[How To] Boot Games Off USB (External Hard Drive) With Playstation 2 (PS2)
Foreword: After a year and a half later, I have decided to re-write this guide, because honestly, it was not my own and it was presented very poorly. Remember, I do no support piracy. Use the USB method to play your games on the hard drive to help your PS2 laser last longer. The performance will vary, but that is up to you if you want to stick with it. Good luck! (6-13-09) ~Versatile
IMPORTANT NEWS (5-1-10): It seems that there are a lot of dishonest users on the Internet that are copying this guide without giving credit back to me, Versatile. Because of this, I will be looking to update all the pictures in this article to have a watermark. We have an active team scouring the net for those who have copied this article. If caught, we will be forced to take action against you. This is your warning. – Versatile
Revisions:
[Update: 1/15/08] I have gotten Viewtiful Joe 2 to copy to my hard drive, and I was able to boot off the hard drive and play it on the PS2. Now my laser will live longer! All help will be given in the comments as usual.
[Update 2/13/08] Added link to SKS Apps. Without that site, this tutorial is nothing. 🙂
[Update 7/13/08] Added 2 new youtube videos of my own!
[Update 11/25/08] I am so frickin sick of people asking why their game doesn’t work and all they see is a black screen. Is it because your game isn’t compatible? Check out this list below and stop whining, or use swap magic and ditch the whole USB hard drive all together. The USB 1.1 performance IS NOT WORTH IT in my eyes.
http://www.elotrolado.net/hilo_Listado-de-compatibilidad-en-USBExtreme_744276?pagenumber=1
[Update 6-8-09] Re-wrote the whole tutorial. Will expand upon the USB Extreme GUI interface software at a later date.
[Update 6-12-09] Re-wrote major sections of the tutorial again to make it more clear.
[Update 6-13-09] Added new Youtube Video tutorial on the USB Extreme Windows Installer!
[Update 6-28-09] Added new Youtube Video tutorial on list of selectable games!
[Update 12-18-09] Here is another source for finding compatibility list:
[Update 12-25-09] Fixed the instructions, I left some important notes out.
Note: USB advance is in last column. Everything else is for HDAloader.
[Update 12-26-09] Added new PS2 Slim USB Booting tutorials. Enjoy!
[Update 1-9-10] Added free mcboot video.
[Update 9-24-12] Removed old video tutorials.
[Update 9-25-12] Added new video tutorial.
[Update 12-6-12] Fixed video tutorials to be consistent.
Introduction
The PS2 is a great console. After 9+ years, it is still going strong. With the new $99 price point, more and more people are getting the PS2 to play old school PS2 games. What better way to preserve your games and your PS2 laser than playing off the USB interface? This guide is based off of Swap Magic implementation.
Wait, you can play games off the USB interface?
Yes, you can but it requires some work. Here are the PROs and Cons:
Pros
- Uses USB 1.1 interface (slow but better than nothing).
- Saves strain on PS2 laser because using USB interface for game playing.
- Can have a list of selectable games in the USBExtreme interface.
- Works on both fat and slim PS2.
- Novelty factor is awesome!
Cons
- Game compatibility is low.
- Requires USB hard drive. Highly recommend USB drives that have their own power adapter.
- Flash drives can work , but the performance is so horrible its not worth doing it.
- Need to have third party tool to launch the “boot CD”. This can be done with modchip, swap magic, or exploited memory card.
- DVD9 games (like God of War 2) are larger than 4.4 GB and will not work with USBExtreme.
What tools do I need to make this work?
Hardware/Software tool: You need to have at least one of the items below before we continue:
- Modchip
- Swap Magic
- Exploited memory card (such as Free McBoot)
IMPORTANT: For this guide, I will be using Swap Magic 3.6 CD to boot the USBExtreme disc!
Blank Media:
- 1 CD-R (700MB is fine)
Note: I highly suggest swap magic if you are unwilling to mess with the other options. You can learn more about swap magic at this guide:
https://versatile1.wordpress.com/2008/01/05/how-to-find-swap-magic-for-ps2/
Download the Software below (more detailed instructions to follow):
Usb Xtreme: Link [Optional. Get this if you want to use the graphical user interface for easier format/game installing.]
Usb Advance: Link [This is required.]
What should I use for the USB mass storage device?
This is what I recommend:
- USB 2.0 hard drive that uses its own power supply (for example, it requires power from the outlet).
- A USB hard drive that is at least 10 gigs or larger is highly recommended. The average PS2 game size will vary from as low as 282 MB up to as high as 4483 MB or 4.483 GB.
- Do not use laptop external hard drives which gets its power from the PS2 USB 1.1 port. It is not enough power.
- You could use pen or usb flash drives, but performance will be horrible. The game will chug, and you will have ridiculously long load times, that is, if your game can load!
