HDLoader Review

[lufcfan]

This is a thread I have created especially to let you all know what I think of the newest and most sought after piece of software for PS2 at the moment - HDLoader. In it I shall include my findings and my views of this software, in order to help you make your decisions about buying this new piece of software. Afterall, buying this and a new HDD is a fairly expensive thing, and if it doesn't work too well, I guess it would be fairly annoying, but fear not, and just read on...

So, I've had my HDLoader for a few hours now, and I had a spare IBM 40GB drive laying around doing nothing, so I placed it onto my Network Adapter, slotted it into the PS2 expansion port (The instructions for this are in the manual), took the shiny new disc out of its equally shiny box and placed it into the DVD tray of my PS2. It booted perfectly - always a good start. From there, I was met by a disclaimer screen (which only appears once by the way), and you either select Yes, or No. Picking Yes sends you into the software, and No, back to the browser window. So, once your in, what happens next. Well, there is a slight pause whilst your drive is formatted and partitioned and then you are let free to do your worst. The first thing that hit me was the quality of the GUI. It is really nicely laid out and looks great. You have a few options available to you at this point: Play, Install (This'll be the first thing you'll want to do), Remove and Rename - (All fairly self-explanitory I think). Next door, is a large Game Menu. This is a list of all the games you have installed. There is also a little status bar which tells you how much Data Storage space is left on the drive and how big the overall drive is. Very useful when you've got a fair few titles on there.

So, pushing the left and right directional keys switches between the Game Menu and the Toolbar. Up and down then lets you switch between functions on either part of the screen you happen to be on. X Selects the option you want and Triangle goes back a step, so fairly standard stuff there then. So, now we want to go on and get this thing rolling. How do we do that? Well, it's very simple. Simply press the left directional button to hop onto the Toolbar, go down a step to Install and hit X. Here, we are prompted to insert a disc we want to install to HDD. So, eject your DVD-ROM and switch the HDLoader disc with your original PS2 disc (or backup if you have a mod fitted) and select Continue by pushing X. We are now taken to a new screen where we are told that the disc is being checked (to make sure its a PS2 disc). If it is, we are now prompted with a new screen where we are asked to type in a name for our game using the on-screen keypad. Once we do this, we select the End option to accept the name we've given. Then comes the business part, and we are prompted by a screen telling us that installation is in progress, and a little installation bar appears at the bottom. Down the right hand side, we are told some useful info such as Disc Read Speed, Time Left, Disc Size and Read Errors. If you encounter a read error, you are prompted on screen to see if you want to cancel or try again and continue. So, when your install is complete, you are prompted and you need to select OK to go back to the main menu, where you have access to the Game List and Toolbar. To boot a game now, you can remove the disc you installed (or keep it in, it's your choice, either way, we'll be going from the HDD now. By the way, you can leave the HDLoader disc in when booting a disc, you don't have to remove it, so if you can get all your collection on one HDD, then you don't even have to touch your eject button again :) )

Now, scroll down to the game you want to play, press the right directional button, hi-light play (already selected) and hit X. The screen will go black, and up will come your game - very quickly might I add too. So, enjoy your extra quick loading times and ultra smooth game play. For instance, GTA splash screens only show for a second between islands instead of 5-6 seconds as usual and other games are immediate. Some load straight up without so much as even seeing the loading splash! :)

So, I did try 5 games from my collection, so how did they perform???

1.Grand Theft Auto: Vice City - Installed: Yes, Plays: Yes
Comment: Unbelieveable! Took 1/2 hour to install and the little loading screens you get between islands only come up for about 1/2-1 second instead of about 5-6 seconds! :) . It's certainly a good start for the HDLoader. Also, there is no slow down or FMV problems when things get hectic...

2. Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec - Installed: Yes, Plays: Yes
Comment: Well, as before, loading times are non-existant! Everything is straight up and there is no FMV problems or anything! Brilliant...

3. True Crime: Streets of LA: Installed: Yes, Plays: Yes
Comment: Long loading times are diminished and there is no slow down between regions on the map! FMV Loading is greatly improved. I found the menus to be a little slow on disc but now, it's immediate and working properly. Level loading is a matter of milliseconds!

4. Manhunt: Installed: Yes, Plays: Yes
Comment: Now this baby was fantastic to play anyway, but everything is now immediate. The little reel of tape for the loading bar fills straight up and you're playing in around 1 second... I think I've found my new best friend...

