PS2 Soft Mod with a Preloaded Free McBoot Memory Card

Set up Free McBoot, update Open PS2 Loader and run your legally backed-up games from an internal exFAT hard drive

Free McBoot, usually shortened to FMCB, allows a compatible PlayStation 2 to launch homebrew applications from a memory card. It does not permanently modify the console: remove the Free McBoot card and the PS2 will normally start with its original menu again.

For this project, I am using a memory card that already has Free McBoot installed. This avoids the separate installation process and makes the initial soft mod almost plug-and-play. After confirming that Free McBoot works, we will update Open PS2 Loader and configure it to recognize an internal exFAT-formatted SATA hard drive.

Free McBoot provides the homebrew entry point, while Open PS2 Loader, or OPL, handles loading applications and personally created game backups from internal hard drives, USB devices, MX4SIO cards and network shares. Free McBoot by itself does not automatically make burned or imported discs playable.

Legal notice: Use OPL only with games that you legally own and have personally backed up. This guide does not provide game downloads, BIOS files or copyrighted software.

Project overview

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Estimated time: 30–60 minutes, excluding copying games
Soldering required: No
Console disassembly required: No
Console used: Fat PlayStation 2 with an expansion-bay hard drive
Free McBoot installation required: No—the memory card is already prepared

What this guide covers

• Checking PS2 and Free McBoot compatibility

• Starting a preloaded Free McBoot card

• Understanding the included applications

• Updating Open PS2 Loader

• Preparing an internal SATA drive as exFAT

• Copying legally created PS2 backups to the drive

• Enabling the exFAT hard drive in OPL

• Launching and troubleshooting games

Understanding the software

Free McBoot

Free McBoot is a memory-card-based homebrew launcher. When the PS2 starts, it detects the FMCB installation and displays a modified system menu containing applications and shortcuts.

Because the exploit resides on the memory card, it is easy to remove and generally less invasive than installing a physical modchip. A preconfigured card normally requires no installation: insert it, turn on the console and allow FMCB to start.

Open PS2 Loader

Open PS2 Loader is an open-source application that can load PS2 software from:

• Internal ATA, IDE or SATA storage

• USB mass-storage devices

• MX4SIO memory-card adapters

• SMB network shares

• Compatible i.LINK storage

Current OPL development builds support ISO and compressed ZSO files along with applications stored as ELF executables.

wLaunchELF

wLaunchELF is a file manager and application launcher for the PS2. It allows files to be copied between a USB drive, PS2 memory cards and other supported storage devices.

Common device names include:

• mc0:/ — Memory card slot 1

• mc1:/ — Memory card slot 2

• mass:/ — USB mass-storage device

• hdd0:/ — Traditional APA-formatted internal hard drive

Many wLaunchELF versions use Circle to open a folder or launch an ELF, X to mark a file, R1 to open the file-operation menu and Triangle to return. Follow the button legend shown by your version because confirm and cancel buttons can vary.

PS2 compatibility

Free McBoot works on fat PS2 consoles and most earlier Slim revisions.

It is incompatible with systems using firmware versions 2.30 or 2.50, which includes most later SCPH-9000X consoles and the PS2 television. Compatibility is determined more accurately by firmware than by the console’s exterior appearance alone.

This particular guide is written for a fat PS2, because it uses:

• The rear expansion bay

• A PS2 network adapter

• An internal SATA hard drive

• The PS2 Network Adapter Upgrade documented elsewhere on Redux Gems

IMAGE NEEDED: Rear PS2 label showing the SCPH model number.

Caption: Confirm the PS2 model before purchasing a preloaded Free McBoot card.

Alt text: Fat PlayStation 2 rear label with the SCPH model number highlighted.

Parts and equipment required

Required

• Compatible PlayStation 2

• Preloaded Free McBoot memory card

• PlayStation 2 controller

• Television or display

• Computer

• Small USB flash drive

• Internal SATA hard drive or SSD

• Original PS2 network adapter upgraded to SATA, or a compatible SATA adapter

• SATA-to-USB adapter or drive dock for connecting the drive to a computer

Recommended

• Official Sony 8MB MagicGate memory card

• Second PS2 memory card for normal game saves

• USB 2.0 flash drive between 2GB and 32GB for transferring OPL

• Clean backups of your original PS2 discs

• Temporary backup copy of the old OPL executable

Free McBoot requires a memory card that correctly implements MagicGate signing. Third-party cards vary in quality and may not reliably support the required signatures. A preloaded card may also contain outdated or poorly configured applications, which is why the included OPL version should be inspected and updated when necessary.