Note: I understand when going through this tutorial, you may see that your PS2 may not see your USB hard drive enclosure. If that is the case, please try a different USB hard drive. I have people verifying this may fix the issue.
Tutorial Begins here *drools*:
- Extract the USB Advance zip file that you downloaded earlier into its own folder. You will see contents like the screenshot below:
- Now double-click the USBAdvance-PC-Software. You will see two programs inside it: ul_format.exe and ul_install.exe. Extract these to your C:\. This will make more sense later.
- Notice there is a .bin and a .cue file. The .cue file is 1KB, and the .bin file is 34 MB.
- You need to burn the image file. Use Nero, PowerIso, Alcohol120%, ImgBurn, or any other type of CD burning software and burn this image file to your blank CD-R disc. Once the CD-R is burnt, label it and set that disc aside.
- Now extract the other zip file called “USBExtreme_wininst” to its own folder. You will now have a program called USBExtreme.exe. A dedicated section to this program will be covered later in this tutorial.
Now go to preparing the USB hard drive step.
Preparing the USB hard drive:
- Insert USB hard drive to your PC.
- It is important that the USB hard drive is FAT32. If it is not, go to My Computer, right click the USB drive, and go to quick format for FAT32.
- If your hard drive is FAT32, great. No need to format it again.
- You can also launch the USBExtreme Software, go to the format tab, and tell it to format your USB drive as well as shown below:

Here the I: drive is my USB drive.
Note: If you want, but not required, you can use the ul_format.exe command to format your USB hard drive. This is how to use it:
- Go to Start -> Run.
- Type “cmd” and press enter.
- Go to your C:\ root.
- The command to use the program is “ul_format X format” where X is your USB hard drive.
- Example: My USB hard drive is E:. I would type “ul_format E format”.
We are almost done. Let’s enable fast transfer speeds on your USB drive before we start copying games.
Enabling fast USB hard drive transfer speeds:
- Go to My Computer->Properties->Hardware->Device Manager->Disk Drives->(external one here)->Properties->Policies->Optimize for performance. Speed varies from from 1MBps to about 10-15MBps, which is pretty fast! Also, do not forget to unplug the device the proper way (that is Unplug or eject hardware) when you remove the USB drive!
Installing games onto your USB hard drive:
This is pretty easy. We have two methods. Method one uses the “ul_install.exe” command, and method 2 uses the USBExtreme.exe windows software. Both programs do the same job, and the second program is easier to use for those who are novices. 🙂
Method 1: Using the command line
- Insert your PS2 game into your computer’s DVD drive.
- Go to Start -> Run.
- Type “cmd” and press enter.
- Navigate to your C:\> drive.
- The command to use here is “ul_install SourceDrive TargetDrive GameName CD/DVD”.
Example:
- I insert Viewtiful Joe PS2 game into my computer. To verify if your game is CD or DVD format, right click on the disc and go to properties. If the file size is less 700MB or less, then it is CD format. Anything else and it is DVD.
- My DVD drive has letter H:\>. My USB drive is I:\>.
- At the command prompt on my C:\> drive, I type “ul_install H I ViewtifulJoe DVD”. Press enter and it will start copying the game. See picture below:
- Here it will copy the game from my DVD drive to my USB drive and prepare it in the special USB game playing format.
Method 2: Using the USBExtreme Windows Software
Launch the software. Insert your game. Configure the “Gamer Installer” window for your game and click start. It will start ripping the game.
Example:
My DVD drive is letter H. My USB drive is I. The name of my game is The Bouncer. The type of disc I am ripping from is DVD.
After you click Start, it will prompt you:
Click Yes, and then it will start ripping the game from DVD drive to the USB hard drive:
When the rip is done, you will see a screen like the one below:
Repeat the process over and over for additional games and you will get a list as shown below. When you load the USB drive from the PS2, this list will be selectable.
Finally you are done. Let’s play on the PS2!
- Turn on PS2. Load your Swap Magic CD disc.
- At the main Swap Magic screen, load your USB Advance CD-R that you burnt earlier.
- Now you will be at the USBExtreme screen.
- Connect USB hard drive to PS2. Turn it on, within a few seconds, you will see your game(s) show up on the screen. Highlight your desired game, press “X”, and within 7 seconds your game will load! Enjoy!
Troubleshooting
1) Make sure to make your USB hard drive partition a primary. I am not sure if it needs to be logical drive, but I made my drive a primary partition.
Visit SKS Apps here.
