Pioneer DVD R A04 Question

[tgmyuma]

I have a pioneer DVD R A04 and i was wondering how to make backups of PS2 games do i need a mod chip? or a boot disc? if so what type of mod chip do i need or what boot disc do i need.

[Jay_83]

ok. here goes.

firstly you have the a04. good choice. as you already know ps2 games come on 2 formats. either cd or dvd. with ur drive you can backup both.

secondly, yes you do need a modchip. if you get the messiah modchip then you have no messing around. just pop the backup in and it boots straight away.
boot discs (Such as action replay2/gameshark) are only needed for booting methods with other chips (Or if ur shit at games) but if u have the choice just get a messiah.

[charlie_ps2]

I'll assume that you have an original game to copy such as one you have bought and wish to protect. You will need a modchip for your PS/PS2, copying software & the right PC hardware for the burning job. I recommend the Yamaha 2100/2200S (or E) CD-RW for optimum compatibility for read & write with the recommended copying software. If you take an EIDE connected burner, ensure that it is placed on the secondary IDE channel else the device will slow down the hard disk & buffer under-runs are likely to occur (non-burn-proof writers).

Go to <http://www.megagames.com> or <http://www.ps2ownz.com/> or <http://www.psxcopyworld.co.uk> for detailed advice on what follows.

The basics are:

1/
You’ll need to get the PS/PS2 chipped to allow backups to play. Choose a modchip from http://www.channeltechnology.com , <http://www.playstationmods.com> or <http://www.madeiragames.com>. An internal mod is recommended and should be professionally fitted if you are not a soldering whizzo. You could also visit <http://www.modchip.com> for their solution, especially in the USA.

2/
You will then need copying & patching software. I recommend just two programs and in my view you need them both: they are CLONECD & CDR-WIN. The former makes 1:1 copies (you'll need the tutorial from one of the above mentioned sites). Thus if you have an unprotected game (megagames.com lists games for which there are patches & the type of patch required; you could also visit <http://www.sgt-dan.com/> and <http://www.ps2ownz.com> for lists/databases of games & their patches). If the game is of the same denomination as your PS/PS2 (e.g. PAL), CLONECD does the job perfectly. CDR-WIN stages the CD copy to your PC's hard disk so that you can patch the game as necessary (with PPF-O-MATIC.EXE downloaded from megagames.com together with the patches); then you burn the game back to the CD with CDR-Win. Settings are important so get the tutorial.

3/
For the above to work properly, your CD-R MUST be compatible with the burning programs. The sites from which you download the programs list the compatible devices. CDR-WIN 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 standard (like PAL) then the game may or may not play in colour. There are patches to change this or you could buy a convertor that sits between your TV and the PS/PS2. I have one of these because I hate patching & the patches don't always work.

5/
Your biggest challenges will be DVD games & Protected Games. DVD games can noe be backed up using PrimoDVD software. Sgt Dan's site describes how to boot from a DVD backup using the NEO2 modchip solution. Nero 5.5 will burn DVDs in a suitable fashion but I haven't tried it. The cheapest DVD burner & the cost of media make it still worthwhile to buy the damn DVD game! Protected games are likely to be an increasing issue. Megagames, Sgt Dan and PS2ownz are usually cute here but for EA games, go to <http://www.eapatcher.com.>.

6/
Finally an explanation of why the foregoing is necessary. Sony have gone to a lot of trouble to stop people backing up their games. Sony accomplish this by going through some clever pre-boot stuff that identifies from info pressed onto the CD/DVD whether or not the media is original. So we always have to boot with compliant media (developed, for example, with the Sony OEM kit), pause the process, swap in the copy game (patched for NTSC/PAL or copy protection defeat), & carry on.
This forum has more than 25,000 subscribers. I'd bet that the bulk of them started off like you. It's not that difficult when you've done it once, especially with CloneCD.

Good luck & I hope this reply has been helpful

[tgmyuma]

thanks alot....your help is apreciateed.....and charlie_ps2 wanna hope you noticed I have a DVD Burner not a CD Burner(well i do but thats differnt)

[tgmyuma]

Would one of you happen to know where i can get a Messiah Mod Chip for a US PS2 30001? one that is simple like i can just pop it in , in the back without messing my ps2 up...?

[charlie_ps2]

The proper US Messiah is due out imminently. It has 23 wires or maybe just 11 if the clip is bought.

Get it professionally installed.