Yet another HDLoader Issue

[airpolgas]

I have been doing a lot of research for the past week about my HDLoader problem, and I think it's high time to finally post. For some reason, my PS2 actually destroys my games within a few weeks worth of play. Somehow, the laser (or the housing of the laser) rises to the point where it scratches the disc. I broke two DDRMax2 discs and my Hitman 2 disc as well. With this in mind, I really like to eliminate my need to leave a disc in the tray.

I have a retail copy of HDLoader. I have a PS2 network card, and I also have a 160 GB Maxtor hard drive that is working. I have about 15 games on my hard drive right now, and they are all playable. My PS2 version is SCPH-30001. I do not have any mod chips, but I do have my friend's Swap Magic CD for another week.

My Goals:
1) Be able to load HDLoader from the memory card
2) Be able to patch my HDloader with the 48-bit patch
3) Be able to skin my HDLoader
4) Peace on earth

What I've Tried So Far:

Method 1
I used this tutorial from maxconsole for my MC Exploit. I used the PS2 game Capcom vs. SNK for my trigger disc (SLUS).
Result 1
I followed the guide to the letter, and I was able to get up to the "Installation Complete!" screen. I made sue my MC was on port 1, and the trigger disc was in the tray. Instead of the PS2Menu, the game actually ran and loaded.

Method 2
I used this tutorial I found in one of the threads here for my MC Exploit. I used the PS2 game Capcom vs. SNK for my trigger disc (SLUS).
Result 2
I got all the way to #12 and I stopped because I already have files from Method 1. I am not sure if it is safe for me to "empty" out this folder.

Method 3
I used this tutorial from lookatthemonkeys.com for my MC Exploit.
Result 3
I got all the way to the part where I burn the resulting file created by CDGenPS2. I left the default name (imagen.bin) and burned the CD. After the swap magic disk, I loaded the burned CD and the system freezes.

I think the only success I've had so far is to install EXECFTPS.iso into my hard drive. When I run it from the HDLoader Menu, I can connect to my PS2 using FTP successfully.

Here come the questions...

1) How can I load my HDLoader on the memory card if the only HDloader I have is the retail CD? I tried looking for the hdloader.elf that is 2977792 bytes, but I had no success. I found this but my SLUS file in my HDLoader CD is only 4.71 MB (4,944,537 bytes).

2) Is there a way to eliminate having to put a disc to begin with? I figured my trigger disk will also be scratched in the long run.

3) Is my problem with my PS2 unique (scratching the disc)? If you know of anyone who has the same problem, or know of any solution, please let me know.

I guess I'll hold off on the patching and the skinning for now because I have yet to get #1 to work. I hope someone will take the time to help me with this.

Thanks.

Please make sure when posting links there are no files that are/or considered warez.

[bungiefan]

You're starting off wrong. You have to use a PS1 game as the trigger disc. PS2 games don't do the memory overflow to start booting off the memory card.

[airpolgas]

BUNGIEFAN:
Thanks. I'll go through it again using a PS1 disc. Any info on my Question #1?

MODERATOR:
Thanks for the reminder. I've read a lot of postings to make sure the links I use were either part of the forum itself, or something that's already been found in the forum.

EDIT FOR MODERATOR: I am sorry. I did not know that you took out the link for MaxConsole. Like I said, I made sure I use links that were already found on the forum. You may also want to "clean up" this thread in case you missed it.

http://www.psx-scene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28082

[daugwok]

I think using sjuncrunch on your HDLoader SLUS file will extract the file correctly. You can check the resulting file's size to be sure.

[monkey01]

There is no way to boot anything off your memory card or HD without booting with a ps2 game (unless you have a mod chip). You can use my walkthrough, and using the program I used in page 2 of the tutorial uncompress the .elf of HD Loader you have to make an uncompressed version.

[airpolgas]

Update:
Now that I finally used a PS1 game, I was able to finally run the exploit. I do not know how I got it, but I ended up with HDLOADERLITE.ELF in my BADATA-SYSTEM folder. I believe this was when I did Method1 listed above. I ran it and found out that it works. The Splash screen has the FREE logo and the menu has "no copyrights for those who do not respect copyrights." I did a search on found that this HDloader is 674,060 bytes.

Daugwok:
How do I go about using sjuncrunch? There is no hdloader.elf file on my retail HDLoader CD, but there is an SLUS file. I am inclined to do the following:

Copy the SLUS file to the PC
Rename it to hdloader.elf
Open a DOS prompt and type sjuncrunch hdloader.elf hdloadernew.elf

Are these the correct steps?

Monkey01:
I already downloaded the file (GUI.rar) you mentioned prior to even posting. You have a lot of programs there but I have yet to figure out the syntax on how to use them. You did specify in the last Q&A that I would need to have the 2977792 bytes hdloader.elf BEFORE using your guide, so that kind of stopped me. I only have the retail version. I actually emailed you 2 days ago asking about this also (Agent Dobermaxx).

On another note, since the HDloader.elf that I have on the memory card already works, can I patch and skin that instead?

Thanks.

[daugwok]

That sounds fine. If the SLUS file does not produce a file of the proper size, try using sjuncrunch on the HDLOADERLITE.ELF file. It may simply be a crunched version of full HDLoader.

[agee]

dude..if you already have hdloader in your MC, why you need to CRUNCH your SLUS file...

[daugwok]

I think he's more interested in an uncrunched copy of HDloader for use with HDLPatch.

airpolgas - There is an HDLPatch switch (/S I think) which will prevent discs from spinning while HDLoader is running. That may prevent the scratching you described. Also, there are angle/height adjustment cogs/screws on the laser which may help.

[airpolgas]

dude..if you already have hdloader in your MC, why you need to CRUNCH your SLUS file...

Daugwok is right. I want to be able to play with the patches and the skins.