Video Tutorials
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCwGs3aLZ3A&list=PL8FB2D7062B84BBBA&index=18]Posted on January 12, 2008, in modding, playstation 2 and tagged .9, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.9, cable, Crossover, External, FMCB, freemcboot, HDALoader, Matrix, Mod, modding, Network, Networking, Open, OpenPS2Loader, OPL, playstation 2, ps2, PS2Loader, PSX-Scene, Router, SMB, sony, Swap Magic, USB, USBAdvance, USBExtreme, Versatile. Bookmark the permalink. 2,109 Comments.
thanks i have loaded mc boot by using ulaunch but when i copied usb advance folder to my memory card boot folder then usb advance was not showing at stat menu but i was able to play it by u launch plz help me in how to show usb advance with sms and hd loader at start menu…..
Why you guys are NOT watching the ps2 playlist????
There is a video that shows you how to install more programs to FMCB and add them to the main menu!!
when i was saving ps2 two file on usb there was error on saving second for changing the file name ul.cfg plz tell me some ways…..how to solve this problem……
Please rewrite. What are you saving on the usb drive?
i’m saying that when i was saving second game on pendrive(after converted it by usb extreme) my computer was showing for changing the file name or replacing the file name ul.cfg of one of the game file and when i converted ul.cfg of one of the game. the usb advance was showing only one file.plz tell me how to save another game file……..
Use usb extreme, point it to your pendrive. It will read the existing games, then you can add more games to it.
usb extreme is not showing my pendrive in hardware list…..plzz help me
Well usbutil 2 .0
download it from sksapps…
plz tell how to edit ul.cfg by usb util….prashant
this will detect your pd man so no need to edit ul.cfg
thanks versatile…..u r the bosss….thanks for your guidance
Hi Versatile. Is it possible to install FMCB on PSX/PSone memory card instead?
No, PS2 8mb cards are cheap man. Go get one!
does this tutorial works on ps2 scph 90007cb?
Yes it will.
i tried this many times…. when i load the game with usb advance it freez…… i dont know what to do… huhu…… i follow evry steps on this tutorial……..
well use ps2esdl.elf
ok
download ulaunch dvd iso from sksapps.com
burn it and run it in ur modded ps2…
put ps2esdl in usb hardrive or usb media and run it through ulaunch ok…. it will play max game with less freeze
Defrag the hard drive. Use OPL v.8.
i also tried that one…. first on my usb flash drive…. i rip the iso using usb insane and copy to my usb flash…. i defrag it many times…. i use ulaunch using FMCB and run opl.. it run the game but its to slow…. and ahead it freezzzzz…….
i also tried to my usb hdd..in the same steps… but it freezzz on green screen….
i also use iso on opl but it also freezzzz…
huhuhu…. help me…
Use SMB.
guys tnx for ur reply…. i just tested ps2esdl last nyt and it works almost perfect…… im happy now….. hehe…. ps2esdl is the only software that works on my ps2 scph 90007cb…. tnxs a lot..
Could you please re-upload the 2nd and 3rd video ?
For sake of time, see the playlist here. I will fix the links this weekend.
hey versatile is it true that if you change the game.iso into slus or sles or whatever will work on a fat 32 external hard drive. im having problems with usb insane its either the games over writing over another game when i rip iso drive or the program is crashing and also its saying “no ul.cfg found”. so at the moment im partitioning my 1.5tb to 500gb because i have a stack of ps2 iso games worth nearly around about that size
WTF is usb insane? I use usb extreme.
i have only have iso games files stored on my computer, how do i get it on to my external harddrive? usb extreme wont work because it only rips the game and i dont have them anymore
Come again? You should really watch the OPL videos here. Type “gamedexterity ps2 OPL” in youtube.
hey thanks man i have it all sussed out
how to speed up usb hdd? how to fix video time out on ps2 movies?
Defrag hard drive. Try a different movie, or manually edit audio so it is in sync.
how to edit audio on ps2?
You don’t, so give it up.
Hi I have a modded PS2, how can i can play games through USB HDD? I have successfully converted the games to USB mode, and its showing in USBXtreme list (Here: https://versatile1.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/copied-game.jpg?w=604) i’m using your pic to tell that its showing here, but in my PS2 HDD is not showing how to play games through it? Thnx
And my PS2 is hard modded(modchip method)
Do i need something else to play games?
You guys really need to watch some more of my videos. Once games show in your list, then just select and play. Please see the ps2 playlist here and watch some more videos on usb games.
Confused in swap disc prt and where to install games through usb extreme..
Using usb extreme, you tell it what drive is your cd/dvd drive, and then tell it where your USB drive is so it can rip to it.
Varsatile nice work man, thanks very much it work great on my ps2 but whenever i’m playing game on my ps2 through my usb flash drive when its time to show me video it always skip why does it do that? Games are interesting to me when i watch the videos.(sad). Pls tell me how to fix this problem of video skipping of a thing.
