[ivwshane]

If that's the case then what do we need the hdloader for? After the drive is formatted and the hd loader installs the software to it, can't someone just connect the drive to their computer and create a ghost image of the drive. With that ghost image couldn't I then just ghost my drive with it and viola! my ps2 is ready for ripping and playing isos?

The resulting ghost image would be pretty small and easy downloadable if someone wanted to try it

[namelessentity]

HD Loader is a boot disc. If you don't have it in your PS2 will just go to the normal boot screen with the memory card shit.

[ivanolo]

I, too, wish it was that easy. Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. The HD Loader disc must be inserted in the console or its executable copied to the MC (through the independence exploit) in order for it to run. Also, 3rd party HDDs don't show up in the browser, so you can't copy the HD Loader executable to the MC.
You can always give your MC to Jamsan. All he needs to do is insert it in his console and it'll automatically copy HD Loader into it. There are other ways to do things with modchipped consoles, but I haven't looked into those because mine is unmodified.
If you want to prepare your HDD for using it with your PS2, download WinHIIP. You can format it and copy images to it. That's what I did. Now I need HD Loader....
Go to http://www.ps2hd.com/ and read the tutorials. It helped me understand everything.

[Jamsan]

ivanolo just about covered it all.. my HD in there is formatted to the PS2 file format, and I can either rip games directly from the PS2 drive, or using WinHIIP like ivanolo said.

Harddrives can be moved around from PS2 to PS2, and drives can be ghosted (probably, not sure if ghost supports the file structure). The only thing you need is the HDLoader boot disc to boot to the harddrive, or like what I do, is have the exploits on a memory card, throw a ps1 disc which triggers the memory card exploits to run, which in turn loads HDloader (or any of the other exploits you have installed on the memory card).

If anyone wants, they can just send me their memory card, $ for shipping, and I can throw the exploits onto your memory card, and ship it back.

[funkgab]

cool, i have an extra memorycard, my main one is a 32mb one from swapgates or something, i have a 8mb sony one that i stole, so if i send you it , youll copy the exploit? ill pay for all shipping fees

[Jamsan]

Originally Posted by funkgab

cool, i have an extra memorycard, my main one is a 32mb one from swapgates or something, i have a 8mb sony one that i stole, so if i send you it , youll copy the exploit? ill pay for all shipping fees

yep -- pm me so we can work out the details (addresses, etc.)