Setting up Windows version (0.9.8): Difference between revisions

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==Basic PCSX2 knowledge==
==Basic PCSX2 knowledge==


You may download '''PCSX2''' for free from many site on the Internet. The archive may contain an installer or just some zipped files. It's pretty much recommended that you start with the installer version (try downloading the newest official from [http://forums.pcsx2.net/thread-3716.html here]). This will help you to avoid a lot of troubles with the archivers. However in the case you've downloaded zipped (rared, etc.) version of PCSX2 you'll need to manually unzip the files from the archive (try using [http://www.7-zip.org this archiver]) and place them in any folder of your choice (adding a link to your desktop from the main executable '''pcsx2.exe''' will also help you to run your emulator quicker).  
You may download '''PCSX2''' for free from many sites on the Internet. The archive may contain an installer or just some zipped files. It's pretty much recommended that you start with the installer version (try downloading the newest official from [http://forums.pcsx2.net/thread-3716.html here]). This will help you to avoid a lot of possible troubles with the archivers. However in the case you've downloaded zipped (rared, etc.) version of PCSX2 you'll need to manually unzip the files from the archive (try using [http://www.7-zip.org this archiver]) and place them in any folder of your choice (adding a link to your desktop from the main executable '''pcsx2.exe''' will also help you to start your emulator quicker).  


'''Be warned''' not to erase you emulator folder when you're trying to install the newer version. This folder contains all your '''ini''' files (your settings), your quick saves and your memcards. If you will accidentally erase the whole folder you may need to play some of your games anew! Thus to update the emulator with the new version of executable it's better just to download the archive and extract the executable (and maybe plugins) into your main program folder (some executables may be named like '''pcsx2-r1736.exe''' so you'll need to rename them into '''pcsx2.exe''' or update your desktop link accordingly).
'''Be warned''' not to erase you emulator's folder when you're trying to install the newer version. This folder contains all your '''ini''' files (your settings), your quick saves and your memcards. If you will accidentally erase the whole folder you may need to play some of your games anew! Thus to update the emulator with the new version of executable it's better just to download the archive and extract the executable (and maybe plugins) into your main program folder (some executables may be named like '''pcsx2-r1736.exe''' so you'll need to rename them into '''pcsx2.exe''' or update your desktop link accordingly).


'''PCSX2''' is a plugin oriented program. Your '''pcsx2.exe''' is the main processor that can emulate the real PS2 on the PC but it cannot work alone. It needs graphics plugin to show the picture and the sound plugin to play some music or ingame sounds it also needs PAD plugin so you'll be able to play with your keyboard, mouse or gamepad. Moreover there may be more than one plugin of one type so you may choose which is better suited for your game. All plugins are stored (by default) in '''plugins''' folder of your main PCSX2 folder. Some plugins like [[GSDX]] for example can at times be updated quite often so sometimes you may desire to renew only this plugin. In order to do it you'll need to download the updated version and extract it by using archiver into your '''plugins''' folder. The changing of some settings (choosing your new plugin) may also be required after this (see the section about how to set up plugins).
'''PCSX2''' is a plugin oriented program. Your '''pcsx2.exe''' is the main processor that can emulate the real PS2 on the PC but it cannot work alone. It needs the graphics plugin to show the picture and the sound plugin to play some music or ingame sounds and it also needs the PAD plugin so you'll be able to play using your keyboard, mouse or gamepad. Moreover there may be more than one plugin of one type so you may choose which is better suited for your game. All plugins are stored (by default) in '''plugins''' folder of your main PCSX2 folder. Some plugins like [[GSDX]] for example can be updated quite often so you may want to renew only this plugin (out of all plugins). In order to do it you'll need to download the updated version and extract it by using the archiver into your '''plugins''' folder. The changing of some settings (choosing your new plugin) may also be required (see the section about how to set up plugins).


PCSX2 will also require the BIOS from your real PS2 in order for you to play. The PS2 BIOS is a binary file can be obtained from your console. It contains some special routines used by games (like memcard handling support) which are not emulated by PCSX2 internally. The dumping of BIOS is one the hardest stages of your PCSX2 experience. You may get some instructions [http://forums.pcsx2.net/thread-2298.html#Bios here] and start dumping by downloading the tool from [http://pcsx2.net/downloads.php?p=tool this place] or use the official guide [http://forums.pcsx2.net/thread-2329.html here]. After your BIOS file is successfully dumped from your PS2 you can copy it into '''bios''' folder (by default) of your PCSX2.
PCSX2 also needs the BIOS from your real PS2 in order for you to play. The PS2 BIOS is a binary file can be obtained from your console. It contains some special routines used by games (like memcard handling support) which are not emulated by PCSX2 internally. The dumping of BIOS is one the hardest stages of your PCSX2 experience. You may get some instructions [http://forums.pcsx2.net/thread-2298.html#Bios here] and start dumping by downloading the tool from [http://pcsx2.net/downloads.php?p=tool this place] or use the official guide [http://forums.pcsx2.net/thread-2329.html here]. After your BIOS file is successfully dumped from your PS2 you can copy it into '''bios''' folder (by default) of your PCSX2.


Please do not forget to update your DirectX before starting PCSX2. [[GSDX]] cannot be run with the old DirectX. See [[GSDX#Hardware requirements|GSDX]] page for information.
Please do not forget to update your DirectX before starting PCSX2. [[GSDX]] cannot be run with the old DirectX. See [[GSDX#Hardware requirements|GSDX]] page for information.
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