Defrag the thumb drive, or use SMB or a real usb hard drive.
Versatile i dont understand pls explain further
your video’s don’t work
Correct. I’m in process of redoing a majority of the videos since the old youtube channel got shut down. For the meantime, you can refer to the PS2 playlist that I am slowly growing:
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8FB2D7062B84BBBA
this looks cool
i installed a ps2 game via game installer software, i copied it to ma flash and loaded it trough the game…….it will only load to an extent then hang…..pls help me out.
Make sure to defrag the hard drive, use opl v.9 please.
i am having a modded ps2 with matrix infinity v1.93, and my ps2 lens is not working , my memory card is not exploited means it is not having (fmcb) and i am not having mod chip, i am having a flash drive16 gb…..what should i do to boot usb extreem to my ps2?
pleaze help me
Your modded chip is or is not working? Why is it not working?
Is it possible you could cite some examples of these self powered USB drives?
Watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQJ5G5qXp0o&list=PL8FB2D7062B84BBBA&index=8&feature=plpp_video
Any usb hard drive that uses a usb cable instead of external power supply will work. If usb powered, may want to get a y-cable!
Thank you very much! I’ll check that video out. I hope to implement this on my own PS2 so I can finally play my golden discs. 🙂
And I’m back. I have a question, on your video you showed that when you plugged in a USB it is detected by the PS2. Before attempting any of this, I’d like to make sure my USB slots work(PS2 is 70004) but when I put in my 4 gb USB it doesn’t get detected. Should I format it to a particular something for my PS2 to recognize it? I had a fat PS2 once and I remembered I saved some Gran Turismo 4 pics on my USB.
Format the usb thumb drive as ntfs, and then use usb extreme and format. Then try again.
Ah, so there are extra steps. Thanks man, you’re a big help. 🙂
The console doesn’t accept any drive from any brand, if doesn’t work after some formattings or changing the cluster size of the filesystem, your drive is incompatible.
The SanDisk ones have the best compatibility of all drives
The Kingston ones have the worst compatibility and so on…
PS: The USBAdvance/USBExtreme is an outdated game loader, use OPL or PS2ESDL. It have better performance and compatibility than USBExtreme/USBAdvance.
Dear Versatile,
Thanks for your all help now I can play all Games through USB HDD but only problem with God of War 1 and 2 I cant save or some points it stuck except these games all working nice and have no problem. Can you help me for that I have all God of war (NTSC/Pal) versions. Please help me for that.
Thank you
Defrag the game and try again.
I De-fragmented many times is there any other software for defrag HDD thanks dear
it is non playable via usb extreme use ps2esdl or opl dude
I use Smart Defrag 2. Remember, some games just don’t work period.
I reread your article from the top, and I can’t help but notice this part:
“The USB 1.1 performance IS NOT WORTH IT in my eyes.”
Do you mean that doing this thing isn’t worth it at all? What’s the effect of the speed of the USB drive? Longer load times? Does the game get stuck or do hiccups? What?
Also, I was going to ask you if you have a tutorial on how to create an exploited memory card but I guess FreeMcBoot got it covered.
Forgot to add, what I’m thinking of doing is this:
1. Install FreeMcBoot using the burned CD method.
2. Theoretically, if I insert that CD on my PS2(which has a modchip, I think) I can then proceed to install FreeMcBoot on my memory card, is that correct?
Or is there a way where I just need a USB, plug it to the PS2, then do the memory card exploit on the PS2 itself using just the USB and memory card?
I think if you guys took a start and watch the PS2 playlist on the FMCB tutorials, that will make life so much easier:
But if your modchip can boot ulaunchelf v4.40cd, then you can install FMCB from memory usb stick.
I already have a modded PS2. I’ll go the burned CD/DVD path. I downloaded three of your vids just for this: the Free McBoot installation to another card vid, the uLaunchElf burn vid, and the Use FMCB Configurator to Install uLaunchElf thing, so I skipped the others since those are the initial requirements right? SwapMagic, modded PS2, tape tissue trick? Sorry dude if you’re getting exhausted answering questions like this, I really really want to do this. Still, I’ll check out this vid, looks easy to implement. I’ll let you know if I make a success out of this operation. Thanks for your help! 🙂
“But if your modchip can boot ulaunchelf v4.40cd, then you can install FMCB from memory usb stick.”
Holy crap, I didn’t see that part when I posted. So you weren’t tired or anything, glad to know. Thanks man!
By the way dude! I think I got the gist of it!
1. First I need a uLaunchElf CD/DVD.
2. My PS2 should read it through any of the methods you’ve mentioned, and my modded PS2 is one of them.
3. Have a copy of FreeMcBoot in a USB stick and a free memory card.
4. Launch uLaunchElf, follow your instruction vid to install FreeMcBoot in the memory card, and everything’s done.
That it? 🙂
only old ps2 model 70004 have can mcboot better use ulaunch dvd to boot ps2 elf file its best for you..