5. Gran Turismo: Concept 2002 Tokyo/Geneva: Installed: Yes, Plays: Yes
Comment: Same as Gran Turismo: A-Spec. Fantastic!

Quite superb, I think you'll agree. In fact, I bet you'll have quite a smile on your face, don't you. Go on, smash the piggy bank open, you know you want to, lol! :D

But seriously, it's hard not to be impressed, but you really do have to see it to believe it, so using my EyeToy, I made a little video of this beast in action. If you want to see it (700KB) click this link: See HDLoader in Action! (http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/playstationplace/HDLoader.wmv) . Don't be alarmed by the speed of the video - It isn't how the game runs, it's the frame rate I used on the camera to make the video small enough for convenient viewing over the net...

So, you can't argue with that can you? Well, i'm sure some of you will have some real burning questions you want to ask, so in anticipation, I've prepped a little Q&A below. If your question isn't there, PM me - I'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have:

1. Does HDLoader require a Modchip to work?
A. Absolutely not! :), but you must use original discs in this case...

2. Can I use backups without a chip with HDLoader?
A. No, the disc will not even recognise at the checking stage of the install...

3. Is it fast?
A. Do Ferrari make fast cars? This might give you some clue as to how fast this thing is. But seriously, games are sped up by about 5x at least...

4. What percentage of games work?
A. There are only around 8 titles which don't work, and most are smaller titles anyway.

5. Do backups work with this thing?
A. Absolutely, providing you have a modchip.

6. Does this software work with the official Sony HDD?
A. Yes, it works perfectly with the official Sony HDD.

7. ...And what about 3rd party drives?
A. That's exactly what I'm using, so I guess the answer's yes... ;)

Now, for the techie stuff: HDLoader supports any size drive from 40GB upwards, but if you install a 200GB HDD, only 137GB will be valid for use. So whilst it works, it's a waste of disc and money to get anything bigger than 120GB. So, to clarify, 40GB-120GB is supported. You need a Network Adapter (Either Ethernet/Modem or just Ethernet variety), and the drives which seem to work best are Seagate/Maxtor/IBM - All with ultra high success rate. Western Digital have the worst track record - either not fitting or not working when fitted, so it's best to stay away. Either way, the HDD sticky has a link to a site with compatible HDD's so look there. Also, your HDD needs its jumpers set to Master to work properly. A full 4 GIG disc takes around 28 minutes to install.

So, I hope you have found all that super useful! Oh, hang on a minute, my EyeToy: Play disc just finished installing so how does this work?:

6. EyeToy: Play: Installed: Yes, Plays: Yes
Comment: Hmm. This is SO GOOD. The little monkey loading screen barely makes an appearance and it's so quick. I love this thing - it handles everything I throw at it!!!

Anyway, as I was saying, I hope you found this review super useful and remember to check out these links below for more info. So, I have a feeling Seagate, Maxtor and IBM are going to be making record profits on HDD's this year, lol! :)

So, check out these useful links below, and my for my final comments: BUY THIS THING NOW!!! :) ...and remember, I'll answer any PM's on this subject if you have any questions, thanks again... LUFCfan :)

HDLoader Links:
======================
HDLoader's Website: www.hdloader.com

Official Reseller: www.divineo.com/www.divineo.co.uk

Other Recommended sellers: www.consolesource.com

HDLoader in action (Windows Media Video, made by yours truly: 700KB): http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/playstationplace/HDLoader.wmv

HDD Compatibility List: http://ps2drives.x-pec.com

So, enjoy your new HDLoader and I hope you enjoyed this review, or at least didn't fall asleep and found it useful. Thanks a lot guys, and thanks to Tyler...
Happy gaming.

[cbflip2000]

thanks that guide was very helpful. sticky!!! :)

[TylerDurden]

Yes thank you Lufc. I will post my review as well more than likely by tomorrow.






Tyler!

[puppeteer666]

i've asked around and no one has answered this, can you load media player cd in the harddrive?if so does it work?
i know ps1 games will not load but hoping maybe this would.

[johnjohn13]

Excellent review!!!! :)

I was wondering if you could tell us a little about possible heating problems.

johnjohn13 :cool: :)

[lufcfan]

I should think that any PS2 CD or DVD will run - if it's PS2 software then it'll pass verification etc... In fact, I have a CD-RW, I'll try it for you if you like.