Part 1: Start the preloaded Free McBoot card

Step 1: Prepare the PS2

1. Turn the PS2 completely off.

2. Remove any disc from the console.

3. Insert the preloaded Free McBoot card into memory card slot 1.

4. Connect a controller.

5. Leave the internal hard drive disconnected during the first boot when possible.

6. Turn the PS2 on.

Using slot 1 is recommended for this guide because most preconfigured cards and menu paths are built around mc0:/.

IMAGE NEEDED: Free McBoot card installed in memory card slot 1.

Caption: Insert the prepared Free McBoot card before turning on the PS2.

Alt text: Preloaded Free McBoot memory card inserted into PlayStation 2 memory card slot 1.

Step 2: Confirm that Free McBoot loads

A working card should display a Free McBoot logo followed by a modified PS2 menu.

The exact entries depend on who prepared the card, but common options include:

• Open PS2 Loader

• wLaunchELF or uLaunchELF

• Free McBoot Configurator

• Launch Disc

• Restart System

• Shutdown System

• Simple Media System

• ESR

Some sellers add extra emulators, utilities and diagnostic programs.

Important: A card containing many applications is not necessarily newer or better. The important entries for this project are Free McBoot, wLaunchELF and a recent OPL build.

IMAGE NEEDED: Free McBoot main menu immediately after startup.

Caption: A successful boot replaces the standard menu with Free McBoot application shortcuts.

Alt text: Free McBoot PS2 menu showing Open PS2 Loader, wLaunchELF and Free McBoot Configurator.

Step 3: Test the included applications

Before changing files:

1. Open wLaunchELF.

2. Confirm that its file browser loads.

3. Exit or restart the console.

4. Open Open PS2 Loader.

5. Confirm that the OPL menu appears.

6. Note the OPL version shown on its startup screen or information page.

7. Restart the PS2.

Do not delete or format anything yet.

Part 2: Update Open PS2 Loader

A preloaded FMCB card may include OPL 0.9, 1.0 or 1.1. Those releases can still work with traditional APA-formatted hard drives, but current OPL 1.2.0 beta development includes direct exFAT support for internal hard drives.

This allows games to be copied to the drive using normal drag and drop instead of installing them through older tools such as WinHIIP.

Step 1: Download OPL from its official project

On the computer:

1. Open the official Open PS2 Loader GitHub repository.

2. Visit its Releases section.

3. Download a current official build that includes exFAT support.

4. Extract the downloaded archive.

5. Locate the OPL executable, normally named:

OPNPS2LD.ELF

Do not download a renamed OPL file from an unknown file-sharing site. The official project is continuously developed, and current releases should be obtained from its repository.

IMAGE NEEDED: Official OPL GitHub release page with the download area highlighted.

Caption: Download OPL from the official ps2homebrew project rather than an unknown file mirror.

Step 2: Prepare the transfer USB drive

Use a small flash drive for the update.

1. Back up anything already stored on it.

2. Open Windows Disk Management.

3. Delete its existing volumes when necessary.

4. Create an MBR partition.

5. Format the partition as FAT32.

6. Give it a recognizable name such as PS2USB.

7. Copy OPNPS2LD.ELF to the root of the USB drive.

8. Safely eject it.

FAT32 with an MBR partition table offers the broadest compatibility with FMCB-era PS2 file managers. The Free McBoot installer documentation similarly specifies MBR/FAT16 or MBR/FAT32 for standard USB access.

IMAGE NEEDED: Windows showing OPNPS2LD.ELF on the FAT32 USB drive.

Caption: The new OPL executable can be placed at the root of a small FAT32 USB drive.

Alt text: Windows File Explorer displaying OPNPS2LD.ELF on a USB flash drive.

Step 3: Test the new OPL file before replacing anything

1. Turn the PS2 off.

2. Insert the FMCB card into slot 1.

3. Insert the USB drive into a front USB port.

4. Turn the PS2 on.

5. Launch wLaunchELF.

6. Open mass:/.

7. Highlight OPNPS2LD.ELF.

8. Use the displayed launch button—commonly Circle—to run it directly.

The new OPL menu should load from the USB drive.

Testing the file first prevents a bad or incompatible executable from replacing the working copy on the Free McBoot card. LaunchELF can run an ELF directly from supported storage without first installing it.

Step 4: Find the existing OPL location

Preloaded cards do not all use the same folder.

