PS2 Hard Drive Mod

Here is a guide I wrote a long time ago about modding a PS2, archiving it here:

Step 1: Explanation/ Introduction

The whole idea behind this mod is to be able to have games load off the hard drive. Basically what happens is there is boot software stored on the memory card. The disc in the drive is called a trigger disc, which will call the memory card boot loader. When the system starts up the game in the drive, it starts loading off the memory card. Essentially the memory card will crash the system, and then load a program that will allow you to access and load from the hard drive. This is especially useful if your drive no longer reads PS2 discs.

The network adapter is necessary for hard drive and network connection. It will allow you to connect an IDE drive to the PS2 and then connect this to your computer so you can transfer games from your computer. (After you legally purchase them of course!)

Step 2: Materials

You will need the following:

1. A Playstation 2 that can at least read PS1 discs and music CD's

2. A memory card, preferably above 8mb because the software needed takes up save game space.

**Look in the back of the PS2 and remove the cover to hard drive slot.**

3. An IDE hard drive (you might want to have >100gb because each game is approx. 3-4 gb)

4. The PS2 network adapter. It is an accessory that is no longer made, so eBay is probably your best bet to pick up a used one. Prices range from ~$20 - $35. This is where the hard drive will connect to the PS2 and the PS2 will connect to your router/computer.

Notice that the back of the adapter has ports for a molex and IDE connector, and a connector to the back of the PS2.

5. A trigger disc. This is one of many PS1 and PS2 games, depends mostly on the list you put in the software later.

Step 2: Install the hardware.

Simple place the hard drive you purchased into the PS2. Connect the network adapter to it. If your network adapter did not come with a disc, then contact me about getting it because you need that to format the hard drive. You might be able to find one online as well.

Step 3: Install the software.

You will need the HDloader software and the bootELF software. This is no longer available online as far as I know, and cannot be transferred using the PS2 browser. Let me know and I can sell you a memory card preloaded.

Here is what you do if you have the bootElf software:

Notice that the Playstation file browser will show the necessary data as corrupted data.

So, you will need to use the filebrowser in bootELF.

Make sure that you have both directories: BADATA-SYSTEM and SYS-CONF

These will contain the data needed to run the bootloader. Once you have those on your memory card, you can restart the PS2 and it should automatically start the bootloader.

The bootloader should have a startup screen like this:

and should display the list of your games like such:

So now you are wondering, "How do I put games on my Playstation 2?" The answer is simple. Use a free program called HdlDump - download here

Attach your PS2 to a router, then set the static IP on the router to 192.168.0.150 (default for mine, can be changed to your liking)

Then, run HdlDump and put in the IP of the PS2. This should access the hard drive, then allow you to put ISO's of the games on the system. If you have a .mds file or other, just mount the game file, then select the optical drive it is mounted in.

This should have you up and running!

Have fun playing your games off your hard drive, and remember this is for backing up your purchased games.

Legal Disclaimer: Please do not use this method to put pirated games on your system. You know this is illegal, and I cannot be held responsible if you use my method to do something illegal. What I am doing here is simply explaining how to backup games I already own.