As for the heating problems, only the older 8MB cache systems should have a problem. Newer drives are fine, and shouldn't cause a problem. The 8MB Cache Barracuda SATA Drive I have in my PC is really cool, and generates barely any heat. My PS2 runs absolutely no hotter than usual, it's very cool even after prolonged periods of play using the HDD, so I hope this helps. I'll try the Media Player on my CD-RW Disc and let you know the outcome of that anyway. I'll be back...

[johnjohn13]

lufcfan, so what drive do you have in your ps2 the BArracuda from your pc?

thanks,

Johnjohn13

[lufcfan]

No at the moment I have a 40GB IBM drive in there. I was using my PC drive as an example as to how cool an 8MB Cache HDD can run nowadays. Hope that cleared any confusion up. Seagate drives work well with PS2 though. I am currently using this HDD until I can get my new 120GB Maxtor DiamondMax 9 :)

[TylerDurden]

Ok, Ive just installed my New Seagate Barracuda 120gig hdd and tested out my HDLoader. For my test I used Drakengaurd it loaded up perfectly. It also played perfectly and all the loading sequences were 1 second or less.

I decided on a Seagate because they are the quietest drives out there. As for heating, that is not an issue. I really didnt feel anything more than warm on my ps2 case (barely that even).


All in all Im really liking this HDLoader thing.


I would also like to thank again www.consolesource.com for the HDLoader for testing. My order from Canada only took 4 days. It was shipped on Monday and I recieved it on Thursday using Priority mail.





Tyler!

[spedmetal]

Just installed my Seagate 120GB also and have 6 games installed and working AWSOME!

Madden 2004
Sega Sports Tennis
Time Splitters 2
Final Fantasy X
Kingdom Hearts
LOTR: Fellowship of the ring

This thing really does perform as lufc described. By the way awesome review lufc. In addition to the other distributors mentioned I would like to add that I got mine from www.foundmy.com with great service I might add.

Now all some one needs to do is find a way to put the software on the memcard and load it from the dev mode with the matrix infinity so we don’t even need the hdloader disc in the DVD-Rom at all. The day will come I just know it!!! Or even better yet a mod chip with the software imbedded in it already!

Also wouldn’t it be just a dream if it was possible to have an in game reset (IGR) that could be enabled from the controller and take you back to the hdloader with out having to get off your ass and hit reset if you wanted to switch games! OK now I'm really dreaming.

[lufcfan]

Some great ideas for V2 there, Sped :)

[puppeteer666]

no word on media player?:(

[spedmetal]

One more feature that would be very nice for my lazy ass would be for it to recognize the game title and give you an option of using that or editing it yourself.

They really should have contacted me before they released this thing....I have all the cool ideas!!!! J/K LOL

[johnjohn13]

thanks, lufcfan, Tyler


johnjohn13

[eakinsme]

my review on this product.. i just got my hdd loader in the mail a few days ago.. i went into my computer store yesterday and picked up a 160gb maxtor hdd(i know the limit is 127, but i figured for an extra $14 i may as well get 40 more gigs plus maybe 1 or 2 more games) what suprised me was that the format took only a matter of seconds(10-20) but it is all good!!. i am installing my 2nd rite now as we speak..as for the 1st(fifa 2004) its awesome..way faster and just amazing!!
GOOD JOB MAKERS OF HD LOADER!!

[seaneyb2003]

Wohhooo seaneyb is getting hdd loader. I just bought a ps2 that came with a network adaptor! so i be getting my hdd and hdd loader pritty soon :) Wheres a good place 2 get it in the uk? Divineo?

[lufcfan]

Divineo was great for me... :)

[seaneyb2003]

ok kool i take a look at that when my ps2 arrives. it has a slight problem that i can fix :) laser needs tweeking. It was a bloody good deal! :D

[lufcfan]

OK Cool. When I ordered mine, it came the next day... :)

[seaneyb2003]

Cool cheers guys i go look at that now :) just gotta get me a good hdd

[spedmetal]

Hey, you guys that have 120GB Seagate’s installed, how many useable GB does HDloader report as there being. Mine says my HDD is only 111GB. Is this cuz of the byte/bite thing?

[TylerDurden]

Hey, you guys that have 120GB Seagate’s installed, how many useable GB does HDloader report as there being. Mine says my HDD is only 111GB. Is this cuz of the byte/bite thing?


Yeah mines the same way. Ive never owned a hdd that was exactly the size it said it is. They are always less.




Tyler!

[spedmetal]

Yeah I know, I just wanted to make sure this wasnt something unusual. Never seen a PS2 file system before ;)

[TylerDurden]

Yep but really its probably a file system we've dealt with before. ;)




Tyler!

