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Creating custom ARMax (Action Replay Max) CD using Updated Codelist

I’m pretty sure most of you already heard about this cheating devices especially for those who like to cheat on their ps2 game :P (and the most viewed post on my blog is about ps2) … but im not going to talk about how this cheat devices works or something like that, but i’ll give you another tutorial on how to create a customized ARMax CD which always include the latest codelist (instead of using your memory card space to store the updated codelist)

Requirements :

Computer Hardware and Software :

  • CD / DVD Writer Hardware : Off course you’ll need this (if you dont own a cd / dvd writer like me .. you can choose other method .. that’s by visiting your friend who has a cd writer and ask them nicely) :P
  • CDGen 3 : I already post this on my previous post about Recommended PS2 Tools but just in case you don’t want to open my previous post because of … INSERT YOUR EXCUSE HERE …. just click here to download it
  • ARMax Code Manager (Optional) : i’ve already post about this tool in my previous post about the Recommended PS2 Tools so to read about this you should read my previous post (but its not required because im going to put the direct link in this post to download the latest update codelist using your Internet Browsers or Download Manager) … but this tools still worth a download just in case you want to do some more to your ARMax
  • CD Burning Software : Well if you own a CD Writer Hardware then you already has it … you can use Nero, Alcohol, and open source / free burning program, etc

Playstation 2 Software Required :

  • Action Replay CD : if you dont have this then …. i’ll have to say this … you cant continue to the next step. But if you’re interested on buying this go visit CodeJunkies Site or try to find one on the internet (there’s alot of pirated ARMax floating on the internet, just search for it)

And here’s the guide ;)

  • First thing is put the ARMax CD on your Computer CD / DVD Rom drive and copy all of its content into a directory on your computer, for example C:\ARMaxMod
  • Now download the updated codelist for ARMax from here :

For USA / NTSC Codelist : NTSC Codelist
For EU / PAL Codelist : PAL Codelist

Actually you can use them both no matter what ARMax versions you’re using (as long as you’re using a modchip on your PS2). For example my PSTwo is a PAL PSTwo SCPH-70002 (generic modchip not a brand mochip like DMS, Matrix Infinity, etc) but im using NTSC ARMax with PAL Codelist and NTSC Codelist

  • After downloading the updated codelist, copy the downloaded codelist into YOUR_COPIED_ARMAX_DIRECTORY_ON_HARDDISK\RES\CODELIST
  • And now open the CDGen program and do some drag n drop from the copied ARMax files into CDGen window like this :

ARMax Mod Screenshot

  • And choose to Save Image on the File Menu or click the IMG Icon and wait untill it finished
  • Now Open your CD Burning Program and choose Image Burning. For example if you’re using nero, Open Nero Burning Rom -> Choose Recorder on the toolbar -> Burn Image -> and point to the image created using the CDGen program and burn it …. FINISHED ;) … and sorry i cant show you the screenshot because as i said before i dont own a CD Writer beside i was using my friend CD Writer

Note: If you’re going to use the updated PAL Codelist (if you were using an NTSC versions of ARMax) … do the same steps but rename the EU_CODELIST.BIN into US_CODELIST.BIN and vice versa before copying it into the ARMAX Directory (you’ll need two blank disc to perform these steps)

If there’s something you don’t understand or got other question, post your comments here … cya … and wait for another guide by me :)

RSS Feed for This Post94 Comment(s)

  1. 1
    franky | Aug 11, 2006 at 9:37 / 9:37 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    is there a way to build an action replay max on DVD-R? I get the armax image file from internet and burn it on a DVD-R and works but it was the pal version I want to build an armax DVD ntsc, żthat's possible?

  2. 2
    Reaper-X | Aug 11, 2006 at 10:03 / 10:03 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Since i dont own a DVD-R i dont know much about that stuff, but if you want to create a NTSC ARmax, you'll need SLUS_200.90 (its the elf binary for ARMax NTSC) and change the SYSTEM.CNF (its extension cant be seen on windows although you already set windows to show known extension for all file types) so you'll need to open it directly using text editor and insert this line :

    BOOT2 = cdrom0:\SLUS_200.90;1
    VER = 1.00 (American)
    VMODE = NTSC

    hope it'll help you :)

  3. 3
    james | Aug 28, 2006 at 17:28 / 5:28 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    yo homiesi found here look i dunno where to buy the codebreaker or sumtin ill b bak in a sec going dwn town

  4. 4
    james | Aug 28, 2006 at 19:04 / 7:04 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    i reaLYY WANNA know please help where can i buy one for grand theft auto vice city

  5. 5
    Reaper-X | Aug 29, 2006 at 20:45 / 8:45 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    You should check your inbox james, maybe you'll find something interesting there :)

  6. 6
    steve | Aug 31, 2006 at 3:00 / 3:00 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hi, I've tried your suggestion but when I open the .cue file in Nero it just hangs... Can you help?
    Thanks!

