Thanks to Sgt. Dan for originally writing the FAQ

PlayStation 2


FAQ


General PS2 questions

Q. Is there a PS2 Boot Disc, like on DreamCast?

A. NO! A AR2/GS2/DVDX/XFM might quailify as a boot disc but they still need a swap trick or modchip aswell.

Q. Is it possible to play PSX games on PS2?

A. Yes, with a few exeptions

Q. Can I play VCDs on my PS2?

A. Yes. If you have the right software.

Q. Is it possible to play PS2 games on PSX?

A. No, don't be stupid :D

Q. Is it possible to save PS2 game data to a PSX memory card?

A. No.

Q. Is it possible to use a PSX memory card in PS2?

A. For PSX only, yes.

Q. Are PSX multi-taps compatable either way?

A. Yes

Q. Are other accessories compatable either way?

A. Official controllers

Q. How much will original games cost?

A. Usually between £30 and £40 although some may go slightly higher

Q. Will there by a Platnum range of games? (PSX games at £19.99)

A. Not for a while yet, anyway.

Q. What about cables?

A. SCART cable comes with PS2 although it is possible to use your PSX RF unit.

Q. Is it true that some titles are in DVD format?

A. Some games are, yes.

Q. Is it possible to surf the internet with the PS2?

A. Eventually, yes. Modems are being arranged. Nothing has been confirmed about prices etc.

Q. Is it possible to play online games?

A. Eventually, yes although there have been to online games confirmed yet.

http://www.cdrom-guide.com/ubb/4MoDeRaToRs/SiGnAtUrE_ImAgEs/TUBS.gif

Making Backups
On this page you will find instructions on how to burn PS2 titles that are on a CD (Not DVD)

To see a list of titles and what format they are on I.E. CD or DVD, click here and click onto Games Archive.
---------------------------------------------

Straight CD to CD Copy

With?

CloneCD - Elaborate Bytes

Open CloneCD.

Click the Copy CD Picture (3rd Picture along)

Read Tab

Select your CD Reader.

Select your read speed. I suggest you keep it low.

Read SubChannel Data from Data Tracks: Checked

Read SubChannel Data from Audio Tracks: Checked

The other boxes can be left unchecked.

Image File Tab

Browse for the directory that you want the image file to be extracted to.

Check the Delete After Successful Write box if you wish.

Write Tab

Select your CD Writer.

Select your write speed. I strongly suggest you burn at a maximum of 4x.

Everything should be alright as it is.

Ignore the Global tab. It is not important.

Now click the Start Disc Copy button at the bottom.

CloneCD will then read the disc and when finished write to a blank disc.

Finished.

Note: This might have changed in more recent versions of CloneCD.

***

CDRWin - GoldenHawk

Open CDRWin.

Click the Backup Disc button (Second along)

Backup Mode: Copy To Image And Record

Image disk: Select your hard drive (Default)

CD Reader & CD Recorder: Set CD reader & CD recorder to the same (Always read with burner)

Reading Options

Read: Raw Sectors

Error Recovery: Ignore

Jitter Control: Disable

Subcode Analysis: Auto

Data Speed: Select Your Speed (Keep it low)

Audio Speed: Select Your Speed (Keep it low)

Read Retry Count: Select How Many Times You Want CDRWin To Retry Reading Damaged Data Before It Fails

Recording Options

Uncheck All Boxes On The Top Line

Number Of Discs To Backup: Select Number Of Discs

Number Of Copies: Select Number Of Copies You Want

Speed: Select Your Burning Speed (Keep it low)

Disc Transporter Mode: Disable

If you want, select Save Settings at the side

Hit Start.


CDRWin will soon tell you to insert a blank CD to write to.

Do so and CDRWin will have a new backup for you soon.

Finished.

***
---------------------------------------------

Extract the Image (.BIN)

With?

CDRWin - GoldenHawk

1) Open CDRWin

2) Click the Extract Disc/Tracks/Sectors (Middle button on the top row)

3) Extract Mode: Disc Image/Cuesheet

4) CD Reader: Select your reader

5) Browse to your chosen and name the image

6) RAW (Depending on writer), CD+G, CD-TEXT, MCN / ISRC all unchecked

7) Error Recovery: Ignore

8) Jitter Control: Disable

9) Subcode Analysis: Auto

10) Data Speed: Select your speed

11) Audio Speed: Select your speed

12) Read retry count: Anything from 2-10

13) Subcode Threshold: 300

14) Click Save Settings if you wish and click Start!

CDRWin will soon have a new image.

Finished.


***


BlindRead - VSO

1) Open BlindRead.

