File managers
File Managers and FTP Transfers
The single most useful homebrew tool on the PlayStation 2 is uLaunchELF, often written as wLaunchELF. It is a combined file manager, application launcher, and network tool that nearly every modder keeps installed. If you only ever load one piece of homebrew, this is the one.
What it does
- Browse and copy files across memory cards, USB drives, the hard disk, and discs.
- Launch other .ELF applications.
- Rename, delete, and create folders.
- Run a built-in FTP server for wireless-free transfers from a computer.
Transferring files over FTP
With a network adapter installed, uLaunchELF can host an FTP server so your computer can push and pull files directly to the PS2's storage. The general flow:
- Setup Connect the PS2 to your network and note its IP address.
- Start Open the FTP server option inside uLaunchELF.
- Connect Use any FTP client on your computer to reach that IP address.
- Transfer Drag your .ELF files, saves, and media across.
USB still works fine
No network adapter? You can format a USB drive on your computer and copy files onto it there. uLaunchELF reads from USB mass storage, so this is the simplest path for most people.
FAT32 is the friendliest filesystem for PS2 USB drives. Very large drives can be troublesome, so a smaller, dedicated stick often behaves best.