I have tried to red up on installing a softod (or MC exploit as it seems to be referred to on the PS2 :>), and have been a bit overwhelmed by the amont of informatiopn (some conflicting) available on the internet. I have managed to pick up the general idea though, and think I know which exploit would suit my needs (The Free Mcboot MC exploit). I didnt really properly understand some other methods, but what I want to do is play backups off DVD-r, and it would be nice to be able to use homebrew & Emulators too. As such I have a few questions that would clarify a few things for me. :>

1.) Can an unmodded (no softmod (MC Exploit) or no modchip) PS2 read an ESR-patched backup ? Or do you at least need to install a MC exploit ?

2.) I have been looking on ebay and similar places for AR Max Evo or Codebreaker (which I believe is what needed to install a MC Exploit), but cant seem to locate them anywhere. I have found a place to get swap magic from, but would prefer the Free McBoot method, as it seems easier to me. So my other question is, what is the easiest (and cheapest, as I've just been made redundant) way to install the free McBoot or similar MC exploit to my PS2 memory card, so I can use backups (My main goal atm), Homebrew & Emulators ? And also, a link to buying the preferred option (I am in the UK) would be great.

3.) Can an unmodded PS2 access the internet without extra hardware ? And does it have wireless capabilities or do you need to connect it to a router via ethernet cable ?

Thanks for any info given, I am really looking forward to playing the PS2 games that I have heard are great (Shadow of the Colossus, Go of War, Final Fantasy etc) :>

P.s. If this is in the wrong forum, I apologise in advance.

1.) No, only a PS2 console (Fat or Slim) modded with Free MC boot or a mod chip (enabling homebrew) can run ESR backups. ESR backups need the ESR program in order to work -- installed to ether a mem card (Preferably) or a USB stick (Not recommended).

2.) I used swap magic CD to run the installer for the FreeMC Boot, there are tutorials on here along with a wealth of other PS2 related info. A simple Google search for "Buy swap magic" should turn up plenty of links on where to buy one.

3.) The slim PSTwo has an inbuilt Ethernet port which can be wired to a router directly or you can wire it to a laptop and share the internet connection from there provided the laptop is wirelessly connected to a router (That's how mine is connected), or wired if you have more than one Ethernet port on there.

Fat PS2s need an expansion installing called the PS2 HDD which has the Ethernet port on it and as the name suggests allows you to then install an internal HDD. This slots into the expansion bay on the back (You can't miss it).

I'd recommend getting a slim over a fat as they're smaller, quieter, have everything you need to get going straight away (Ethernet port / IR sensor for a remote - well I use one anyway!) . And the lasers are much better than the phat PS2s (I use mine for DVD playback as well as games). I have 2 Fat PS2s in my possession and nether can read DVD movies for any more than 5 mins without crapping out completely.

BEWARE: the latest PS2 Slim models are redesigned to prevent FreeMC Boot from installing. AVIOD models SCPH-90000 and above...

The main downside to a slim PS2 is that you cannot install an internal HDD, which on fat PS2s allows you to store and run games from there using HDloader I believe. Since I don't use that method I won't be able to help you there but these forums are a gold mine for that sort of info.

Have phun with your new toy and welcome to the forums!

[TnA]

@resincake:

About your second question: You can use the free Volunteer-Install-Service here on this site.

BEWARE: the latest PS2 Slim models are redesigned to prevent FreeMC Boot from installing. AVIOD models SCPH-90000 and above...

Not exactly,...

The PS2-Versions with BIOS2.30 only do not search for the update-kelf on MC. That prevents starting/booting of FMCB on these models, true.

Not all 90k's have BIOS 2.30.

[Xeauron]

@resincake:

About your second question: You can use the free Volunteer-Install-Service here on this site.

Good point!

Not exactly,...

The PS2-Versions with BIOS2.30 only do not search for the update-kelf on MC. That prevents starting/booting of FMCB on these models, true.

Not all 90k's have BIOS 2.30.

Was covering all bases... Didn't know there were certain ones as the info I dug up just said avoid them all which I'd say is probably a safe bet...

[resincake]

Thanks for all the answers, I am pretty clear on what I need to do now. My console as also arrived today :> It is a slim PS2 (SCPH-70003).

I have PMed one of the Europe Free McBoot installers, like suggested, via PM, so am eagerly awaiting a reply .. I cant wait :>

[Xeauron]

Thanks for all the answers, I am pretty clear on what I need to do now. My console as also arrived today :> It is a slim PS2 (SCPH-70003).

I have PMed one of the Europe Free McBoot installers, like suggested, via PM, so am eagerly awaiting a reply .. I cant wait :>

Sorted!

No probs...

[TehJawknee]

If it's a 70003, it's a v12. This means that if you look around, you can get an HDCombo expansion for it installed and you can then add an IDE HDD to it.

The v12 and v13 are the only slim models that this can be done with as they still include the IDE interface points and the chipset to run said HDDs.

This feature was removed on the v14 on.

[resincake]

Cool, that would of been something I would have eventually asked about (fitting a HD), so thanks a lot for volunteering this info, appreciated, buddy. :>