Common locations include:

mc0:/BOOT/OPNPS2LD.ELF

mc0:/APPS/OPNPS2LD.ELF

mc0:/APPS/OPL/OPNPS2LD.ELF

Do not replace a file based only on one of these examples.

To confirm the actual path:

1. Return to the Free McBoot menu.

2. Open Free McBoot Configurator.

3. Select the preferred confirm-button layout.

4. Open Configure OSDSYS Options.

5. Locate the menu item for Open PS2 Loader.

6. Examine its Path1 entry.

7. Write down the complete path.

8. Exit without saving changes.

The Configurator controls the menu entries and the ELF paths launched by Free McBoot.

IMAGE NEEDED: FMCB Configurator showing the OPL Path1 setting.

Caption: Record the existing OPL path before replacing the executable.

Step 5: Back up the old OPL file

Before overwriting it:

1. Launch wLaunchELF.

2. Navigate to the existing OPL folder on mc0:/.

3. Highlight the old OPNPS2LD.ELF.

4. Open the file menu with R1.

5. Select Copy.

6. Return to mass:/.

7. Create a folder named OPL-BACKUP.

8. Enter that folder.

9. Press R1 and select Paste.

10. Confirm that the copied file has a nonzero size.

This gives you a working fallback if the newer build causes a problem.

Step 6: Replace the old executable

1. Return to mass:/.

2. Highlight the new OPNPS2LD.ELF.

3. Press R1 and select Copy.

4. Navigate to the exact memory-card folder recorded earlier.

5. Highlight the existing file and rename it to:

OPNPS2LD-OLD.ELF

6. Press R1 and select Paste.

7. Confirm that the new file is present.

8. Restart the PS2.

9. Choose Open PS2 Loader from the Free McBoot menu.

Keep the new filename identical to the filename referenced by the Free McBoot menu. Otherwise, the menu shortcut will still point to the missing old file.

IMAGE NEEDED: wLaunchELF showing the old and new OPL files inside the memory-card folder.

Caption: Keep the old executable temporarily until the new OPL build has been tested.

Alternative: Launch OPL from USB

Instead of replacing the memory-card copy, the Free McBoot menu can be pointed to:

mass:/OPNPS2LD.ELF

This preserves memory-card space, but the USB drive must remain connected every time OPL is launched. Storing OPL on the FMCB card is more convenient for regular use.

Part 3: Prepare the internal hard drive as exFAT

Warning: Formatting permanently erases everything on the selected drive. Verify the correct disk before deleting partitions.

Step 1: Connect the drive to the computer

1. Remove the SATA drive from the PS2 network adapter.

2. Connect it to the computer with a SATA-to-USB adapter or drive dock.

3. Allow Windows to detect it.

4. Back up anything important.

5. Open Disk Management.

Step 2: Initialize the disk

Choose a partition-table type based on its capacity:

• MBR: Appropriate for drives up to 2TB

• GPT: Appropriate for drives larger than 2TB

Current OPL supports exFAT on both MBR- and GPT-partitioned internal drives. The official OPL documentation lists MBR exFAT support up to 2TB and GPT exFAT support beyond that traditional limit.

Compatibility note: A drive using 512-byte logical sectors is recommended. Avoid a drive that operates only as a native 4K-sector, or 4Kn, device unless its compatibility has been confirmed.

Step 3: Create the exFAT volume

1. Delete the existing partitions.

2. Create one primary volume using the available capacity.

3. Select exFAT as the filesystem.

4. Leave Allocation unit size set to Default.

5. Give the volume a name such as PS2HDD.

6. Complete the format.

The official OPL documentation specifically recommends the default allocation-unit size for exFAT hard drives.

IMAGE NEEDED: Windows format dialog showing exFAT and Default allocation-unit size.

Caption: Format the internal drive as exFAT using the default allocation-unit size.

Alt text: Windows formatting dialog configured for exFAT with default allocation-unit size.

Step 4: Create the OPL folders

At the root of the drive, create:

DVD

CD

ART

CFG

VMC

THM

LNG

CHT

APPS

The two essential game folders are:

• DVD — PS2 games originally distributed on DVD media

• CD — PS2 games originally distributed on CD media

OPL can create its standard directory structure automatically after the device is enabled, but creating the folders beforehand makes the first setup easier.

IMAGE NEEDED: Root of the exFAT drive showing all standard OPL folders.

Caption: Store DVD- and CD-based games in their corresponding folders.

Step 5: Copy your game backups

Copy your personally created ISO backups into the appropriate folders.

