I read there was a way to play PS1 backups on PS2 by taping something in the PS2 then using a real PS1 disc to boot the PS1 backup disc. can someone tell me more on how this works or if it works at all.
There are several ways to do this. I would recommend trying the easy way first (no mod, no swap). This method only works on certain slims, not sure which versions. As far as your question of hardmodding your PS2, you should only do this if you are A)comfortable working with electronics and B)comfortable voiding your warranty (assuming it's still valid). Hardmodding your slim requires two internal switches to be permanently fixed to the ON position and a third switch to be semi-permanently fixed to the ON position. Some tuts will instruct you to permanently fix the front sensor to the ON position, but I wouldn't recommend it as that front switch can be used for many exploits.
Limited easy boot:
STEP 1: Place backup in disc tray and close lid.
STEP 2: Turn PS2 power on and keep your hand resting on lid with thumb on power button.
STEP 3: When you feel the vibration of the disc beginning to slow, tap the power button to reset, wait 1 second then tap again (double reset).
If your slim is the right type the game should load. If not, try this..
Hot swap method (requires hardmod/retail disc):
STEP 1: Place retail game in disc tray (any region-friendly, retail or demo PS1 disc will work)
STEP 2: Leaving disc tray lid open, power up your PS2.
STEP 3: Right before the in-game splash screen (PS LOGO) disappears remove retail disc (while spinning) and replace with backup (while spinning). If done correctly the game should continue passed the splash screen and be playable.
Alternate hot swap:
STEP 1: Power up your PS2 with no game, and navigate to Browser.
STEP 2: Place retail disc in tray.
STEP 3: Remove front sensor block (or flip switch if you did advanced hardmod) then put it back in.
STEP 4: Disc should read and disc icon will show up in browser window, highlight disc icon but dont press any buttons yet.
STEP 5: Remove retail disc (while spinning) and replace with backup (while spinning).
STEP 6: Press X and enjoy your game.
Swap method is not recommended as you are causing friction on moving parts that were not designed to handle the stress. That said, the easiest way to remove/replace spinning games is to apply enough pressure to the center of the disc mount to bog the speed down to little or no RPM (do this as quickly and gently as possible). There are many other methods to accomplish PSX backups on PS2 slim/phat. Swapmagic CD version, modchip, homebrew softmod, are a few of them. Using some of those solutions will require a normal swap from retail disc to backup (without disc spinning). Hardmod is required for almost all methods. Tutorials/Instructions can be easily found via google/youtube with the keywords "PS2 hardmod" or "hardmod PS2 slim". Some are more complicated than others (solder vs solderless, switch or no switch).
NOTE: Keep in mind that not all PS2 slims are the same, some methods work on some versions, other methods on other versions.
No prob. Something I would like to add if you are new to backups... Always keep a digital copy of your backup on your computer or a mass storage device. The purpose of a backup is to keep your retail game from being ruined. If at any time your backup and retail are ruined, recreating a backup becomes impossible. Then you are forced to explore alternative legal-grey-area solutions. Always better to have that digital copy on-hand in my experience. Hope everything works out, and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.
