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UPDATE 3 PS1 compression tips: remove dead space beforehand

Posted Jan 13, 2007 at 06:45PM by Victor B. Listed in: Homebrew Applications, How-To Tags: ISO, PS1, PS2

603

Compressed and playable?

Garrett sent us a rather informative email about playing PS1 games on your PSP. He seems to have found a way to make the games run without all the extra padding originally placed on the disc. If you're wondering what that means, it's this: Imagine playing a 500MB game using only 50 MB of space.

You'll need something called CDGenPS2, which we've placed for download below. If you follow the steps, you should be able to get a game to play with a drastically smaller file size. We're currently testing it, but you're free to try out the procedure, too. Garrett says he'll make a more in-depth tutorial on it if people run into problems, which is really nice of him. For now, you'll do well to read through his email below (with some slight changes for grammar and clarity).

PS1 and PS2 games use a very strict architecture for how the binary files of the games are organized on a discs. When a disc copying program copies these discs, it's known that they will leave the padding of empty bits (0xFF) for the remainder of the XXXMB media.

For example, Tetris Plus for the PS1 has a total file size on the disc of 43.0 MB and the image from CloneCD is 566MB. However, if you try to remove the padding from a disc, it will no longer work with emulators, including POPS. A utility for those who load games from their PS2 hard drives to lessen the size of the images, known as CDGENPS2 (Much like UMD-GEN), has the ability to remove this padding and keep the structure of the disc intact. Using this utility with some software that can extract an ISO to its contents can bring the 566MB Tetris Plus image down to about 50MB (POPS compresses it to about 400MB).

How to do it:

Extract the ISO contents to a folder on your hard drive.
Open that folder and select ALL of the extracted contents from the root of the disc.
Open CDGENPS2.
Drag the contents of the folder into the CDGENPS2 window (the giant white space that says ISO near the top)
(Optional) Go to file-> Edit Volume and change the name of the volume so that it matches the original title of the game (for archival reasons only).
Click the IMG button on the left-hand side of the screen and save the Bin/ISO/IMG to whatever directory you want , and use POPS to convert to PSP EBOOT and test it.

If it doesn't work and I get enough emails about it not working I will write a more in-depth tutorial about it with screenshots and everything on the forums.

UPDATE 1:

We tested it and the process seems to be working fine. Our test used R-Type Delta as the subject.

Normal file size: 323 MB
Using the usual compression methods: around 234 MB
Using Garrett's method: around 191 MB

As you can see, that seems pretty good. Your mileage will vary depending on the type of game you picked up and how much of the space in the disc is just dummy data. While you might say "Duh," we just felt the need to check. Right now, we're all pretty excited to see how drastic some changes wil be. Expect some data-filled games (like RPGs) to still remain big, as there's less dummy space that gets taken out.

UPDATE 2:

Due to insistent public demand (or frustration...both apply), Garrett (or Zero-X) has posted a graphical walkthrough of sorts for his compression tips. He's also using a program called ISOBuster for his procedure, so we've opted to add it as a download.

Note, however, that your mileage will still vary. Not every game will work on PopStation, and the amount of space saved by procedure will differ depending on the game and the content involved. Zero-X has a couple of comments on the forum link which should explain that a bit more.

UPDATE 3:

Garrett added an additional note that we noticed just now on the comments. It seems the LBA arrangement will have a big impact on whether or not the game you're tweaking will actually run.

For the sake of clarity, we're going to post two additional comments made by Garrett and Devilgun that should fix most of your problems. If not, then there may be something else getting in the way of getting your games to work properly.

Garrett's comment:

You can do so with ISOBuster by exporting a Tree File, and then using CDGENPS2's advanced menu to import it (this is a new discovery to me too, as none of my LBA's were changed thru drag + drop).

Also, you can fix them manually by comparing the LBA section from whatever ISO utility you are using with the LBA in CDGENPS2. Starting from the top, compare the LBA and change it accordingly by: right-clicking the file, and clicking propeties. Check the FIX LBA box type in the correct LBA value.

Devilgun's comment happens to explain the manual fix by having many exclamation points. We took notice of that, and Garrett did too, as he confirms Devilgun's comment. Here's his step-by-step guide, though you'll need MagicISO for it:

Open the iso/bin with MagicISO
Now you can see the data AND the !!!LBA!!! Information
Copy the Data to a new Folder on Harddisk or just drag and drop it to CDGENPS2
!!!!!NOW!!!!! LOOK AT THE LBA Information in CDGENPS2. IT has to be the SAME for each File as in MagicISO - So order the files, so that the LBA is exactly the same.
Make the IMG
Compress it with pops.
Play it!

