Step 1 – Download and install
PCSX2
PCSX2 comes in two packages. A
binary package (which you have to un
7zip) and an
installation file. Just install or extract it to the folder of your choice.
Step 2 – Getting the BIOS files
Contrary to the first PlayStation, the PlayStation 2 uses several
BIOS files. Basically, these are the hardest to find. Because they are
copyrighted material, you are only allowed to own these files if you
also own a PlayStation 2. MakeUseOf does
NOT
encourage piracy! This is also the reason why it’s illegal to host
these files online. If you actually own a PlayStation 2 though, it’s
not illegal to download them (laws may differ in your country).
So now you basically have two options layed out for you. You can either
dump them from your PlayStation 2 yourself, or find someone else who dumped them and
who put the files online.
On this last website you can find the ROM1, eROM and the SECAM-, NTSC-
and PAL BIOS files you’ll need. Again, you must’nt download them if you
don’t have a PlayStation 2. You can put these files in a folder of
you’re choice.
Step 3 – Running PCSX2 and configuring BIOS, video and controller input
The program comes in two different versions. One version uses
TLB (pcsx2t.exe), the other one
Virtual Memory
(pcsx2.exe). First of all, try running the VM version. The program will
try to reallocate the memory, after which you have to log off and on
again. If it fails to do so, you’ll have to use the TLB version. This
one is somewhat slower, but according to the developers the speed
difference is not that great.
After you’ve started up, select ‘Config’ -> ‘Configure’.
First, we’re going to configure our
BIOS. Press
‘Set Bios Directory’ and select the folder where you’ve put your BIOS
files. Back in the Configuration screen, select the correct region from
the Bios drop-down menu. You might want to change this now and then,
depending on your games.

Next, the
video plug-ins. PCSX2 comes with ZeroGS
KOSMOS and GSdx9 plug-ins. A ‘Ps2 Output’ window (which looks similar
to the command screen) normally opened when you started PCSX2. Else,
temporarily close the Configuration screen, select ‘Misc’ -> ‘Enable
Console’ and restart the program. In this Ps2 Output screen, look if
‘Detected SSE2′ is stated under Features. If not, you might want to
choose the ‘no SSE2′ video plug-in.

If you press the ‘Configure…’ button under the video drop-down menu,
you can tweak graphic related options like screen size, toggle
full-screen, anti-aliasing and more.
As for the
controller, I highly recommend
LilyPad.
This is one of the most adjustable plug-ins. You can use keyboard,
mouse and controller input. There even is a setting so you can use your
Guitar Hero guitar.
Just download it
here, and drop it in the plugins directory. If you’ve used the installer, that would be C:\Program Files\Pcsx2_0.9.4\plugins .
Re-open the Configuration screen, select LilyPad from the drop-down
menu and press configure. In the ‘General’ tab, you can tweak various
settings. Select the ‘Pad 1′ or ‘Pad 2′ tab to configure the keys.
Step 4 – Test-driving and alternative plug-ins
With everything set up, it’s about time for a test-drive. We’re
going to look if everything works as it should, and look which points
need more improvement.
We can boot the games, depending on the plug-in we use, either by
CD/DVD or by using an
image file.
The standard configuration uses Linuzappz, which is able to boot ISO’s
and other image files. To do this, just select ‘File’ -> ‘Run
CD/DVD’.
If you want to boot from a disc instead, go back to the
configuration screen and select the P.E.Op.S driver from the Cdvdrom
dropdown menu. Press configure to select an interface (based on your
operating system) and the drive you want to use. Confirm your
configuration and you’re ready to roll. Select ‘File’ -> ‘Run
CD/DVD’ to boot from the chosen drive.

At this point you’ll be prompted for a date and a timezone, after
which the game will start. If you’ve got problems with the graphics or
sound, try using one of the the other plug-ins. You can get more
additional plug-ins
here.
If you’re still having problems, check the
compatibility status of your game
here.
Have fun!
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