diff --git a/pcsx2/CDVD.cpp b/pcsx2/CDVD.cpp
index 79ab349afe..8f038abdda 100644
--- a/pcsx2/CDVD.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/CDVD.cpp
@@ -786,6 +786,7 @@ struct Freeze_v10Compat
 
 void SaveState::cdvdFreeze()
 {
+	FreezeTag( "cdvd" );
 	Freeze( cdvd );
 
 	if( IsLoading() )
diff --git a/pcsx2/CdRom.cpp b/pcsx2/CdRom.cpp
index 6947ae044a..e6ba423d3d 100644
--- a/pcsx2/CdRom.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/CdRom.cpp
@@ -944,15 +944,9 @@ void cdrReset() {
 	cdReadTime = (PSXCLK / 1757) * BIAS; 
 }
 
-void SaveState::cdrFreeze() {
+void SaveState::cdrFreeze()
+{
+	FreezeTag( "cdrom" );
 	Freeze(cdr);
-
-	// Alrighty!  This code used to, for some reason, recalculate the pTransfer value
-	// even though it's being saved as part of the cdr struct.  Probably a backwards
-	// compat fix with an earlier save version.
-
-	int tmp; // = (int)(cdr.pTransfer - cdr.Transfer);
-	Freeze(tmp);
-	//if (Mode == 0) cdr.pTransfer = cdr.Transfer + tmp;
 }
 
diff --git a/pcsx2/Counters.cpp b/pcsx2/Counters.cpp
index 97c4016a11..cb148f8261 100644
--- a/pcsx2/Counters.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/Counters.cpp
@@ -43,7 +43,9 @@ int gates = 0;
 
 // Counter 4 takes care of scanlines - hSync/hBlanks
 // Counter 5 takes care of vSync/vBlanks
-Counter counters[6];
+Counter counters[4];
+SyncCounter hsyncCounter;
+SyncCounter vsyncCounter;
 
 u32 nextsCounter;	// records the cpuRegs.cycle value of the last call to rcntUpdate()
 s32 nextCounter;	// delta from nextsCounter, in cycles, until the next rcntUpdate() 
@@ -101,7 +103,7 @@ static __forceinline void cpuRcntSet()
 	int i;
 
 	nextsCounter = cpuRegs.cycle;
-	nextCounter = (counters[5].sCycle + counters[5].CycleT) - cpuRegs.cycle;
+	nextCounter = (vsyncCounter.sCycle + vsyncCounter.CycleT) - cpuRegs.cycle;
 
 	for (i = 0; i < 4; i++)
 		_rcntSet( i );
@@ -124,10 +126,10 @@ void rcntInit() {
 	counters[2].interrupt = 11;
 	counters[3].interrupt = 12;
 
-	counters[4].modeval = MODE_HRENDER;
-	counters[4].sCycle = cpuRegs.cycle;
-	counters[5].modeval = MODE_VRENDER; 
-	counters[5].sCycle = cpuRegs.cycle;
+	hsyncCounter.Mode = MODE_HRENDER;
+	hsyncCounter.sCycle = cpuRegs.cycle;
+	vsyncCounter.Mode = MODE_VRENDER; 
+	vsyncCounter.sCycle = cpuRegs.cycle;
 
 	UpdateVSyncRate();
 
@@ -136,7 +138,7 @@ void rcntInit() {
 }
 
 // debug code, used for stats
-int g_nCounters[4];
+int g_nhsyncCounter;
 static uint iFrame = 0;	
 
 #ifndef _WIN32
@@ -235,8 +237,8 @@ u32 UpdateVSyncRate()
 			vSyncInfoCalc( &vSyncInfo, FRAMERATE_NTSC, SCANLINES_TOTAL_NTSC );
 	}
 
-	counters[4].CycleT = vSyncInfo.hRender; // Amount of cycles before the counter will be updated
-	counters[5].CycleT = vSyncInfo.Render; // Amount of cycles before the counter will be updated
+	hsyncCounter.CycleT = vSyncInfo.hRender; // Amount of cycles before the counter will be updated
+	vsyncCounter.CycleT = vSyncInfo.Render; // Amount of cycles before the counter will be updated
 
 	if (Config.CustomFps > 0)
 	{
@@ -393,28 +395,28 @@ static int vblankinc = 0;
 
 __forceinline void rcntUpdate_hScanline()
 {
-	if( !cpuTestCycle( counters[4].sCycle, counters[4].CycleT ) ) return;
+	if( !cpuTestCycle( hsyncCounter.sCycle, hsyncCounter.CycleT ) ) return;
 