Correct. Hopefully your modchip will cooperate.
While the days have gone by, my PS2 died a natural death due to blindness. 😦
By the way, I posted the same list above and someone told me that I should use FreeMcBoot and skip uLaunchElf altogeter and do number 2. Now I’m confused.
Also, I’m planning to use a brand new Seagate 500 gig HDD. Someone said that if I use it to play PS2 games via WinHiip or something, I can’t turn it back to a normal HDD anymore. How true is that?
Your source is wrong. How can you install FMCB without launching Ulaunchelf?
For the hard drive, if you make a partition, it can be dedicated to WinHiip. The unused space on your hard drive can be used for other data.
I knew it! Thanks bud! I’ll go and correct that person too, so no more false information in the future. Also, yeah I was quite shocked when they told me that if I turn a HDD to something WinHiip can work on, there’s no turning back on using it as a basic PC HDD anymore. Thank you very much! I think you’re the best source out there for this stuff. 🙂
Thanks. I started with PS2 scene in summer of 2007. I spent months researching, testing, and trying to sort fact from fiction. I have done pretty much every single PS2 mod in the book for both fat and slim PS2.
I am now a PS2 expert, and I can sift through the BS that most novices won’t even know about online. Go to youtube.com/vstPower, and see my PS2 playlist to learn more.
hey Versatile….great post….i followed all of ur steps in installing the game in my USB HARD DISK as I have got already 1) Modded PS2 { which works even with fake game disks} and 2)Memory Card with Open Ps2 Loader {OPL}…the problem is I kinda accidentally deleted a file in my memory card which was in the name “CORRUPTED DATA”….and before deleting this file I was able to play games in the way You told them to install…but after deleting that file, when I press R1 in my joystick…the usb hard disk is not booting up 😦 can you plz help me with this….
Note – Before deleting that corrupted data file, my usb hard disk was full with other games….and i couldn’t install any new game….so I formatted my usb hard disk in the method u described above but forgot to make any backups 😦 :(………now I just cant seem to boot my usb hard disk….i cant seem to find the problem….is it coz i deleted the corrupted data or coz of some loss of settings in my usb hard disk or some other problem…………..plz help me anyone…..
I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING THE NET FULLY …………BUT DIDN’T FIND A SOULUTION ….!!!
Please reinstall FMCB.
pleasesssss!! show step by step what to burn on the cd in usb advance.
USB advance should not e used, use opl v.9
algeir
Hey dude, I installed the FreeMcBoot on my memory card and it installs fine for both Normal and Multi install, and it boots when I test it, but the problem is when I try to open some of the apps on the FMCB browser, they only open for 5 secs then the PS2 dies(red light). I tried OPL, uLaunchElf, and even the FreeMcBoot Configurator, and that’s what happens. Strangely, the SMS thing works. I tried formatting my mc, reinstalling, the stuff still happens.
Now, the flash drive where I have the Noobie package in has .ELF files and I try to run the stuff from there and it works. What could be the problem? My PS2’s a 70004.
This is new to me, I got a 700012 model slim, no issues like that! wtf?! Why would running a .elf from the memory card give you shutdown on the ps2? Is this a sony legit 8mb card?
Hmm. That I don’t know. It says MagicGate and it says made in some place in Japan on the back, plus it came with a memory card cover(if it matters, lol). I bought it second hand. I went to the FreeMcBoot forums in the SKSApps site and this is the exact section(This will be a big paste from that link with my answers on the items below)
Some of the apps launched by FMCB dont work, what can i do?
FMCB is a simple application launching program and is independent of those apps it launches. You must first determine that they are working properly from other launching methods. If not, consult the forums in a thread for the app giving you problem to see if there are problems/solutions already available.
If its only a problem with FMCB:
– Check that the filenames and file locations match the FREEMCB.CNF configuration paths
(I checked and the config is the default one.)
– Check to see if the device the apps are launching from are properly connected
(It’s connected, I guess, since the PS2 boots off FMCB)
– Check to see the USB device formatted to FAT32
(This line has nothing to do with it, I guess, since I installed FMCB from my USB stick perfectly)
– Device that ELF is launched from is not compatible
(Could this line pertaining to my PS2 or memory card? Why does SMS open then? Also, if it’s a problem with my modchip, then why does the ELF files work fine if I use the ones on the USB stick?)
– USB IRX drivers not present in MC’s SYS-CONF folder for USB launched apps
(Haven’t checked on this one, but when I launch the apps from the USB, everything works fine)
– Paths are assigned to a device in the FREEMCB.CNF which is not supported by FMCB. Use uLaunchELF instead.
