Originally posted by orthogonl:

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Game Releases
Games are usually distributed in a number of RAR-archives (compressed files). This has been done to facilitate the actual download of the release. You only need to extract the first file in the sequence (usually named game.rar or game.r001/.001) and the rest of the files will be uncompressed automatically. If you need step-by-step instructions on how to extract RAR archives, see Hursty's WinRAR Guide. When the files have been extracted (uncompressed), a CD/DVD image file will be produced. The CD/DVD image is an exact digital replica of a CD/DVD, whereby all of the data is stored in one file to completely preserve the data structure and integrity of the CD/DVD. Some common disk image formats include: .BIN/.CUE, .IMG, .NRG, .MDF/.MDS, .CCD, and .IMG. These disk images can be burned using software such as Nero, Alcohol 120%, DVD Decrypter, and ImgBurn. See the sticky threads at the top of the PS2 DVD Backup forum if you need help in using these programs.

Often times, you will find an .NFO and a .SFV file with releases. The .NFO file is a text file with information about the release. The files are designed by ASCII artists and can be read with Damn NFO Viewer or simply with any text editor such as notepad. SFV stands for Simple File Validator and is used to check files if they became corrupt after transfer. It does this by doing a CRC (cyclic redundancy check). After the check it displays which files contain CRC-errors and therefore are corrupt. You can use a program like hkSFV (http://www.download.com/HkSFV/3000-2248_4-10157350.html) to check your files (after installing hkSFV, simply double-click on the .SFV file and it will verify the files).

Summary
In short, typically, games are split into several compressed files. These files are usually found in RAR format and usually suffixed with .rar/.r00#/.00# file extensions. When these files are extracted (uncompressed), they 'come together' and produce a single image file (most commonly in .ISO format) which you can burn onto a CD/DVD (Nero, Alcohol 120%, CloneCD, DVD Decrypter, or ImgBurn). DVD Decrypter (http://www.dvddecrypter.org.uk) is an excellent choice if you're looking for free burning software.

Media
In general it's usually better to use DVD-Rs when burning PS2 games because they have better compatibility across all PS2 versions. With better media you'll put less strain on the laser and will have higher success rates when burning. Also, it is important that your drives firmware is up-to-date. New versions add support for newer media and improve compatibility / burn quality with existing ones. Additionally, there's the new features and bug fixes you'd expect with any bit of software (which is basically what firmware is).

Taiyo Yuden DVD-Rs are considered to be some of the best among enthusiasts due to their high quality burns, low failure rates, and media longevity. They are also used by drive manufacturers and Sony PlayStation developers. Verbatim, Phillips, and Sony AccuCOREs (made in Japan) are also very good. You can purchase media from an online retailer such as http://www.supermediastore.com (USA).

NOTE: These are general guidelines that seem to work best for most people, if you encounter better results with DVD+Rs/other media/Write speeds then by all means use what works best for you.



Extracting RAR files w/ WinRAR (http://www.rarlab.com)
1. Right-click on first file in the sequence (ie. game.rar, game.part01.rar, game.r00, or game.001). From the right-click context menu, select WinRAR->Extract OR Extract to game\.

NOTE: If the file has an extension of *.001 you will need to add it to WinRAR's user defined archive extensions so you can extract the files via the right-click context menu. To do this, open WinRAR->Options->Settings->Integration->Add .001 to the 'User defined archive extensions' box.

Burning PS2 DVD Images w/ DVD Decrypter (http://www.dvddecrypter.org.uk)
1. Insert quality blank DVD into drive
2. Open DVD Decrypter
3. Mode->ISO->Write
4. Browse to image file
5. Set Write Speed to 4x OR half the speed of the disc (16x -> 8x)
6. Click on Hard Drive->DVD picture to begin burning

*** NOTE: Some type of modification is required to play PS2 backups, either a modchip, using a hard drive & HDLoader, or via swap method (Swap Magic / PS2 Independence Exploit).

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Originally posted by OmriSama:

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This forum is just FULL of threads saying how to do that. There's just too much to stick it all in one post... check out the threads in bold print.

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Quote:

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*** NOTE: Some type of modification is required to play PS2 backups, either a modchip, using a hard drive & HDLoader, or via swap method (Swap Magic / PS2 Independence Exploit).

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