[cyrax78]

For the few games that I've tried, Karaoke Revolution doesn't seem to work at all and some people on some other forums are having trouble with other games as well.

In response to Spedmetal, there was a post on consolenewz that had instructions on how to get a DMS3 to load HD Loader from the memcard, but the site seems to be down.

Also, HD Loader seems to report a size for my 60gb Maxtor even less than the bit/byte conversion.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention, some games, like "everything or nothing" seems to load MUCH faster than the original while others like "transformers" seems barely any faster at all. I wonder why..

[TylerDurden]

Ok about the HDD size difference. Most of it is probably the bit/byte issue. The rest is more than likely data stored because of formatting. Like Ive said before, Ive never had a hdd that was exactly the size it says it is. My personal Seagate 60gig hdd is actually something like 54 gigs. I suggest we rest this case now.






Tyler!

[spedmetal]

In response to Spedmetal, there was a post on consolenewz that had instructions on how to get a DMS3 to load HD Loader from the memcard, but the site seems to be down.

Also, HD Loader seems to report a size for my 60gb Maxtor even less than the bit/byte conversion.


Yes I did see those posts but I didn’t see that anyone actually got it to load from the mem card. I saw that they got it installed to the mem card but wouldn’t boot for one reason or another. I did see the one guy had an app that took the place of the explore DMS3 uses when booting to dev mode with HDloader instead which would be very cool. You could just boot your chip in devmode and boot HDloader right up first thing. However the link to the file was removed and like you said the site is down. consolenewz has been having real trouble lately.

Also I care not that they are doing this with DMS3, I would like to see the matrix team develop there own public version of an HDloader type app that could be loaded from the infinity’s dev mode.

[Warlock]

Just got mine today, Totally awesome. Man this is going to save alot of laser wear.

[H|LLJD00]

Can you save your game progress, like u do on the memory card.

[seaneyb2003]

btw i got my hdd loader and all that 2day and i wacked in my 6 gb hd and it works with it. i loaded up vice city on it and played fine. I noticed a little yellow light flashing dont know what it is i think its the harddrives light. not sure???

[spedmetal]

Can you save your game progress, like u do on the memory card.

If you mean, can your game saves be saved on the HDD, the answer is no. But you can save them like you always have before when playing a game from the HDD, which is to the memory card.

[spedmetal]

btw i got my hdd loader and all that 2day and i wacked in my 6 gb hd and it works with it. i loaded up vice city on it and played fine. I noticed a little yellow light flashing dont know what it is i think its the harddrives light. not sure???


Yup that’s what the yellow light is. When the PS2 is reading from the HDD or writing to it the yellow light in the grill area (LED) flashes. Looks like the PS2 is having a camp fire :)

[seaneyb2003]

yea lol thats the one. Where bouts is that coming from?

[seaneyb2003]

donno buddy urs has gone 2

[TylerDurden]

That light that flashes isnt the hdd light. Ive noticed that ever since I first installed my first Network adapter. I cant remember if its only when you go online or if its all the time when the network adapter is connected.



Tyler!

[seaneyb2003]

looks cool anyway. I installed vice city runs pritty nice u always get clear graphics no dodgy graphics in the distance and as lufc said it takes about 1 second for the welcome screen 2 go.

Im gonna put the sims and halflife on there as there really slow games and makes a loud noise caus there cdr based. Ita save my laser at the end of the day. Nice work hd loader team

Ive also noticed free loader looks like the same production company as hd loader. has anyone else noticed this?

[lufcfan]

It's a small light on the front of the mainboard which signals HDD Activity...

[HBK114]

For those of you who have already ordered an HD loader, what website do you recommend i buy mine from? I've heard of consolemaniac.com, and then some devio.com (?) website. Are those safe and fast?

[TylerDurden]

Read the beginning of this thread and youll see what you need.




Tyler!

[vinniev2222]

I personally think that thing is annoying. I first noticed it when online games would first try to connect, and in the NA setup CD, it would flash a couple times, withOUT the HDD in. But of course it does it when any games are played off the HDD too. The light itslef is directly behind the Player 2 controller port.

[jackng]

Im gonna put the sims and halflife on there as there really slow games and makes a loud noise caus there cdr based. Ita save my laser at the end of the day. Nice work hd loader team



Well I don't know if it will work, but apperantly I've trouble loading CD based game into the HDD using HD Loader. It will stop at about 34 - 40%. I've tried Romance of the 3 kingdoms.