2) Select 'Dump the image of a CDROM'. and click Next.

3) Select the CDROM you wish to use.

4) Leave the boxes unchecked.

5) Browse to a location that you wish the image to be saved to and give it a name.

6) Select CDRWin/FireBurner (CUE, BIN) as the output format.

7) When finished click Next

8) Check 'Nibble'

9) Check 'Adapt Speed and select your read speed below (Think slow)

10) Click Read to begin.

BlindRead will soon have a new image.

Finished.

***

Now you will have a new PS2 image that you can edit or patch.

Patching the Image

With?

Universal EA Patcher by PaRaDoX

You will need CDMage as well as the patcher. Both are available at http://www.sgt-dan.com/ - Donwloads - Utilities.

Start CDMage and In the options window change the Default Extraction Folder to your EA Patcher home directory.

Open the .CUE file you just made.
Now you'll see this . image/ session 1 /track 1
Doubleclick on track 1.
Now you'll see the files of the image on the right side.
Now look for the .img file ( different filename for each game, just look for the .img file).
Double-click on Modules. Now the files will appear in order on the right.
Right-click the file ********.IMG and click extract.
Find the extracted file, right-click it and make sure it's not write protected.
Now start the EA Patcher and open the extracted file ********.IMG .
First leave test mode ON and click PATCH.
You will get the message: 'TSTMODE NOT PATCHING PATTERN FOUND !!!'.
Press OK.
Uncheck 'test mode' and press PATCH.
Now you'll get the message: 'Pattern Patched'.
Press OK to proceed
Now go back to CDMage and right-click on ********.IMG
Press IMPORT FILE.
Find the patched ********.IMG file and import it.
You'll get this message: 'File imported successfully'.
Press OK to proceed.
Now in the top left corner press 'File' and then 'Save As'.
Name it wahtever you chose.
Don't change anything in the pop-up window... Just press OK.
Wait for the message: 'Save completed successfully'.
Press OK.

Finished

PPF-O-Matic

This program requires you to have downlaoded the required .PFF file.

Firstly, extraxt the .NFO and .PPF from the ZIP file. Read the .NFO.

Now, laod the .PPF iamge by pressing the image of a floppy disc.

Now, do the same with the .BIN image you made earlier.

Hit 'Apply'

Finished.


***


Now you have to burn the image to a CD-R...


Burning the Image (.BIN)

With?

CDRWin

1) Open CDRWin.

2) Click the 'Record Disc' button (Top Left)

3) CDROM Recorder: Chose your burner

4) Click 'Load Cuesheet'.

5) Browse for the .CUE file you earlier created.

6) Uncheck 'Test Mode' etc.

7) Select your speed (Think slow)

8) Select 'Save Settings'

9) Click 'Start Recording'

CDRWin will now write the .BIN file to your CD-R.

Finished.


***

Burning .ISO Image

1) Open CDRWin

2) Click the 'File Backup and Tools' button (Second in from the right, top line).

3) Backup/Tool Operation: Record an ISO9660 Image File.

4) Image Filename: Browse for the .ISO image you wish to burn.

5) CD Recorder: Chose the burner that you wish to burn this image.

6) Disc Type: CDROM-XA.

7) Track Mode: Mode 2.

8) Select your speed (Think slow).

9) Check 'Finalize/Close Session'.

10) Check 'Write postgap'.

11) Leave the rest unchecked.

12) Click 'Save Settings'.

13) Click 'Start'.

CDRWin should soon have made you a new backup.


FINISHED

http://www.cdrom-guide.com/ubb/4MoDeRaToRs/SiGnAtUrE_ImAgEs/TUBS.gif

Booting Backups
It is strongly advised that you purchase a modchip. If you have a NEO4 (Non swap) then you don't have to worry but if you have a NEO2/2.2 or NEO Key then here are the booting methods...

NEO2/2.2

Normal Boot Method (PS2 Backups)
That standard method for PS2 backups using AR2/GS2
Insert the AR2/GS2 CD1
Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
Turn on the machine - will boot to a menu
Select START GAME
Select WITHOUT CODES
Press Eject
Swap AR2/GS2 disc with your PS2 backup
Press eject to close tray
Press X AS SOON as the tray closes
The game will now load


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Normal Boot Method 2 (PS2 Backups & AR2/GS2 v1.1)
Alternative normal method - has had greater success with v1.1 AR2/GS2
Insert the AR2/GS2 CD1
Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
Turn on the machine - will boot to a menu
Select START GAME
Select WITHOUT CODES
Screen will say Insert Disc - Press X
Press Eject
Swap AR2/GS2 disc with your PS2 backup
Press X - Wait for it to say Loading and background animation stops
Press eject to close tray
The game will now load


