-------------------------------------------------- Soul Calibur III File Corruption FAQ (Version 1.2) -------------------------------------------------- Author: Campaign4Games Date Created/Submitted (Version 1.0): 12/11/2005 Date Revised/Submitted (Version 1.2): 01/12/2006 Copyright 2006 by Campaign4Games: This FAQ is used solely for information purposes, and may only be used on GameFAQs (http://www.gamefaqs.com/). This document may not be redistributed, altered, or copied without permission by me and/or others who have contributed to this FAQ. ------------------------------------------- ***DISCLAIMER NOTICE***: Please read this. ------------------------------------------- Reader's discretion is advised. GameFAQs, those who contributed to this FAQ, anyone listed in the "Credits" section, and yours truly Campaign4Games are NOT responsible for ANYTHING regarding this FAQ. If you're unsure or not completely confident of doing ANY procedures written on this FAQ, then DON'T DO IT! ------------------ Table of Contents: ------------------ I. Version History: II. Introduction: III. Chronological Report: IV. The Biggest Causes of File Corruption: A) Deleting or Moving (Copying) Other Game Files: B) Updating Other Game Files: C) Reproducing the File Corruption "Bug": D) The Damage AFTER Soul Calibur III File becomes Corrupted: V. Preventive Measures Against File Corruption: A) Make a backup/updated copy of your Soul Calibur III file onto another memory card: B) Alternative Methods to Delete/Move (Copy)/Update Game Files: VI. Frequently Asked Questions (Q and A): ***NOTE***: Important to read. There is a way to fix your SC3 file if your CotS (Chronicles of the Sword) save file is the ONLY thing corrupted, and NOT your WHOLE SC3 file. Please check the first question. VII. Conclusion (My Thoughts regarding this File Corruption): VIII. Credits: -------------------- I. Version History: -------------------- Version 1.0 (12/7/05): Posted onto GameFAQs with introduction, a chronological report, the biggest causes file corruption, preventive measures, frequently asked questions, conclusion, and credits. Version 1.1 (1/09/06): Made fixes on some grammatical errors, and some minor adjustments in the FAQ. Added a couple of small updates on chronological report, the biggest causes file corruption, and preventive measures. Version 1.2 (1/12/06): Made some adjustments to the FAQ for clarification purposes in "The Biggest Causes of File Corruption", "Preventive Measures Against File Corruption", and Question 1 in the "Frequently Asked Questions" section. Added some small updates in these sections as well. ------------------ II. Introduction: ------------------ The purpose of this FAQ is to create awareness about this file corruption issue regarding Soul Calibur III. Also, the main goal is to provide information for those who have or have not experienced this file corruption problem, and would like answers as to how to avoid or lessen their chances of being affected. I will give out the usernames of those who I referenced, and give credit where credit it due. Please read this FAQ carefully from top to bottom in order to get a BETTER understanding of this Soul Calibur III file corruption issue. --------------------------- III. Chronological Report: --------------------------- ***11/13/2005***: A GameFAQs user named, "Umbra_Militis" (created a topic on the GameFAQs Soul Calibur III message board: "Corrupt Data Mystery Solved (Sort Of))", discovered a very strong theory behind the file corruption case that involved deleting other game files. As more and more people read this topic, the response to the thread was indeed showing signs of support toward the user's idea. Please read this person's initial topic post. Umbra_Militis wrote: "Well, it turns out that deleting data (not related to SC3) off of your memory card can actually cause CotS the become corrupted. I don't know why, but it does." "I played CotS without out any problems at all up the "New Game Plus" Chronicle 6. I had Auto-save on the entire time. I was soft resetting a lot (not while loading or saving)." "Then one day I checked to see how much memory I had on my memory card. About 1100+ remaining. So I deleted my DOA2 video recordings. Then I decided to play CotS again even though I had beaten it. And then guess what... CORRUPT DATA." "When I went to school the next day I told my friend about it and the same thing happened to him in his game