  7. 7
    Reaper-X | Sep 1, 2006 at 0:33 / 12:33 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Do you choose to burn the image files or by opening the cuesheet file in nero ? you should choose to burn from image instead of opening it

  8. 8
    steve | Sep 1, 2006 at 2:03 / 2:03 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Thanks,
    Same thing happens either way...

  9. 9
    Reaper-X | Sep 1, 2006 at 2:40 / 2:40 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    maybe you should choose to use other burning programs which has support to burn from an Image file (you can find it easily) or try mounting the ARmax image file using Virtual CD Software (Daemon Tools is the easiest one since its a freeware) first before burning it, just in case the created armax file got corrupted

  10. 10
    steve | Sep 2, 2006 at 0:42 / 12:42 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Thanks, I think I found part of the problem . The big.dat file won't extract with Isobuster as it says read error on line 35.
    I downloaded an ARMax image from the net, ripped this open with isobuster and followed your guide about replacing the codelist and used Alcohol to burn it.
    However it doesn't appear the codelist copied correctly as all I have is some old games.
    Will try a bit more investigation this eve.
    Thanks for the tips so far.

  11. 11
    Reaper-X | Sep 2, 2006 at 8:56 / 8:56 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Well if you have old codelist file and want to merge the old codelist with the new codelist, you can always use Max Code Manager. Unfortunately i cant send you the Big.dat / Big2.dat file because it's to big for me .. lol ..

  12. 12
    Steve | Sep 3, 2006 at 21:55 / 9:55 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Thanks for your advice.
    I have finally managed to get this working! =)

  13. 13
    nakmuaymx | Sep 4, 2006 at 3:31 / 3:31 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    do we have to match the LBA's values to the ones on the image???
    thanks! I love this site!!!!

  14. 14
    Reaper-X | Sep 4, 2006 at 15:52 / 3:52 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    #Steve
    You're welcome Steve ;)

    #nakmuaymx
    Sorry for late reply (well i think you already know that im in different timezone) lol .. there's no need to match the exact LBA value, you can just drag n drop the files and burn it ;)

  15. 15
    james | Oct 1, 2006 at 22:29 / 10:29 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    hey your good at ps2 hacks n all but.... do you know to hack on habbo hotel.co.uk i want to get all the items and credits but it really hard i want to download one with no keyloggers viruses or spam yours sincerly

    the 11 year old james lol

  16. 16
    Reaper-X | Oct 1, 2006 at 23:08 / 11:08 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Ahahahaha hello james ;)

    btw i never know about that hotel habbo thing before you told me about that here .. lol .. anyway i dont think i can do it because im not a hacker myself, so the only way to do it is by using keylogger, or other similar remote tools ;)

  17. 17
    Guyver01 | Oct 23, 2006 at 4:26 / 4:26 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    I iam portuguese, i have buyed Need For Speed Underground 2, but the codes in the ARMax dont work, I think the SLES are diferent anyway, is there other way to put codes in the game or create new ones from SLES file ???

  18. 18
    Reaper-X | Oct 23, 2006 at 10:00 / 10:00 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Well if you're using NTSC Armax for example, and want to play Need for Speed Underground 2 PAL .. you can just put the PAL codes into your NTSC Armax without editing anything (see european cj site).

    And yes the ARMAX NTSC ELF and PAL ELF are different but if you're already using modchip with just a single armax cd you can use it to cheat in PAL games or NTSC games

  19. 19
    Kyle | Nov 22, 2006 at 3:43 / 3:43 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    When i look at my AR MAX cd i have an EU_Codelist and a US_Codelist.

    If i want to make a cd with us and uk codes on it is that possible? Or can i have one US codes and one UK codes?

  20. 20
    Reaper-X | Nov 22, 2006 at 3:58 / 3:58 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    If its only using 1 cd, i dont know how to do it (but its possible) .. and this tutorial is about creating separate cd to use different codelist :)

  21. 21
    Kyle | Nov 22, 2006 at 4:49 / 4:49 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    it is only on one cd, which is what i dont understand.

    im sure it doesnt display both codelists though :S

  22. 22
    Reaper-X | Nov 22, 2006 at 5:56 / 5:56 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    armax already put both codelist with the exception it'll only load 1 codelist depend on your armax version ;) that's why instead of buying the new armax cd, you can create it by yourself :D .. note: you'll need modchip installed on your console, or have swap magic ready

  23. 23
    Kyle | Nov 22, 2006 at 18:45 / 6:45 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    oh i see, it makes sense now :D thanks.

    is there anyway to make the armax into an elf?

