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soggy
01-04-2006, 01:58 PM
Hi this is a guide to get action replay working with ps2 games on the harddrive.I have tried 2 games (resident evil outbreak file2 and resident evil 4) with this guide both games work. The guide below is not mine and all credit should go to the person who made it. Aswell if you need the the tools for this guide look for AR Max Evo (869) HDL Kit you know where? :D :D


(Quoted from message board)
These are the games that I've tried and succeded to use ARMax Evo cheats with my games in the hdd.

1. PoP:WW
2. The Punisher
3. DMC3 (NTSC J/UC)
4. Death By Degress
5. GTA:SA
6. Project Snowblind
7. Tekken 5
8. MGS3
9.Altered Beast (PAL)
10. Dragon Quest 8

I'll try to explain how I did it.This method I use after reading chevyuk's guide.
I only followed some of his method as I failed to use 100% of his instructions.

You'll need.

1. ISOBuster (to extract the game and armax files into your PC and also
to generate file list.)
2. CDGenPS2 ver 3
3. Hex Editor (any hex editor will do,I'm using UltraEdit32)
4. WinHIIP ver1.6.6 or latest.
*If Ultra Edit 32 crashes, use the other hex editor

-Step 1.
Put your game disc into your PC's DVDRom drive and run ISOBuster then extract all files into one directory e.g C:\MGS3.

This will take a while. After all the game files have been extracted, create a directory list file for the game
(right click on the small red ISO icon select Directory tree and file information then select List tree-info (in text file)
then select LBA,relative path), put it in the same directory as the game files.The filename will be Filelist.txt. You can close ISOBuster.


-Step 2.
Extract ARMax / Evo files same like Step 1. You can omit the file DUMMY.ZIP,BIG.DAT and BIG2.DAT if you want,
as these files are only dummy files. You don't need to create the directory file list for ARMax.


-Step 3.
Go to your game directory and rename the file SYSTEM.CNF to SYSTE1.CNF. Edit your game directory file list (i.e the Filelist.txt)
and change the SYSTEM.CNF entry to SYSTE1.CNF and save the file.


-Step 4.
Go to your ARMax directory where you've extracted all the files. Open the SLUS_200.90 file with your hex editor.
Try to search the SYSTEM.CNF entry.There will be three entries of this. Change it to SYSTE1.CNF (you have to do it 3 times).
Make sure to save it. Now you have an edited SLUS_200.90 file (this file is the executable file for ARMax/Evo).


-Step 5.
Open up CDGenPS2 and select Import Tree File,ISOBuster from the Advanced menu. Select the game file list (i.e Filelist.txt) from the game folder.
Choose Use LBA (the first option). It will put all the game files accordingly to the original LBA.
Then Open up Windows Explorer and go to your ARMax directory.Select all the files and drag into CDGenPS2.
Now all your game files and ARMax files are ready. Click the IMG icon to create an image file. Give it a name.
The image file can be in ISO or Bin format. Normally I use BIN/CUE.The process of rebuilding the image will take sometime, so be patient.

-Step 6.
After the new image file has been created open up WinHIIP (make sure your PS2 HDD is already in your PC). Select your PS2 hdd.
Choose Add Image(s) and click on your newly created game image. Make sure to put SLUS_200.90 as the boot file and DVD not CD in the option
and click on Start button. After the new image game file has been transferred, put your PS2 Hdd back into your PS2 and boot up your PS2
using the HDL/HDA disc. ARMAX will load. Choose the cheat code for that game and press START to launch the game.

Get your latest AR Max release from cryptbreaker (the one included should be up to date to Dec.1 2005)

REMEMBER: AR Max is still very slow even on HDLoader. Be patient, it will load eventually.
There is a pause during boot where it is blank for 15-20 seconds, and after you choose the codes and launch the game it may take 10 seconds.
But it works, I tested it myself with Tekken 5.

Be patient when CDGenPS2 is making your image also, it WILL finish.
Make sure you close other programs and dedicate your PC to extracing and rebuilding, installing to WinHIIP, etc.
Burn your games with AR Max on them too in case you have hard drive problems in the future or something.
And share some of the smaller ones that are already patched once in a while.
Some people might not feel it's worth the effort until they see how cool it is.

*An already hex edited AR Max is included, and the regular version.
What the heck, everyone compresses down like crazy so why not.
The only thing you will have to do is change your game system.cnf to syste1.cnf after you extract from the ISO or DVD using ISOBuster.
Then update your filelist.txt, import it to CDGenPS2, drag and drop the AR Max files, make an image (ISO I prefer), then install with WinHIIP.
It's time consuming, but it is so cool to have it like the old days when you could just plug in a Gameshark or cheat device and not swap CDs,
plus works off the hard drive. Have fun!