immediately after deleting data off the memory card." "Now I'm not saying this is the only reason for corrupt data. That's why I said (sort of) at the Topic Title, but this is almost guaranteed to happen." ***11/25/2005***: I have decided to take on the task of further investigating this file corruption matter. After sharing ideas with my theories and talking and getting permission with Umbra_Militis to further investigate his theory and past experiences from others that posted on that topic, I've decided to compile all the data from Umbra's topic and create another topic in the GameFaqs message board: "TROUBLESHOOTING TOPIC: SC3 File Corruption (Hope this gets Stickied)". ***11/26/2005***: As the reports of file corruption increases in the U.S. regarding Soul Calibur III, there was also reports of this problem occurring in the Japanese and PAL version as well. mao2 wrote: "The Japanese version apparently has this bug as well. :/" kried wrote: "According to a Chinese Gaming site (EMU-ZONE) There exist a fatal bug that was discovered in Japanese version only for now. But it also happens in my English edition, so I suppose that this is a universal bug." "The detail is still unknown. All known is if you do some act (as ordinary as you would do, such as save, load, change setting, choose game mode to play) THE RECORD WILL BROKEN AND IN SOME SEVERE CASE EVEN NON SC3 RECORD WILL BE INVOLVED TOO!!!" IamHBK wrote: "As for the PAL release, there have been reports of data file corruption as well. More and more people seem to experience the freaking bug." maelstrom_alpha wrote: "I have some information to add for the PAL release once again. My friend took his memory card and SC3 to work (we work in a game shop) and played it during his lunch. Started playing CotS after a few random VS fights and his data was corrupt. My friend had the same model PS2 as the one he played at work, so I guess this would tie into "playing on someone else's PS2". But it's definitely happening for the PAL release." ***UPDATE*** (1/09/06): DarkDirtyDwarf wrote: "I can confirm that this happen in the PAL (italian) version as well (on unmodded V9 PS2 NOT using any kind of cheat device, NOT resetting while loading/saving, NEVER using soft reset; autosave was ON)." "I've deleted a save file (Heroes of the Pacific) from the memory card (original Sony 8 MB memory card) and the SC3 save file was then corrupted: it allows me to load in every game mode (I can even save when playing every mode except CotS) but when saving CotS after completing a level it says the file is corrupted and that it cannot save." ***12/2/2005***: An official statement from Namco (Japan) states their case of the Soul Calibur III file corruption matter, which was contributed by yipkingsui and translated by Leifang2000. Leifang2000's Translation: "It basically says, don't delete, move, or update your other saves on the memory card to avoid the SC3 corruption." Source: http://namco-ch.net/policy/info/20051202.php ------------------------------------------- IV. The Biggest Causes of File Corruption: ------------------------------------------- A big, "THANK YOU!!!" goes out to: Umbra_Militis: For a very observant find in the Soul Calibur 3 file corruption issue regarding deleting other game files. IamHBK: For providing some insight information, research, and analysis on the file corruption issue for the U.S. and PAL version of Soul Calibur III. mao2: For providing some insight information, research, and analysis on the file corruption issue for the Japanese version of Soul Calibur III. And now, ladies and gentlemen, here are the biggest causes of file corruption. And please make sure you read them carefully and thoroughly! ***A) Deleting or Moving (Copying) Other Game Files***: ***UPDATE*** (1/12/06) If you have other games files on your memory card that were created BEFORE the Soul Calibur III file was created, and you decide to DELETE or MOVE (COPY) them...guess what? You're in for a file corruption! And this usually happens if you have OLDER game files that you decide to delete or move (copy) off of your memory card, which also contains SC3. For example, let's say you have a memory card with some older game files that were on there for quite some time. You then created a Soul Calibur III file on that particular memory card, and then started to progress in the game. After which, you decide to get rid of one of your old game files. Well, sooner or