Download: [CDGenPS2]
Download: [ISOBuster v2.0]
Discussion and Walkthrough: [Forum Thread]

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165 Comments

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by PSP Novice Hacker - J (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» Nice.....

Damn this is def a great find. I hope things go well in testing this concept. Ill try my hands at it & will let know if success. If failure i'll shamefully keep to my self... hehe.

Re: pspuser (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» fsdgsh

booster where are you!! >:X

Re: Garrett (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» Sorry For Confusion (double post to put it on first page)

Allright, I made a mistake in my directions, my exact method skips the extraction to hard disk. I simply drag ISO contents from MagicISO and drop them into CDGENPS2, if you want my Eboot for tetris (minus the aduio tracks as well) e-mail me, and i can send you the *WORKING EBOOT* to prove it works. I have written a graphical tutorial which can be seen here:
http://forums.qj.net/f-general-psp-help-22/t-guide-shrinking-psx-game-size-89945/page2.html#post1322239
Sorry for the confusion and the adding of an extra step (I did it to avoid other confusion, but it seems that that causes the method to stop working)
And to those saying that compression nearly nullifies zero-space, you are correct MOST compression algorithms do, however the POPS compression algorithm does not, try it with tetris plus: 566 MB ISO -> about a 400MB EBOOT with compression lvl 9 however using my method and removing the CDDA audio (which is about 40MB of the disc) I have about an 8mb eboot with keys.bin and it works.
you can e-mail me here:
Z E R O _AT_ G R - P . C O M (remove the spaces, _AT_ replaced with @, this is to prevent spammage)
Title the E-mail EBOOT PLEASE (or it will be ignored)
Zero (Garrett)

Re: sean (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» why dont you people just take swap out the str files

I made ff9 about 251mb working with popstation by replacing the str files. Its not new its been around for a while but no one uses it? theres a guide here http://www.pocketmatrix.com/guides/psxrip/

Re: Left Out Guy (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» Cause Man.....

maybe some people want to keep theyre FMV's games such as FF9 are story heavy and movies are a big part of the game better to just take out the dummy space

by Victor B. (QJ. NET Staff) - 2007-01-12

» where to get eboots

do you want chocolate chip cookies? *Say yes!*
Edited by Victor B. (Q.J. NET Staff) , because:
You know they want eboots. You also know we don't necessarily like that sort of advertising. As you can see, we've done the math for you and amended your comment. :D

Re: ? (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» ?

Wow. Are you for real? I'm checking out your forum and wow it seems you really are giving out PS1 Games for PSP. Yeah...I'm downloading one of them now...I really hope this isn't a trick.

BTW: I'm pretty sure your posting a link to a site for free ISOs is illegal and definately against website policy.

by CT (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» Wow.

I really want to see how this turns out. I'm going to wait a little longer to see reports on how it is done and how the games are affected on the PSP. If all's well I could theoretically get my entire PS1 library onto my 4GB memstick (currently only holding 5 games among a bunch of other things).

Re: Advertising -

Re: bob (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» What are you?

A moron?

Re: CT (Unregistered) - 2007-01-14

» ?

You answered you own question, "bob", and yes, you are a moron.

by Loco (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» Ugh....

Blah, now i have to revert my .eboots back to isos, rip them and turn them back into eboots >< I hope the compiling for the isos doesnt take as long considering the files are only 50mbs each after....

Re: Kosmokrator (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» Eww..

That's exactly why I save the ISOs on my computer, even when i'm done with them.

Re: kura (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» well,

I burn the originals, but whatever floats your boat:)

Re: Harrier (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» well...

Using psx2psp u can convert eboots back to iso's

by unlucky3_01 (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» does it work for 3.01?

or only for 3.02B?

Re: it works for 302b (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» it works for 302b

it works for 302b

Re: elboffor (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» er

i think ule find this is for 3.03 oe-b, but ripping iso's shud work with all psx emu's

Re: Advertising -

Re: Swifta (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» To "elboffor"

I think you'll find that talking like you know s-hit when you don't is gonna get you flamed, rtard.

This is for any ps1/ps2 image and maybe some similar platform compressions.

Re: Swifta (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» and also...

I watch scat porn religiously.

by me (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» hmm

so.... this is like compression but not acually compressing, similar to the dummy file theroy

by DrNicket - 2007-01-12

» Fantastic development

This is a great day for POPStation users! I'll cross my fingers and give it a try a little later tonight. I'll post my results somewhere.