  24. 24
    Reaper-X | Nov 23, 2006 at 9:25 / 9:25 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    I dont think its possible to make armax into a standalone elf :) because there's various thing in the armax cd itself just like CB or GS, with the exception Armax can be modified while the other tools cant be modified :D

  25. 25
    Rafael | Dec 1, 2006 at 7:23 / 7:23 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    anyone have a link to big.dat
    ?

  26. 26
    Reaper-X | Dec 1, 2006 at 8:44 / 8:44 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    you can create it easily Rafael because its just a dummy file :)

  27. 27
    Rafael | Dec 1, 2006 at 14:53 / 2:53 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    thx

  28. 28
    Rafael | Dec 1, 2006 at 17:38 / 5:38 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    i make everything alrigh but when i open the cd everithing is old dont have any updade what's the problem.?

  29. 29
    Reaper-X | Dec 1, 2006 at 23:08 / 11:08 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    do you mean the codelist itself is still the old codelist ? or something else ?

  30. 30
    Rafael | Dec 2, 2006 at 2:15 / 2:15 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    still the old codelist

  31. 31
    Reaper-X | Dec 2, 2006 at 6:06 / 6:06 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    did you downloaded the new codelist and replace / overwrite the old codelist before burning it first ?

  32. 32
    leon | Dec 19, 2006 at 14:03 / 2:03 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    i've done everything and it's working now "but" the new codes not loading.. ive edit the codelist with the codelist manager too, still "not" working..

    is there maximum or minimum limit ???

  33. 33
    Reaper-X | Dec 19, 2006 at 16:40 / 4:40 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    what is your armax type ? is it an pal or ntsc ? as for the maximum limit .. hm .. i dont know much about it, but one thing for sure is .. i always keep it less clustered, because i dont really used codes for old games :)

  34. 34
    leon | Dec 19, 2006 at 18:42 / 6:42 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    i've burnt more than 3 CDs and 5 DVDs.. still not working -.-"

    ARMAX works fine but it doesnt LOAD the US_CODELIST.Bin / i tried the full list and the EDITED (with codelist manager) still not working :(

  35. 35
    Reaper-X | Dec 19, 2006 at 20:10 / 8:10 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hm .. it seems you're using a PAL Armax, then try renaming the US_Codelist.bin into EU_Codelist.bin .. because if you're using European (PAL) armax version it'll load EU_Codelist by default :)

  36. 36
    leon | Dec 19, 2006 at 21:21 / 9:21 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    finally worked... after 5 CDs and 5 DVDs.. woot, i ran out of CDs/DVDs, i better go buy some. lol

    and i think i had PAL version... i m using NTSC version now.. thanks for your great help.

  37. 37
    Reaper-X | Dec 19, 2006 at 21:34 / 9:34 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    your welcome leon glad it works for you :)

    btw if you're using Virtual CD software combined with pcsx2 to test out your burned armax, there's no need for you to use all of your blank cd .. lol

    anyway thanks for visiting my site :D

  38. 38
    leon | Dec 19, 2006 at 23:23 / 11:23 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    o i didnt know that but i ll give it a try that would be cool

    you got link for "Virtual CD software combined with pcsx2" ?

  39. 39
    Reaper-X | Dec 20, 2006 at 1:01 / 1:01 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    you can go to http://www.daemon-tools.cc to get the Virtual CD Software, but dont forget you must choose to burn your files / iso images to disk (if you're using nero) .. ;)

    a more detailed steps is just like this :

    - Install Virtual CD (Daemon tools)
    - Burn your images files to disk using nero
    - Mount your burned disk (virtual) into the daemon tools
    - Configure pcsx2 to read from your virtual drive
    - and run it from pcsx2
    - if everything looks / works fine as it should, then you can burn it directly into a blank cd ;)

  40. 40
    Mike | Dec 28, 2006 at 7:08 / 7:08 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    do you need the . dat files off of the cd, my pc wont let me copy them?

  41. 41
    leon | Dec 29, 2006 at 7:20 / 7:20 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    by the way, where can i get old US/EU Codelist ??? i got some old games and the codes not listed in the new codelist versions..

  42. 42
    Reaper-X | Dec 30, 2006 at 17:55 / 5:55 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hello Leon, sorry for late reply but if you read my latest post you'll know why .. but now im trying to respond to every comments here :)

    ooh yeah try read this post carefully because i already posted it here ;-)

  43. 43
    micheal | Feb 21, 2007 at 21:55 / 9:55 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    i really want to find the armax files on the net can u give me a flick towards them of can u send em to me in email plz

  44. 44
    brandon | Feb 25, 2007 at 7:24 / 7:24 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    it did all of the steps and the cd did not boot up (oh can you use the cd with th cardrige to)

  45. 45
    Reaper-X | Feb 25, 2007 at 13:02 / 1:02 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Do you have modchip installed ? or using swapmagic to run it ?

