Format via PS2

Prerequisites:

  • a way to launch Homebrew
  • “wLaunchELF”

Procedure:

  1. Start “wLaunchELF”
  2. Enter “Filebrowser” (usually via CIRCLE)
  3. Enter “MISC” (scroll to it and use the “confirmation button”, which is either CIRCLE or CROSS depending on your configuration)
  4. Launch “HDDManager”
  5. Tap R1
  6. Select “format” (scroll to it and mark it, then confirm)
  7. Confirm formatting and it should be done in a few seconds.

If you intend to use OPL, please stay in the HDDManager and create an appropriately sized +OPL-Partition!

  1. Tap R1
  2. Select “create”
  3. Name it “+OPL”
  4. Choose a size! This depends on the size of the HDD as well on what you want to use (i.e. 768MB for a 500GB storage, 1.2GB for a 1TB storage, 1.5GB for a 2TB storage.). VMCs require a bit more space, so keep that in mind!

If you intend to use POPStarter, POPSLoader, or wLaunchELF_kHn, please stay in the HDDManager and create one or more of the following partitions at up to 128GB each to meet your .VCD storage needs the same way you created the +OPL partition above.

  • __.POPS
  • __.POPS0
  • __.POPS1
  • __.POPS2
  • __.POPS3
  • __.POPS4
  • __.POPS5
  • __.POPS6
  • __.POPS7
  • __.POPS8
  • __.POPS9

Format via Windows PC

Prerequisites:

  • PFS-BatchKit-Manager: A utility for Windows that allows for the management and formatting of hard drives for PS2 use.
  • https://github.com/GDX-X/PFS-BatchKit-Manager

Procedure:

  1. Prepare Your PC Environment Locate the PFS-BatchKit-Manager: Find the folder on your PC where you’ve stored the PFS-BatchKit-Manager. Right-click the .bat file (likely named !pfs-batchkit-manager.bat or similar) and select “Run as Administrator” to ensure it has the necessary permissions.

  2. Access PFS-BatchKit Manager Navigate to Advanced Menu: Within the PFS-BatchKit Manager interface, find and enter the Advanced menu. Select “HDD Management” from the list of options.

  3. Hack Your HDD for PS2 Format Choose the Option for PS2 Format: Look for and select option “8 - Hack your HDD to PS2 Format”. This prepares your hard drive to be recognized and used by the PS2 system.

  4. Format Hard Drive with wLaunchELF After completing the preparation steps on your PC, safely disconnect the hard drive. Connect the hard drive to your PlayStation 2 system, using the appropriate adapter if necessary.

  5. Use wLaunchELF on Your PS2 to format again properly as instructed above.

Completing the Setup

After formatting and partitioning the HDD as required, you can proceed to install your Homebrew applications, games, or other content onto the newly prepared storage.