forums.ps2dev.org

I've been having trouble finding any straight answers to whats probbaly a common question to many, new to messing with the ps2. I have a non modded ps2 and have no demo's or such to erform a swap trick. However i have installed a HDD in my ps2 but am unable to format it for the obvious reason, i cnat boot the HDD formatting tools. I need to know how i can accomplish this task. I read that it is possible to connect to your ps2 via the network adapater and an rj45 cable, from there i can use nport to load something to my momory card which will enable me to boot a disc like my HDD formatting tools. Is this true? If so, how do i go about performing this, as far as how do i establish this connection and what programs should i utilize to perform this? I am new to doing such things with the ps2, but I am not new to networking or programming with computers. Someone please help me out with this, as i would love to get this HDD working so i can find out the ps2's true potential. Thanks in advance!

You need a crossover cat5 cable to connect directly from your PC to the PS2. If you are using a hub or a switch then use a straight cat5 cable.
To upload code on the PS2 you will need 1) ps2 exploit installed on your memory card + some PS1 game, or 2) mod chip so you can run things off CDRs, or 3) ps2 linux.
Option 1 is the cheapest and probably easiest. The only problem is how to get the exploit on the memory card. There are two options - find a friend with a chipped ps2 and run a install CDR which will copy the exploit on the memory card or buy a commercial memory card upload/download tool.