1) What do I need to play PS2 games on a Slimline PSTwo console HDD?

You will need the following: the USB Extreme software, a PSTwo console, and a suitable internal Hard Disk Drive with a USB enclosure. If you do not already have an IDE HDD or USB enclosure, then you may choose to get an external USB HDD instead- either will work. Pictured below is what I am using, a 120GB Maxtor IDE 7200RPM HDD inside of an $18 USB 2.0 external enclosure- looks sharp too! ;-)

2) I have my IDE HDD & USB case, or USB HDD- what is next?

First, format the HDD you plan to use for your PSTwo console in NTFS file system format (as a slave drive) while in Windows XP/Windows 2K. This can be accomplished simply by right-clicking on the drive in My Computer, selecting Format..., followed by the NTFS File System. If you require further assistance with this task, additional information is available HERE as well.

Next, determine if you want to use DOS or Win32 tools to re-format the HDD and manage games. If you use the USB Extreme DOS tools then download them and proceed directly to Step #3 below. If you wish to use the USB Extreme Win32 utility instead (recommended), then skip right to Step #4 below now.

3) How do I use the USB Extreme DOS tools with my HDD?

First download these USB Extreme DOS tools that are used both to re-format the HDD and install your games to the HDD using your PC. Unzip them (with WinZip) to your C:\ drive, open to a DOS (command) Prompt by clicking Start and then selecting Run... followed by typing cmd in the box and then clicking the OK button. Once the prompt box opens, type cd c:\ and press the ENTER button. It should bring you to the next line down, at a C:\> prompt. Now, (using the included ul_format.exe utility) type the following after the C:\> prompt:

C:\>ul_format [PSTWO DRIVE LETTER] format

NOTE: In the above example, [PSTWO DRIVE LETTER] is replaced by your own, for example "E" was mine as displayed HERE.

Next, click Y to the prompt and wait until it finishes as shown. It will usually take a few minutes only. Now, using Windows XP right-click
on My Computer, select Properties, then navigate to Hardware, Device Manager, Disk Drives, select your PSTwo (IDE/USB) HDD and right-click on it selecting Properties there. Now, on the Policies tab select Optimize For Performance and click OK. In doing this, it will speed up transfers from 1MBps to around 10-15MBps! However, it is important to NOTE to unplug the device properly (selecting "Unplug or Eject Hardware") while the device is in use and connected to your PC.

To install PS2 games to your PSTwo HDD, once again open a DOS Prompt by clicking Start and then selecting Run... followed by typing cmd in the box and then clicking the OK button. Once the prompt box opens, type cd c:\ and press the ENTER button. It should bring you to the next line down, at a C:\> prompt. Now, (using the included ul_install.exe utility) type the following after the C:\> prompt:

C:\>ul_install [SOURCE] [DESTINATION] [GAME NAME] [MEDIA]

NOTE: In the above example, [SOURCE] is replaced by your own drive letter, for example "D" was mine as displayed HERE. Also above, [DESTINATION] is replaced by your PSTwo HDD letter (mine was "E"), and enter any name you wish for the [GAMENAME] followed by either CD or DVD for the [MEDIA] type based on what the original game disc is on. Press the ENTER key to start the transfer of each game from your PC's CD/DVD drive to the HDD, or if you have .iSO images on your PC then virtually mount them to a drive letter using Alcohol 120%- cool stuff indeed! :)

4) How do I use the USB Extreme Win32 utility with my HDD?

First download this USB Extreme Win32 Utility that is used both to re-format the HDD and install your games (and delete them) to the HDD using your PC. Unzip it (with WinZip) to your desktop and double-click on it, followed by clicking on the Disk Format tab and clicking the Format button to being up the HDD selection prompt. Choose the drive you wish to Re-Format for use with USB Extreme, and then click OK and wait until it finishes. It will usually take a few minutes to complete only depending on the size of your PS2 HDD.

Once it has completed successfully, using Windows XP right-click on My Computer, select Properties, then navigate to Hardware, Device Manager, Disk Drives, select your PSTwo (IDE/USB) HDD and right-click on it selecting Properties there. Now, on the Policies tab select Optimize For Performance and click OK. In doing this, it will speed up transfers from 1MBps to around 10-15MBps! However, it is important to NOTE to unplug the device properly (selecting "Unplug or Eject Hardware") while the device is in use and connected to your PC.

To install PS2 games to your PSTwo HDD, once again double-click on the USB Extreme Win32 Utility located on your desktop, and on the Games Installer tab (ensure that your USB HDD is plugged in and initialized) select your source drive from the "CD/DVD ROM Drive" menu, choose the media type (based on what media the original game disc is on), and finally select your PSTwo HDD destination drive letter from the other drop-down menu. Now type in a desired Game Name and press the START button and wait watching the progress bar. When you see it has completed game installation, simply press OK.

NOTE: On the Games Installer tab if you right-click on the desired Game Name you can Delete, ReName, and Copy them also.

5) I have games on my HDD, now how can I play them on the PSTwo?

Unplug your PSTwo HDD from your PC and plug it into your PSTwo's front USB slot as shown below.

Now plug in/power ON both the USB HDD and PSTwo console.

Insert your USB Extreme DVD software disc and let it load up.

Once it loads, you will see the USB Extreme menu screen below. You should also see the PS2 games installed to your PSTwo HDD.

Navigate around the menu screen with your PSTwo controller. Select a game to play, and then push right on the gamepad. When the menu START button is highlighted, press X to play!

If the game is compatable with USB Extreme then you will see the "Please Wait" prompt briefly as the game boots up.

A few seconds later, you can enjoy your game as shown!! :)

Congratulations, you have successfully learned to play games on your PSTwo console using an IDE HDD with a USB enclosure, or a USB HDD! Be sure to check out our site's USB Extreme page for the most up-to-date compatability list of games. Enjoy!