19Ripper75
03-20-2006, 05:57 PM
So how does this work exactly? When you pick your game from the list, the ARMax engine will load first, allowing you to select codes, then you press start to load the game? What are the chances this will work with GameShark as well?

tot31
03-29-2006, 12:31 PM
Hi this is a guide to get action replay working with ps2 games on the harddrive.I have tried 2 games (resident evil outbreak file2 and resident evil 4) with this guide both games work. The guide below is not mine and all credit should go to the person who made it. Aswell if you need the the tools for this guide look for AR Max Evo (869) HDL Kit you know where? :D :D


(Quoted from message board)
These are the games that I've tried and succeded to use ARMax Evo cheats with my games in the hdd.

1. PoP:WW
2. The Punisher
3. DMC3 (NTSC J/UC)
4. Death By Degress
5. GTA:SA
6. Project Snowblind
7. Tekken 5
8. MGS3
9.Altered Beast (PAL)
10. Dragon Quest 8

I'll try to explain how I did it.This method I use after reading chevyuk's guide.
I only followed some of his method as I failed to use 100% of his instructions.

You'll need.

1. ISOBuster (to extract the game and armax files into your PC and also
to generate file list.)
2. CDGenPS2 ver 3
3. Hex Editor (any hex editor will do,I'm using UltraEdit32)
4. WinHIIP ver1.6.6 or latest.
*If Ultra Edit 32 crashes, use the other hex editor

-Step 1.
Put your game disc into your PC's DVDRom drive and run ISOBuster then extract all files into one directory e.g C:\MGS3.

This will take a while. After all the game files have been extracted, create a directory list file for the game
(right click on the small red ISO icon select Directory tree and file information then select List tree-info (in text file)
then select LBA,relative path), put it in the same directory as the game files.The filename will be Filelist.txt. You can close ISOBuster.


-Step 2.
Extract ARMax / Evo files same like Step 1. You can omit the file DUMMY.ZIP,BIG.DAT and BIG2.DAT if you want,
as these files are only dummy files. You don't need to create the directory file list for ARMax.


-Step 3.
Go to your game directory and rename the file SYSTEM.CNF to SYSTE1.CNF. Edit your game directory file list (i.e the Filelist.txt)
and change the SYSTEM.CNF entry to SYSTE1.CNF and save the file.


-Step 4.
Go to your ARMax directory where you've extracted all the files. Open the SLUS_200.90 file with your hex editor.
Try to search the SYSTEM.CNF entry.There will be three entries of this. Change it to SYSTE1.CNF (you have to do it 3 times).
Make sure to save it. Now you have an edited SLUS_200.90 file (this file is the executable file for ARMax/Evo).


-Step 5.
Open up CDGenPS2 and select Import Tree File,ISOBuster from the Advanced menu. Select the game file list (i.e Filelist.txt) from the game folder.
Choose Use LBA (the first option). It will put all the game files accordingly to the original LBA.
Then Open up Windows Explorer and go to your ARMax directory.Select all the files and drag into CDGenPS2.
Now all your game files and ARMax files are ready. Click the IMG icon to create an image file. Give it a name.
The image file can be in ISO or Bin format. Normally I use BIN/CUE.The process of rebuilding the image will take sometime, so be patient.

-Step 6.
After the new image file has been created open up WinHIIP (make sure your PS2 HDD is already in your PC). Select your PS2 hdd.
Choose Add Image(s) and click on your newly created game image. Make sure to put SLUS_200.90 as the boot file and DVD not CD in the option
and click on Start button. After the new image game file has been transferred, put your PS2 Hdd back into your PS2 and boot up your PS2
using the HDL/HDA disc. ARMAX will load. Choose the cheat code for that game and press START to launch the game.

Get your latest AR Max release from cryptbreaker (the one included should be up to date to Dec.1 2005)

REMEMBER: AR Max is still very slow even on HDLoader. Be patient, it will load eventually.
There is a pause during boot where it is blank for 15-20 seconds, and after you choose the codes and launch the game it may take 10 seconds.
But it works, I tested it myself with Tekken 5.

Be patient when CDGenPS2 is making your image also, it WILL finish.
Make sure you close other programs and dedicate your PC to extracing and rebuilding, installing to WinHIIP, etc.
Burn your games with AR Max on them too in case you have hard drive problems in the future or something.
And share some of the smaller ones that are already patched once in a while.
Some people might not feel it's worth the effort until they see how cool it is.

*An already hex edited AR Max is included, and the regular version.
What the heck, everyone compresses down like crazy so why not.
The only thing you will have to do is change your game system.cnf to syste1.cnf after you extract from the ISO or DVD using ISOBuster.
Then update your filelist.txt, import it to CDGenPS2, drag and drop the AR Max files, make an image (ISO I prefer), then install with WinHIIP.
It's time consuming, but it is so cool to have it like the old days when you could just plug in a Gameshark or cheat device and not swap CDs,
plus works off the hard drive. Have fun!

