Recovery for Dummies documentation
Recovery mode is not implemented in the official firmware (the so-called BIOS) of SCPH and KDL models. COH and DESR are separate hardware categories and require a separate guide. Normally, users never need recovery mode.
The PS2 firmware (BOOTROM and DVDROM) is stored on ROM chips, which, as the name suggests, are read-only and therefore cannot be overwritten. Software such as Browser 2.00 (HDD OSD), PlayStation Broadband Navigator (PSBBN), and Linux, however, is installed on the hard disk and can be reinstalled from the original installation disc on supported configurations. The same applies to the DVD-Video Player update stored on the PS2 Memory Card.
The problem arises with exploits, which often require another exploit to install them. Since users typically have access to only one exploit – or can use only one because of their console model or lack of the required hardware – a recovery mode that ignores the user’s configuration and allows any application to be launched becomes extremely useful.
Of course, recovery can also be performed using any available attack vector, such as another PS2 Memory Card with Free McBoot (FMCB), an internal hard disk drive, Free DVD Boot (FDVDB), and so on. However, the purpose of recovery mode is to use the same exploit that is already installed – one that is still functional, but whose configuration and/or resources have become corrupted and need to be restored or replaced.
It does not have a recovery mode, but it does not need one. It is usually used only to launch PS2BBL/PS2BBLE.
When the application starts, it looks for the following file on the USB stick:
CONFIG.INI is the configuration file that will be loaded instead of the one stored on, for example, the PS2 Memory Card.
Both FAT32 and exFAT are supported. MBR partition tables are supported, while GPT partition tables are not. If GPT is used, the USB stick will not be detected.
When the application starts and cannot find a configuration INI, it looks for the following file on the USB stick:
Both FAT32 and exFAT are supported. MBR partition tables are supported, while GPT partition tables are not. If GPT is used, the USB stick will not be detected.
When the application starts, it looks for the following files on the USB stick:
RESCUE.ELF is an arbitrary, unencrypted executable that is launched instead of the modified rom0:OSDSYS. It is recommended to use the wLE file manager (any version) for this purpose. FREEMCB.CNF is the configuration file that is loaded instead of the one stored on the PS2 Memory Card.
Only FAT32 on MBR is supported. If GPT is used, the USB stick will not be detected. If exFAT is used, FMCB will freeze (without BDMAssault drivers). All other file system is also unsupported, and the USB stick will not be detected, just as with GPT.
It does not have a recovery mode, but it does not need one. It is usually launched from LoadBOOTer, PS2BBL, or PS2BBLE.
Berion
2026-08-19
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