+----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
||                                                                          ||
||          Sony PlayStation (tm) Copying For Fucking Morons                ||
||              F.A.Q. --- Version 1.84 --- January 1999                    ||
||                     (c) Copyright Hades_  1999                           ||
||                        Thanks to: Mike-Ri & tiMeleSs                     ||
||           Along with the rest of the #psx & #consolex Crew!              ||
||              Latest version @ iRC Efnet Channel(s) #psx                  ||
||                                                                          ||
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------+

                                    :NOTE: 
  Before you join to the EfNet server, and join #PSX Here are #PSX's Rules:
        No spam/onjoin/background colors, timers to 30 minutes,
                     no colors/underline/bold in timers

				Have A Nice Day

 ============================================================================


  Copyright and Usage Conditions:

   Anyone who wishes to post this FAQ on a Web page or some other Internet 
   or non Internet resource may do so providing the FAQ is left in its 
   ORIGINAL form and the work is not credited as your own.  You may do   
   whatever the fuck you want to do with this FAQ.  Just remember, I wrote
   it, so go ahead & cut n paste it to death.  Mine was out first, so people
   know you just copied it.       

  Disclaimer:

   This F.A.Q. is intenended for those people who want to BACKUP their Play-
   Station games, so they do not Damage their originals.  If you don't own
   the original CD, it's against the law . . .


 ============================================================================


 > Why does this FAQ exist?
  
   People are fucking morons.  Since this is true, I've decided to teach
   a bunch of people how to fish, instead of just giving them fish.  This
   way, me and my #PSX buddies don't have to answer stupid questions.     

 > I want to be able to play CDR Copies on my PlayStation (tm) how do I do it?
  
   There are 3 known ways copy to play CDR Copies on your PlayStation (tm).

                1) The Modchip
                2) The Game Enhancer (or equivalent)
                3) Swapping

   There are rumours floating on the net that there are other ways to play
   copies on your PSX.  Let me list them, and defeat them now

   1) The 'modified' Firmware for a CDR.
        This is perhaps the most believed of all the 'phony' ways to play copies
        The rumours are like this.  With a modified firmware for your CDR, you can
        get your CDR to burn the 'bad sectors' on the CD, thus you don't need
        the modchip.  Well, although this should work 'in theory', there is
        no modified firmware on the Internet.  This is the bottom line.  No
        one in their right mind wants to fuck with their $350+ CDR, when they
        can buy a $5 modchip and just install it like everyone else.

  2) A NEW PlayStation CD Copying Software.
        This is full of shit.  The PlayStation Copy Protection isn't software
        based, it is hardware based.  There are bad sectors on the CDs which
        need to be detected to bypass the copies.  There is no such software,
        because CDRs are designed to fix the bad sectors.  This is a hoax, there
        is no such thing, if it is, it doesn't work.

  3) The PSX Boot Disc
        This is a misunderstood idea.  The PlayStation Boot Disc is not intended
        to defeat the PSX Copy protection.  The PSX BOOT Disc is for those people
        who have Development PlayStation and create their own programs.  This Boot
        Disc allows them to boot their programs and play on their PSX, nothing more.

  4) Reading a PSX Disc in CD+G Format w/ Subcodes
        This was the most gayiest piece of shit.  Someone said that you can copy a PSX
        CD, in CD+G format, w/ all Subcodes and it'll work.  This is full of shit.  CD+G
        format is the format for Karaoke CDs.  Nothing more.  Subcodes have to do with
        audio CDs, and the sectors between them.  This was a practicle joke, nothing more.

 > Wow, that was neat, please explain!
  
   Here is a more descriptive explanation for each protection.

        1) The Modchip is a small PIC microchip which is installed into
   your PSX.  It consists of 3, 4 or 5 wires soldered to points.  Each PSX
   model, (100x, 500x, 700x & 750x) have different layouts where they have
   to be soldered.  The modchip is deamed the best way to play CDR Copies
   for the following reasons:

          1) Modchips are cheaper: $5-$10
          2) After the installation, it's easy to use.
          3) No Swapping
          4) Convenience
          5) Unless your friends got modchips, the fuckers can't take your games.