later, you will be facing that file corruption problem once you SAVE your play/progress in CotS or even your general SC3 save file, and THEN tried to load CotS or your general SC3 save file AFTERWARDS. ***NOTE***: However, if you have other game files on your memory card that were created AFTER the Soul Calibur III file was created, and you decided to DELETE or MOVE (COPY) them, well there doesn't seem to be any problems. ***B) Updating Other Game Files***: This one happens apparently, but in some case reports. This usually occurs if you update a "VARIABLE SIZE" game file. Meaning, this game file changes its file size as you progress in the game. Some game files have "FIXED" sizes, and others have "VARIABLE" sizes. I assume if you have other games files on your memory card that were created BEFORE Soul Calibur III was created, and you decide to UPDATE them, perhaps that's where the file corruption occurs. Also, to find out if your other game file are variable size, I guess the best way to find out about this is to check the back of the jewel case cover of your game and/or try to look it up in the PS2 System Browser Menu. ***UPDATE*** (1/09/06): Take, for example, Gran Turismo 4 or GT4 for short. Here are the memory card specifications for GT4: GT4: "Memory Card (for PS2) - Minimum 2000kb". Do you see that word, "Minimum"? That means, initially, this game require 2000kb to start. After you progress in GT4, and then save, the game file will eventually change its file size. I think some other PS2 games with VARIABLE file sizes may be worded differently. I have a game called Fighter Maker 2 with a game files size described as: Fighter Maker 2: "Memory Card (for PS2) - 2022kb above". In other words, if you see some type of word or perhaps an abbreviation (i.e. ">") along with the file size number, chances are it could be a VARIABLE size file. To also add regarding updating, there were a couple of people having file corruption problem when UPDATING game files which involved PS2 ONLINE games. Please read the following: hellgast wrote: "Today I played sc3 and nothing was wrong, later I played Socom II which data is on the same memory card." Later I wanted to play CotS and the data was corrupt. But all the other sc3 data was fine, I play the pal version." "It's just a theory but maybe not only deleting files cause corruption but also data change of other files on the memory card cause corruption." vampirelord18 wrote: "Ok, I got something that concerns me." "A while ago, I saw this issue about file corruption. No biggie for me, since we had 2 memory cards anyway. We had always kept a backup of SC3 on our second memory card. But recently, the whole SC3 became corrupted on our second memory card. At first, I thought I could just delete the corrupted data. But it wont let me. I didn't have this problem deleting other corrupted data. Why?" "Another thing is, no old files were deleted. I asked my brother, who was the last to use that memory card, and he said he only played Monster Hunter for a few hours. He said he didn't unlock anything new. But maybe the money he earned increased the file size?" ***C) Reproducing the File Corruption "Bug"***: If you want to see how the file corruption works and would like to test it out for yourself, read the following examples. Just make sure to create a backup copy of SC3 or other game files before doing this. Also remember though, DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK! IamHBK wrote: "As I said, the only method that is 100% viable is the delete older file thing. Well, testing it is pretty easy. You got to create an SC3 file on a memory card that is not empty. Then you delete one of the files (obviously, one you don't care of). When going back to SC3, the game will load, and the next save will corrupt it, but the game wont say it right now. It must be noted though that sometimes the standard save does not corrupt the save, but when it does not, the CotS save function will corrupt it (it's pretty obvious that the CotS save is not exactly the same than the standard save function). When the game corrupts the save, it wont say it, but the next load/save operation will end in failure." mao2 wrote: "Here's how you get the bug to occur. 1) Take a memory card which has one or more save game file(s) in it, then save SCIII (clear a level of CotS and save). 