Complete Newb, Need Help

[aktick]

I just got a PS2, and don't know anything about burning PS2 games, booting methods, or anything like that :( I've got some experience with PC Isos and copies, but not w/PS2. A few questions to start with:

1. I know DVD games can be ripped to make them fit on a CDR, but how is it done?

2. How do I go about copying a game I either rent or borrow from a friend, both normal CDs and DVDs? For DVDs wouldn't I have to make an image on my HD and do some things to make it smaller?

3. I really don't want to have to solder anything or take my PS2 apart, can I play backups w/o doing either of those?

4. What do I absolutely NEED to be able to play backups?

Please direct me to a FAQ is there is one that answers all these, otherwise thanks for the help, there will probably be more ?'s to come :D

[sm83]

you will find tutorials on how to burn ps2 games here:
http://www.psxcopyworld.co.uk/

[charlie_ps2]

I'll assume you have an original game to copy and wish to protect. You'll need a modchip for your PS/PS2, copying software & the right PC hardware for the burning job - e.g: Yamaha 2100/2200S (or E) CD-RW for optimum read/write compatibility with the recommended copying software. An EIDE connected burner, should be placed on the secondary IDE channel else the device will slow down the hard disk & buffer under-runs are likely to occur on non-burn-proof devices.

http://www.megagames.com, http://www.psxcopyworld.co.uk and http://www.ps2ownz.com provide detailed advice.

The basics are:

1/
The PS/PS2 should be chipped to allow backups to play. http://www.kanection.co.uk or http://www.madeiragames.com provide/install chips (UK). Get it done professionally if you're not a soldering whizzo. An internal mod is recommended for maximum functionality. You could also visit http://www.modchip.com for their solution in USA & http://www.modchip.ca for Canada.

2/
You'll need copying & patching software.Two programs are required: CloneCD & CDRWin. CloneCD makes 1:1 copies (tutorial at http://www.psxcopyworld.co.uk). If the game is of the same denomination as your PS/PS2 (e.g. PAL), CloneCD does the job perfectly. If you need to patch the game for any reason (http:/www.megagames.com lists games for which there are patches & the type of patch required), you would use CDRWin. CDRWin stages the CD copy to your PC's hard disk so that you can patch the game as necessary (per PPF-O-MATIC.EXE downloaded from megagames.com together with the patches); then you burn the game back to the CD with CDRWin. EA Sports games can be a challenge; if possible use CloneCD to avoid complex patching & booting methods.

3/
For the above to work properly, your CD-RW MUST be fully compatible with the burning programs. The sites from which you download the programs list compatible devices. CDRWin requires an ASPI layer to be present and this can be downloaded from http://www.goldenhawk.com

4/
If you copy games from one TV standard (like NTSC) to play on another (like PAL) then the game might not play in colour. There are patches to change this (don't always work); or you could buy a fully loaded Scart cable or a convertor that sits between your TV and the PS/PS2. The problem is easier to solve for PAL TVs than for NTSC.

5/
DVD games provide a challenge. DVD games can be backed up with PrimoDVD or NERO 5.5.6.4 on the Pioneer DVR A03 (tutorial on http://www.psxcopyworld.co.uk ). You can also downsize some DVD games to CD-R via a very complex hit/miss process. This is the DVD Rip method and a search on the forum with this key will reveal all.

6/
To boot backup games on PS2, you will need to load them behind special boot programs called Action Replay 2, Gameshark 2 or DVD Region X (tutorial on http://www.psxcopyworld.co.uk ).

7/
Why is this all necessary? Sony have tried to stop you using copied games by going through some clever pre-boot stuff that identifies from data pressed into the CD/DVD whether or not the media is original. So we must boot with compliant media, pause the process, swap in the backup game (patched for NTSC/PAL or copy protection defeat if not burned with CloneCD), & carry on.

This forum has more than 25,000 subscribers. Most started off like you. It's easy when you've done it once, especially with CloneCD.

Good luck & keep the Forum posted.

[aktick]

Thanks a lot for the help Charlie. I'm considering the v5 Rmod or whatever they call it. I know I'll need the Gameshark, what else? I've also heard that it it won't boot 80 minute CDRs? I'd like to hear opinions from people with this chip. I really don't want to have to solder anything. Thanks again.

[argo]

Aktik when you say it won't boot cdr's do you mean gameshark or the ps2 model 5 console?
I'm useing ar2 v2 with v4 ps2 without amodchip booting 80min cdr's with no problems.


ARGO.

[aktick]

The chip I was talking about was the one that only works w/v5 ps2s. It's the no-solder one. Anyone have any info on this?

[argo]

Aktik, have a look at this site http://www.lik-sang.com/catalogue/product_list.php
It has a second to none reputation for reliability.
Scroll down the catalogue and you'l soon find the item you mentioned.
Click on the product and it will give you even more info.
There's a faq section as well.
The only down side is that it's temporarly out of stock.
You might want to start a new thread asking if anyone knows were it can be obtained.
Post back here to let me know how you go on.

ARGO.