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A Complete Guide: Loading Backups with Action Replay Max (no modchip required!)
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jjax
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21. January 2006 @ 03:30 |
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Wanna play PS2 CD and DVD backup games without installing a modchip or paying for expensive software? Action Replay Max is all you need to buy out your high-street store and the rest is easy when you learn how...
HOW TO: Load Backups using Action Replay Max
This guide works for: Fat PS2 & Slimline PS2 (instructions for both bellow)
You will need:
- Action Replay Max PS2 CD
- Max Media Creator PC software (comes with ARMAX)
- 2 blank CD-Rs
That?s all you need, if you read the following carefully you?ll have your backups playing in no time. To start off, the PS2 ?program? you?re going to use to load your backups is called cogswaploader. It?s a 57KB elf file you can download from here: http://www.exploitstation.com/index.php?page=elfs
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Action Replay Max is a ps2 cd disc you can buy out most high street console stores. It sports 30,000+ cheats for your ps2 games, a media player, all region dvd playing and a memory card manager. There are two versions on sale (the older one and the newer one - the newer one comes in a silver tin) - although fundamentally the same, there is a bit of difference in the way you use ARMAX to load cogswaploader on each.
So, you've got ARMAX and wanna load cogswaploader.elf to load all your backup discs. Here's how:
1. Right, to start with you need to get cogswaploader onto a medium that ARMAX understands. For the older version, you can just put the file on a pendrive(flashdisk). For the newer version (the one that comes in a silver tin), you need to put the file on a specially formatted cd.
2. If you have the old version, just put cogswaploader on your pendrive, load the media player on ARMAX and then select your cogswaploader.elf file, it will load.
3. Assuming you have the newer version, we need to make a specially formatted cd - here's how to do it:
i. download the "Independence Compiler Program 3.0" from the link here (you need to click the small floppy disc icon to download): http://www.console.iscentral.net/download.php?view.1
ii. extract the files from the .rar file you've downloaded (you'll need a compression program such as WinRAR to do this)
iii. now load the independencecompiler3.0.exe (i'll call it IC3 from now on) file.
4. Right - you now need to make a decision that will largely be based on whether you have a Fat ps2 or Slimline ps2. I'll try and explain this simply: The IC3 program gives you the option of installing cogswaploader onto the memory card for instant loading when you put in a ps1 game of your choice. This function is otherwise known as the "memory card exploit/independence exploit". You can only do this if you have a Fat ps2. If you have the new Slimline ps2, you do not have this option and must load cogswaploader through ARMAX every time.
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ARMAX: Loading cogswaploader on a Slimline PS2
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1a. Load IC3 (see step 3 above)
2a. Select the following options:
STEP 1: make no change.
STEP 2: select "other" and find cogswaploader.elf on your computer.
STEP 3: make no change.
STEP 4: make no change.
STEP 5: If in America, choose NTSC, if in Europe choose PAL
STEP 6: make no change.
STEP 7: make no change.
Output format: cdimage (bin/cue)
Installer only?: NO (this option is essential!!!)
3a. Click START - IC3 will ask you if you want to continue twice: click YES on both occassions and it will load an MS-DOS window whilst it creates the bin/cue files. It'll then tell you it's done and has put your bin/cue files in C:\AusDigital\
4a. Burn your bin/cue file to a blank cdr using Nero or equivalent (always select the .cue file when it asks which file to burn - the .cue is a link to the .bin!)
5a. You've just made your cogswaploader boot disc!
6a. Now you need to be able to load your cogswaploader boot disc through ARMAX - there's only one way i know of doing this on an unmodified ps2 - the file cdloader.elf. You'll need to source 3 things for this:
i. cdloader.elf - there's several versions of this around, and there's only one version that'll work (downloadable here: http://www.geocities.com/jjax1975/CDLOADER.zip )
ii. another blank cdr!
iii. A way of getting cdloader on your cdr - this is Max Media Creator PC software that comes with ARMAX. You only need one file, the cdloader.elf, on your cd - burn it with Max Media Creator (or make a bin/cue with Max Media Creator and burn it with nero)
7a. You should now have 2 cdrs: a) Cogswaploader boot disc b) Cdloader.elf on a cdr to load through ARMAX.
8a. It's all easy from now on!!!! - do the following:
i.) Load ARMAX, select "Media Player"
ii.) Put in your cdloader.elf disc and it should say cdloader.elf on the screen - press Play to load.
iii.) The cdloader screen should display and if you press O on the controller, it'll show in English text!
iv.) Press the eject tray and put in an official PS2 cd (ARMAX cd will do!)
v.) Now swap the disc for your cogswaploader boot disc (without the ps2 knowing, so no pressing eject!) - use a flip top or slide tool (recommended - see here if you're unsure how: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/288331)
vi.) Press X on the controller and cogswaploader will load!!!!