2) Reset and go to your PS2 browser. Delete or move one of the save game files. (Make sure you make a backup of the file that you still want before deleting) 3) Start SCIII, then go to the Options and save the game. 4) Start CotS mode, and load the game. You should now get the error message saying that your file is corrupt, and you are unable to load." "Here's another method. 1) Take a memory card which has one or more save game file(s) in it, then save SCIII (clear a level of CotS and save). 2) Reset and go to your PS2 browser. Delete or move one of the save game files. (Make sure you make a backup of the file that you still want before deleting) 3) Start SCIII, then start CotS mode and load the game. 4) Clear a level in CotS, then save. You should now get the error message saying that your file is corrupt, and you are unable to save." ***D) The Damage AFTER Soul Calibur III Becomes Corrupted***: In MOST file corruption cases, the CotS (Chronicles of the Sword) SAVE File is the one that gets corrupted and NOT your whole Soul Calibur III file. Unfortunately, there were SOME cases where the WHOLE Soul Calibur 3 is corrupted, and you can't even load the game file at all. And in the worst-case scenario, there have been SEVERAL cases where the WHOLE memory card, and its game files including Soul Calibur III, ends up being corrupted. When does it happen? If you did one of the following listed in the "The Biggest Causes of File Corruption", it often occurs when the Soul Calibur III game SAVES which causes the SC3 game file to corrupt. But you won't see the file corruption message right away; it usually occurs once you try to load or save the game again AFTER you have already saved. And in some cases, it happens later on as you continue playing Soul Calibur III. Now think of this file corruption as something like a Time bomb. If you trigger the Time Bomb by doing what you're not supposed to do, it may eventually set off. It may not happen to you now, but it may occur later on as you progress in the game. For example, some reported cases of file corruption in CotS mode occurred between Chronicles 1-5. Others have occurred in Chronicles 15-20 or later. That's what I meant by "Time Bomb". Tic-tock...tic-tock...tic-tock...KABOOM!!! --------------------------------------------------- V. Preventive Measures Against File Corruption: --------------------------------------------------- ***A) Make a backup/updated copy of your Soul Calibur III file onto another memory card***: If you don't have an extra memory card, I suggest you get one. Buy one! Borrow one from a friend! If you disregard getting an extra memory card, you're facing a big risk with this file corruption once this problem occurs. ***UPDATE*** (1/12/06): Even if you make a backup SC3 copy onto another memory card, that DOES NOT MEAN you're immune to file corruption especially if you DO or REPEAT anything of what's listed in the "The Biggest Causes of File Corruption" section on that particular memory card which also contains the SC3 file. It doesn't matter if it's the ORIGINAL or a COPIED/BACKUP file of SC3. ***B) Alternative Methods to Delete/Move (Copy)/Update Game Files***: IamHBK wrote: "I would say the safest way as for now is either have a free memory card and put your very first save file as SC3, or check if the file is valid by loading it in-game (both standard load and CotS) and copying it on another memory card EVERY TIME you do with your PS2 something else than playing SC3. This way, if something strange appears, you could always revert the old save file." wakuwaku wrote (rewritten): "I only have 2 memory cards, going to call A the memory card with SC3 data, and B the other one:" "- first, I would copy the files on B to A, to clean B. -save SC3 data on B, so it becomes the first save on B. -put back the stuffs copied to A back on B." ***Note (Regarding wakuwaku's message): Make sure that you copy your SC3 file FIRST onto "B". THEN, copy your other game files onto "B". ***UPDATE*** (1/09/06): ***Note (Regarding wakuwaku's message): If you decide to follow wakuwaku's step, make sure that EVERYTHING is cleaned out (deleted) on "B", including the PS2 SYSTEM file. That way, your SC3 file becomes the FIRST file created onto "B". Also, I would keep any other game files that are VARIABLE files sizes and PS2 ONLINE game files AWAY from the SC3 game file, if you decide to PLAY/UPDATE them. Meaning, separate them onto different memory cards. Treat this as a safety precaution for now. Revert back to "The Biggest Causes