Do keep me updated if you've managed to install the cd based games.

[TylerDurden]

CD based games run fine. I have ICO on my hdd and its perfectly fine.




Tyler!

[jackng]

CD based games run fine. I have ICO on my hdd and its perfectly fine.

Tyler!

Thanks Tyler,

I'll try some other cd games to see if it's just that particular title that don't work.

[lufcfan]

...or directly to the side of the controller ribbon cable on the mobo. It has a white surround with a little yellow cover over it...

[crazygamelover]

Just got my HDloader in today and read the Manual completely before installing it. Its always a good idea to read the destruction manual :p first.
Installed in no time at all. Format was also no prob. I put a Seagate 120g in and BAM this thing is just simply AWESOME! I am very impressed with it. Every game I have put in so far is flawless. Speedy boots and blah blah blah... :D Its all that has been mentioned so far and more. No words can describe my feelings about it! Maybe a BACK-FLIP is in order! :p Just kidding. Reviews are exactly as previously mentioned. ;) :cool:

[spedmetal]

Just got my HDloader in today and read the Manual completely before installing it. Its always a good idea to read the destruction manual :p first.
Installed in no time at all. Format was also no prob. I put a Seagate 120g in and BAM this thing is the simply AWESOME! I am very impressed with it. Every game I have put in so far is flawless. Speedy boots and blah blah blah... :D Its all that has been mentioned so far and more. No words can describe my feelings about it! Maybe a BACK-FLIP is in order! :p Just kidding. Reviews are exactly as previously mentioned. ;) :cool:

It’s just awesome isn’t it! You know this is just the first step with this thing, just imagine what the future holds.

[crazygamelover]

True that sped! Simply amazing! I want to thank you too TD cause I had no idea it was gonna be all that and then some. TD pointed me to the site where I bought it from. Thanks man! :cool:

[seaneyb2003]

grr i dont like loading the hd loader cd all the time i want 2 play a game

[spedmetal]

grr i dont like loading the hd loader cd all the time i want 2 play a game

Why, its not that big of a deal. Loads pretty fast.

[H|LLJD00]

LoL, can you save game saves on their like the xbox? As that would be brill!
If not, would I have to use another piece of software? hardware e.g. pc?

[lufcfan]

You can use Xlink to transfer saves to and from MC to PC HD :)

[seaneyb2003]

The hd loader is cool! running perfectly. One thing i dont like about it sometimes when u install new games onto it, it says inssuficiant space. But i retry and it works perfect seems like a lil bug. Has it happend 2 anyone else?

[H|LLJD00]

So if I transfer it to the hdd, can I access the saves from their, instead of the memory card?

[seaneyb2003]

no all saved games save on ur mem card

[lufcfan]

@ Seany
Yes, it is a little bug in the software :)

[H|LLJD00]

you reckon someone will create a patch or something so it saves to hdd auto, instead of the memory card.

[crazygamelover]

Anything is possible with time.

[vinniev2222]

I totally agree with everyone else that this thing rocks. Anyone else using a V7 NTSC having sound trouble with Red Dead Revolver? Not all the sound, but the dialogue and in-game music won't play. Tried all the compatibility modes. Anyone?

[AXmichigan]

i put it in
its pretty sweeeeeeeet
nice and handy
nothin like the hdd in the xbox
but its good for a ps2
only found one game that hasnt worked
but 's all good

[Proud]

Do you need a network adapter to run this and if so why.

[Oxfam]

Yes because the Network Adaptor has a HD connector on it. :)

[crazygamelover]

Do you need a network adapter to run this and if so why.

Yes, to hook up the Hdd to it. It has the ide and power fitted and plugs into the hdd.

[Proud]

Thanks, :o obviously not clued up enough! You can't use a network adapter with a modchip though can you

[crazygamelover]

No. You may want to just read and search for a while to get better clued as you say. Try reading the "Ultimate info sticky" and the rules. They will help in regard to understanding the basics. ;)

[spedmetal]

Do you need a network adapter to run this and if so why.

Well of course he did, as the NA is what the HDD actually plugs into, and then the NA plugs into the PS2.

