noob: unmodded, official hdloader, what are my options?

[jblow45]

Hello,
I'm the owner of an unmodded ps2, with the official hdloader. No access to a modded ps2. I know an unmodded ps2 cannot boot cd-r's so i'd basically like to know what possibilities I have with CPU-installs, patches, homebrews and such. Does the MC xploit pertain to me? When you mention programs like winhiip, and hdl_dump, do these require a modded ps2, or does it work with the usb drive? Yes I know the common answer is use the search function, but thats pointless if you dont know what to search for, or where to start. Any help is much appreciated

[digitalFX]

WinHIIP and hdl_dump are both great programs that will let you install ps2 cd's dvd's and iso's directly to your ps2 hard drive through your computer. You can either put the hard drive right into the computer or use a usb enclosure if you have one and use it that way. Most homebrew programs do not have hdd support, so you'll have to either get swap magic disks or install the mc exploit to boot cogswaploader or simmilar (http://ps2.lookatthemonkeys.com).

[jblow45]

thanks... so basically I can use hdl_dump and similar proggies directly thru the usb w/help of an enclosure... but for anything else, (even the mc exploit) i'd need a way of loading burned cd's (ie mod, swap magic)...
thanks again for the link and prompt response

[digitalFX]

You are correct, however if you are going to use the mc exploit, you only need to load a burned cd once. Your best bet would be to find a friend with swap magic or an old version of gameshark 2. Once you have the exploit installed, you'll only need your original psone trigger disk.

[jblow45]

thanks for your patience, and simple direct answers

[Mark_S99]

I want to add a little info.....you can also install the MC Exploit on your memory card without needing a mod chip, a burned CD, gameshark 2, or swap magic. There are several different Memory Card applications (such as Nport or Xport) that will allow you to transfer the Memory Card exploit to your Memory Card through the use of a USB cable or other device. For example, Xport can transfer Memory Card save files to and from your PC and PS2.

Go to www.ps2dev.org and download the PS2 Exploit Made Easy and install that using whatever Memory Card transfer program you have. (I use Xport) The Exploit Made Easy file will also save you the time from having to setup and burn a CD that will install the exploit to the memory card.

And on the other hand....though I haven't tried this, but I think it should work, you can follow digitalFX's advice and make the installation CD, but instead of burning it to a CD, make it into an .ISO file and install it to your HD Loader Hard Drive using WinHIIP or HDLdumb. Then run HD Loader and load up the installation CD from the HD Loader list. Hopefully, it should install the exploit onto your memory card.

[jblow45]

bloody excellent, thanks for all the links and help, hopefully now i can get the most out of my hdl

[Liquid Swordz]

Yeah I was in the same position as you and decided to use the mc exploit with the exploit made easy file. If you can get your hands on one of those devices that transfers save files, you could use any elf there is along with the PS2 save builder