formating hd through xbox?

[bearcreek]

Could you format a hd through the xbox using ftp and then load the programs you wanted? I have a unmodded ps2 v4? with the network adapter. I was wondering this because it seems like once you are into the ps2 you dont need a modchip or swapdisks to get information onto it. You could just ftp everything. I hate to spend the money on a modchip or swap disks if I only need them once. Thanks for any replies.

[ka-m0de]

no, go find someone with a chip/discs who's willing to let you setup your hdd.

[dlanor]

What 'ka-m0de' said is definitely easiest, if you know someone who'll help you.
(Though they must help with setting up a memory card for booting as well.)

If not, then it becomes quite difficult:

Formatting the HD and putting PS2 games on it (for use by HDLoader) can be done on a normal PC, with a couple of different programs. The real problem is that you can't start the HDLoader application, as an unmodified PS2 was intended to boot stuff from CD or DVDROM only. And an unmodified PS2 requires special CD or DVD formats that you can't produce with a normal CD-burner on a PC.

Your idea of 'simply' using FTP will not work, since there is no way of starting an FTP client or server on an unmodified PS2.

There exists a method to launch programs from the memory card, which is known as the "independence exploit" or the "MC exploit", and some people use this to launch HDLoader, and it could also be used for ExecFTPs, but it is not easy to install either without a mod-chipped PS2.

You will need to get special hardware, either to read/write memory cards directly on a PC, or to transfer data between PS2 and PC to achieve the same thing. And you will need to read up on the above-mentioned 'exploit' method so as to make a boot folder that will work correctly for you.

Also, with this method you'll always have to insert a PS1 disk into the PS2 to boot HDLoader, since the exploit is triggered by a bug in the PS1-emulator of the PS2. Without a PS1 disk in the drive it will never trigger.

All of the above problems will of course disappear, if you simply have a decent mod-chip installed into your PS2. The only problem with this is that some network-based games may refuse working, as their designers assume that all mod-chipped systems run pirated software. At least that's what I've heard. I've no interest in those games myself, and NO game that I ever tried has refused working with my mod-chip.
(I use a 'Ripper 2 Gold', but I'm sure others do as good a job too.)

Best regards: dlanor

[ÇÐ~kÂ??]

mod chips are nice ,(i got one) but, unless the exploit is not able to work (like for me) their is no reason to get one, that is what the HDLoader is for, now that you can just install the exploit why get a chip? the expolit should be simple to install using the knife trick and a swap magic disc.


and about having to insert a ps1 to trigger the expolit being such a hassle , try to remember you must insert a different ps2 game each time you want to play it if i am not mistaken. what is more trouble never having to eject you ps2 and look though tons of cd`s for the one you wanna play. VS. just turning on the ps2 and layin back with a ice cold cup of miller. JD?

[bearcreek]

Sorry for the dumb questions, but I have been reading this forum for about a week and all I can get are bits and pieces of the information that I need. I thought I read somewhere that one of the members put his hd in his computer and put the necessary programs on it. I thought I could put the hd in my xbox and install execftp and what ever else I wanted for I did not want to open a pc. On the xbox, I have a boot cd that allows me to run a ftp and put a different hd in.
Once you have the hd installed, can you put your mc expliots on it and run them from the hd? Is there a free hdloader out there( not a pirated version)? Can you run your hd backups without any expliots?
I dont mean to be so cheap but I already have my xbox modded and was just messing around with the ps2. Thanks for the indepth answers and your patience!

[bearcreek]

bump