          Disadvantages:

          1) They need to be soldered in.  This is a pain for people who can't do it
                find someone to do it for you, that is what I did.

        2) The Game Enhancer is the newbie on the block.  A Game Enhancer is simply
   a GameShark or a Pro Action Replay with a different BIOS.  (A GameShark or Pro Action
   Replay is kinda like a Game Genie for the PlayStation)  The GE allows you to
   preform the 'swap trick' easier on the PlayStation.  To put it in a nut shell,
   you force the lid sensor down, put a ORIGINAL CD of YOUR COUNTRY in the PSX.
   then hit 'x', it'll power up, then down.  Take the CD out, put your copy in
   then leave, bamn your game plays.

        There is a little bit more effort you have to do to play Multiple CD games
    but it is possible.  If someone said you can't, they are fucking lying, tell them
    to fuck off.

                Advantages:                     Disadvantages:

           1) No need to solder                1) You still have to swap
           2) Portable                         2) It'll wear out your PSX
           3) Even children can use it!        3) Lost your GE, and you are fucked.

 > How do I use the 'Swap Trick'?
     
   A detailed FAQ on Swapping is attached below.  Credit is given to it's
   authors, because I would have never figured that shit out.


> How do I copy PlayStation CDs?  What is the best CDR Program?!

  This is yet another common question asked.  Here is a list of known CDR
  Software that copies PSX CDs the best.

        1) CDRWin
        2) Prassi
        3) NERO
        4) Gear/Gear Replicator

  CDRWin is the best all around PSX Copying program.  It is the best in CD Duplication
  period.  You can download a copy @ http://www.goldenhawk.com.  Be warned, if you
  use illegal Serial Numbers, the program will burn bad CDs. Just use the Shareware
  version until you get it to work on your system.

  Prassi is another popular software package.  It is excellent for copy PSX CDs.
  You can get it off the net, search for it.  That is why search engines exist.

  NERO is a good PSX Copying program.  Many people don't like it, because they can't multi
  task as well if they burn CDs.  Try it if you have to.  http://www.adhead.de
  is where it is.

  Gear/Gear Replicator is a last resort.  This is a powerful program, but it's a bitch
  to understand.  http://www.elecktrson.com

> I can't copy game XXXX?!!

  Bitch.. calmdown, it isn't the end of the world, so shut up and listen.  If
  you can't copy a game.  Try reading the CD slower.  There are options in all
  good CDR copying programs to set the reading speed slower.  Some games (especially
  rentals) need to be set slower, i once had to read games @ 1x to do it right.
  Take your time . . .and as it burns, go take a shit, go out with friends or something.

> I still can't copy it what do I do!

  Try using your CDR to read the Disc, and/or clean the ORIGINAL CD, with alcohol &
  tissue paper.  (Wait till it dries first dumbasses).  This helps.

> What is good CDR Media to use?

  There are various types of CDR Brands that work on PlayStation.  Some work better
  than others.  Here is a list of typically brands of Media.  Remember, it is up
  to you to find the best media that works with your setup.  Try to use Blue
  bottom CDs, and stay away from Gold & Green bottoms.  Note-> Media will
  vary with different PlayStation models & even certain PlayStations.  They
  will also vary according to the CDR itself.

ͻ
  Name         Recording Speeds     Our Comments                         
͹
 *TDK         8x, 4x, 2x, 1x       Excellent CDRs/Good 4 all PSX & Speeds
 *Verbatim    8x, 4x, 2x, 1x       Excellent CDRs/Good 4 all PSX & Speeds
  Maxell          2x, 1x           Okay CDR/Burn Slow/CDR Not Recommended
  Sony            2x, 1x           Okay CDR/Burn Slow/Not Recommended    
  Memorex         2x, 1x           Medicoare, burn slow for good results 
  Rioch      8/4/2/1->Blue 0x/Gold Gold Ones Suck/Blue Excellent but $$  
  Hi-Val      8x, 4x, 2x, 1x       Good CDRs, have good results          
  Ritek           2x, 1x           Crappy, but work good @ 2x burning    
  Fuji        2x, 1x (Maybe 4x)    Seems to be a good medium for PSX     
  Mitsumi        4x, 2x, 1x        Good CDRs, have good results with them
ͼ


> What is a good CDR to buy?  I only got $125!

