A TechLore "Ask the Experts" Question...
Question:
My sons were given a Playstation 2, but when you turn it on it goes into a set up mode. It will not allow anything past the setup mode. Is there a step by step process for bringing the unit online? They did not get a manual for the unit, and I am lost. Thank you for any assistance.
-submitted by nccapt
Answer:
It's possible that the menu could be from one of two different things; either the PS2, or the game itself.
Anytime the Playstation 2 (PS2 for short) is turned on without a game title loaded, the system goes to it's main menu screen. From this screen you can adjust different settings for the PS2 game system, or browse the contents of a memory card. The PS2 should automatically begin to load any game that inserted into the drive when the system is powered on. You can always force it to load by pressing the X button on browser, highlighting the icon for the game disc, and pressing X.
There are some game titles, like the recently reviewed Gran Turismo 4, that force you to go through a special series of menu screens the first time the disc is played, or if the game file on the memory card is missing or deleted. If your game requires this, follow the prompts through the menu screens to complete the setup. The game should begin when finished.
If none of the above advice works, you may have an issue with your game machine. It could be that the DVD drive which reads the disc is malfunctioning. However, before you try to send it in for repair or toss it to the curb, try the following steps:
- Verify that the game your children are trying to play is a Playstation or Playstation 2 game. Games designed for other systems (like the Dreamcast or XBOX) cannot be played on the Playstation 2. Check the label on the game for the Playstation logo.
- Make sure that the game is not an imported game from another country, or a disc that has been created in a computer. These discs will not play on unmodified PS2 hardware. Also, verify that your machine was intended for use in the United States. Systems originally sold in Japan or the UK will not work with US games.
- If the parental control features are enabled, be sure they're set to allow the machine to play your disc. The system may be protected by a password from the prior owner. You can reset the password by following these instructions.
- If the system remains unresponsive, try to play a DVD movie that you know works in other players. if the DVD movie plays, the DVD drive is functioning properly.
If the PS2 is still unresponsive after following these steps, it will likely need to be repaired or replaced. Use the discussion page if you have any follow up questions or comments.
Matt Whitlock - Editor, TechLore.com