of File Corruption" section regarding UPDATING if you don't understand. mao2 wrote: "I'm currently using a new PS2 memory card just for SCIII in slot 1, and another memory card containing the PS2 system settings file (and other junk) in slot 2. This way, the memory card in slot 1 is kept clean with only the SCIII file. So far, no problems at all." ***Note (Regarding mao2's message): This would be the BEST way if you want to avoid having your memory card and other game files completely corrupted since several cases were reported. And also, this would be the best way if you have other game files that are VARIABLE file sizes and PS2 ONLINE game files. ----------------------------------------- VI. Frequently Asked Questions (Q and A): ----------------------------------------- ***Note to Reader: I would recommend reading this section if you happen to have a question that you would like to have answered. There are some cases of file corruption that may not relate to what's been described in the "The Biggest Causes of File Corruption" section. Also, there is a way to FIX your SC3 file if the CotS save file is the ONLY thing corrupted, and NOT your WHOLE SC3 file. ***1. (QUESTION)***: Is there any way I can retrieve or be able to play CotS (Chronicles of the Sword) mode again if I got that file corruption message only in CotS Mode? ***UPDATE*** (1/12/06) ***(ANSWER TO #1)***: 1. Let's say you were playing CotS mode, and all of a sudden you get the file corruption message while saving. If you have an extra memory card, preferably a memory card with no game files on it, take your memory card that has the corrupted SC3 file out of the PS2 memory slot, and put in the other memory card, then save. Do this AFTER you get the file corruption message. Remember, DO NOT pull out or insert the memory card if the PS2 is loading or saving onto the memory card. Also remember, you have to do this trick AT THE TIME this file corruption message occurs. You might be able to save your current progress. And to make things FINALIZED, SAVE your NEW SC3 save file in OPTIONS MODE as well AFTER you have SAVED in CotS Mode. After which, check your NEW SC3 save file and see if your GOLD and UNLOCKABLES remained intact (i.e. ToS Mode, Shop Mode, etc...). To double-check your NEW SC3 save file, reboot the PS2. When everything is ok, DELETE your CORRUPTED SC3 save file in the PS2 Browser menu. It's considered JUNK. OR THE ALTERNATIVE: 2. But let's say you have already encountered the file corruption message, and you tried to load your current CotS save file and you still get the file corruption message. If you still want to play CotS, and you're willing to start over in CotS without having to deal with that file corruption message, please read the following below. The only thing you will lose from starting over is your progress in CotS (i.e. Your current Chronicle Stage you saved) not your gold or your unlockables. They should still be there if you check the other game modes (ToS (Tales of Souls), Shop, etc.). If your CotS save file is the only thing corrupted and NOT your whole SC3 file, then try this: ***UPDATE*** (1/12/06) Start a new game in CotS (Chronicles of the Sword). When you start a new game and you try to save but still get the file corruption message, take your memory card that has the corrupted Soul Calibur III file out of the PS2 memory slot, and put in another memory card (preferably a clean one with no game files on it), then save. Do this AFTER you get the file corruption message. Remember, DO NOT pull out or insert the memory card if the PS2 is loading or saving onto the memory card. Also, to make your NEW SC3 save file FINALIZED, SAVE in OPTIONS MODE as well in SC3 AFTER you have SAVED in CotS Mode. After which, check your NEW SC3 save file and see if your GOLD and UNLOCKABLES remained intact (i.e. ToS Mode, Shop Mode, etc...). To double-check your NEW SC3 save file, reboot the PS2. When everything is ok, DELETE your CORRUPTED SC3 save file in the PS2 Browser menu. It's considered JUNK. Example: Thanks goes out to big_midnight for verifying and giving specific details on this trick. big_midnight wrote: "Campaign4Games thank you very much my data is no longer corrupted thanks to your advice!" "For anybody having the same problem as me here is exactly what I did...all thanks to Campaign4Games of course." "Note: This regards to people who have found their Cots data to become corrupt. If it has become corrupt sort it immediately because it starts to affect the entire file. The only thing you lose in this process is your progress in Cots, better than losing the entire game data." "1) Start a new Cots game, make a new character etc. 2) At the first prompt to save, try to. 3) You will be told that the file is corrupt and may be harming the entire SC3 data, click off the message. 