(This sounds likely, but I don’t know what this thing means. I use uLaunchElf to launch the ELF files from my USB and they work. Guess I’ll try launching the ELF files from the memory card using uLaunchElf. But doesn’t FMCB support memory cards?)
Basically, I’m quite devastated that it installed perfectly only to have it not working perfectly. Heck, even FreeMcBoot Configurator doesn’t work properly.
For the last one, try this for time being: Start up Ulaunchelf, and navigate to the .elf file on the FMCB memory card which is in the BOOT folder, and run them.
Magicgate yes, but does it say SONY on the memory card? Is it an official memory card or not? Doesn’t sound like it.
And watch my video here:
Hey dude, it turns out you were right. I checked my memory card and there’s no Sony to be found engraved anywhere. Also, I checked at Amazon and the genuine MagicGate cards have Sony engraved on them on the front. I guess I’ll try installing FMCB on an original memory card. I’ll let you know what happens. Thanks!
Also, here’s the link to my problem on their Troubleshooting page:
http://freemcboot.info/help.html#Some_of_the_apps_launched_by_FMCB_dont
Hi, my ps2 laser started to fail recently, it won’t run any game for more than 20 minutes.
Do you recommend I try this to play my games? I really don’t want to buy another console, it’s the 2nd one I bought and I barely even used this one.
Yep. I suggest you try this before your lens fails completely.
Yes, do USB or SMB route please.
Dear,
When I install games in my HDD after 18 games installation its hang (further games can not install) my HDD is 500 gb and (300 GB FAT32 primary formatted) De-fragmented
Using usbextreme to do this? How about you format the drive as ntfs, and then again with usb extreme, and now rip all your games.
Decent article. I am about to bookmark you guys and revisit for even more.
Also, there appears to be a slight hassle with the loading time of your site.
Are you able to remember to sort out that issue. I’m not very absolute certain if its to do with the net speed though.
WordPress.com is hosted by them, not me, so if there is any loading issues, its either your ISP or wordpress.com.
Hey dude, I have some questions. I sent of my memory card that has a problematic FMCB installed in it(5 seconds after I click an item on the FMCB menu it opens for a bit then the PS2 dies) to a friend and asked him to test if it works for him. It doesn’t even boot in his PS2, he told me. Now I have another person whom I ask about this FMCB stuff, and he told me these things:
1. If you install a FMCB into a memory card, only a PS2 with the same version where the FMCB was installed can run that FMCB. Say I installed my PS2’s a 70004 then I sent it to my friend which has another version of a PS2, it wouldn’t work. Is this true? Then what’s the point of the whole send the memory card to the volunteers thing? Does it mean they should know what the PS2 version of the person sending the memory card is before hand?
2. I was told that if you install FMCB on a memory card, it wouldn’t get deleted, EVER. Even if you format the memory card. He said that it would be installed in the system of the memory card, maybe the memory that can’t be accessed by your saves. How true is this? It’s because I installed 1.8 then tried 1.7(to no avail) and back to 1.8 again and he said that some of the files might now conflict on my memory card and I was just basically screwed. Is this true?
Thanks!
I have installed FMCB for a lot of users. Here are the facts in no particular order:
1) Use multi-install for FMCB. By doing this method, the FMCB will work on any PS2 as long it is not a SCPH-9XXXX model.
2) I have a fat and slim PS2, two different versions. I have users send me their memory card, and their PS2 is like a SCPH-70000, and I own a SCPH-70012. I do multi-install, and the FMCB memory card will work in their PS2, even though their model number is not exactly mine.
2.a) However, it is critical that the region is the same. Do not try to install FMCB with a PAL PS2, and then try to make that work in a NTSC PS2 console. I am not sure how to fix it, as I am strictly NTSC.
3) If you have FMCB installed, I tell users to NEVER format the memory card. Hell, I did it myself, and it will erase your FMCB files and make it like a normal memory card. I have the FMCB tools, so I can install/uninstall/format at will.
Whoever said you can format your FMCB memory card and still have FMCB installed cannot be true. I’ve done it first hand, and saw it turn into a regular memory card. I also only use official Sony MagicGate memory cards, although I have heard some users were able to install FMCB to a 32, 64, or 128MB memory card only after they were using an original MagicGate 8MB memory card.
Hope that helps!
Oh yeah, how could I have forgotten the multi install thing. I did that to the memory card, so maybe our PS2 weren’t region compatible. My friend sent me his memory card and it is a MagicGate with Sony engraved in front, so I guess this one’s an original. I’ll test it later, and I hope it works. Your post helps a lot, thank you very much! 🙂
Hi!