  46. 46
    icemanya | Feb 28, 2007 at 4:54 / 4:54 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    does that cheats work on backup games?? heres my problem i have swap magic discs. and a pirate action replay max. and every time i cheat in normal games it works great. but in copied games just dont! i tried lots of things but nothin i just wanna cheat in backed up games with swap magic!!!

  47. 47
    Reaper-X | Feb 28, 2007 at 20:02 / 8:02 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    im sorry because i never use swap magic before (i prefer modchip), i dont know anything about cheating on swap magic :(

  48. 48
    mike | Mar 3, 2007 at 3:20 / 3:20 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Thanks for the tutorial...
    I'd like to know how to edit the codelist by myself?

  49. 49
    Reaper-X | Mar 3, 2007 at 8:04 / 8:04 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Your welcome mike :)

    I dont think it's possible to edit armax codelist using computer :(

    so far the only thing you can do is merging different codelist into one big codelist, like combining PAL codes and NTSC codes

  50. 50
    Eden | Mar 21, 2007 at 19:12 / 7:12 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hi Reaper,

    I'm a little late to join in but I have a question and I hope you can help.

    I have an NTSC Armax DVD and none of the codes work as my games are Pal.

    I tried converting the DVD to PAL; writing the EU list over the US list but keeping the US name.
    I booted the dvd and it didn't work.

    All I did was change the codelist and keep the original name.

    I also managed to download the CD version which has both NTSC & Pal.
    Isd there any way you know of, that I can combine the files on the seperate discs and make 1 PAL ARMAX DVD that actually works?

    Any help is appreciated.

  51. 51
    Reaper-X | Mar 21, 2007 at 20:15 / 8:15 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hello Eden,

    Dont worry because there's no expiry time in here :D

    btw are you using modchip in your ps2 console ? because in order to use home made / burned cd, you'll need to have modchip installed in your ps2 first :(

    the other method is using swapdisc but i havent tried this method yet because i already use modchip so there's no need for me to use swapdisc method

  52. 52
    Eden | Mar 21, 2007 at 21:05 / 9:05 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hey Reaper,

    Thank's for getting back so quick.

    Yes I am using a modchip.
    I think it's the latest Messiah Chip.

    It's the old style bulky PS2 as well.

    The disc I downloaded was an NTSC ARMAX Evo.
    I ripped it to my HD and it only had a US codelist and no EU.
    I downloaded the EU and renamed it and replaced the US list with it thinking it would work but when I loaded it, the screen flashed blue and then it reset itself.

    Since then, I have downloaded the ARMAX Evo CD which has both US & EU codes, but I just want to make a EU DVD and not cd.

    I'm figuring I can use the base structure of the NTSC DVD version and just replace it with some of the files from the US/EU cd and then create an ISO and burn in DVDDecrypter.

    ...I just don't know which files!
    I figure I can import the EU list and keep the name and then maybe replace the SLUS_200.90 file with SLES_500.09. (.90 is NTSC and .09 is PAL, right?)

    And then I figure I need to make a change in the System.cnf file, but I'm not sure what it should read as.

    Hopefully I've given enough details and with luck, you might be able to help me out.

  53. 53
    Eden | Mar 21, 2007 at 21:09 / 9:09 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    BOOT2 = cdrom0:\SLUS_200.09;1
    VER = 1.00 (American)
    VMODE = PAL

    Maybe that would work?
    What do you think?

  54. 54
    Reaper-X | Mar 22, 2007 at 13:22 / 1:22 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    no actually it should work just fine even if you just replacing the US Codelist with EU Codelist (EU codelist name changed of course) and without editing the system.cnf file

    i havent tried the dvd method (because i dont have dvd burner hardware), but i think the method is still the same

    btw did you use the CDGen first to generate the iso file ? because if you're not using cdgen to generate the iso file, the burned cd cant be read by the ps2 console

    maybe you could post a detailed steps on what you have done so far ?

  55. 55
    Eden | Mar 22, 2007 at 20:24 / 8:24 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Well, I went ahead and combined some of the files from the 2 sources and created yet another coaster.

    If I rip the DVD and just replace the US file with the EU file, but keep the US name, how do I get CDGEN to create an ISO out of it?
    I thought it only created Bin files.

    I used CDGen to try and create a CD version but that failed as well, but it could be due to the Elf files being screwed.