Thanks for the heads up Garrett!

by Logicfrog (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» Unable to rar

if only winrar could extract the PS ISOs in the first place...

Re: Ollie (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» it should be able to

a PS iso is an iso all the same. the only reason you wouldn't be able to extract it would be if it's corrupt or named improperly

by Illegal Machine - 2007-01-12

» this needs to be incorporated.

to one of those GUI programs that people have been putting out.

I personally couldnt figure it out... but this needs to be in the Popstation mix for sure!

by lowlygamer (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» Results not typical

A Suikoden 2 ISO of 513 MB with lvl 9 popstation compression = 347MB

A Suikoden 2 ISO after this procedure = 436MB with a lvl 9 popstation compression to a 265MB eboot. However, the game doesn't want to load.

Good compression, but definitely not the 50MB goal. And no game play. I think the results of this compression method definitely depend on the game. Somehow I doubt FFVII will even shrink that far.

Re: truecrisis (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» ughhhhh

Did you not listen!?!? Suikoden WILL NOT be a 50mb game! theres simply too much data!!!!!!! compare suikoden to tetris! jesus, get a grip.

In your 3rd paragraph you *sort of* redeem yourself by actually realizing that it depends on the game, but i cant believe you actually expected a 50mb suikoden

Re: lowlygamer (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» thank you for the benefit of the doubt.

I posted before the update which talked about the size differences. I was clarifying for those who were peeing their pants over 50mb isos. Thank you for attacking me with harsh words. I definitely feel like this is a community I want to participate in more often.

Re: Advertising -

Re: d (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» a

truecrisis, please read others posts before you post. Flaming someone isn't real nice and you made yourself sound like an idiot.

Re: a0dki11s (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» FFVII

i tried FFVII...RESULTS 750MB------->734MB ...yay..

Re: ouykcuf (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» WOW!

Truecrisis is a noob.

by Kosmokrator (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» I'm gonna test it

I'm gonna test it, I'll post my results later.

by dreary79 (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» FF7 CD1

I just did FF7 CD1

With CDGenPS2 PSXPSP game was 403MB
Without CDGenPS2 game was 529MB

Both are final PSXPSP games using 9 compression.

However, the CDGenPS2 game did not work. I either did something wrong or not all games work.

Re: peeInMyPantz - 2007-01-12

» didn't work for me as well

I tried the same thing with FF7 CD1, got the same file size, but it doesn't work as well. Just give me a blank black screen after the warning page

Re: Jarf (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» Doesn't work

I did the same with Gran Turismo 2.

The eboot is just under 400MB but doesn't load.

by Victor B. (QJ. NET Staff) - 2007-01-12

» best site of isos

there is plenty of rain in Spain!
Edited by Victor B. (Q.J. NET Staff) , because:
We really hate having to keep editing these, you know.

Re: chucky3456 - 2007-01-12

» STOP PLUGGIN YOUR SITE!

stop pluggin your goddamn site, none of us want to go to it.

Re: Shroud (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» Rain in Spain?

Not in Barcelona, its been dry for several months now.

Re: PotFarmer (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» lmao @ shroud

lolol

by Mky777 (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» Does Not Work

Well, I followed the above instruction and guess what? it does not work. I used FF7 and the file size still big (622mb) The one compressed by popstation, by contrast, is only (529mb). very disappointed. sigh

Re: dreary79 (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» sd

It was a ton smaller for me, but the game did not work.

by s (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» s

could QJ ban xhackers IP

by HELP ME PLEASE! (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» HELP!

Whenever I try to remove the dead space of an ISO it becomes 37.0 kbs! I know that this can't be right because I put in FF VII Disc 1. Plus whenever I try to save it saves it in the .ps2 format. HELP PLEASE!

by McSesameChicken - 2007-01-12

» Extract?

How do you extract the ISO contents? I'm assuming they don't just mean the .iso file, because I tried using this program with that, and nothing at all was compressed (Final Fantasy Tactics, if anyone's interested).

Re: Help ME! (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» Extracting

Use an archiving program... I suggest WinRAR. Once you download winrar then double click the iso files and extract them to where you want them to go.

Re: McSesameChicken - 2007-01-12

» What now?

I used WinRAR to try to open up my FFT.iso file, but it says that no archives were found within the selected files or folders. What now?

Re: hmmm (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» WinRAR

right click on it and click extract here if not try getting poweriso it also extracts them

by HELP ME PLEASE! (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» BIN FILES!

When I extract the ISO from my eboots I only get BIN Files so i can't open them and take the files contents out! Anyone know how I can convert it?

