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How to Make a Hard Drive Work in a PS2

The hard drive for the PlayStation 2 (PS2) is an optional peripheral for the system. Saved games can be copied from memory cards as a backup. Some games have the ability to save directly to the hard drive. The PS2 hard drive is required in order to play ̶0;Final Fantasy XI.̶1; The hard drive must be physically installed to the console and utility disc installed before it will work with the PS2.

Things You'll Need

PlayStation 2 (PS2) console
PS2 hard drive
PS2 network adapter
2 mounting screws
Coin
PS2 hard drive utility disc

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the PlayStation 2 (PS2) console.
- 2
  Remove the cover on the back of the PS2 to expose the expansion bay.
- 3
  Insert the network adapter into the matching connectors on the hard drive.
- 4
  Insert the hard drive into the expansion bay. Insert the two mounting screws in the holes to secure the hard drive in place. You should not use a screwdriver to avoid over tightening the screws. Use a coin to turn the screws instead.
- 5
  Plug the PS2 console into a wall socket.
- 6
  Turn the power switch on.
- 7
  Insert the PS2 hard drive utility disc into the console.
- 8
  Press the ̶0;reset̶1; button. This is the button directly above the eject button. A screen with instructions to navigate the menus will appear.
- 9
  Press the ̶0;X̶1; button to move past the instruction screen to the menu.
- 10
  Select ̶0;Install HDD Software̶1; from the menu that appears.
- 11
  Press the ̶0;X̶1; button to move through the instruction screens. You will also need to use this button to confirm you really want to install the software.
- 12
  Wait for the software to be fully installed to your console.
- 13
  Remove the PS2 hard drive utility disc from the console. Your hard drive will fully work with your PS2 console at this point.

PlayStation 2