 	//iopBranchAction = 1;
-	if (counters[4].modeval & MODE_HBLANK) { //HBLANK Start
-		rcntStartGate(false, counters[4].sCycle);
+	if (hsyncCounter.Mode & MODE_HBLANK) { //HBLANK Start
+		rcntStartGate(false, hsyncCounter.sCycle);
 		psxCheckStartGate16(0);
 		
 		// Setup the hRender's start and end cycle information:
-		counters[4].sCycle += vSyncInfo.hBlank;		// start  (absolute cycle value)
-		counters[4].CycleT = vSyncInfo.hRender;		// endpoint (delta from start value)
-		counters[4].modeval = MODE_HRENDER;
+		hsyncCounter.sCycle += vSyncInfo.hBlank;		// start  (absolute cycle value)
+		hsyncCounter.CycleT = vSyncInfo.hRender;		// endpoint (delta from start value)
+		hsyncCounter.Mode = MODE_HRENDER;
 	}
 	else { //HBLANK END / HRENDER Begin
 		if (CSRw & 0x4) GSCSRr |= 4; // signal
 		if (!(GSIMR&0x400)) gsIrq();
-		if (gates) rcntEndGate(false, counters[4].sCycle);
+		if (gates) rcntEndGate(false, hsyncCounter.sCycle);
 		if (psxhblankgate) psxCheckEndGate16(0);
 
 		// set up the hblank's start and end cycle information:
-		counters[4].sCycle += vSyncInfo.hRender;	// start (absolute cycle value)
-		counters[4].CycleT = vSyncInfo.hBlank;		// endpoint (delta from start value)
-		counters[4].modeval = MODE_HBLANK;
+		hsyncCounter.sCycle += vSyncInfo.hRender;	// start (absolute cycle value)
+		hsyncCounter.CycleT = vSyncInfo.hBlank;		// endpoint (delta from start value)
+		hsyncCounter.Mode = MODE_HBLANK;
 
 #		ifdef VSYNC_DEBUG
 		hsc++;
@@ -424,30 +426,30 @@ __forceinline void rcntUpdate_hScanline()
 
 __forceinline bool rcntUpdate_vSync()
 {
-	s32 diff = (cpuRegs.cycle - counters[5].sCycle);
-	if( diff < counters[5].CycleT ) return false;
+	s32 diff = (cpuRegs.cycle - vsyncCounter.sCycle);
+	if( diff < vsyncCounter.CycleT ) return false;
 
 	//iopBranchAction = 1;
-	if (counters[5].modeval == MODE_VSYNC)
+	if (vsyncCounter.Mode == MODE_VSYNC)
 	{
-		VSyncEnd(counters[5].sCycle);
+		VSyncEnd(vsyncCounter.sCycle);
 
-		counters[5].sCycle += vSyncInfo.Blank;
-		counters[5].CycleT = vSyncInfo.Render;
-		counters[5].modeval = MODE_VRENDER;
+		vsyncCounter.sCycle += vSyncInfo.Blank;
+		vsyncCounter.CycleT = vSyncInfo.Render;
+		vsyncCounter.Mode = MODE_VRENDER;
 
 		return true;
 	}
 	else	// VSYNC end / VRENDER begin
 	{
-		VSyncStart(counters[5].sCycle);
+		VSyncStart(vsyncCounter.sCycle);
 
-		counters[5].sCycle += vSyncInfo.Render;
-		counters[5].CycleT = vSyncInfo.Blank;
-		counters[5].modeval = MODE_VSYNC;
+		vsyncCounter.sCycle += vSyncInfo.Render;
+		vsyncCounter.CycleT = vSyncInfo.Blank;
+		vsyncCounter.Mode = MODE_VSYNC;
 
 		// Accumulate hsync rounding errors:
-		counters[4].sCycle += vSyncInfo.hSyncError;
+		hsyncCounter.sCycle += vSyncInfo.hSyncError;
 
 #		ifdef VSYNC_DEBUG
 		vblankinc++;
@@ -766,15 +768,12 @@ u32 __fastcall rcntCycle(int index)
 
 void SaveState::rcntFreeze()
 {
-	Freeze(counters);
-	Freeze(nextCounter);
-	Freeze(nextsCounter);
-
-	// New in version 1 -- save the PAL/NTSC info!
-	if( GetVersion() >= 0x1 )
-	{
-		Freeze( Config.PsxType );
-	}
+	Freeze( counters );
+	Freeze( hsyncCounter );
+	Freeze( vsyncCounter );
+	Freeze( nextCounter );
+	Freeze( nextsCounter );
+	Freeze( Config.PsxType );
 
 	if( IsLoading() )
 	{
diff --git a/pcsx2/Counters.h b/pcsx2/Counters.h
index f5b2d07253..f4c70776ee 100644
--- a/pcsx2/Counters.h
+++ b/pcsx2/Counters.h
@@ -66,7 +66,8 @@ struct EECNT_MODE
 