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


EA Boot Method (PS2 Backups)
This is the method for PS2 backups that won't boot with normal method
Insert the AR2/GS2 CD1
Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
Press and hold the reset button - machine will boot
Menu screen will appear
Select START GAME (Still holding Reset)
Select WITHOUT CODES (Still holding reset)
Let go of reset - tray will eject and stay open for 4 seconds
The disc will still be spinning when using AR2/GS2 v1.4 & above
Swap AR2/GS2 disc with your PS2 backup
Do not press eject - the tray will close automatically
Press X AS SOON as the tray closes
For AR2/GS2 v1.4 & above you need to select O + R1 instead of X
The game will now load


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


EA Boot Method 2 (PS2 Backups)
This is the alternative EA Method that seems to work for some people
Insert the AR2/GS2 CD1
Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
Press and hold the reset button - machine will boot
Menu screen will appear
Let go of reset - tray will eject and stay open for 4 seconds
The disc will still be spinning when using AR2/GS2 v1.4 & above
Leave the AR2/GS2 disc in and let the tray close
Select START GAME
Select WITHOUT CODES
Press Eject
Swap AR2/GS2 disc with your PS2 backup
Press Eject - Game will now load
Press X
If you have v1.4 you may need to press O + R1 instead of X
If you have 1.5 or above you may have to press Triangle + Circle + Square + X
The game will now load


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


DVD Rip Boot Method (PS2 DVD Rips)
Another alternative method for troublesome discs
Insert the AR2/GS2 CD1
Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
Press and hold the reset button - machine will boot
Menu screen will appear
Let go of reset - tray will eject and stay open for 4 seconds
The disc will still be spinning when using AR2/GS2 v1.4 & above
Swap AR2/GS2 disc with your DVD Rip backup
Select START GAME
Select WITHOUT CODES
Press eject till tray comes out halfway then press eject again
Press X AS SOON as the tray closes
For AR2/GS2 v1.4 & above you need to select O + R1 instead of X
The game will now load


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ready to Rumble 2 Boot Method (Alternative Method)
Some people had trouble with Ready to Rumble 2 and this seemed to fix it
Uses the normal EA Boot Method to boot the game
As soon as the game starts to check the Memory Card Press EJECT
Wait a couple of seconds until the main R2R screen appears
Close the tray and the game should now work ok


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


How to boot PSX backups & PS2 originals
Wouldn't it be great if all backups booted like this !
Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
Boot as normal - no special method


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


How to boot PSX originals
This technique simply deactivates the chip
Insert your PSX original
Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
Press reset for 1 second (Until blue light comes on) then let go
Game will now boot as normal - the chip is deactivated


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


How to boot PSX imports

Insert your PSX original
Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
Turn on the machine
Press eject just before the PSX LOGO SCREEN
Swap with your PSX import backup
Press eject to close the tray
The game will now load
You also have the option to patch your imports with the PATCH IT tool which can be downloaded by clicking here. For more utilities and tutorials please visit our links page.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


How to reset the AR2/GS2 back to its factory settings
Do this if your system suddenly becomes unreliable at booting PS2 backups using the normal method - you will lose any saves.
Insert your AR2/GS2 CD1
Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
Hold all the top buttons (R1 + R2 + L1 + L2) and press start
Turn on the machine (Keep buttons held)
You will get a message to reset to factory defaults
Press X
Restart the machine
The AR2/GS2 has now been reset


NEO Key

1) Load The AR2/GS2 With NEO Key off
2) Start Game
3) Choose Without Codes
4) Turn On The NEO Key
5) The Screen should say 'Please Insert Game Disc' Eject the CD and put in backup
6) Hold R1 and O as the tray is closing
7) The screen will Say 'Loading'


DVD-R Backups

This has been confirmed to work on PAL machines with NEO2.2 + AR2 1.7. It may work with other versions but has not been tested as yet.

1) Turn on the ps2 with AR2 1.7 (holding down the ON/RESET)
2) Select Start Game (Still Holding ON/Reset)
3) Press EJECT (while still holding the ON/RESET button) and swap AR21.7 with DVD demo.
4) Press EJECT to close (Wait 10 seconds)
5) Then select WITHOUT CODES. Wait until disc stops.
6) Now let go of reset and the tray comes out, Swap DVD demo for a backup DVD-R (In this case GT3 A-Spec JAP) press X just as the tray starts to go back in (IMPORTANT)

Note: The DVD Boot disc HAS to have a bigger TOC than the DVD-R. For example Onimusha TOC is 3.8GB so the DVD Demo disc would not boot it, but using Rayman original would as it is 4.1GB.