When using USB Extreme, almost every game I try to install doesn’t finish the process it keeps saying “Read Error”
Any suggestions?!
Thnx
Yea, is it possible your game has a scratch?
Hey dude, so I tried installing the FMCB to the memory card of my friend, but alas, same error persists. Now I tried messing up with the FMCB configurator, and now the thing works differently. Here’s what I did:
1. In the FMCB Configurator ODSYS options, I set the path to the links as follows:
PATH1 = MC?:
PATH2 = MC?:
PATH3 = MC?:B?-SYSTEM/
Now for a moment I thought it worked. OPL worked. SMS worked. uLaunchElf worked. FMCB Configurator worked. But alas, only for a fleeting moment. Why? When I configure FMCB to that config, I can boot of FMCB and run an app perfectly just once. But after I reset the PS2, the problem returns where the apps only open up for 5 seconds then PS2 dies. This is really weird. My PS2 is 70004, and according to everything I’ve researched on FMCB should work on my PS2 without any hitches. Could it be my modchip? Someone told me my modchip seems to be generic.
If you want, I could record a vid and post it up Youtube so you can see the error in action.
Thoughts? Thanks man.
This is new to me, modchips shouldn’t affect FMCB though. Why would the PS2 die, does it just shut off? Is there a way to disable macrovision on your modchip? Do you have a manual for this generic modchip?
I don’t even know what my modchip is. How could I know what modchip it is? Should I open the PS2? Yes, the PS2 just shuts off. Guess I’ll do that vid then.
Do the video. Post it on psx-scene.com forums, ask for help. This is new to me. You can open the PS2, find the modchip, hopefully it has a model number you can google.
The PATHS part above didn’t get posted correctly, here’s the format
PATH1 = MC?:(path to Elf)
PATH2 = MC?:(path to Elf)
PATH3 = MC?:B?-SYSTEM/(path to Elf)
hey versatile, when i install one ps2 game on my usb flash drive, it plays well but when i add another ps2 game on it, opl doesnot detect both games(empty opl menu) pliz, is there a method i should follow when installing additional ps2 games on usb flash drive.
Use usbextreme to add more games.
Hey Versatile! I’m back with the video! Could you possible look at it and maybe you’ll know why my FMCB installation acts that way? I’d really really appreciate it, thanks!
I will respond at your youtube channel.
What r we suppose to with cd-r image we burnt. U said to put it away for later use. Well what is the later use?
I think thats for playing with swap magic. I need to re-write this post.
Hey man , do i have to copy only image file or also .bin and others. Please help me out.
welll if u click on any of ur image it will burn it …. any one bin or cue…
better download ulauch dvd that will work
go sksapps.com
Imgburn can burn any of those files.
hey versatile why dont u update blog cause ps2esdl is much better??
No opl v.9 love?
well i hvnt tried yet … but ps2esdl let me play game with slow sluttering
Hey Versatile – awesome to see you here too (love your tunngle help)!
My ps2 has a modchip, but the laser died on me, so is there a way to use the HDD methode without having to burn a CD at first, or at least to run this from another entry like USB? Cause you know…CD – dead for me 😀
U know anyone with modded ps2 to make fmcb?
hey Versatile i m new to this channel i don’t know why usb advance was not working on my ps2 it shows a black screen and also i have a 500gb hard disk i tried to work with ps2 loader but game just loading and loading please give me a solution for this
well use opl v8 or opl v9 or ps2esdl k….
It is possible the game is just not compatible. Did you defrag the hard drive?
thank u bro…..now i will try my best
Is there USBExtreem for mac? please help us mac users thank you
no bro i dont think sooo 😦 ask ur frn for windows……
No, unless you got intel mac, then run the usbextreme program from inside windows. Can you run bootcamp or parallels? Then you can emulate windows.
So did you use a swap magic CD or DVD?
Cuz in video tutorials i have seen using DVD not CD for PS2
You can use either if you want to install FMCB.
ahh ok, thx… but one more question… my PS2 didnt want to read the CD… so i tried to use a DVD and it said that i shall use a PS2-format DVD… is it actually possible to install this onto a PS2 slim anyway?
You have legit copy of swap magic?
i have found a download-file, so i dont know for sure… X.x
guess i cannot use FCMB then, right?
but i have only a PS2 slim version….
Correct, unless you buy swap magic, or get a friend who has modded ps2 to make it for you.
Do Versatile understand Spanish??
No I don’t, and I am not going to take the time to google translate either.
Hello there,
I bought swap magic 3.8, but i only can use the DVD cuz my PS2 won’t run the CD, can i despite somehow play games from my USB-device though???
Sure, use swap magic dvd to run the dvd version of ulaunchelf to install FMCB.