4) Swap the memory card with another one and save the game onto this card, the new data will not be corrupt, however, on the corrupt memory card the data is still damaged." ***Note from Author: Also, SAVE your NEW SC3 save file in OPTIONS MODE as well to FINALIZE it AFTER you SAVED in CotS. After which, check your NEW SC3 save file and see if your GOLD and UNLOCKABLES remained intact (i.e. ToS Mode, Shop Mode, etc...). To double-check your NEW SC3 save file, reboot the PS2. When everything is ok, go to #5. "5) After doing the save turn off the game and enter the browser. 6) I highly recommend you delete the original file (the corrupt one) because as of all games damaged files can mess up any others on the memory card. 7) Go to the other memory card (the one with the new/safe data) and COPY IT TO BE SAFE. The best thing to do is copy it onto the other memory card so then you have two safe files so if the corruption happens again you will have a backup." "I hope this helps. Thanks to Campaign4Games for pointing me in the right direction." ***UPDATE*** (1/12/06) ***Note: There could be other ways to fix this file corruption problem when it comes to swapping memory cards. Just make a note to yourself: DO NOT pull out or insert the memory card if the PS2 is loading or saving onto the memory card. Plus, SAVE in OPTIONS MODE as well to FINALIZE it. Check your NEW SC3 save file and see if your GOLD and UNLOCKABLES remained intact (i.e. ToS Mode, Shop Mode, etc...). To double-check your NEW SC3 save file, reboot the PS2. When everything is ok, DELETE your corrupted SC3 save file...it's considered a junk file. ***2. (QUESTION)***: If my WHOLE Soul Calibur III file is corrupted, is there a way to fix it? ***(ANSWER TO #2)***: Sorry, but I couldn't find a way to fix that problem, yet. If the WHOLE SC3 file is corrupted, chances are it's unsalvageable. ***3. (QUESTION)***: Can you get the file corruption if you have AutoSave: "ON"? I never had problems with it while playing SC3. ***(ANSWER TO #3)***: Some people had file corruption problems when having AutoSave: "ON", and some haven't. For me, I would prefer leaving AutoSave: "OFF". Why? Because there were reports back then of file corruption issues with AutoSave involving previous Namco titles: Soul Calibur 2, Tekken 5, and perhaps others. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the case with Soul Calibur III. And AutoSave has this tendency to save/overwrite the previous Soul Calibur III save file at times when you don't necessarily want it to. Now the question I want to ask...is it really that important for you to have AutoSave "ON"? Also, having AutoSave: "ON" can probably speed up the reduced life span of your memory card with all those unnecessary saves. Even the Sony manufacturers warned about continuously overwriting a game file. I got the information on the back of the PS2 memory card package. Here's one example of what they have to say: "Precautions": "The memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2) has limited capacity for rewriting over saved data. After repeated use, the card may lose the ability to save data. If you find that your card can no longer save data, use a new memory card (8MB) (for PlayStation 2), sold separately". ***4. (QUESTION)***: Can you get the file corruption if you do the soft reset (SELECT + START) technique? I never had problems with it while playing SC3. ***(ANSWER TO #4)***: Same thing. Some people got the file corruption doing this and some didn't. The one thing you must realize is that Soul Calibur III is a VERY SENSITIVE game when it comes to file corruption issues, especially in CotS (Chronicles of the Sword). For now, just try to avoid doing the soft reset. Think of it as a safety precaution. ***5. (QUESTION)***: Can file corruption be the case if you have an older model PS2? ***(ANSWER TO #5)***: Not exactly. As it turned out, one person mentioned that their slim- line PS2 with a MagicGate memory card got corrupted. Gina_chan wrote: "I got Data corruption like minutes after I deleted some