FINISHED

http://www.cdrom-guide.com/ubb/4MoDeRaToRs/SiGnAtUrE_ImAgEs/TUBS.gif

Q: I don't have a modchip. Can I still play backups?
A: Yes... If you are too poor to buy a modchip or don't want to buy one for whatever reason you can use these methods...

Note that is recmended you buy a modchip!


No Modchip Swap Methods
These will open the disk drive tray.


How to unclip the front door of the disc drive Originally posted by TUBS - November 2000

Get a small flathead screwdriver (like the one you get in those micro screwdriver kits)

The front of the drawer tray is simply clipped on at each end... So, taking great care, ( with the tray open ) unclip it with the screwdriver. Take caution! Otherwise you might snap off one of the clips!


COG method Originally posted by TUBS - November 2000

Firstly unclip the disc drive tray (shown above)

There is a small hole at the bottom of where the tray was. It's about 2/3 along, if you look in there you will see a white cog. You might have to move the PS2 under a light to see it, because it is only a small hole.

Then using a screwdriver turn the cog a bit at a time towards the front of the PS2 (With the PS2 in a flat position, the cog turns clockwise.) It is a bit stiff but it will turn OK.
If you are turning it the right way you will see a white plate above where the disk is start to move, keep turning... Out pops the tray.


KNIFE method Originally posted by TUBS - December 2000

(3 Steps)

Firstly unclip the disc drive tray (shown above)

Step 1: Close the disc drive. If possible get a small flash light. Shine a light underneath where the disk tray is With the PS2 in the horizontal position, about a third from right, you will see a white pin.

Step 2: Using a plastic knife slide the pin to the far right, and the tray will pop out.

Step 3: After you have swapped disks, push the tray firmly back in and, using the knife, make sure the white pin has moved as far left as it can go.

For DVD Region X users... (By SpaceMonkey)

Put the "dvd region x" dongle into slot 2

Put your ps2 mem card into slot 1

Load the "dvd region x" boot disk.

At the main "select the region" screen use the knife swap method to open the drive tray.
(do not use the x button or the eject button)

Replace the "dvd region x" disk with your backup game.

Push the drive tray back into place
(dont whack it back in, be carefull)

Now move the white locking pin back into
position (from the right to the center)

Press "start" on controller 1 and the game will load.

The above swap methods DO save you warranty.

How to perform the swop trick using the Action Replay 2 cheat cartridge (only for PSX/PS1 backups) works on UK/US PS2.

Remove the front of the disk drive tray (above) insert your action replay 2 into one of the memory card slots, turn on your PS2 and insert disk 2 of the disks that come with the AR2. Flick through the boot screens and select any cheats you may want ect. When you get to the screen that prompts you to open your PS2 and insert your games disk. DO NOT press the eject button, instead, use the 'cog' method (above) to open the drive. Once you have got the disk out, swap disks for a PS1/PSX backup. Firmly push the tray all the way in and close the tray, making sure you turn the cog or move the white pin, until the disk is locked in. At no point upto now should you have touched the eject or power button.
Now you may change the AR2 for your PS1/PSX memory card, if you wish.
Hit the 'X' button and play!!
Takes about 30 seconds to do, so although it might be a bit of grief doing it for every game, it might save your guarantee.


RegionX Boot Method (By Maildodge)

Yesterday I thought I might be able to boot copies by changing certain files on a game so it thinks it is a DVD movie but then loads a game. Today I tried the idea with no luck.

I then started to push every button my controller. Everytime 'x' was pushed it would normally load the DVD but this time only froze. I then tried it again and accidentally pushed 'select' it then took me to another screen stating my DVD Player was not compatible with DVD Region X and asked to enter key. I thought nothing of it and went back to the menu screen.

I then pushed the 'start' button, again accidentally. This then restarted the DVD Region X CD. Then it hit me what if I perform swap trick then push start. So I decided to use my PS2 tool from: http://www.ps2tool.20m.com/ and put in my Fifa game from: http://www.cheapgames.20m.com/

I then pushed the Start button and to my surprise it loaded perfectly. I then thought it would only load games like AR2 (all those below 488mb) But I decided to test MTV 2 (did not load with AR2) this also loaded fine. Next I went one step further and decided to try Starfighter (the game nobody can boot without a chip) and to my surprise it booted fine. Just to make sure it worked I decided to play the first level and it did not have one glitch.

All day I have been testing differnet games and did not come across no problems except for F1 2001.

I looked at this game in my computer and saw that it was 684mb, I looked at Starfighter and this was 630mb (something like that).

