I pretty much have an answer to anything you asked, for getting my hands on the file system, that is the trickiset part and i don't have one real good solid answer but a few theories. The HDD utility disk lets you format the HDD. Now for getting my hands on the discs my friend has the copy of FFXI for PS2. when you install it on the PS2 if you have an account set up you just enter your information in, thus i don't need access codes, cause I have an account. My whole purpose for even considering the PS2 over PC is cause of Norton , it's so freakin annyoing for that to pop up. Other than that, thats...about it. I can run the game full settings and resolution with no lag, i run Athlon XP 2500, 333mhz FSB, 512mb DDR, Radeon 9600XT 128mb. I probably won't try it, but now i'll never be satisfied lol. thanks for your opinions they helped alot.