old data on my game. I have a slim PS2 and a MagicGate memory card. Hope this helps." Now, if you have an older model PS2 (SCPH 30000, 35000), and had disc read errors or some other problems, there were a couple of cases where people ran into file corruption problems. But I would say it could be in the very small percentage rate of file corruption cases. You may want to read question #7 to find out. ***6. (QUESTION)***: Can file corruption be the case if you have an older PS2 memory card, or a third-party memory card? ***(ANSWER TO #6)***: If you did any of the following listed in the "The Biggest Causes of File Corruption" section, it doesn't matter whether it's an OLD PS2 memory card or NEW one. Also, file corruption might occur depending on your copying/deleting/saving/updating habits of the memory card especially if you have only one being used for your collection of PS2 games. And if you had a corrupted file encounter with another game file, besides SC3, it could make matters worse if that other game file could not be deleted off of the PS2 System/Browser menu. If you experience a corrupted file that cannot delete, go to question #12. As far as third-party memory cards go, well so far, I haven't heard of any problems. But that also depends on what brand of third-party memory card you buy. ***7. (QUESTION)***: Will I get a file corruption if I use another person's (friend's) PS2 system with Soul Calibur III and my memory card? ***(ANSWER TO #7)***: It happened to several people, but I would probably treat this as a small percentage of file corruption cases. Please read the following post. JJmax7 wrote: "My entire file got corrupted when I tried to play the game on a friends PS2, he has the really old one that has read errors all the time. The first time I tried to run it and it was corrupted. And that was the first problem I had with the game." robotechfaniam wrote: "A few nights ago (same as my old topic), I took my copy of SCIII and memory card to his place. I put mine in the second slot. He deleted about 3 of his saves. When we load up SCIII, I see no one is there. I realize it loaded from the wrong memory card. I switch memory cards and go to Slot 1 in the character select. See all my CAS and unlocked. Play one fight. Go to title and get error. BAM. Everything gone." maelstrom_alpha wrote: "I have some information to add for the PAL release once again. My friend took his memory card and SC3 to work (we work in a game shop) and played it during his lunch. Started playing CotS after a few random VS fights and his data was corrupt. My friend had the same model PS2 as the one he played at work, so I guess this would tie into "playing on someone else's PS2". But it's definitely happening for the PAL release." marklar1313 wrote: "I just thought that I would share my corruption details. I have a slim PS2. I played the game for about a month with no problems. Then I took my game and memory card to my friend's house. He has an old model PS2 with a hard-drive. I saved at his house. When I came back home and tried to play CotS, it was corrupt." ***8. (QUESTION)***: Does this file corruption happen when deleting, moving, or updating other game files from a specific type of game? ***(ANSWER TO #8)***: Well, there are over 1000 PS2 titles out there, so it's really hard to tell right now. ***9. (QUESTION)***: Could there be a bad batch of Soul Calibur III out there? If so, will Namco exchange our defective copy? ***(ANSWER TO #9)***: There could be a bad batch out there for the U.S. version, and some that could be OK. But even if you try to exchange for another copy at the place you bought Soul Calibur 3, how will you know if your exchanged copy doesn't have that file corruption problem? They might have some old stock of that file-corrupted version. In the U.S., they are trying to work on a fixed version. When it comes to exchanging your copy to Namco, there is no official statement yet from them. There is, of course, measures being done in Japan. mao2 wrote: "Anyway, it seems like those in Japan can get their buggy discs exchanged by contacting Namco. The current bugged version is SLPS_255.77; 1 VER = 1.01 (this can be found by opening the system file in the disc with a word processor like Notepad), while the serial number at the bottom of the discs is either SLPS-25577 1 or SLPS-25577 2. If your game has a higher version number, then it's most probably a fixed, non-buggy version." If