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So, you've got everything setup and running - to load cogswaploader in future you just need to repeat the list in step 8a.
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ARMAX: Loading cogswaploader on a Fat PS2
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Right you have 2 options:
a.) Follow the instructions for the Slimline PS2 which means loading cogswaploader through ARMAX everytime - read above.
b.) Install cogswaploader onto your memory card (memory card exploit) using ARMAX - you'll need to use cdrs only to write the files to memory card. After then, you put in a PS1 game of your choice and up comes cogswaploader and any other elfs you want to use. (REDUCED LOADING TIME!) - read below...
1b. Load IC3 (see step 3 at top of page)
2b. Select the following options:
STEP 1: Put your chosen PS1 trigger disc in your cd drive and click "Get", making sure it's looking in the right drive or it'll not find the disc! Once it displays the SLES (or SLUS) code, click "Add" and the code will appear in the box at the right.
STEP 2: make no change (LaunchELF 3.4 is selected)
STEP 3: Browse for, and add Cogswaploader.elf (and any other elf files you want) - the ones u've chosen will appear in the box on the right.
STEP 4: make no change. (No - unless u want to network PS2 with PC)
STEP 5: If in America, choose NTSC, if in Europe choose PAL
STEP 6: make no change.
STEP 7: Select the "Keylauncher" button.
Output format: cdimage (bin/cue)
Installer only?: YES (this option is essential!!!)
3b. Click START - IC3 will ask you if you want to continue twice: click YES on both occassions and it will load an MS-DOS window whilst it creates the bin/cue files. It'll then tell you it's done and has put your bin/cue files in C:\AusDigital\
4b. Burn your bin/cue file to a blank cdr using Nero or equivalent (always select the .cue file when it asks which file to burn - the .cue is a link to the .bin!)
5b. You've just made your Memory Card Exploit Boot Disc (MC boot disc)!
6b. Now you need to be able to load your MC boot disc through ARMAX - there's only one way i know of doing this on an unmodified ps2 - the file cdloader.elf. You'll need to source 3 things for this:
i. cdloader.elf - there's several versions of this around, and there's only one version that'll work (downloadable here: http://www.geocities.com/jjax1975/CDLOADER.zip )
ii. another blank cdr!
iii. A way of getting cdloader on your cdr - this is Max Media Creator PC software that comes with ARMAX. You only need one file, the cdloader.elf, on your cd - burn it with Max Media Creator (or make a bin/cue with Max Media Creator and burn it with nero)
7b. You should now have 2 cdrs: a) MC boot disc b) Cdloader.elf on a cdr to load through ARMAX.
8b. It's all easy from now on!!!! - do the following:
i.) Load ARMAX, select "Media Player"
ii.) Put in your cdloader.elf disc and it should say cdloader.elf on the screen - press Play to load.
iii.) The cdloader screen should display and if you press O on the controller, it'll show in English text!
iv.) Press the eject tray and put in an official PS2 cd (ARMAX cd will do!)
v.) Now swap the disc for your MC boot disc (without the ps2 knowing, so no pressing eject!) - use a flip top or slide tool (recommended - see here if you're unsure how: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/288331 )
vi.) Press X on the controller and the MC Exploit Installation Program will load - All of your files on the disc will be put on the memory card in slot 1 (so make sure there's a couple of MBs free on there first!)
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So, you've got everything setup! - to load cogswaploader, and any other elf files for that matter, it's simple! - reboot your PS2, put in your chosen PS1 game (the same one you put in your pc at setup) and within a few seconds the menu of elf files will appear! - just select the one you want to load (cogswaploader etc.)!
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How To Use Cogswaploader
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Once you've got cogswaploader loaded (it'll show your PSX boot game as a black circle), you load a PS2 dvd game backup like this:
1. Eject disc tray normally and put in an "big"/"high TOC" official PS2 game (like GTA)
2. The screen will say PS2 DVD
3. Press "X" on the controller
4. The screen will say "Use Cogswap"
5. Manually eject the disc tray (by slide tool or fliptop method as above)
6. Replace the official PS2 game with your backup DVDR
7. Push the disc tray back in and pull white cog to the left to close (or close fliptop if that's the method you're using)
8. Press "X" on the controller
9. Your backup game will load as normal!
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This guide is full and easily done if you read through it properly and make sure you follow each step as you go - you don't really need to understand each step, just completing it as said will get the difficult parts of setup done - once you've got your disc/s made it's easy!
