Changing modes/playing imports.

[Section9]

I've got a premod (PS2 v9, DMS3 v9) PS2 with the official Sony HDD and I want to install some of my imports like Silent Hill 4. The problem is everytime I boot HDLoader and insert the disk, it tells me that this is "not a valid PlayStation 2 disk." It also did this with my copy of Espgaluda so I'm assuming it will do this with imports in general - both disks are originals. My copy of HDLoader should also be a legit one as I inspected the box and the disk according to the guide that used to be HDLoader.com.

What must I do to be able to install import games? When I view compatibility charts, they always talk about switching modes, so I figured maybe I should screw around with that. The problem is I don't know how - the HDLoader interface is extremely simple with only four commands or so (Install, Play, Remove, Rename, basically). How do you get to a mode changing screen? Is that even the answer to my problem to begin with?

Finally, I don't have a lot of software installed to the DMS3 Explorer. Basically, the most I've done with the chip is flash it to use flashware v2.2. Earlier, it had some serious conflict when I stuck the HDD in and wasn't able to play imports at all. I'm pretty sure that somehow with the use of the DMS3, I should be able to install and play these games so any help would be appreciated.

[agee]

have you ever try installing the game using your PC....yeah...what you do is take out your HDD and put it in your PC....then use one of the program around here to install the game....

[Clinton514]

you can't answer him with a question man...

if you want to change modes PRESS SELECT over a highlighted game.

[agee]

OH...my bad....but then the reason i didn't mention that is because he asked if MODES will help him in installing backups/import.....so that's why I didn't answer him....

[vinniev2222]

I know this method works for installing homebrews and backups with hdloader, not sure about actual imports though, but try it and let me know.....

When the HDLoader "Install game" screen comes out, DON'T hit eject to put in your import. Use a slide card to open the tray, insert your import, push tray back in and lock with the slide card, then hit install. HDLoader itself doesn't check the validity of the PS2 disc, the PS2 does when you hit eject. No eject = No cd check. It just checks the file size. With all my homebrews and backups, it works like a charm!

[Section9]

Thanks a bunch for the advice, Vinniev, but are there any other ways to do it? I'd rather not pop the front cover of my DVD drive off and utilize the swap card method - part of the reason I payed so much more to get a premod DMS3 console is because I wanted to avoid methods like this.

A lot of people have stated continually that installing imports with HDLoader is possible with modchips. I'm wondering exactly what I need to do in order to make it happen... Perhaps I need to install HDExplorer or something? Or is that only for formatting and viewing the contents of the HDD?