you would like to visit the Japanese website/forum where mao2 got the information from, go to: Source: http://www.geocities.jp/sc3taisaku/index.html ***10. (QUESTION)***: Would having a Mod Chip on a PS2 cause a file corruption? ***(ANSWER TO #10)***: In my opinion, only you will find out. Why? Because there is large number of Mod Chips out for the PS2, and there's no way to tell from a GOOD Mod Chip to a BAD Mod Chip. Plus, the one's making the chips have to make an updated version or file when newer games come out. I won't say that all Mod Chips are bad, but hey, Mod Chips CAN do something weird to your PS2 system whether you know it or not. ***11. (QUESTION)***: If I use a GameShark, ARMAX, or any other cheat device to "UNLOCK STUFF" for SC3...could that create a file corruption problem? ***(ANSWER TO #11)***: I read in a Codebreaker web site, that a couple of people were having problems with their memory card...whether the code is not working, or having some corrupted file issue. The other thing I want to point out is that, for example, the Codebreaker save file is a VARIABLE size file. Once you input or add new codes into the save file, the file size changes. Thus, it could be a possibility. ***12. (QUESTION)***: Let's say my memory card is totally corrupted, and I cannot delete my game files off of the PS2 System/Browser menu. What should I do? ***(ANSWER TO #12)***: Use a GameShark, ARMAX, Codebreaker, or whatever cheat utility device/disc that has the option to reformat your memory card. The PS2 System/Browser menu, however, DOES NOT offer that option. If you reformat the memory card, you actually refresh the flash memory and it may become more stable. It would also erase any corrupted or broken files that you couldn't get rid of in the PS2 System/Browser. Just make sure there are no files that you don't want deleted once you decide to do the reformat process. Remember, doing a reformat erases EVERYTHING. ***Note to Reader: If you're concerned about these OTHER file corruption cases, please revert back to the "Preventive Measures against File Corruption" section. This will pretty much take care of most of these cases. -------------------------------------------------------------- VII. Conclusion (My Thoughts regarding this File Corruption): -------------------------------------------------------------- I believe there are WAY too many save features in Soul Calibur III. Think about it...the save features are included in Options mode, CotS mode, Shop mode (Items, Weapons, Armor), and CAS mode. Either having load, save, delete, and/or Edit, the PS2 CPU and the RAM must be working overtime or just plain going crazy trying to keep up with the user's request to load, save, or whatever...ALL into one file (300K). Perhaps Namco should have made separate files for certain modes, especially for CotS. So that way it would make things easier for the CPU and RAM to distribute the user's request to load, save, whatever more efficiently. Also, a 300K file doesn't seem feasible for a game with so many "UNLOCKABLES".maybe they should've made the file size bigger. That's just my opinion, even though the damage is already done. Anyway, regarding the issue with this Soul Calibur III file corruption: There could be other cases of file corruption out there that are not listed in this FAQ. But everything on the "The Biggest Causes of File Corruption" serves the MAJORITY of file corruption cases. ---------------- VIII. Credits: ---------------- ***Thanks go out to***: kried Gina_chan JJmax7 robotechfaniam wakuwaku maelstrom_alpha yipkingsui LeiFang2000 marklar1313 hellgast vampirelord18 DarkDirtyDwarf For their information and support for my message board topic and Umbra's topic as well, and everyone else who posted. ***Big thanks and appreciation goes out to***: IamHBK: For information, research, and analysis of file corruption in the U.S. and PAL versions of Soul Calibur III. mao2: For information, research, and analysis of file corruption in the Japanese version of Soul Calibur III. big_midnight: For verifying and providing specific details on one of my tricks regarding fixing CotS. ***Special thanks and the utmost respect goes out to***: Umbra_Militis: For pioneering the theory posted on GameFAQs. The theory related to the Soul Calibur III file corruption involving deleting other game files. And thanks go out to you for reading this FAQ. This is Campaign4Games signing off for now. :)