Example:

PS2HDD/

├── DVD/

│   ├── Gran Turismo 4.iso

│   ├── Shadow of the Colossus.iso

│   └── Final Fantasy X.iso

├── CD/

│   └── Example CD Game.iso

├── ART/

├── CFG/

└── VMC/

Unlike FAT32, exFAT supports files larger than 4GB, so dual-layer and other large ISO files do not need to be split. OPL 1.2.0 beta and newer supports exFAT for USB, MX4SIO and internal hard-drive use.

Do not use WinHIIP to install games onto this exFAT volume. WinHIIP and similar older utilities are designed around the PS2’s APA partition layout. An exFAT OPL drive uses ordinary files that can be copied through File Explorer. This distinction follows OPL’s separate APA and exFAT setup methods.

Copy files sequentially when practical and avoid repeatedly moving large collections around the drive. OPL’s documentation recommends adding files contiguously to reduce fragmentation-related problems.

Part 4: Install the hard drive

1. Shut the computer down or safely eject the drive.

2. Disconnect it from the SATA-to-USB adapter.

3. Verify that the PS2 is turned off and unplugged.

4. Connect the drive to the upgraded PS2 network adapter.

5. Confirm that the SATA data and power connectors are fully seated.

6. Slide the drive into the PS2 expansion bay.

7. Push the network adapter straight into its console connector.

8. Tighten the two rear retaining screws evenly.

9. Reconnect the PS2’s power and video cables.

Do not install or remove the network adapter while the console is powered.

Related Redux Gems guide: PS2 Network Adapter IDE-to-SATA Upgrade

IMAGE NEEDED: SATA hard drive connected to the upgraded original Sony network adapter.

Caption: The exFAT drive connects directly to the SATA-upgraded network adapter.

Part 5: Enable the exFAT hard drive in OPL

The settings for an exFAT hard drive differ from the settings for a traditional APA-formatted PS2 drive.

An APA drive normally appears under HDD Games. An exFAT internal drive is enabled as a block device and appears under BDM Games.

Step 1: Open OPL settings

1. Start the PS2 with the Free McBoot card inserted.

2. Select Open PS2 Loader.

3. Open Settings.

4. Locate BDM Start Mode.

5. Change it to Auto.

Step 2: Enable the internal exFAT device

1. Move right to BDM Devices or Block Devices.

2. Open the device list.

3. Find:

HDD (GPT/MBR)

4. Change it to On.

5. Move down to OK and select it.

6. Select OK again when returned to the previous menu.

Do not use the cancel or back button before selecting OK, because some OPL screens will discard changes when exited that way.

IMAGE NEEDED: OPL BDM Devices menu with HDD (GPT/MBR) set to On.

Caption: An exFAT internal hard drive is enabled under the BDM device settings.

Alt text: Open PS2 Loader device menu showing HDD GPT/MBR enabled.

Step 3: Set the default game menu

1. Return to the main Settings screen.

2. Change Default Menu to:

BDM Games

3. Select OK.

4. On the main OPL screen, select Save Changes.

5. Return to the game list.

The games should appear in the BDM section. When multiple block devices are connected, use the directional buttons to select the internal HDD.

IMAGE NEEDED: OPL game list populated from the internal exFAT drive.

Caption: Games stored in the DVD and CD folders appear in OPL’s BDM list.

Part 6: Launch and test a game

1. Select a game from the BDM list.

2. Press the displayed launch button.

3. Allow the game to start.

4. Test audio, video and controller input.

5. Create a test save.

6. Exit and confirm that the save can be loaded again.

Begin with OPL’s default per-game settings. Only enable compatibility modes when a specific game requires one.

The in-game reset combination is:

L1 + L2 + R1 + R2 + Start + Select

When supported by the game and enabled in OPL, this combination returns to the loader without using the console’s physical reset button.

Saving games

The Free McBoot card has limited free space and contains files required to start the soft mod.

For normal game saves, use one of these options:

Physical memory card

Keep the FMCB card in slot 1 and place a second PS2 memory card in slot 2.

This is the simplest and most compatible arrangement.

Virtual memory card

OPL supports virtual memory-card files stored in its VMC folder. Supported sizes range from 8MB to 64MB, although game compatibility can vary. Test a physical memory card first when a game has saving problems.

Avoid filling the Free McBoot card with ordinary game saves. Running out of free space can prevent configuration files or applications from being updated.

Optional OPL folders

Artwork

Place compatible cover files in:

ART

Enable cover art through OPL’s Display Settings and save the changes.