  Save your money.  Bottom line, all big software companies say "... a lower priced
  IDE drive simply will not give you the benefits and quality of a higher end
  SCSI drive.."  Thus, save your money, don't buy that extra burrito at taco bell.
  There are GOOD IDE drives out there.  Just make sure your CDR Supporst Disc-At-Once
  recording, and you'll be fine.  The following is a list of the most popular
  CDRs:

ͻ
  Name / Manufacturer   Our Comments                                      
͹
  Plextor     SCSi MODEL ONLY      Excellent CDR/The Best/Top of the Line
  Yamaha      SCSi/IDE MODELs      Same as Plextor/The xxxx Sucks Though 
              * !! NOTE YAMAHA 400 SERIES SUCK !! *                       
  Memorex      IDE MODEL ONLY      Decent CDR/Will Get the Job Done      
  Panasonic   SCSI/IDE MODELs      Good CDRs & at a Good Price           
  Rioch       SCSi/IDE MODELs      Good Bit Pricy though                 
  Sony        SCSi/IDE MODELs      WOREST!  DOESN'T SUPPORT DAO!!!       
  Philips     SCSi/IDE MODELs      Lameass CDRs  Breakdown/Overheat Avoid
  HP          SCSi/IDE MODEls      Okay/De out/Small LifeSpan            
  Smart & F.  SCSi/IDE MODEls      Variable-> Made by Yamaha/JVC They    
                                    Are simply a resold product some rock
                                    some sux ass.                        
ͼ


> Can a PlayStation read a CDRW Disc?

  It depends on the PlayStation.  My 5501 does, yet my older 5501 doesn't.
  My friends 5501 does only with certain RW Discs.  Thus, some do, some don't,
  try it for yourself, you can always erase it.

> Can you send me PlayStation games?

  No, fuck off.

> How do you know so much?

  I'm GOD!.  J/k.  I did my own research on this subject, so I know my shit now.
  Alot of people fucked w/ me, but now I know my shit.  If you think i'm full of shit
  give me proof, and you will be da man.  (or da woman).

> Teach me some 'tricks of the trade'.

  Sure n/p.  When you burn PSX CDs.  Here are some tips.  Reading slower is good.
  In addition, burning slower, is always best.  If you find problems burning @ 4x
  or 8x, then burn slower.  If you have to go down to 1x all the time.  Well, thats
  what you gotta do.  You aren't supposed to copy PSX CDs.. so that is your trade off.
  Use good quality CDs so you can burn @ higher speeds.  Also, the PlayStation itself
  needs to be a higher model to read higher burns.

  Always, always, make the Image of the PSX CD to your HD, then burn it back to the CD.
  This is the default option in CDRwin.  It shouldn't be a big deal.  Those who say
  "But I can burn CD2CD fine!!"  Well good fucking for you, you know what you are doing
   CD 2 CD is unreliable.  It is best to do CD2CD w/ a SCSi reader & a  SCSi CDR.
   A CD2CD burn can die for any reason, typically, the source CD is fucked, and causes
   a buffer underrun.  So always make an image.  Go buy a 32x CDROM.. they are like $50
   for an IDE, or like $100 for a SCSi.  You can make an image in under 5min.  So you aren't
   saving much time going CD2CD.

>  How do I make an image of a PSX CD?  So I can like send it on the Internet?

   Bitch.. you should do that.. it's illegal.... but for the 'educational' use.  Here
   is how to do it.

   CDRwin is the most widely accepted 'trading' program for Images, be them PSX/PC/Mac
   so use it.  Load CDRWin, and tell it to make a Image to the CD, but NOT burn it.
   The recording options should be shut off now.  When it's done.  You got an image to
   send to someone.  Name it something you can understand.  Like for Resident Evil
   call it like "RESEVIL1.BIN" always end it with .BIN PLEASE!