Thanks, :o obviously not clued up enough! You can't use a network adapter with a modchip though can you

Yes you can, you just cant play online games with a mod chip unless you do the DNAS patches.... now I'm predicting your next question "What is a DNAS patch?" Well I wont go into it but you can get info about it here

www.ps2nfo.com

[xerxes]

Hi there, I actually have HDLoader but needed advice on chosing a harddrive and i wanted the 120gb seagate 2mb 7200rpm but have read the 1 in 19 times it does not work. Now Im not sure if this is the hardware or just people not setting it up right but has anybody had any experience in this matter. My other option is the 120gb maxtor but have read that this gets rather hot and so i am reluctant.

Help appreciated.


XERXES !

[TylerDurden]

Just go with the Seagate. If HDLoader cant format it Im sure youll be able to with some other formatting tool.




Tyler!

[seaneyb2003]

Just go with the Seagate. If HDLoader cant format it Im sure youll be able to with some other formatting tool.




Tyler!


the dms formating tool does the trick/

[muzicman73]

I tried out my hd loader from consolesource.com for the first time and I get a disc read error. I have an early us ps2 and a seagate 120 gig hd. Haven't had many disc read errors with other discs. do you think I have a bad hd loader? should I try cleaning my laser, if so, any recommendations?

thanks in advance, any help would be greatly appreciated.

p.s. I'm at work, so I can't give any specific model numbers at the moment.

[TylerDurden]

Yeah try a laser cleaner and also try placing your ps2 in a vertical position (if it isnt already).




Tyler!

[smurf247]

i have brought a network adaptor today all i need now is a hd loader disk does any one know where to get one in U.K if not any where else.

what version of hd loader do i need for an english playtation PAL OR NTSC


PLEASE REPLY

[cragster]

well u culd alwayz load up hd loader insert a cd then swap using knife/card/flip top culdnt u? i dunno i dont got oine yet but some one else culd try

[lufcfan]

You need a PAL version.
You can get them still from www.chipspain.com

[smurf247]

i have recieved my hd loader this morning and it doasnt seem to work right because when i try to load up my hd loader it sometimes says please insert a playstation or playstation2 format but it doasnt do it all the time so what shall i do ive tryed my playstation 2 vertical and horizontal and it still doas it :confused:

[TylerDurden]

Try it on another ps2.



Tyler!

[abksever]

Loaded about 7 games with my HD loader and they all play fine. RE OB will not.
It pops up a "now loading" screen and thats all the further it gets. FYI Using Maxtor 80GB HD.
FYI 2. linker4U was selling HD Loader pretty cheap. Got mine with no problems.

[abksever]

Just to clarify, the HD is in the master postion.
Help!!!! and Thanx

[TylerDurden]

Resident Evil Outbreak plays fine in Mode 3.




Tyler!

[abksever]

Sorry, dont know what MODE 3 means, help.
Thanx and buy soap.

[abksever]

Sorry, my HD Loader manual didn't have "Mode" instructions. Figured it out though. If anyone else encountered this, here's the deal. When looking at your loaded games screen, highlight a game and press the select button on your ps2 controller. a screen will pop up displaying "Modes" and you can select which mode to set the selected game to. None the less, "Buy Soap!"

[abksever]

Wouldn't it be nice if I just said everything all at once. Unfortunatly I cannot process thought that fast. anyway, SPEED KINGS, CD game loads onto the HD but will not play in any Mode. Suggestions or just not compatible?
Eat Soap!

[lufcfan]

Tried all the different combos? PS2NFO.com has all the different modes you need for each game... :)

[thewessman]

I can't believe that none of you have tried this crappy HD Loader with the most important HD game of all; SOCOM 2. The game does NOT recognize that the hard drive is in place, therefore, you will STILL need to have a Sony hard drive if you want to download updates for SOCOM2. Although I have not tried this myself, I have heard that Final Fantasy XI also does NOT work with a non-Sony Hard drive. Why did I spend $35 on the HD Loader and a non-Sony hard drive when this set up will not work for the games that require a hard drive to operate?

Another thing. I installed SOCOM2 on my hdd using the HD Loader method, then I installed Madden 2005 on it. I named both files accordingly, except that Madden 2005 would not accept the name "Madden 2005"; instead, it defaulted to SOCOM2. I tried changing it many times and it would not switch from SOCOM2 to Madden 2005. THEN, I rebooted my ps2 thinking that it was only a glitch, and BAM... both games were deleted!

Both of my games are originals. If someone can shed some light on why SOCOM2 will not recognize the hard drive (gives "Could not detect Hard Drive... probably not installed correctly") then maybe this is worth it. I don't think that slightly faster load times are reason enough to shell out more money than it would cost to buy a Sony Hard drive with the proper format/install CD

[spedmetal]

Why did I spend $35 on the HD Loader and a non-Sony hard drive when this set up will not work for the games that require a hard drive to operate?