I’m afraid this won’t work, I have a PS2 slim 9000-version. But I guess i should despite be able to install the usb-device-using, right? And could it be the case that I use a PS2 slim 9000v, that the SM-CD won’t run? And many THX for helping me out with this!
This is a real swap magic, right? Maybe the laser is dying, and that is why it can’t run retail silver pressed
I don’t know, I don’t think so anyway… because my PS2 could read a normal CD-Audio disc and normal PSone-Games, and my PS2-games too. What is the CD good for anyway? Is it important for something?
How about Swap magic DVD? Does that run?
Yes, my SM-DVD run on my PS2. Thats why i guess, the CD is maybe not all ok anymore, i bought SM from a seller on Ebay though. So, am i right when saying, that i also can install USB-advance with using a DVD-R? Then i just try out this.
Yes you can or launch the ulaunchelf dvd version and install it that way.
Reblogged this on MY TOTS MY MIND and commented:
I just bought a ps2 and came across this wonderful blog post and thought to share it with you. Enjoy guys….
Thank you for your support.
For me to play games from my usb. I didnt understand. With usb extreme i need to show my cd/dvd drive AND put disk inside or what? Or is there in usb extreme to locate the iso file and just put it in the usb?
Guys go to youtube.com/moneyinphx and see my ps2 playlist. See all the ps2 videos and get up to speed. If you have FMCB, you can install OPL v.9 to it, and then run games from usb hard drive, either in ISO format, or ul.cfg format.
Hello Tom,
Why you are not doing as tutorial says! you will understand everything u want!..
Do you really wana boot games off USB or Network?
Redards
MY ps2 slim is not modded and the laser won’t read any more but I have my external hard drive and store bought games, how can I use my hard drive to play games with no laser to boot Swap Magic? Is there a way?
what version ps2 do u have?
if supported,U can install mcBoot in your memory card using your friends ps2, and u’ll be able to boot your console! see tutorials for installing Mcboot! get info about McBoot!
I have 90001 slim silver. I used a rented ps2 slim (unknown what model do to a rental sticker covering most of the back) to install mcboot and it’s on the mem card but it wont boot. The rental ps2 was a black one does that or model number matter? Can I buy a new laser somewhere? And yes all my games are store bought, gamers work hard to intertane us they should be paid.
Guys, 90001 slim silver is not compatible with FMCB. Sony fixed the exploit. However, a store bought swap magic 3.6 or 3.8 will work with any PS2 period. Find it at estarland.com
Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an email.
I’ve got some ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.
See right top! 😀
Hey ~
I just managed to run USB-advance from my HDD, and also was able to see the Game-List (in my case it was for trying only one Game) but when i pressed X on the highlightet Game, it didn’t load it, only black screen… what could’ve be the problem??
Defrag the game? Is it compatible? Which game is it?
It is “Final Fantasy X (JPN)” & now “The Prince of Tennis Sweat & Tears 2” too
At least for FFX i read, that it should be compatible to play from USB-HDD
I couldn’t make them start, just a black screen and nothing more… >,<;;
How can i defrag a Game?
Use smart defrag 2, that’s what I do.
If i WANT TO play ps2 games by usb extreme there is no need to insert empty disc/CD-R ?
Correct.
Hi Versatile.
Great guide. I have just inherited a PS2 and am now beginning to play all the games that were so great 10 years ago. I managed to get everything set up and ready to go. However when I insert the USB Advance CD, all I get is a blank screen which returns to the browser after a few seconds. The CD reader spins faster and it seems that it recognises it as a PS2 disc, however it crashes back to the browser before the USB Advance interface boots up. Any ideas? I have a fat PS2 with a Myth chip.
Burn a u_launch.elf disk….and run opl 0.9(open ps2 loader)..you’ll be surprise!
Ulaunch’s iso..burn it CD: http://sksapps.com/launchers/uLaunchELF_v4.40_CD.zip
Ulaunch’s iso..burn it DVD: http://sksapps.com/launchers/uLaunchELF_v4.37_DVD.zip
.
OPL 0.8(u can fine 0.9 too
http://sksapps.com/opl/downloads/OpenPS2Loader_0.8.zip:
i have prepare a dvd full of elf in gui only need to be upload…. Will be upload soon today at night
check here versatile
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzkE…it?usp=sharing
i used ulaunch to made this dvd (as it is working)
can u recommend this dvd for newibe or make a tutorial for new user…
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzkEB5r_pTzKOExJejJuRV81NTg/edit?usp=sharing
What is this file exactly?
Its a dvd based on ulaunchelf but have other elf like opl ,ps2esdl,sms etc only u have to do is burn it in a dvd (or try it in ps2 emulater) . This is for newibe ,download it and burn it ! Or want a video?
Video is good. Don’t want to waste a dvd right now.
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