Capablities of HD Loader w/no modchip?

[user2619]

I've been looking over the information and can't seem to figure out the limitations if the HD is the only way I have to backup games. For example if I don't have a modchip will it be possible to deal with import games?

[Z-Saber]

Yes.

HDLoader with a modchip = HDLoader without a modchip

[bigdaddie]

That's the beautifull thing about hdloader; playing importgames, you only need a monitor/tv-screen that's capable of displaying PAL and NTSC or you have to convert your game. And if you dont have the original discs you have to transfer your games to your hdd with a suitable program and connection. No mod chip needed

[user2619]

Thanks for the help. Another question, is it possible to patch HD Loader if all I have is the original disk or would I need a modchip to do any mods to the app? It seems to me that you modify HD Loader before it goes on the PS2 HD or am I misunderstanding the process?

[dlanor]

Thanks for the help. Another question, is it possible to patch HD Loader if all I have is the original disk or would I need a modchip to do any mods to the app? It seems to me that you modify HD Loader before it goes on the PS2 HD or am I misunderstanding the process?

I think you are misunderstanding it, inevitably, by confusing the PS2 console boot methods with those used by computers.

As you presently use it, HDLoader never 'goes on' the HDD at all, since the program resides entirely on your CD/DVD boot disc. (I don't have an original, so I don't even know if it is a CD or a DVD ). The same is also true for most users of patched HDL, as most of us run the program ELF file from memory cards, USB sticks, or CD-R discs. And those that do run the ELF from HDD still do not do it by any direct boot method, as that isn't supported by Sony. All HDD booting is indirect, starting either with a CDVD boot or through special mod-chip methods (AKA: DEV2 booting).

The main problem for you in booting a patched version of HDL is that you can't use the old version of HDL to launch the new one. That would create a driver conflict. I'm not sure excactly what happens then, but I'm pretty sure it won't work. So you need some other method of booting, and preferably that method should also be capable of starting other homebrew stuff, independently of HDL, as you will need such tools to maintain your installation.

For an old FAT PS2 (pre-v11) the standard non-mod solution is to install what is known as 'the exploit'. This is done by installing your ELF and a special file (named "TITLE.DB") on your memory card, which can be done by a CD image run through your old HDL. That 'special' file on MC will be consulted by the PS2 BIOS whenever it attempts to boot a PS1 disc, and if the disc matches a preset ID (prepared by you using a special program), then the BIOS routine will crash in a controlled manner, in such a way that the ELF file you installed is started.

For the latest PS2 and PStwo models (post-v10) the standard non-mod solution is to buy SwapMagic discs, and use these to boot an ELF either from memory cards, or from a USB stick.

In either case it is advisable to choose some general purpose file manager as your boot ELF, which will then allow you to maintain your installation properly, installing new files to whatever media you need, and also launch any other ELFs you want to run, including patched HDL.

Best regards: dlanor

[unclejun]

And those that do run the ELF from HDD still do not do it by any direct boot method, as that isn't supported by Sony. All HDD booting is indirect, starting either with a CDVD boot or through special mod-chip methods (AKA: DEV2 booting).

True, except for the Sony broadband navigator that boots from the hdd without a CDVD in the drive.
The beta linux kit can also boot without the RTE disc as well, by using the bbnav...

[l75eya]

(I don't have an original, so I don't even know if it is a CD or a DVD )

Mine was a CD, but I think they're available as both CD's and DVD's. Could be wrong though

[dlanor]

True, except for the Sony broadband navigator that boots from the hdd without a CDVD in the drive.
The beta linux kit can also boot without the RTE disc as well, by using the bbnav...

I did assume this to be the case, though I don't have either of those softwares. But my point was that direct HDD booting is not available for any non-Sony software, be it commercial or homebrew. And so I saw no point in bringing pure Sony software into this discussion. After all, this thread is only concerned with how to use HDLoader.

Best regards: dlanor