>  Coolness!!  How do i break it up into RAR junks now though?

   Here are two ways, for the Windoez declined + the DOS Inclined.

   WinRAR -> Hightlight the .CUE & .BIN of the Image you want to compress.
             Click on add to archive.  Set your compression (Best is better,
             it takes more time, but you have less files, so it sends on the 'Net
             quicker).  Set your Directory Size to 64k.  This helps with compression,
             but since Directory Size helps only @ times, set it to the lowest so it'll
             compress faster.  Click on Multimedia Compression + Solid Compression.  This
             Will really help.  Name the RAR, and click 'ok'  Now wait...

  RAR     -> Set these options and save them.  "Solid, Multimedia, Best"
             At the DOS Prompt type "RAR a -y -m5 -v20000 <Filename.RAR> <name of bin.BIN> <name of cue.CUE>

> What is this .SFV file?  What is this .NFO file?

  The NFO file, is from the group that released it.  Type typical groups are:
  Carnage, ConsoleX, DVNPSX, Kalisto, Paradox, & WackyISO.  These tell you if
  the game is JAPAN/USA/EUROPE & if it's NTSC/PAL.  In addition, it gives you
  comments about the game, the # of Discs # of rars etc.

  The SFV file is special...  This file contains the text for the CRC Check
  for the rars of the PSX CD.  You should run SFV on the rars to make sure
  they all work before you unrar.  Then you know if they are good.  To use
  this, you need SFV32.EXE.  If you are nice, and not a dick, (or a bitch if
  you are female), then someone will send it to you.  It's pretty simple,
  just click on 'valitate' and highlight the files you need to check.  Make sure
  the .SFV is in the same dir as the rars.

> When I unrar it.. it's CRC error and it doesn't work WTF?

  Look at the question before this.

> I've copied other games before, but i can't copy xxx!!??

  Try everything that is listed here.  If you still can't do it it's because
        A) Your Source CD is fux0red!
        B) Your CDROM Reader is fucked
        C) Your CDR Sux
        D) You are a 'fucking moron' hehe

  My answer, *EVERY* PlayStation game is copyable.  Try it with another Source
  CD.  If you still can't do it, go fucking buy it and stop being a crying bitch
  just cuz you can't copy Pac-Man

> What is a PlayStation Emulator?  Where can I find a PlayStation Emulator?

  A PlayStation Emulator is a program that you run on your computer to play
  PlayStation games.  Thus, you don't have to buy the console unit.  There are
  two emulators: Bleem & PSEmu Pro.

  PSEmu Pro can be found @: www.psemu.com
  Bleem is not yet released, but there is a floating 'leaked' beta floating the
  Internet.

  These two emulators aren't perfect, and not all games run on them.  So before
  you think you can both not pay for games, and not pay for the system, you are
  wrong, besides, it's best on a PSX.  Dual Shock/GameShark/Commslink Etc.. kick
  ass.


> Where can I learn this great information you told me!

  http://users.mdn.net/breakdow/psx.htm
  http://www.siscom.net/~terrax/
  http://dataconcepts.com/cic/start.html

> Where can i order modchips or a GE?!

  Modchips can be bought @
  
  http://www.modchips.com
  http://www.psxmodchips.com
  http://www.psxceed.cx/~phantax


  GE's can be bought @

  http://www.dminion.com
  http://www.game-enhancer.com


                   <---Snip Taken from the PSX Swaping FAQ -->

 ============================================================================

  
  
  Please check the table below to determine what Swap Method is best for
  your particular machine.  NB: the Double method will work on ALL models
  of the PlayStation but is NOT very easy to do so I have only listed it
  if your machine ONLY supports this method and no other.

  Model Number                  Country of Origin             Swap Trick?