    OK, so an ISO out of CDGEN?
    Is it possible?

  56. 56
    Reaper-X | Mar 23, 2007 at 13:16 / 1:16 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Well actually depend on your burning software you can burn .bin file too (previously bin file used by CDRWin IIRC)

    but if you want to create iso file from bin file, you can do it too :) .. here's the step :

    - Create .bin file using CDGEN

    - Mount the .bin file into virtual cd rom (you can use Daemon Tools to do this)

    - Make ISO file from the mounted drive file

    - that's it, you're done creating ISO from .bin file :)

  57. 57
    Ansonii | May 26, 2007 at 8:26 / 8:26 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Okay, here is my situation:

    1) I have a CD/DVD writer (a.k.a. CD Burner).

    2) I have CD Gen 3 (I am guessing that’s to format the CD so the PS2 can read it).

    3)I have an AR Max code manager.

    4)I don’t have Nero or Alcohol, or any software to do what is required in this tutorial (the whole image burn thing).

    5)I have a Action Replay Max (NTSC) and I can’t copy the BIG.dat file from my ARMax CD. I realized that you explained this problem but I (if you haven’t noticed yet) am technologically inept. If someone could rephrase what to do about this it would be greatly appreciated.

    Some other things I should point out:

    When I create the image file in CD Gen 3 (minus the BIG.dat file) I just go with the default name “imagen” but it creates both an Imagen BIN and CUE file and I’m not sure if it’s supposed to do that or which one(s) I should use.

    In terms of the burning software I will probably not get any software other than freeware so if someone has an alternative make sure it’s is free (it is doubtful I will even download a trial version of something).

    I’m not sure if this matters but I don’t have a mod-chip of any sort in my PS2 (I think the whole point of CD Gen 3 is so I won’t need one).

    And lastly I apologize for having so many questions and being so “uninformed” compared to everyone else.

  58. 58
    Reaper-X | May 26, 2007 at 14:05 / 2:05 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    And lastly I apologize for having so many questions and being so “uninformed” compared to everyone else.

    You dont have to worry about that ;)

    When I create the image file in CD Gen 3 (minus the BIG.dat file) I just go with the default name “imagen” but it creates both an Imagen BIN and CUE file and I’m not sure if it’s supposed to do that or which one(s) I should use.

    Actually the filename is not a big deal, also both file can be used for the burning process

    .bin file = the actual image file (you can use this to burn the image file)

    .cue = the cuesheet file, this file contain all the information required for the burning program

    but for general usage ( i mean everytime you found a filetype like this from somewhere) :

    - If you see the .cue file, use it instead of the other file because it contain information of the image file

    - other burning program use other format such as mds (alcohol), ccd (clone cd), etc

    I don’t have Nero or Alcohol, or any software to do what is required in this tutorial (the whole image burn thing).

    Actually you can use any image burning program as long as its support to burn image file(s)

    I have a Action Replay Max (NTSC) and I can’t copy the BIG.dat file from my ARMax CD. I realized that you explained this problem but I (if you haven’t noticed yet) am technologically inept. If someone could rephrase what to do about this it would be greatly appreciated.

    well actually its just a dummy file, and that means you can create it too (use dummy creator)

    I’m not sure if this matters but I don’t have a mod-chip of any sort in my PS2 (I think the whole point of CD Gen 3 is so I won’t need one).

    Unfortunately you cant run home made / burned cd or dvd on your ps2 if you dont have modchip installed :(

  59. 59
    Patrick | May 26, 2007 at 22:55 / 10:55 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    So wait, a burnt Action Replay will boot with no modifications or swap magic?

  60. 60
    Ansonii | May 27, 2007 at 8:43 / 8:43 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Well that’s a bummer, oh well. I guess I’ll just have to write those 417 codes by hand. You see for the past few days I have been looking for an alternative way of downloading the codes I want as appose to using a USB Max drive (seeing how I don’t have one and all) . I was even going to try and hook a USB cable from the front of my PS2 to my computer but alas I do not have a USB cord with the same head on both sides. Then I found this awesome tutorial that seemed to not require a mod-chip, but it does (in the modding world I guess that’s just common sense).

    Well Reaper-X, thank you for all your help (even though I’m no closer to achieving my goal then when I first found your tutorial) and kudos to you for making such an awesome guide.

    P.S. Sorry if I spelt modding wrong.

  61. 61
    Reaper-X | May 27, 2007 at 11:18 / 11:18 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    # Patrick

    Actually no of course, you'll need swapmagic (not tested) or modchip (tested) to boot any home made cd :)

    # Ansonii

    Hello Ansonii,

    Thanks for visiting this site :) ... although im sorry that it didnt work for you (or to those who's not using modchip or havent tried swapmagic)

  62. 62
    Markus | Jun 28, 2007 at 7:11 / 7:11 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    hey, sry if its a little late, came here by google =)

    well, you seem like an expert, and I kinda have a problem I'm unsure about...