Peace to the People,
Jonathan.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 2. March 2006 @ 06:09
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AfterDawn Addict
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21. January 2006 @ 06:54 |
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Nice guide Jjax. Haven't seen ya around in awhile. I'm gonna link to it in my FAQ if you don't mind. Hey it's more free publicity lol. Peace.
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jjax
Suspended due to non-functional email address
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21. January 2006 @ 08:58 |
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Thanks man - appreciated!
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lawsangel
Newbie
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27. January 2006 @ 09:42 |
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if you already have swap magic...is there any need for this?
is this just like a swap magic replacement?
or am i just being thick??
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jjax
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28. January 2006 @ 00:27 |
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Yeah - if you use it as a replacement for swap magic on a FAT PS2 through the MC exploit method, you have quicker loading of the CogSwap program and you don't need to use separate programs for CD and DVD. On top of that, you don't need to buy Swap Magic off the net, you just buy ARMAX out your nearest games store. - Plus ARMAX comes with a tonne of it's own functionality (Cheat System, All region DVD, media player, Game Saves from internet to PS2 etc.) - That's why i use this method anyway!
If you have a slimline PS2 and dont like buying off the net, this method is the only non-mod way of safely loading backups (to my current knowledge!)
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 28. January 2006 @ 00:31
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ecko123
Newbie
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28. January 2006 @ 09:33 |
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hi, I just quickly skimmed through your instructions and i was wondering if I am able to set it up with a modded ps2, then just transfer the mem. card and ps1 to an unmodded ps2 to use? Also will it just boot up from the ps1 disc and I wont have to softmod it and forcibly eject the tray? thanks.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 28. January 2006 @ 09:35
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karmuk
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28. January 2006 @ 10:31 |
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Once ive swapped the original disc to the MC Exploit disc i press esc and it freezes on the red star screen? is it possible to load it from USB because i can see the selection there
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jjax
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28. January 2006 @ 14:23 |
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ecko123 - yeah, you can put the files onto your Memory Card with your modded PS2, configured for your PS1 game - then take out the memory card and PS1 game - put it in another fat PS2 and it'll work! It'll load up perfectly but remember if you wanna load backups, you still need a way of swapping the discs once cogswaploader is loaded - fliptop or slidetool for non-modded PS2s.
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jjax
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28. January 2006 @ 14:31 |
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KARMUK - I presume you have a fat PS2? - If you've got cdloader to load and you've come that far, the only mistake can be with your MC boot disc. Make sure in the Independence Compiler program (IC3) that you've select the right region (PAL or NTSC) and that you're burner software is working OK - what are you using to burn the disc?
You can add cogswaploader.elf too your USB pendrive and see if it works, but this is going to be a hassle to load ARMAX everytime you want to load a backup - since you've come this far, you're close to getting it running 100%, just need to sort out what's went wrong with that MC boot cd.
The other possibility is that you've forgotten to pull the white cog back to the left so the PS2 reads the disc (if you're new to using the slide tool, this is fairly common).
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 28. January 2006 @ 14:34
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karmuk
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28. January 2006 @ 18:51 |
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On IC3 i followed each step exactly with 2 different cd-r's still no joy :S
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karmuk
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29. January 2006 @ 00:02 |
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k i got it to load up but now it says: ERROR: Unable to open destination file: TILE.DB yep TILE not TITLE
P.S Fixed, my mem card isnt workin :S
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 29. January 2006 @ 01:18
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jjax
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31. January 2006 @ 04:39 |
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Man, that's good! - i don't understand why, but it seems if you burn the mc boot cd at a relatively high speed, it does this now and then. All you need to do is try the same cd again (it worked on 3rd try for me) - you don't need to change anything - just try and load it a few times and it gets there in the end! ;-)
Just make sure your MC has enough MB free space on there - about 3MB will cover mostly all elf files you'd want on there. It's only about 1MB if you're just installing cogswaploader.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 31. January 2006 @ 04:41
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qtaro
Newbie
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7. February 2006 @ 09:03 |
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when you say:
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So, you've got everything setup! - to load cogswaploader, and any other elf files for that matter, it's simple! - put in your chosen PS1 game (the same one you put in your pc at setup) and within a few seconds the menu of elf files will appear! - just select the one you want to load (cogswaploader etc.)!
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you meant ps2 games too? not just ps1 games, right?
thanks!
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jjax
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8. February 2006 @ 11:41 |
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Yeah - cogswaploader is made for PS2 backups! - so that'd be the main point in doing this. In that quote the "chosen PS1 game" is the one you're using to trigger cogswaploader to load. Loading a PS1 backup using this method is slightly different (directions are on the forums here somewhere)
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somatica
Newbie
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10. February 2006 @ 13:45 |
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well first off, id just like to say that it says in the paragraph of things u'll need, you dont mention the slide card... but anyway, uve got a method for getting a slide card in the fat ps2, or at least the link youve given is for a fat ps2... i have a slim one, and im unsure of how to use a slide card... a lil help, please?