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

  SCPH-1000 [Initial batch]           JAPAN                   Yes, all
  SCPH-1000 [Second batch]            JAPAN                   Yes, black
  SCPH-3000 [Initial batch]           JAPAN                   Yes, black
  SCPH-3000 [Second batch]            JAPAN                   Yes, double
  SCPH-3500 [Third batch]             JAPAN                   Not known
  SCPH-1001 [Initial batch]           USA                     Yes, all
  SCPH-1001 [S/N 592xxx or higher] *  USA                     Yes, double
  SCPH-1002 [Initial batch]           PAL                     Yes, all
  SCPH-1002 [Second batch]            PAL                     Yes, double
  SCPH-2000 [Development machine]     N/A                     N/A

  * S/N = serial number, importantly linked to date of manufacture.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------


 ============================================================================
  
  
  There are five methods which allow you to use almost ANY PlayStation CD
  in ANY PlayStation, regardless of origin.  I have yet to hear of any 
  hardware damage using these methods although this doesn't mean that it 
  hasn't happened.  Please understand NOT all PlayStations are created the
  same.

  The five methods are detailed below (one very easy, three quite easy and 
  one difficult.)  Various terms are used below, please be sure you know
  exactly what they mean before attempting any of the swap methods:


  LOCAL:  
  
  A CD which is intended for your region, most likely bought at a local 
  store.  The pack-in demo CD is a "local" disc.

  FOREIGN:  

  Any CD which contains territory information other than that of the host
  machine.  Japanese, European and Australian CDs are all foreign if you  
  have a US machine.

  NTSC and PAL:

  It is important to note that running a PAL (Australia, Europe) on your
  NTSC machine (US, Japan) or vice versa can cause display problems.
  Take this into consideration when buying/using imports.  See below for
  possible solutions.
  
  ROM:

  The Read Only Memory section of your PlayStation where the different
  country protection routines are stored.

  AUDIO MENU:

  Designed for listening to audio CDs or the audio tracks stored on PS 
  CD-ROMs but also provides a handy backdoor for swap trick-ers.

  LID SENSOR:

  A small button shaped object located near the CD tray at the rear on the
  right hand side.  Indicates to the PlayStation whether the lid is open or
  closed and essential for any swap trick.

  BLACK and WHITE SCREENS:

  The White screen is the initial screen that appears on bootup and the
  Black screen is the first thing to appear when you boot a valid CD-ROM. 


 ============================================================================


  METHOD ONE:  The Audio Menu [Safe and very easy]
  ------------------------------------------------

  Works on :  Very early Japanese, European and American machines.
  Success  :  80%  
  Problems :  Music is often corrupted.  The TOC (Table of Contents)
              from the boot CD is always used which is less than ideal. 
  
  
  o  Power up your PlayStation WITHOUT a game or demo CD in it.

  o  Select the CD Audio menu.

  o  Get a local CD that matches the country of the machine you
     have.  (ie a Japanese game for a Japanese PlayStation etc.)

  o  Find some tape, Blu-Tak or something similar.  Several people I know
     have found the corner from a cornflake packet works well <shrug>.

  o  Open the lid and look at the top right of the bottom section,
     near where the hinge is.  See the small circle in the groove?
     Good.  This is the lid sensor.

  o  Insert your local CD.

  o  Put the tape, Blu-Tak or whatever over the sensor and *gently*
     push it down.  The CD will now spin for a few seconds.

  o  When the CD has finished spinning take it out and replace it
     with the foreign game you wish to play.

  o  Now shut the lid and exit the CD Audio menu.  The game should
     now work fine (see above for exceptions.)

  o  When you have finished playing, open the lid and remove the
     tape, Blu-Tak etc from the sensor.  This will stop the CD.


  Notes:

  i    Try and get a local CD with as many tracks on it as you can.
       The local CD must have at least as many tracks as the foreign CD
       or you won't get all the music.  Depending on the boot CD the
       foreign game may give poor results or even crash.
        
       Unfortunately the number of music tracks is NOT the only deciding
       factor (the length of the data track is another) and you may find
       that you are unable to get your foreign game to work satisfactorily
       with the choice of boot CDs you have.  See the other methods, they
       may give better results.

  ii   Owners of Japanese SCPH-1000 (later batch), SCPH-3000 machines and
       later European/US models will find that this method does NOT
       work.  Sony has removed this particular loophole in the latest ROM
       revision.

  iii  You can ONLY run PAL games on NTSC machines if you have an RGB
       cable (not s-video, composite or ANYTHING else.)  This also
       applies to NTSC games on a PAL machine.  In Europe this problem
       is easily solved by investing in an import spec RGB/SCART cable
       as sold for use with Japanese/US PlayStations.  In North America,
       Australia etc you will need to look into the options available to
       you (an old or expensive monitor, probably.)  I understand a cable
       for 1084 monitors will shortly be available in the US.