So I decide to test the limit of the 'Region X Boot' AR2 limit was 488mb so I thought this one must have a bigger one.

Firstly I added a dummy file to Fifa 2001 so the Fifa movie was just below 650mb. This loaded fine. I then went to the next step and added a dummy file so the movie was at 680mb, the game loaded but crashed when it was supposed to load the movie.

This means the 'Region X Boot'has got a limit around 650mb. This is fine for most games but if any game is over this size it will only require one small movie file to be ripped.

Because I cannot read the CD in my drive I cannot be sure of the exact size.

There you go. That is how you load most if not all copies, I mean backups

The only thing I am still unsure of is the 'select' screen as it states my DVD player is not compatible I am unsure whether this makes a differnece to booting copies.

Method Used: 'Region X Boot'

Thanks to Mailedodge and SpaceMonkey for the above booting methods

http://www.cdrom-guide.com/ubb/4MoDeRaToRs/SiGnAtUrE_ImAgEs/TUBS.gif

Jargon Busting
'AR2'

Action Replay 2 - This product lets you play games with cheat codes and can be used as a boot disc for the NEO2/2.2 modchip. PAL Only.

'GS2'

Game Shark 2 - This product lets you play games with cheat codes and can be used as a boot disc for the NEO2/2.2 modchip. NTSC Only.

'XFM'

Xtreme FM - Another of the above. Also comes with radio.

'DVDX'

DVD Region X - Another of the above. Also allows you to play import DVDs.

'PAL'
PAL is the European TV format.

'NTSC'
NTSC is the US/JAP TV format.


'Boot Methods/Swap Tricks'
They are generally ways of tricking your games console into booting backups etc.

'Modchip'
A modchip is used to modify your games console to make it have more and better features than it was first released.

'NEO/2/2.2'

NEO2 and NEO2.2 are types of modchip produced by NEO Technologies.

'NEO Key'

A modchip, also produced by NEO Technologies used in the PS2 USB port.

'NEO3'

NEO3 was going to be the next NEO2 until NEO4 was discovered. Read next entry below.

'NEO4'

NEO4 is the first Non Swap Modchip for the PS2.

'HEX' A hex is the code that a modchip is made up of. It can be burned to a blank chip.

'Patching/Patches'

Patching is used to enhance features or remove protections from certain titles.

'FTP'

File Transfer Protocol - An easy way to upload and download files.

'IRC'

Internet Relay Chat - Used to chat to others. Can be used to share files

'ISO'

File(s) taken from a CD.

'Image'

As above.

'Coaster'

A CD that has been burnt unsuccessfully.

'CD-R/DVD-R'

A blank CD or DVD.

'Release Groups' A release group, believe it or not, release games, patches etc.

http://www.cdrom-guide.com/ubb/4MoDeRaToRs/SiGnAtUrE_ImAgEs/TUBS.gif

Originally Posted by DGR On 17/08/2001

hey
thought that i'd write a lil' bought how to boot dvdrs / silvers WITHOUT a neo2.2!!!

(NB, this has not been tried yet but should work, I will try it as soon as i get a dvdr, SOON!)

As you know, with neo2.2, u boot a AR2v1.7, then swop and put a dvd demo in. the ps2 uses this as the toc. this swop was a normal swop, the neo2.2 was never used.

u go to start - no codes and put the dvdr in. Press x. this was an EA swop, the toc of the dvd demo was used.

Now neokey is unable to do an EA swop (u have to use patches for ea games), but KNIFE METHOD = EA SWOP. thats why some large games don't work with AR2 but do with dvd region x.

So without a neo2.2:

1. Load AR2v1.7
2. Press eject. Put dvd demo in.
3. Pres eject to close
4. Go to start - no codes
5. Do the knife swop, put dvdr in, press X
6. DVDR boots!

NB - You can use the cog, pulley or knife method for swop 2.

NB2 - DVD demo toc must be larger than DVDR toc.

NB3 - IF you don't have AR2v1.7 (and don't want to shell out for it), you can use a backup of it. You use dvd region x or AR2 to boot it, but obviously you need a dongle. This swop can be done using neokey or knife method. (I am testing this now, it seems i'm having problems loading AR2v1.7 backup with AR2v1.0 + knife / neokey )

NB4 - You need AR2v1.7 or 1.9 for this to work. these are only available for PAL. however, i'm not sure if u can boot the AR2v1.7 ON A US MACHINE (ie use a GS to boot it). it may be possible to thus play dvd backups on a US machine! someone test this.

thats about it for now.

If you're not sure which version PS2 you have, take a look at this PS2 Console Identification Guide (http://www.consolechips.com/ps2-version-identify.htm) provided by consolechips.com.