Its not like this is new information pal, this has been knows since the start of HDloader. Guess you should have done some research on this if this is such a concern for you. As with most of us its not, because we also own an official Sony HDD (like I do for FFXI) for playing those games, and there are so few games that were originally intended to use the Sony HDD in the first place that no one really cares. The third party HDD is the only way to go because you can put a much larger HDD in then the official Sony HDD which is only 40GB.

[snake2]

Its not like this is new information pal, this has been knows since the start of HDloader. Guess you should have done some research on this if this is such a concern for you. As with most of us its not, because we also own an official Sony HDD (like I do for FFXI) for playing those games, and there are so few games that were originally intended to use the Sony HDD in the first place that no one really cares. The third party HDD is the only way to go because you can put a much larger HDD in then the official Sony HDD which is only 40GB.
and use any mod you want

btw hdloader kicks ass there is no load time in silent hill 4 execpt for one part at that took about 3 seconds

[thewessman]

Yes, that is correct, the information IS old. However, everyone here is praising the HD Loader as if it were a golden calf, when it is in fact, nothing more than a pirating tool. I have no problems with "backing" up games that you own, especially if it is to make the game load faster, but none of you mentioned in your praises that the HD Loader still maintained the same limitations. Based on everyone's comments, a consumer will get the wrong information about this product. One may buy the loader thinking that it is the cure-all. However it is not, and I needed to add my comments to give people the right idea about this product.

[spedmetal]

"cure-all"

Are you crazy! We have gone over, and over, and over all the limitations that the HDloader has which by the way there are many. So if people are getting the wrong idea here its because they arent reading correctly or everything that is being said here.

However what the HDloader does work on it works unbelievably well. Yes the HDloader has it's bugs and no one, thats no one! is claiming it to be a cure all.

So with that said rock on HDloader!!! Until something better comes along I will use the hell out of it. It's the best thing to happen to the PS2 scene since the Infinity!

blah blah blah

[crazygamelover]

"cure-all"

Are you crazy! We have gone over, and over, and over all the limitations that the HDloader has which by the way there are many. So if people are getting the wrong idea here its because they arent reading correctly or everything that is being said here.

However what the HDloader does work on it works unbelievably well. Yes the HDloader has it's bugs and no one, thats on one! is claiming it to be a cure all.

So with that said rock on HDloader!!! Until something better comes along I will use the hell out of it. It's the best thing to happen to the PS2 scene since the Infinity!

blah blah blah

well said sped.
I might add that if someone uses it for piracy purposes (which is illegal) and post those results here, he/she will be dealt with accordingly (banned for as long as the Mod chooses) as we do not support it here, nor do we encourage it. That is the mods responsibilty and the loyal members who serve to protect this site. We dont push it off as anything other than what it is. Hdd loader is simply a 9th Wonder in the PS2 scene and not to be mistaken for something it is not. ( a cure all as you say) It has limitation which are clearly posted throughout this entire thread. There are some fixes posted and there are some limitations which must simply be endured. Pound for pound you wont find a better gaming solution for its intended purpose and those who use it for such purposes as pirating, do so at their own risks. It is illegal but that dont stop shoplifters, thieves, or muggers. Common sence would apply here. In any case the hdd loader is and always will be a blessing for ps2 gamers who enjoy its capabilities. It may not be as you say in regard to the games you mentioned but the majority of the games do work fine. With all of that said, you should agree that it serves a purpose for the good of all games(with the exception of the ones that do not work). It is a good product if you chose to use it properly. ;) It is the right of every gamer to backup a copy of a game they own.

[thewessman]

Here's what makes it even worse: After my debacle with the HD Loader deleting both games I had installed in it (read previous post), I tried to re-install those games again on my Maxtor 80GB hard drive. With the game list emtpy, I cannot install ANYTHING anymore because HD Loader tells me that there is no more space on the hard drive. I know, I know... "it's one of the limitations listed throughout this thread". Great. Not only can I not install any games, but I also do not have the option to reformat my hard drive so I can try to troubleshoot. The www.hdloader.com website is down due to the bills not being paid, and I am now coming to the realization that this cd will not even make a good coaster. I should have listened to my friends and purchased the HDAdvance instead. I really have a hard time believing at how much praise there is for this thing. "... a blessing", and "..the greatest software", among others. Come on, nothing this flawed deserves such high praise. It sounds like everyone is giving this thing an 11 out of a possible 10, when in fact, it deserves more like a 5, or a 6.