Per-game configuration

OPL stores game-specific settings in:

CFG

Virtual memory cards

Virtual card files are stored in:

VMC

Themes

OPL themes are stored in:

THM

Homebrew applications

Applications can be placed in:

APPS

OPL’s official structure also supports translation, cheat and configuration folders across its supported storage modes.

Troubleshooting

The normal Sony menu appears instead of Free McBoot

• Turn the console off and reseat the card.

• Use memory card slot 1.

• Clean the card’s contacts carefully.

• Test the card in another compatible PS2.

• Confirm that the seller prepared it for the correct console or used a cross-region installation.

• Confirm that the console does not use incompatible firmware 2.30 or 2.50.

• Try a genuine Sony MagicGate card.

Preconfigured cards can fail when their regional encoding, MagicGate implementation or installation type does not match the target console.

Free McBoot starts, but OPL is missing

• Open wLaunchELF and check whether an OPL ELF exists on the card.

• Launch the new OPL file directly from mass:/.

• Open FMCB Configurator.

• Add or repair the OPL menu item.

• Point Path1 to the correct ELF.

• Save the configuration to MC0.

The Free McBoot menu only displays entries whose configured application paths are available.

wLaunchELF does not detect the USB drive

• Format the USB as MBR/FAT32.

• Try a smaller or older USB 2.0 drive.

• Insert it before launching wLaunchELF.

• Try the other front USB port.

• Avoid drives with multiple partitions.

• Confirm that Windows safely ejected the drive.

OPL opens, but there is no HDD (GPT/MBR) option

The installed OPL version is probably too old or is a build without current exFAT support.

Download an official OPL 1.2.0 beta or newer development build and retest it from USB.

The internal drive is not detected

• Confirm BDM Start Mode is set to Auto.

• Confirm HDD (GPT/MBR) is On.

• Select OK on every settings page.

• Select Save Changes from the main menu.

• Reseat the network adapter.

• Reseat the SATA drive.

• Inspect the network-adapter conversion ribbon.

• Test a different SATA drive.

• Confirm the drive is exFAT.

• Confirm it uses MBR or GPT.

• Avoid a 4Kn-only drive.

The game list is empty

• Confirm games are inside DVD or CD.

• Confirm the files have the .iso extension.

• Confirm the BDM device is started.

• Confirm the correct block device is selected.

• Remove unnecessary nested folders.

• Test one known-good, personally created ISO.

• Restart OPL after adding new games.

A game displays a black or white screen

• Reset all per-game options to their defaults.

• Disable PadEmu.

• Verify the backup against a known-good disc dump.

• Confirm that the correct game ID is detected.

• Check the current OPL compatibility list.

• Test another OPL build when a regression is suspected.

OPL’s troubleshooting documentation recommends checking the game ID, verifying a clean source image and returning compatibility settings to their defaults.

OPL settings disappear after restarting

• Select OK, not Cancel, after changing device settings.

• Select Save Changes on the main OPL screen.

• Confirm the FMCB card has free space.

• Check that the configuration location is writable.

• Avoid removing the memory card while OPL is saving.

The PS2 freezes at the Free McBoot logo

1. Turn the PS2 off.

2. Remove the USB drive.

3. Remove the internal hard drive.

4. Try booting with only the FMCB card.

5. Test wLaunchELF before OPL.

6. Test the card in a second compatible PS2 when possible.

A poorly configured preloaded card may contain outdated or questionable software. ConsoleMods recommends reinstalling a known-good FMCB copy when the supplied configuration cannot be trusted.

Things to avoid

• Do not format the Free McBoot card through the PS2 Browser.

• Do not delete folders from the card unless their purpose is known.

• Do not overwrite OPL without keeping a backup.

• Do not use the APA HDD setting for an exFAT drive.

• Do not use WinHIIP to write games to an exFAT drive.

• Do not place DVD ISO files directly in the drive’s root.

• Do not disconnect the network adapter while the console is powered.

• Do not download unknown preconfigured software bundles.

• Do not store illegal game or BIOS downloads on the drive.

Final result

After completing the setup, the fat PS2 starts from the preloaded Free McBoot memory card and launches an updated version of Open PS2 Loader.

OPL recognizes the internal SATA drive as an exFAT BDM device, allowing personally created game backups to be copied using normal drag and drop. The original Sony network adapter can also retain its Ethernet functionality when it has been converted using a compatible SATA upgrade board.

Related Redux Gems guides

• PS2 Network Adapter IDE-to-SATA Upgrade

• PS2 Disassembly and Cleaning

• PS2 Cooling Fan Upgrade

• Create Your Own Free McBoot Memory Card