They've got some handy photos, too, so you should find out exactly which version PS2 you have and then buy the correct modchip to fit that model!

Enjoy!

Cheddar! :D

Originally POSTED by ssjgoku4ever (feb 10-2k2)

**** NONE OF THE WORK FOUND IN THIS DOCUMENT IS MINE, I COMPILED IT FROM VARIOUS PS2 BOARDS AND I GIVE THE CREDIT TO THOSE AND ONLY THOSE WHO WROTE THE INFO.****

I thought this may be helpful, and to those who are going to read this post and say "HEY I DISCOVERED THAT", that's right you did and I give you all the credit but unfortunately I can't remeber everybody who wrote this stuff, so a general THANK YOU goes out to those who made this possible, you know who you are.

**************************************************
**********
GS 1.93 INFO & BOOTING W/ NEO 2.5 DVD


BOOTING METHODS
A) DVDR swap with GameShark 2 Version 2.01

1. Insert Gameshark2 Version2.01 CD into PS2 tray
2. Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
3. Turn on PS2 by holding the RESET until the Green Reset light and the Blue eject button begins to flash together.
4. Release the RESET button (Note: that both lights will continue to flash)
5. After a few moments the tray will open and then swap the Gameshark disk with an original DVD game with a larger TOC. (eg. Devil may Cry)
6. After the tray closes select START GAME, WITHOUT CODES, then press the X button on the controller.
7. Press Eject within 5 to 10 seconds and be prepared to swap original disk with the backup copied DVD-R disk. Press Eject to Close.
8. DVDR Backup will now start.

If any of the above steps are not working for you, ensure you have the NEO2.5 DVDR soldered in precisely and correctly and there are no cold solder joints. I have personally tested this method using the NEO2.5 DVDR and GameShark2 V2.01 and have booted 8 different DVDR Backups.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Although the above mentioned method has worked for me, for those who are still having problems, the below more complicated method has been proven to work:

Your PS2 must be configued to play DVDR Backups first:
1. Place GameShark2 Version 2.01 into the PS2 and press Reset
2. Select GameShark Codes and Press X
3. Select Add New Game, then Press X
4. Press X 3x. Each time, Updating Code List, Please Wait will then be displayed.
5. Hold the Reset button until it turns Red.
*** The above procedure needs only to be done once ***

Booting DVDR Backups:
1. Place the GameShark2 V2.01 disc into the PS2, then hold Reset Button untill it turns Red
2. Then Press the Reset Button and keep it held. The Reset Button will eventually turn green and the GameShark2 main menu will be displayed.
3. Highlight the GameShark2 Codes, do not press X
4. Press Eject and Swap the GameShark2 disk for the disk with the larger TOC.
5. Press Eject to close the tray and wait at least 10 seconds
6. Press X, highlight New Games and Press X
7. New Code should already be highlighted, with either an empty box to its left, or one with a 'tick' in it.
8. Press X to add or remove the 'tick' the press Start
9. The screen should now say With Code/Without Code. Hightlight With Code.
10. Now you can let go of the Reset Button, the begin pressin X continuously until the screen Updating Code List is displayed.
11. The disk tray will open and you will have a short time to replace the Original disk with the DVDR Backup. The tray will close automatically.
12. The screen will then go black for a while and the game will load.

B)
Normal Boot Method (PS2 Backups)
1. Insert the GameShark2 CD 1
2. Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
3. Turn on the machine by holding the RESET button until the blue light on the EJECT button begins flashing - release RESET button
4. After 25 seconds the disc tray will automatically open and you must swap the GameShark2 disc with your PS2 backup - you have 5 seconds to perform the disc swap before the disc tray automatically closes
5. Select START GAME
6. Select WITHOUT CODES
7. Press X to begin loading the game

Normal Boot Method 2 (PS2 Backups)
1. Insert the GameShark2 CD 1
2. Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
3. Turn on the machine by holding the RESET button until the green light on the RESET button begins flashing - release RESET button
4. After 25 seconds the disc tray will automatically open and you must swap the GameShark2 disc with your PS2 backup - you have 5 seconds to perform the disc swap before the disc tray automatically closes
5. Select START GAME
6. Select WITHOUT CODES
7. Press X to begin loading the game