Dude I made that guide and posted at PSHD.com (I'm a mod there) sometimes ago. LOL didn't know it would end up here.

soggy
04-01-2006, 10:59 AM
Hi i just thought i would post the guide here as MAXCONSOLE is 1 of the best sites about and thanks to tot31 for making this guide it works with most games i have tried cheers.:D :D :D

slowhand
04-02-2006, 04:57 PM
There is a method i have posted a while ago on afterdawn forums, i dont know if its still posted there anymore, but you can also use a brand new codebreaker and have the cheats work with the hdd, and its alot simpler, you have easier access to newer code software rather than using old gameshark or action replay's method.

1.) Start up Ps2 with Codebreaker (Im using 9.1)
2.) Select Cheats you want to use (For Example: Resident Evil 4)
3.) Then after you have selected your cheats, select "Start Game with Codes" something or the other like that, you get the point...
4.) DO NOT REMOVE OR OPEN THE TRAY BEFORE YOU SELECT WITH CHEATS!!!! THE TRAY SHOULD OPEN AUTOMATICALLY!!!!!!
5.) Then insert any other ps2 game you have into the tray and press "X"
6.) The tray should then close...
7.) As soon as the screen turns black, press the eject button
8.) Timing is key here, so as soon as it turns black (means its loading the ps2 game)
9.) After you click eject wait a few seconds and you should be taken back to your ps2 browser screen
10.) Insert your ps1 Exploit disc and walla!
11.) Select your game from HDLoader or HDAdvance and the game should start with the cheats enabled!

**********************
Also note, that some games just as with Action Replay may conflict with code software....(Has something to do with the HDD Code for HDLoader)

- Slowhand

Raaku
12-12-2006, 05:40 AM
Error in Final Lba when writing in "Path"

Ruri-Kun
09-13-2007, 07:49 PM
I get the same thing as raaku when trying KH2

EDIT: eh heh.. ^^u I didn't realize this was a dead thread till I looked at it again.. soorry.

kevsta2004
01-21-2008, 10:09 PM
I tried doing this with the PAL Action Replay Max Evo but I only found one entry for system.cnf in SLES_500.09, I managed to make a valid disc with CDGenPS2v3 I blanked the dummy files BIG.DAT, BIG2.DAT, DUMMY.ZIP and PADDING too but when I selected the cheats and did the start game with codes it just restarted Action Replay Max Evo.

Ruri-Kun
01-22-2008, 06:47 PM
I tried doing this with the PAL Action Replay Max Evo but I only found one entry for system.cnf in SLES_500.09, I managed to make a valid disc with CDGenPS2v3 I blanked the dummy files BIG.DAT, BIG2.DAT, DUMMY.ZIP and PADDING too but when I selected the cheats and did the start game with codes it just restarted Action Replay Max Evo.

what game were you trying this on?

kevsta2004
01-23-2008, 08:12 PM
I missed 4 entries in SLES_500.09 because I forgot to tick "List search hits, up to" box in WinHex I edited all five entries to syste1.cnf and sure enough it booted HDLoader but the problem I have now is it does the BSOD on me after I select a game to load in HLoader. It seems you can't start Action Replay Max from HDLoader like you can Codebreaker 9.3.
I'm working on trying to get it to load on a USB stick through CDLoader for PS2 v7 (Beta 5.2) by booting PS2LOAD.ELF with uLaunchELF v4.12 the problem I'm having with it now is it boots PS2LOAD.ELF but it stalls after I press X for it go onto the next screen :(
What we really need is a ISO loader like SDLoad on the GC & Wii.

Ruri-Kun
01-25-2008, 09:26 AM
hm... sorry, I'm not exactly great at this yet, but I have done it on a couple of games( failed on the two I tried, then worked on one). but as far as I know, your supposed to load the ISO of both the game, and action replay (made into one ISO) and upload it to your hard drive using WinHip, or making the ISO fit on a DVD and loading it through a CD Loader, but you said HDadvance, so it would seem you have an hard drive.

anyways, after you make the ISO and put it on the PS2, load HDLoader, then click the game you have put the action replay on, select codes and hit start, load game with codes and it should work.

I've gotten it to work with lego star wars II, but I haven't tried much else. ( that worked )

kevsta2004
01-27-2008, 11:40 PM
I don't really wanna have to merge Action Replay into every game ISO I make. I heard Action Replay uses the memory locations as HDLoader anyway and that's why they conflict with each other that's why you can't load HDLoader before Action Replay.

I tried the trigger disc swap method too where you load the AR disc select your game and cheats put in any PS2 game wait for it to go onto the black screen after the black screen with the action replay logo and swap it with your trigger disc where it'll return to the PS2 browser menu where you can load the trigger disc and boot ULaunch and HDLoader etc but it just went black when I tried to boot any game off HDLoader :( looks like i'm gonna have to hack the hell out of SLES_500.09 ELF file and change all the cdrom0:/ dictionaries to mass:/ and boot the AR disc through ULaunch by renaming SLES_500.09 to SLES_50009.ELF