Ok, I will try to clearly explain so there is no confusion.
I have a 'classic' PS2(a.k.a. not the slim). I have a network adapter. I have a Hard Drive.
I am not looking to buy anything other than what I already have(so I don't want to buy anything else).
Is there any program out there that would allow you to format a HD on your PC for a PS2? I can connect my HD to my PC, and then would like to be able to format it for my PS2 so I can use it.
I only am trying to do this from my PC because all other options include my buying a disc or something else so I can get this to work. But that is not what I am looking for.
It appears that winhiip was the program I was looking for.
But I ran it, formatted my HD, then when I put it in my PS2, nothing.... Is there something I'm missing? I did a full format using winhiip. Also, I know to put the drive on master before putting it in the PS2.
Maybe there is something I missed, but it seems like it should have worked.....
I still need to buy HD Loader for that to work(winhiip)? because it appears that the program formats the HD foe HD Loader to use, which I would have to buy.
You can't automatically insert an IDE HDD into your fat PS2 using a Network Adapter expecting the PS2 browser to immediately show your HDD like your PC. Yes, you do need HDLoader and some other method of booting HDL either using a Memory Card exploit where you can upload the HDL program onto your memory card (provided you have enough space for it and using a Sony brand PS2 MC) with Gameshark 2, Action Replay or Swap Magic. Once you put the HDL onto the MC, you must use an original PSX game as a trigger disk for each time you want to load the HDL from the MC. You can also purchase Swap Magic 3.8 and boot the HDL program off a USB pen drive. And of course, you could simply buy HD Advance, but I'd suggest getting Swap Magic instead as you'll have more options if you want to run homebrews or whatever.
Going with a mod-chip really isn't that expensive. For $60 you can probably get a cheap one like a Duo 3 installed. From there, you can run uLaunchELF as a front-end and use HD Loader among other homebrew - much easier than having to mess with swap discs. You can also install games over FTP, copy save games, etc.