    I think you won't be nether, but any light you could shed on this would be great :-)

    The thing is, my action replay "max" cd recently broke and I tryed burning a new one to use with swap magic. That didn't work so i gave up and continued to play my pirate games without cheats, but then my ps2 broke a while after because of what I think now was the "stress" caused by the cd's r something (I've heard that happen to people...)

    But what actually happend to me before I knew it was broke was that swap magic din't work so i grabbed a game to see if the ps2 did and it worked fine *Ridge Racer V was the first game i grabbed to test for some reason) so I thought I'd just broken the swap magic disc so i ordered a new one ...

    swap magic 3 *coder*

    thought it was perfect because it was swap magic and action replay all in one :-)

    but, turns out my ps2 was broke indeed broke *but could still load ridge racer for some reason, but nothing else*

    And on top of that, the swap magic 3 *coder* turns out to be "action replay" and not "action replay max" so it only contains a very few codes to some older games really (fucking ripoff!!!)

    So now that I have my neighbours ps2 I'm Kinda back to square one...

    so I was trying to find a way to make "max codes" work on the "regular" action replay when i found this

    the last time I tryed I only used DVD decrypter, and a iso dowloaded from Demonoid...

    so.. uh...

    I'm really wondering if it i'll work or if its a chance i'm gonna break someone elses ps2 too :-( ????

    I mean, can it brake it, and/if what can i do to not break it?

    or if it was any way to get "max" codes into the "regular" that you know of..? :-)

    *I know this is a really long shot, but its the best chance I have at doing this for free (right?)

    Any tips is good really :-)

    so...well... Thanks m8 :-) :-) :-) :-)

  63. 63
    Markus | Jun 28, 2007 at 7:15 / 7:15 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hey. Great site btw :-)

    suprised i've never heard of it before.. ;-)

  64. 64
    Reaper-X | Jun 28, 2007 at 18:28 / 6:28 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hello Markus and welcome to this site :)

    and to answer your question, about ps2 broke because of swapmagic im not to sure about it since i havent tried swapmagic before (im using modchip)

    but about armax making your ps2 unusable (or dead) im 99.99% sure (dunno about someone else experience) it's not caused by armax since i have used armax, codebreaker, etc many times (more than you could think of) lol without problem nor making my ps2 console unusable

    but the opinion / various story or someone else experiences you've heard about using Pirated CD or home burned ps2 game iso can cause problem (to be exact it is shortening your ps2 console life)

    here's a good example

    as for converting armax codes into ar codes you can try searching this site for recommended ps2 tools ;)

  65. 65
    Markus | Jun 28, 2007 at 21:25 / 9:25 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Wow, thanks for replying so quick.

    never knew you could just convert them :-)

    Thanks a lot :-) :-) :-)

    here's a link if anyone came here with similar problems: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/352686

    Again, thank you for saving me all the trouble :-) :-) :-)

  66. 66
    DIL | Aug 5, 2007 at 13:20 / 1:20 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    I have done proccess withou big.dat when i run cd on ps2 slim screen comes red any sulotion to this. actually i have amrax orignal cd but dam cant copy big.dat.
    pls help

  67. 67
    Reaper-X | Aug 6, 2007 at 0:37 / 12:37 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    ah actually you can just simply create it by yourself, or by using dummy file creator (search this site for dummy) :)

  68. 68
    Skifit | Aug 6, 2007 at 1:40 / 1:40 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Well the thing is your "laser" gets worn out eventually. This happend to me a long time ago on PSX, making it harder and harder to play games on it.

    Ive heard a couple of stories on the net where ppl's ps2 broke down for various reasons. Ive also read countless of stories where unmodified ps2 brakes down aswell.

    Tho ive read far far more stories about the success on using various things. Sometimes i just wonder if its shit behind the keyboard or just lousy quality on ppl's consoles.

  69. 69
    Olle Persson | Aug 6, 2007 at 21:21 / 9:21 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hi!!

    I have the NTSC version of AR and i want the PAL codes. Ive read the help to do this but theres a few problems. In your guide you say:

    "Note: If you’re going to use the updated PAL Codelist (if you were using an NTSC versions of ARMax) … do the same steps but rename the EU_CODELIST.BIN into US_CODELIST.BIN and vice versa before copying it into the ARMAX Directory (you’ll need two blank disc to perform these steps)"

    So you rename codelist_eu.bin to US_CODELIST.BIN and replace the existing one in the AR directory. This is where it starts to get a bit confusing. You use vice versa which means you also need to rename codelist_us.bin to EU_CODELIST.BIN and copy it over, correct? This is very confusing...

