Safety & risks
Modding always carries some risk. The standard software methods are very safe when followed carefully, but tools that reprogram hardware can leave a console unusable if misused. Read this page before running anything.
Safety and Risks
The good news: the common entry methods on the PS2 are reversible and low-risk. The cautionary news: a few specific tools touch low-level hardware and demand respect.
Low-risk activities
Installing FreeMcBoot/FMCB to a memory card or burning a FreeDVDBoot disc does not alter the console's firmware. If something goes wrong, you can usually reformat the card or discard the disc and start over. The console itself is untouched.
Higher-risk activities
Tools that reprogram the MechaCon, such as MechaPwn, write to hardware that controls core functions. A mistake here, an interrupted run, or using the wrong version for your model can render the console unbootable. Only proceed when you understand each step and have read instructions specific to your model.
General precautions
- Never interrupt power during a firmware or MechaCon operation.
- Match tools to your model and boot ROM. Running the wrong method wastes effort at best and causes damage at worst.
- Back up first. Save your memory-card data before installing anything, as covered on the backups page.
- Read the whole procedure before starting, not step by step as you go.
When in doubt, stop
If a step does not match what you see on screen, halt and re-check. A paused install is recoverable; a forced wrong move often is not.