DVD-R Boot Method (PS2 Backups)*
1. Insert the GameShark2 CD 1
2. Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
3. Turn on the machine by holding the RESET button until the green light on the RESET button and the blue light on the eject button begin flashing - release RESET button
4. After 25 seconds the disc tray will automatically open and you must swap the GameShark2 disc with an original DVD-ROM based PS2 game which has a larger TOC (table of contents) than that of your DVD-R copy (click here for a TOC size database) - you have 5 seconds to perform the disc swap before the disc tray automatically closes
5. Once the disc tray closes the RESET button light will become red and joypad operation will be interrupted for 5 seconds at which time the RESET button light will begin flashing green.
6. Select START GAME
7. Select WITHOUT CODES - the disc tray will automatically open
8. Swap the original DVD-ROM based game with your DVD-R backup copy - you have 5 seconds to perform the disc swap before the disc tray automatically closes
9. Press X to begin loading the game



EA Patcher Boot Method(PS2 Backups)
1. Download the EA Patcher package by clicking here and read the included EA Patcher tutorial carefully.
2. Insert the GameShark2 CD 1
3. Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
4. Turn on the machine by holding the RESET button until the blue light on the EJECT button begins flashing - release RESET button
5. After 25 seconds the disc tray will automatically open and you must swap the GameShark2 disc with your PS2 backup - you have 5 seconds to perform the disc swap before the disc tray automatically closes
6. Select START GAME
7. Select WITHOUT CODES
8. Press X to begin loading the game

How to boot PSX backups
1. Insert your PSX backup copy
2. Turn on the machine by holding the RESET button until the red light on the RESET button begins flashing - release RESET button
3. Game will now boot

How to boot PSX and PS2 originals and DVD movies
1. Insert your PSX original
2. Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
3. Turn on the machine by pressing the RESET button so that the green light on the REST button is constantly illuminated
4. Game will now boot as normal - the chip is deactivated

How to reset the GameShark2 back to its factory settings
1. Insert the GameShark2 CD 1
2. Power off the PS2 for 5 seconds
3. Hold all the top buttons (R1 + R2 + L1 + L2) and press start
4. Turn on the machine (Keep buttons held). You will get a message to reset to factory defaults
5. Press X
6. Restart the machine
7. The GameShark2 has now been reset

FINDING GS 1.93
A) I was out looking for another v1.93 today. I couldn't find any with the sticker over the UPC. I knew that not all v1.93 have that sticker since my first one didn't. The trick was being able to tell the difference between the 2.01 and 1.93 without opening it. Not and easy job. I bought one from software etc that was in the older box with all the marking of my first v1.93(rebate offer/6,000 codes/ 7 41948 22806 3 & G-22806SM for the UPC codes). It turned out to be v2.01. I exchanged it for another that too turned out to be v2.01. I then just got a refund to go try somewhere else. I went to ToysRUs. This would never be my choice because they sell alot of GS and would most likely have only the v2.01 in stock. Not to mention that they wont give refunds like software etc. I was surprised to see two v1.6(version sticker on box), one v1.9(version sticker on box), and a bunch with no version sticker but in the older box design. I didnt what to waste $50 and get another version 2.01. To my surprise the manager agreed to open the box that had the version 1.9 sticker on it. It turned out to be a v1.9. Now what do I do? Keep looking somewhere else for the ones with the sticker over the UPC or risk loosing $50 by tring one of the boxes with no version sticker in the older box? Then I thought about something. **Important Part** The v2.01 all come with cardboard in the box to secure the disk so they dont move so much. The only thing that moves a little is the dong since its no longer in that plastic case. This make the box a little heavier and make less noise when you shake it lightly. I went threw all the older design boxes and held them on the narrow side and slowly shook them to hear and feel how much movement there was. There was and easy to tell difference in some of them. I figured the v.193 ones would be the ones with the most movement in the box since there is no cardboard securing the disk or the dong. I pick one and ask the manager if the would open this one too. He said "this is the last one I will open for you". Bingo v1.93 in the older box design with no sticker over the orginal UPC.

Things to do:
Look for the older box design.(6,000 codes, $5 rebate on shark port)
1.Look for the UPC sticker over the origanl UPC. No luck goto #2
2.Look for the UPC numbers (7 41948 22806 3 with G-22806SM ). If there is a box with 13,000 codes(v2.01) around shake it and compare the feel with boxes with 6,000 codes. Your looking for one with no cardboard inside, so it will have alot of movement of the stuff inside. It will also feels lighter(just a little). If you can find one it will mostlikely be v1.93 with a small chance of v1.92.

The sound and feel difference is pretty easy to notice if you find one.

B) *MIGHT NOT WORK- FOR NEO 2.2 PRO*
If you have a neo 2.2 in 8 wire mode and a GS 2.01
this is how you boot

I haven’t tried it since I have a 1.90 and mines works for my version 4 but I have confired that this has worked on a version 1 ps2 with a neo 2.2 and GS 2.01

Give it a try

I boot dvdr-s perfectly fine all the time with my GS2 v2.01.....