    Now why is this is so confusing? I found this *other* guide, on the same subject...

    Anyway it says this:

    "Rename "codelist_us.bin" TO "US_CODELIST.BIN". (Rename "codelist_eu.bin" to "EU_CODELIST.BIN" if you're making a PAL Updated AR Max Evo Disc, which should be done seperately. DO NOT UPDATE BOTH OF THE CODELISTS. Just update the US codelist if you wanna make an updated disc that has NTSC games. If you want an updated disc with PAL games, then leave the original US codelist INTACT and overwrite the EU codelist. This is because if you update both the codelists and boot the disc on your modded ps2, the codelists won't load."

    It clearly says to *NOT* update both codelists and just to update 1 of the codelists (for which version you want to use). It also mentions nothing about replacing names on EU and US codelists.

    So yes.. how is it done lol?

  70. 70
    Reaper-X | Aug 7, 2007 at 0:37 / 12:37 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    first of all im sorry if you often see this site not responding because im planning to upgrade my current hosting plan

    but to answer your question :

    i assume you were using US Armax CD, and planning on updating the codelist from NTSC / US Codelist. that means all you have to do is just download the NTSC Codelist and overwrite the original codelist

    but, if you were using US ARMAX CD, and want to upgrade it to use PAL Codelist, then you need to download the EU Codelist, and rename it to US_CODELIST and then overwrite the original US CODELIST

    this is done because the US ARMAX CD / the ELF Binary itself are going to use the US_CODELIST instead of the EU_CODELIST

  71. 71
    misterbriguy | Aug 14, 2007 at 8:10 / 8:10 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    I need some help...I'm tryin ta find a free action replay max evo download for PS2 and i cant find 1...can you mail me a link or something where i can find it?...im poor and aint tryin ta pay... Also i aint really no kind of computer wizz and all of the stuff you people are talkin here is all jive to me...maybe ya could send me step by step instructions in english?

    hey i really appreciate it mane.

  72. 72
    Digitalfox | Aug 21, 2007 at 3:15 / 3:15 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hello Reaper-X :)

    Nice guide..

    But i have a problem..

    I have a Ps2 PAL and swap magic 3.6 PAL, and i have made my copy of Action Max Replay work ok with it.. I use the NTSC version of Max, and i updated the codes and it works great with NTSC games..

    But now i wanted to make this version just load codes for pal games..

    The problem is if i replace the original US CODELIST with the EU_CODELIST and rename it to US CODELIST, when using action replay and checking the code list its empty..

    Am i doing something wrong or it's impossible to make the NTSC version of Action replay use pal codes on pal games ( with swap magic i can't chose region on action replay menu, it's NTSC by default), so i thought well let's just trade the files and rename them to fool the system, but it seems it doesn't work...

    Thanks for your time :)

  73. 73
    Reaper-X | Aug 21, 2007 at 14:58 / 2:58 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Thanks DigitalFox, actually the downside of using NTSC Armax ELF, to use both codelist (US & PAL) is that you can't save your armax configuration in your memory card

    The best solution to overcome this is, of course getting the ARMAX PAL ELF, and burn 2 cds

    the first cd is using ARMAX US NTSC elf file, while the second cd use the ARMAX PAL elf file ;)

  74. 74
    Henry | Sep 4, 2007 at 5:01 / 5:01 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    do u know how to play burnt ps2 games with a standard action replay max

  75. 75
    Reaper-X | Sep 4, 2007 at 14:29 / 2:29 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Standard ArMax ? do you mean Original ArMax CD? if you're talking about Original Armax, as long as you have modchip (i dont know much about swapmagic because i have modchip installed) you can run home made ps2 cd's without problem

  76. 76
    julz | Oct 2, 2007 at 10:46 / 10:46 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    i cant copy the dummy file from ARMa evo cd.. pls help..

  77. 77
    Reaper-X | Oct 2, 2007 at 16:05 / 4:05 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    you can use the dummy creator to help you with dummy file creation ;) take a look at my ps2 tools post

  78. 78
    awesome | Oct 16, 2007 at 3:21 / 3:21 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Does the ps2 original support cd-rw because I tried it and it didn't work.

  79. 79
    Buggchaser | Oct 21, 2007 at 20:40 / 8:40 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hi
    I have burnt ARMAX on a DVD-R and when i try to run it on my ps2 it recognises the disk as Playstation 2 Disk but then nothing happens. I cant get it to load?

    Like, when i click on the Disk icon on the PS2 browser nothing happens... hope you know what i am trying to say. Please help me.

