Help getting started

[Asterix]

I just got my ps2 network adapter and I have a 40GB drive I can use.
It's like this; the laser in my ps2 does not work properly so I have been using a pendrive and USBadvance. With just a couple of games actually working.
To mention I do have FMCB 1.8.
So there is an issue of getting the games on to the drive from the PC and there is the issue of getting the network connection to work. I really don't know what I can or cannot do.
Do I need a special cable to connect the PS2 and the PC. Since my laser doesn't work is there an elf that could be used instead of the network disk?
Is there anything that should be preinstalled on the drive before I can use it in the PS2. What kind of utilities do I need to get the isos to work on the HDD?

[Asterix]

Yes that's right. I guess hdloader will act like USBadvance did when I used my pendrive. So to be clear I got everything in the noobie package.
I only got the network adapter and no other CDs but it wouldn't help anyway because my laser doesn't really work. But I've read that you need a network disc to setup the connection. That's why I ask if the is an elf for substitute.
What I understand the best way to transfer an iso is to use an utility for this.
Just don't know what is recommended. Faplink, winhiip hdldump or something else...
I'm a little confused how I best should connect the PS2 to the PC. With a crosswired ethernet or using a router. Not really sure how it would work with a router since I'm not using one at the moment.
Is there anything else I should install on the drive after using hdloader?

[amp2006]

sorry i have deleted my previous messages i didn't know what did you meant :

so basically you want to play games off hdd right ? if yes

and if you have already HDLoader or uLaunchELF on your Memory Card .

then you have to connect your PC HDD to PC by one of these methods :

http://www.console-exploits.com/foru...ead.php?t=9235

and then you will need to use WinHIIP 1.7.6 to manage the games like install etc.

http://www.console-exploits.com/foru...ead.php?t=9236

[Asterix]

You are almost right. The connecting PS2 to PC link doesn't really help me.
But I did find somewhere that stated it would take a long time transfering isos from the PC to the PS2 using cross wired ethernet. Is this true? Is it true for all utilitys used for this purpose? Like faplink or hdl dump?
Also wanted to ask if it's possible to connect to the net without a network disc?

[TnA]

You are almost right. The connecting PS2 to PC link doesn't really help me.
But I did find somewhere that stated it would take a long time transfering isos from the PC to the PS2 using cross wired ethernet. Is this true?

It is slow, no matter if you use a crossover-patch-cable (direct connection), or non-crossed/normal patch-cable (indirect connection, through a switch or router).

Btw.: For most routers and switches it is equal, if you use normal, or crossed cables.
There are a few Mini-Hubs/Switches, which only accept one of both or accept both, but need all devices connected through the same cable-type.

Is it true for all utilitys used for this purpose? Like faplink or hdl dump?

Yes, it is (true). All of those are slow.
WinHIIP is the only fast way and works well with an USB-Enclosure.

Also wanted to ask if it's possible to connect to the net without a network disc?

Yes! It ("NAD"/Network Acces Disc) is simply not necessary.
Sony would tell ya the same, if you ask them for a disc.

[Asterix]

Excellent help TnA, thanks. Ok then what kind of good USB enclosures do you recommend. If I have not missed anything the swap of HDD between the PS2 and the PC should be as fast as possible without messing to much...
Would like to take the oppurtunity to ask. I got a couple of great games I want to play on my HDD now. God of war 1 and 2, resident evil outbreak and obscure. I got more but... Is there anything else I should think about when installing the games. Patching or DNAS? If so what d I need?
What would be the best and smoothest way to connect to network?
Directly from the ethernet cable, after connecting the PS2 to the PC using cross wired cable and setting up share or router. I just wouldn't know how I would make it work physically with a router...What would be wireless and what wouldn't?

[TnA]

Excellent help TnA, thanks. Ok then what kind of good USB enclosures do you recommend. If I have not missed anything the swap of HDD between the PS2 and the PC should be as fast as possible without messing to much...

I have no special enclosure to recommentm, but I believe a few users can post their opinions.

I have a few enclosures.

I dismanteled/disassambled a very old USB-2-IDE-Enclosure (which my old firm spend me/NoName I guess) for this reason, so I only have the PCB, an IDE-Cable and an external Power-Supply.

Would like to take the oppurtunity to ask. I got a couple of great games I want to play on my HDD now. God of war 1 and 2, resident evil outbreak and obscure. I got more but... Is there anything else I should think about when installing the games. Patching or DNAS? If so what d I need?

Most games are running, if you enable one of the Compatibility-Modes.
There are a few games, which need to be patched.
Online-Games are not working from HD (atleast I don´t know one, where the server is still on).
There was a method described by Hackchip with swapping files (thought), to get games working online from HD, but I didn´t tested it (nor do I think it will work with newer games, such as those where the servers are still online...).

What would be the best and smoothest way to connect to network?
Directly from the ethernet cable, after connecting the PS2 to the PC using cross wired cable and setting up share or router. I just wouldn't know how I would make it work physically with a router...What would be wireless and what wouldn't?

I tried both.
I had no router in the beginning (so I used a direct connection for a few days), then I bought a (D-Link) switch and now I also have a router from my ISP.

The configuration is likely the same.

Both is easy to use and I prefer using my switch and my router for a connection, cuz this is how I connected my whole network together.

[Asterix]

Thanks really good info. I will really consider the dismantling option sounds smart. For now I'll have to mess with the internal cables of the PC. This is not very fun. So you pretty much say that gaming online out of the HDD is out of question?
I guess I'm out of luck since my laser doesn't really work. I guess that's nothing to cry about. The main reason I bought the network adapter was of the possibility to use the HDD.
Where do I need to change the mode? Hdloder?
Is there a compatability list that can show which games need a special mode and which games need a patch? This would be awesome then one would know exactly what is needed...

[Northbear]

http://list.sksapps.com/ is the place to look for compatibility.

Best regards
Northbear

[TnA]

Thanks really good info. I will really consider the dismantling option sounds smart. For now I'll have to mess with the internal cables of the PC. This is not very fun.

I still think about creating a little case for the PCB, to prevent static-election destroying it.

So,... Just be warned, if you choose this way.
Don´t ever touch the PCB directly, if you´re staticly charched.
You can touch a metal-plate, the case of your PC, or simply a "radiator" (hope it is the right word, since I can´t remember exactly).

So you pretty much say that gaming online out of the HDD is out of question?

Yes, sorry.
Not that it is impossible, but HDL simply isn´t designed to bypass DNAS.

I guess I'm out of luck since my laser doesn't really work. I guess that's nothing to cry about. The main reason I bought the network adapter was of the possibility to use the HDD.

Well,... Yes. I believe you´re "out of luck" with online-gaming from HD, if that is what you meant.

Where do I need to change the mode? Hdloder?

Highlight the game you want to change Compatibility-Flags for and press SELECT.
Switch all needed settings/modes and press SELECT again.

Is there a compatability list that can show which games need a special mode and which games need a patch? This would be awesome then one would know exactly what is needed...

Like Northbear said.