[crazygamelover]

Great. Not only can I not install any games, but I also do not have the option to reformat my hard drive so I can try to troubleshoot.

Have you tried removing the hdd and reformatting in a pc? I know this sounds a bit out of the way since your mind is already set on it being a pure dud (due to your experiences so far). If you reformat it that way, you should be able to start over, however those games which you have said dont work, will probably not work the second time either. All I know is mine is working flawlessly so it is hard for me to find fault in its abilities. I do understand your frustrations. Maybe you can reformat it in a pc and post your results again once you have this done.

[thewessman]

Yes, I considered that. Unfortunately, I believe that this "great" software should work better the first time. I'm sure I could go through the trouble of taking apart my pc, putting in this hard drive and reformatting it; however, this really only goes to show the level of quality of the product. I understand that software like this will have limitations, but I really wonder what all the hype is all about over a flawed product.

Again, I don't think this program sucks, but simply that it is not as awesome and outstanding as reported here.


After I have some time, I will try to reformat in a pc and update this thread with the results.

Thanks,
Wes

[TylerDurden]

Wess,

You must be an idiot not to realize that HDAdvance is just a copied version of HDLoader. "Better" is what your so called friends call it? Thats just a lame line that the owner of PS2OWNZ tells you. Those fools cant make anything on their own.

Pretty much everyone I know, knows how easy the HDLoader is to get working. If you couldnt do it then maybe you should catch a ride on that bus with the tinted windows.




Tyler!

[crazygamelover]

Again, I don't think this program sucks, but simply that it is not as awesome and outstanding as reported here.

Opinions vary Wes, but like i said mine has been flawless so i find the overview of this product good stuff. Your opinion has been noted!


After I have some time, I will try to reformat in a pc and update this thread with the results.

Thanks,
Wes

I hope you get it sorted and find some good in it for yourself.

[spedmetal]

@thewessman, if anyone has been mislead its your fiends thinking that the HDadvance is any better then HDloader. All the HDadvance is, is a hacker version of HDloader that has a high TOC so the silly swapping sissy's at OWNZ can use there garbage top units with it.

And it looks like you are the one that is looking for the cure all out of this software. This is all about the DEV scene man, nothing is perfect in this arena and if you expect it to be then you should get out right now.

Now as for a cure, I actually do have some advice for you. Go to the DMS3 web site and download the 'DMS3 HDD format tool'. With it you can erase game pratitions, and even ghost pratitions from a bad install, or reformt the whole HDD with out even removing it from your PS2.

[abksever]

I saw a few links for HD Loader Game Compatability list but they all seem to be broken. Can anyone give me the info on a good WORKING link. I'm having trouble with Cy Girls on the HDD and don't know why. Thanks

[lufcfan]

http://www.ps2nfo.com/ps2hdd.html

I know it says for HDAdvance, but it is a clone of HDLoader, and therefore works exactly the same, but hey, that's Ownz for you - those ****s make me SO ANGRY :mad:

'Rant Over'

[abksever]

I did see that before, (thought it might be the same thing.) Funny thing is, none of the games I have installed on my HDD are even listed with the exception of RE: Outbreak. The sad thing is that about 97% of the games listed on that site are not working for one reason or another. (Cy Girls wasn't even listed) So I'm still in the dark and a little untrusting of that list. If all those games wont work, why did any of us buy this thing?

[crazygamelover]

That list is not entirely accurate, as my Twisted Metal Black does work fine!
It appears to have a few titles listed that may still work depending on what version of the game you have. My TWB game is from when it was first released. The new version with the online gaming feature is the one that dont work.

Perhaps we need to start a thread for games we have got to work so we know what really does work rather than going by this cloned crap list.
I will prepare a list of the ones I have gotten to work however I do still have some left to install so I will wait til I get them all done to post mine. If my kids will give me time to finish them. :p The lil gamers love it big time.

[spedmetal]

If all those games wont work, why did any of us buy this thing?

*sigh*

Ahhh another one. Well the list of games that don’t work is actually a very small percentage of the games that do, so the mass of us realize this benefit and don’t see the list of games that don’t work as a draw back in the slightest.

[TylerDurden]

Ok thats enough. People need to read up on things instead of blindly (and stupidly) making posts that have already been answered. This review is OVER!






Tyler!