Re: Jamie M. (QJ. NET Staff) - 2007-01-12

» for converting bin's you could use

"MagicISO" or "Daemon Tools"

Re: HELP ME PLEASE! (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» Thanks

I used Magic ISO and got all the needed files... I am converting it right now.

Re: Jarf (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» Try being observant

CDgenPS2 allows you to save it as an iso.

Re: mom (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» try paying attention to your own ass jarf.

he is talking about the eboot extraction using psp2psx. dumbass

by Bloodlust (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» How abt mixed mode PSX images?

I am assuming that this should work ideal for normal PSX games which have no audio tracks. But using a software like ultraiso to extract the image will only preserve the data and not the audio tracks.. :(

Re: AT_DA (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» hmm

I was wondering this as well. POPstation that's modified can use ccd files to create a file index. but due to the strict format, that will be invalid once the dummy files are ripped out. Perhaps he can make a addon to convert ccd files?

by elcius (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» coolies

*waits for this to be implemented in one of the 10 million popstation guis*

by ToughNutZ (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» CTR did not work

Tried it out with Crash Team Racing.

Followed the instruction.

No compression.

Didnt load.

Re: ToughNutZ (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» may not be the fault of the process

I tried to rerip the files from the .img using a diff method and noticed that two folders couldnt be copied because of I/O errors.

Also had the same problem with bushido blade 2.

So the ctr i made was missing files so thats definitely why it didnt work.

Re: Too lazy to sign in (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» Same

Tried Megaman X5 possibly my favorite PSX game.

Dragged files straight from the CD to CDgen, got an IMG that was 600+ megs.
My compressed Eboot is 355.

A little depressing.

Re: Too lazy to sign in (same one above) (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» I meant

Meant to say the other compressed Eboot was smaller than this one made by CDgen.

by KillR_7 (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» Btw

can some1 pls tell me how to save on MGS i can't figure it out >.

Re: Emeriastone (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» press select

Press select and talk to mae-ling.

Re: hmm (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» hmm

seeing as you are a beginner at MGS, stop playing you wont get past psycho mantis without some decent skills (or a second controler port) anyway :P

by InuyashaX (Unregistered) - 2007-01-12

» Sigh...didnt work

I tried extracting bin files instead of iso and then convert them to eboots. So far didnt work for me...
Is this only for isos?

Failed: extract bin, make new iso, compress to eboot
Testing: bin to iso, make new iso, compress to eboot

by KillR_7 (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» Thx

^^^^

by ToughNutZ (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» rebuilt isos not workin with epsxe

The two isos ive rebuilt using magiciso to extract the files from the disc image have failed to work with epsxe

ctr
Ridge Racer R4

my assumption is if they dont work with the emulator they wont work as eboots

by mike chan (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» about 100 more

i tried compressing gran turismo 2 and ( about 600 mb)

and i got 700 mb :| thats odd.

by SeaofTea (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» LOL

I tested Blazing Dragons with it and ended up with a larger image than when I started.
ISO = 287 mb
After cdgenps2v2 = 322 mb

Re: Snarg (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» .

Very likely because you saved the new image as a bin file. Save it as an ISO next time.

by Kichigai - 2007-01-13

» Improvement is improvement

While this isn't compression, per se, it does assist in creating a smaller compressed file, thus the title is accurate (so stop complaining). Just wondering if anyone has yet to produce a working POPStation image yet? So far, I've just seen a bunch of marginal improvements (10-20%, but it's still an improvement, and I'm not complaining) with nothing that works being produced.

by Snarg (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» .

Yeah, not sure if he forgot to mention a step in the instructions, or if this just has a really low success rate. Because so far it just seems to make a much smaller eboot that gives you a nice pretty black screen.

by HELP ME PLEASE! (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» Didn't work

I started off with Final Fantasy Tactics... Here is what I did step by step.

1. Ripped the BIN file from my previous eboot.
2. Converted it to ISO
3. Compressed it using CDGENPS2
4. Using POPSTATION made an eboot compressed at level nine.

File Sizes:

Original: 529 Mb

Compressed: 200Mb!

The only problem is that after the Gameboot the game won't load. Anyone else having this problem?

Re: humma (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» ff7

lots of pssx games had mod chip protection - like ff7
this could affect what your trying to do here

i found this site which explains it

megagames.com/psx/psx_utils.shtml

Re: triton (Unregistered) - 2007-01-13

» not working

I think everyone else is having it! :D

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*UPDATE 3* PS1 compression tips: remove dead space beforehand

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UPDATE 3 PS1 compression tips: remove dead space beforehand