FMCB won't boot
FMCB won't boot / no homebrew menu
You power on the console and land on the standard Sony browser instead of the Free McBoot (FMCB) menu, or the homebrew launcher never appears. This means the console is not reading the boot configuration from your memory card.
FMCB is tied to the specific memory card it was installed on. If you swap, reformat, or wipe that card, the homebrew menu disappears until you reinstall.
Likely causes
- The FMCB memory card is in the wrong slot, or not fully seated.
- The installer version does not match your console's PS2 BIOS revision.
- The card was formatted or its boot files were deleted.
- Dirty or worn memory card contacts.
Fixes
- Insert the FMCB card into memory card slot 1 and reseat it firmly.
- Confirm you used an installer that supports your model (e.g. FMCB 1.966 / FreeMcBoot covers most fat and slim units).
- Clean the gold contacts on the card with isopropyl alcohol and let them dry.
- If the boot files are gone, reinstall FMCB from a working homebrew exploit or a second prepared card.
- Try the card in a known-good console to confirm whether the fault is the card or the system.
If a freshly installed card still fails on one console only, that unit's BIOS may be unsupported; use a USB Advance or disc-based loader instead.