  80. 80
    CrysisX | Oct 30, 2007 at 4:33 / 4:33 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    hey guys
    take a look http://www.ultimate-cheatz.de/codebase/ECB-Extras/ARSAVEBUILDER_B01.JPG

  81. 81
    Elijah Stroman | Nov 1, 2007 at 22:18 / 10:18 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hi,
    My Pcsx2 won't start because it keep saying that the system.cnf is not found. I downloaded a copy of the system.cnf, but I don't know what to do now. Please help.

  82. 82
    awesome | Nov 19, 2007 at 23:16 / 11:16 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    hello?

  83. 83
    naisioxerloro | Nov 29, 2007 at 10:11 / 10:11 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hi.
    Good design, who make it?

  84. 84
    NickeY | Jan 4, 2008 at 6:04 / 6:04 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hey, CrysisX! where can I find that app.

  85. 85
    Locoxx | Jan 13, 2008 at 0:25 / 12:25 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    BTW I need help.... I dont know where to download the ARMax in CD, I always download that in DVD but I alrdy wasted 6 DVD cuz my ps2 cant read it, is like something is stuck in my pc..... Maybe I need the CD version =D.

  86. 86
    fo3nyx | Jan 13, 2008 at 11:46 / 11:46 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hi there, i have a ps2 v8 with a duo3 mod chip, i cannot get the updated armax cd to work, i load my codes insert the game then it goes to the browser screen or it says to insert a ps2 formaat disc , any help would be much appreciated.
    cheers,
    Foenix

  87. 87
    Felipe :D | Mar 10, 2008 at 1:18 / 1:18 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Hi, great post with lots of interesting information ;) !

    But I have a problem, most of my games are NTSC and all of a sudden, DATEL's download for the NTSC codelist stoped working for good T__T...

    Could anyone please upload or send me the latest NTSC codelist you guys have :D?

    My Email is phillipds@gmail.com

    Thanks in Advanced!!!

  88. 88
    nishant | Mar 11, 2008 at 20:40 / 8:40 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    can use a normal pen drive instead of max drive to update codelist

  89. 89
    Patrick | Mar 23, 2008 at 3:41 / 3:41 AM | Links to this comments | Reply

    Ah okay, its been a while since ive visited the site. It's wierd however that I heard that the Gamesharks are all discontinued with the Action Replay too! Im not really sure where to look because blockbuster claims that they do not sell them and apparently the same with EBgames. Also, im in Canada so If anyone knows anything, that would be appreciated.

  90. 90
    Reaper-X | Apr 4, 2008 at 20:53 / 8:53 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    # nishant

    I believe that you can get the ELF Binary / The required programs to update your ARMax codelist via Pen drive from Codejunkies website ... unfortunately, the new codelist will be saved on your ps2 memory card (it takes 3MB space or at least 1.5MB IIRC) :(

    # Patrick

    I'm not sure on whether AR / GS has been discontinued or not (because i still have a copy of Armax (PAL and NTSC) and Gameshark (GS2 v3 and GS2 v4)). But i'd suggest you to visit their site directly ;)

    GS = gameshark.com
    AR = codejunkies.com

    But since you told me that you lived in Canada, i assuming that you're using NTSC PS2 machine. And your best bet of course is to buy Codebreaker instead :)

    you can read my post about choosing ps2 cheat devices if you want to know more about it

  91. 91
    sobra | Jul 2, 2008 at 17:39 / 5:39 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    hi reaper! could you send me email. I download an armax.rar file containing the .bin and .cue files, then when I extracted the files of the .bin using isobuster, the files that appeared are much more than those in your screen above.

    here:

    What version of armax is this? Will your burn strategy work with this one?

  92. 92
    sobra | Jul 2, 2008 at 17:40 / 5:40 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    oops sorry, here's the link of my screen shot of the armax that I downloaded

    http://i322.photobucket.com/albums/nn420/muscleqanda/what_armax_version.jpg

  93. 93
    sobra | Jul 2, 2008 at 17:55 / 5:55 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    also reaper, I have a question.... my PS2 is a Japanese NTSC-J 77006, and it's modded. Not looking at using a self-made AR cd, will an original AR cd work on my PS2?

    I've read in various blogs that I simply CAN't (which is really depressing), but now that I'm here reading your posts, hope has risen :D

    So what do you think?

  94. 94
    sobra | Jul 2, 2008 at 17:57 / 5:57 PM | Links to this comments | Reply

    additional info: I have for a fact tried to play original and back up PS2 games of all three regions this PS2 of mine (US, Japan, and Eu) and they all work fine!

    Do you think an original or burnt copy of AR max will work on my ps2?

    Thanks!

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