  METHOD TWO:  The OLD Black Method [Fairly safe and easy]
  --------------------------------------------------------

  Works on :  All early machines, see above for meaning of "early".
  Success  :  85%  
  Problems :  Most games will work albeit sometimes with music glitches
              or unexpected crashes.


  o  Follow the Audio method with a local CD in your machine.  The lid
     should be up and the lid sensor held down.

  o  When the black PlayStation screen appears (after the white Sony one) 
     QUICKLY lift the original game out and replace with the foreign one.  
     You have a few seconds to do this and it soon becomes second nature.

  o  If you must have the music working 100% or have a really stubborn
     foreign game then try the NEW Black method detailed below.


  METHOD THREE:  The NEW Black Method [Fairly safe but tricky]
  ------------------------------------------------------------
  
  Works on :  The same machines that can do the OLD Black trick.
  Success  :  100%  
  Problems :  Not supported by all models.


  o  This method is a variant on the White Audio menu method but involves
     an extra step where you basically "piggy back" the OLD Black method
     onto the White Audio menu hybrid.

  o  Try and get a local CD with lots of music tracks as this gives you a
     little extra time to perform the first swap.

  o  Go to the Audio menu and press down the sensor, remove the local CD
     just before the audio tracks pop up and replace with the foreign CD.
     The foreign CD's tracks should appear and NOT those of the local CD.

  o  Replace the boot CD and exit the CD Audio menu.

  o  At the Black screen, replace the import CD as in the original method.

  Note: 
  
  The territory information that normally appears before the TM at the 
  Black screen will be corrupted, this is normal.
  
  
  METHOD FOUR:  The White Method(s) [Fairly safe but tricky]
  ----------------------------------------------------------

  Works on :  The same very early models that can do the Audio method.
  Success  :  100% 
  Problems :  Not supported by all models.


  o  Switch on your machine and count  1..2..3..4 and THEN swap discs.  You
     need to do this *JUST* before the white Sony screen appears.  The
     timing is tough, you want the PS to read the country code but NOT the
     TOC so don't expect to get it right every time.

  o  Another variation is to use a hybrid Audio Menu swap trick:  remove the
     boot CD and replace it with the "foreign" game just after the original
     country code is read and before the TOC.  Many people find this method
     easier then the original White method.  

  Note:

  If you have performed the swap correctly then the import CD audio tracks
  will be shown NOT those of the local CD.


  METHOD FIVE:  The Double Swap Method [Fairly safe but pretty tricky]
  --------------------------------------------------------------------

  Works on :  All PlayStations to date, including the latest models.
  Success  :  100%   
  Problems :  Do not kid yourself, this method IS difficult.  The end

              result is well worth it (especially if you have no other 
              options.)
  

 ============================================================================

                              I M P O R T A N T

  I can NO LONGER accept any more questions on this method, everything you
  need to know is here.  Please, please do not e-mail me asking for help.

 ============================================================================


  Note:  
  
  1x and 2x refer to the CD motor speed (single speed and double speed), 
  watch a few of your games boot up with the lid open and you can easily 
  see and hear the "gear changes".  To get full music timing is highly 
  critical otherwise the original TOC is used.
  
  
  o  Insert your local CD.

  o  Remove the local CD when the motor changes to 2x and replace it
     with your foreign CD.

  [If you did this right, you *SHOULD* see the black PS screen now.]

  o  Watch and listen to the CD motor.  It will slow down and then
     speed back up to 2x.

  o  After a few seconds, the CD motor will slow down again.  Replace
     with your local CD once again.

  o  After another half second or so, the local CD will speed up again.
     Finally replace your foreign CD.  

                   <---Snip Taken from the PSX Swaping FAQ -->