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a_l_e_x
Member
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10. February 2006 @ 19:22 |
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As the creator of Independence Compiler, I can only recommend that you use the LATEST version. It has more options, features, some bugs have been fixed, and every step is explained in detail.
Get is using this URL Instead:
http://www.console.iscentral.net/download.php?view.183
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jjax
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11. February 2006 @ 00:44 |
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The latest version of the Independence Compiler is good, but the lack of launchelf "inbuilt", means that compiling isn't that easy for beginners - they'd have to go fish for this launcher program from the web and only causes confusion in my opinion. The newest version is well explained admittedly, but i prefer IC3.
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 16. February 2006 @ 02:54
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markrizla
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13. February 2006 @ 00:44 |
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hi can someone please help ive made a cdloader disc and an mc boot disc followed steps every thing seems to go ok swapped discs put in mc boot disc after a few secs it said installation complete but i might be being a bit thick here but wat do i do next to play copies i made mc boot disc with v-rally ps1 at what point do i enter this disc to activate mc boot on memory card i have checked my mem card and the only file on there is the system config is this right helpppppppppp!!!!!!!!!!!
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jjax
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13. February 2006 @ 01:34 |
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I suppose i haven't made it clear from the post - once you've got your discs burned (WELL DONE!!) - just make sure the MC is in, put on your ps2 and put in the ps1 game you've chosen as the trigger disc (Vrally in your case) - within a few seconds your elf selection menu will appear - you just select cogswaploader and you're there!
BTW - the "System Configuration File" on your MC is the only one you need on there - this is really more of a folder than a file and stores all the files it's taken off your exploit disc - you'll notice it'll be around 1MB in size (it's around 16KB without exploit) - If you want to remove the exploit, you just delete this file and reboot the ps2 - the ps2 will make a new one and it's back to new! (I don't think you'll be wanting to do that once you've harnessed the potential of cogswaploader!
This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 13. February 2006 @ 01:35
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markrizla
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13. February 2006 @ 06:23 |
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cheers for that mate tried it with another disc medevil and worked spot on better get some downloading done i take it when cogloader has booted up you still need to use the slide tool to swap discs? once again thanks i owe you 1
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jjax
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14. February 2006 @ 02:22 |
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Thanks man - glad to see you've spent the time and got it right! - You still need to use slide tool to swap official game for backup - the good thing about cogswaploader is that it stops the disc spinning so you cannot damage the laser this way (which is a problem with some of the other methods!) ;-)
welcome to the world of backup-loading-fun!
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markrizla
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15. February 2006 @ 05:49 |
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hello again could do with a bit more help mate ive burned a couple of ps2 cd imagage files to disc they work no probs but when i try dvd image files no luck swap disc spins for a few short secs then stops tryed an original dvd ps2 game with the same effect do i need to change anythink for dvd format im using Nero 7 to burn the image files thanks for your time
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a_l_e_x
Member
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15. February 2006 @ 20:21 |
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Before I changed the included launcher, I consulted many people, and it was thought that LaunchElf outperformed keylauncher in many aspects, especially feature-wise, which was why it was chosen.
Keylauncher is only a step backward.
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jacko87
Junior Member
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15. February 2006 @ 22:14 |
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ok so i did the armax with usb drive way, now when it loads in the media player, then what do i do? it says cogswap.elf in the corners and it the play and stop buttons and whatnot, how do i get it on the mc from there?
my car runs on dead dinosaurs
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jjax
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16. February 2006 @ 03:07 |
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Alex - my mistake - i meant the lack of "LaunchELF" in the latest version of the IC program - but even that isn't true (for some reason the version 4 Independence Compiler i've got doesn't have the option of LaunchELF - have you updated this version since the time i downloaded it first time many months ago?) - in that case Version 4 is great, but IC3 does the trick all the same and this tutorial is based for that setup.
Markrizla - I dunno what the problem with your dvd image burning is! - there could be a few problems including dodgey dvdr's, faulty Nero or that the program you're using to create the dvd-images is not working properly. If cdr games are loading through cogswap, there is no reason in terms of this exploit why dvd games wont - you should try elsewhere on these forums for more experts in the field of burning dvd-rs - this is all i know about on this issue.
Jacko87 - I can only advise that you re-read the instructions at the start of my guide - there's no cutting corners to getting cogswap on your MC - just read it through properly. You can't simply take cogswap.elf off your usb drive and make it appear loadable from the MC - follow the steps above for your FAT or Slimline PS2 and that's the way to do it!
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