Directions for X-Port/Shark-Port
I want everyone to know that the Sharkport and X-Port are the same thing, just different packaging!
You should also know that you can't use a Gameshark or an Action Replay to download ps2 roster files. The xbox Action Replay can download xbox rosters, but the ps2 Action Replay cannot download ps2 rosters. You can only use a Sharkport or an X-Port from Interact/Datel.
Unfortunately, X-Port and Sharkport discs do not run on all playstation 2 consoles! Newer ps2's will not recognize X-Port or Sharkport (blue back) discs and will say "Disc Read Error". You will need to make sure that your ps2 does not have a serial number beginning with "PX...". Your ps2 needs to have a serial number that begins with "PT...". The X-Port and Sharkport with not work on the new (thin) ps2. Ok, now that that's been explained...
Before you begin, make sure you are running on Sharkport 2.0 software! You can upgrade to Sharkport 2.0 by clicking here.
I suggest running the Sharkport 2.0 software even if you are using an X-Port disc in your ps2. Then, if you downloaded a file that is compressed (*.zip format), you need to unzip the files so that they are in *.sps format. To unzip the files, use WinZip. If you don't have WinZip, you can download it by clicking here.
You may also need the Xlink drivers. If you need to update your Xlink drivers you can download them by clicking here.
First of all, plug in your PS2 near your computer. You don't need to view what is happening on the PS2 so don't worry about your PS2 not being connected to your tv. Then connect your PS2 to your computer with the Sharkport/X-Port cable using the USB ports on your PS2 and computer. Then insert the PC disc into your computer and run the install or setup program. Next insert the PS2 disc into your PS2 and then hit reset so that it loads the disc.
Make sure you wait 15 to 20 seconds for the disc to load on your PS2 before you start the Sharkport 2 program on you PC!
Once installed and your PS2 has been running for 15 to 20 seconds, run the Sharkport2.exe program and you should be ready to begin.
To load the roster save onto your memory card, click on the PC Database at the bottom of the screen. Then under Actions, click Import Saves. Find the (*.sps) roster file you downloaded and click open. Under Games Found, you will now find a NCAA Roster New 01 section. The name might be different depending on the roster file. Place a check in the box! Then click restore!!!
You're finished!
Once completed. Plug your PS2 back into your tv and start up NCAA 2004 or March Madness 2004. The roster file should load up automatically. If not, at the main menu, load the rosters file manually. The rosters should then work fine!
If you see "usb error connecting to ps2", first try two things.
Try plugging your usb Sharkport/X-Port into both slots on the front of the PS2. If that doesn't work, press the reset button on your PS2 and make sure that your PS2 loads the disc (about 15 to 20 seconds) before you start the Sharkport2.exe program!
You should also check your computer's properties to see if you have any conflicts between your Sharkport/X-Port USB cable and another USB device (printer, scanner, mouse, keyboard, digital camera, etc).
If that doesn't work, your Sharkport/X-Port PS2 disc might be defective. You might want to take your Sharkport/X-Port back for a refund and mail me your memory card. To get around the error, you can also contact Interact's tech support. [support@gameshark.com]
There are several builds of the PS2 and Interact has a specific boot cd-rom for each build. What they'll need you to do is look on the back of your PS2 and give them the revision number (i.e. 1A). If you flip the PS2 around you can find this around where the copyright information is. There's a little box that says Date Code: (They apparently have builds for 1A - 1EE). They'll ship you the CD's for your version in about a week, but make sure you give them the right Rev number otherwise the CD's are worthless to you.