It works, there's not doubt about it...

I have v4 PS2, neo 2.2 and GS2 v2.01....

Here's the exact boot method, u don't need dave mirra codes or anything, just do it like this and ur dvdr will boot everytime:

1. Load GS2 v2.01
2. Select GAMESHARK CODES, Press X
3. Select ADD NEW GAME, Press X
4. Press X (Updating Code List Please Wait)
5. Press X (Updating Code List Please Wait)
6. Press X (Updating Code List Please Wait)

You only have to do that once, Now you are ready to play DVD-R backups

1) Turn on the ps2 with GS2 2.01 (holding down the ON/RESET)
2) Select GAMESHARK CODES (Still Holding ON/Reset)
3) Press EJECT (while still holding the ON/RESET button) and swap GS2 2.01 with DVD demo (DMC works well).
4) Press EJECT to close (Wait 10 seconds Still Holding ON/Reset)
5) Then Press X (Still Holding ON/Reset)
6) Make sure -–NEW GAME—is highlighted, Press X (Still Holding ON/Reset)
7) Select –New Code— (Still Holding ON/Reset)
8) Press X (Still Holding ON/Reset)*
9) Press Start (Still Holding ON/Reset)
10) Press X
11) You should now be on 'Start game with codes enabled. Insert disc and press X to start or press O to go back.' screen.
12) Release ON/Reset and press X at the same time, Tray will open on its own
13)Put DVDr in and let the draw close itself. DVDr will now boot.

I know it sounds like a lot of steps, but its really not, once u see what ur doing on screen and u successfully acomplish this once, u can do it everytime no problems....works for me.

**************************************************
**********

Whoa, lookie, the FAQ needs a little updating.....bringing it up just as well as it still answers a lot.

^^^Bump^^^

Did you know if you click on that white arrow with a blue box around it next to a subject & select 'open in new window' that it opens to the last message you read in that subject?

1) Gameshark/Action Replay CDs can be backuped.
2)Most PS2s cannot play CD-RWs.
3)There is No emautlor for the PC which runs PS2 Games.
4)Most people say Verbatim DataLife Plus Blank Media is the best.

Bump^^

Apple dvd blanks seem to be favored.

Cannot play vcds on the ps2. You can make a short svcd-ish thing that plays ten minutes worth.

You can play vcds on the computer, free.

wouldn't it be better if this was a sticky

The PS2 Can Play MP3's using the EGBrowser, or the MP3 Player..but it is alot of hastle...
^Bump^

**Konga123's Tutorial to Burning the Gameshark**

How To Burn the Gameshark/Action Replay:
1)Put the Gameshark/Action Replay CD into your burner (the PC will most likely lock itself up for about 7 seconds)
2)Open up the latest version of Clone CD.
3)Select the very first icon (Read To Image File) - It has a picture of a CD and glasses.
4)Select the Burner as the CD-Reader, click Next.
5)Double Click on 'Game CD'.
6)Select the Destination on your PC where you would like to store the CD.
7)Tick the Box for "Create a Cue Sheet".
8)Click OK to Begin the reading process.
9)Once Reading 100%, successfull, Use CDR-Win, or Clone CD, to burn the image.

To Do This (Burn the Image):
Clone CD: (When it asks what to Burn to, you select your burner...)
1)Open Clone CD.
2)Click on the second icon (Write Image to CD) - Has a picture of a CD and a pencil.
3)Locate the image in browse, click Next.
4)Double Click on "Game CD".
5)Leave all Settings, as is.
6)Burn, and boot.

CDR-Win
1)Load up CDR-Win.
2)Click "Record to CD" - Very First Icon
3)Click "Load Cue Sheet" - And Find it. (image's cue sheet - in same folder as image)
4)Leave all current settings.
5)Click Start Recording.
6)Burn, and boot.

-Konga123

So there is no way to play DVDr's with a NeoKey and Gameshark 2

Originally posted by TUBS
[B]Thanks to Sgt. Dan for originally writing the FAQ

PlayStation 2



Q. Can I play VCDs on my PS2?

A. Yes. If you have the right software.



Which software would that be?:round: :tup:
Thanks

Another FAQ for this site seems to be in relation to a Debugging station, also known as a Test box **takes a deep breath** a test box is a development kit with exactly the same amount of RAM as a normal PS2 NO it isn't really big and blue, NO it doesn't look any different from the ordinary PS2 except for the word "test" on top instead of PS2 and YES it is legitimate hardware...anyways, a common question is how do you play PS2 backups on it? Someone named Krazie figured it out then disappeared