 // fixme: Cycle and sCycleT members are unused.
 //	      But they can't be removed without making a new savestate version.
-struct Counter {
+struct Counter
+{
 	u32 count;
 	union
 	{
@@ -75,10 +76,14 @@ struct Counter {
 	};
 	u32 target, hold;
 	u32 rate, interrupt;
-	u32 Cycle;
+	u32 sCycleT;		// delta values should be signed.
+};
+
+struct SyncCounter
+{
+	u32 Mode;
 	u32 sCycle;					// start cycle of timer
 	s32 CycleT;
-	u32 sCycleT;		// delta values should be signed.
 };
 
 //------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -124,7 +129,10 @@ struct Counter {
 #define MODE_HBLANK		0x1		//Set for the remaining ~1/6 of 1 Scanline
 
 
-extern Counter counters[6];
+extern Counter counters[4];
+extern SyncCounter hsyncCounter;
+extern SyncCounter vsyncCounter;
+
 extern s32 nextCounter;		// delta until the next counter event (must be signed)
 extern u32 nextsCounter;
 
diff --git a/pcsx2/Gif.cpp b/pcsx2/Gif.cpp
index 5b5bab2ea9..af27c1f2c7 100644
--- a/pcsx2/Gif.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/Gif.cpp
@@ -615,13 +615,12 @@ void gifMFIFOInterrupt()
 
 void SaveState::gifFreeze()
 {
-	if( GetVersion() >= 0x04 )
-	{
-		Freeze( gifstate );
-		Freeze( gifqwc );
-		Freeze( gspath3done );
-		Freeze( gscycles );
+	FreezeTag( "GIFdma" );
 
-		// Note: mfifocycles is not a persistent var, so no need to save it here.
-	}
+	Freeze( gifstate );
+	Freeze( gifqwc );
+	Freeze( gspath3done );
+	Freeze( gscycles );
+
+	// Note: mfifocycles is not a persistent var, so no need to save it here.
 }
diff --git a/pcsx2/IPU/IPU.cpp b/pcsx2/IPU/IPU.cpp
index 96edda1524..b7b3ad5fec 100644
--- a/pcsx2/IPU/IPU.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/IPU/IPU.cpp
@@ -163,14 +163,14 @@ void ipuShutdown()
 
 // fixme - ipuFreeze looks fairly broken. Should probably take a closer look at some point.
 
-void SaveState::ipuFreeze() {
+void SaveState::ipuFreeze()
+{
 	IPUProcessInterrupt();
 
-	if( GetVersion() < 0x04 )
-	{
-		// old versions saved the IPU regs, but they're already saved as part of HW!
-		FreezeMem(ipuRegs, sizeof(IPUregisters));
-	}
+	FreezeTag( "IPU" );
+
+	// old versions saved the IPU regs, but they're already saved as part of HW!
+	//FreezeMem(ipuRegs, sizeof(IPUregisters));
 	
 	Freeze(g_nDMATransfer);
 	Freeze(FIreadpos);
diff --git a/pcsx2/IopCounters.cpp b/pcsx2/IopCounters.cpp
index 10027f1ed5..b4f40c801f 100644
--- a/pcsx2/IopCounters.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/IopCounters.cpp
@@ -751,6 +751,8 @@ void psxRcntSetGates()
 
 void SaveState::psxRcntFreeze()
 {
+	FreezeTag( "iopCounters" );
+
     Freeze(psxCounters);
 	Freeze(psxNextCounter);
 	Freeze(psxNextsCounter);
diff --git a/pcsx2/IopCounters.h b/pcsx2/IopCounters.h
index 8012b5ace2..058052548a 100644
--- a/pcsx2/IopCounters.h
+++ b/pcsx2/IopCounters.h
@@ -25,8 +25,7 @@
 struct psxCounter {
 	u64 count, target;
     u32 mode;
-	u32 rate, interrupt, otarget;
-	u32 sCycle, Cycle;
+	u32 rate, interrupt;
 	u32 sCycleT;
 	s32 CycleT;
 };
diff --git a/pcsx2/IopSio2.cpp b/pcsx2/IopSio2.cpp
index 04e704e47a..c4270b7465 100644
--- a/pcsx2/IopSio2.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/IopSio2.cpp
@@ -203,6 +203,7 @@ u8 sio2_fifoOut(){
 
 void SaveState::sio2Freeze()
 {
+	FreezeTag( "sio2" );
 	Freeze(sio2);
 }
 
diff --git a/pcsx2/MTGS.cpp b/pcsx2/MTGS.cpp
index 485ba722d7..bc94623e9b 100644
--- a/pcsx2/MTGS.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/MTGS.cpp
@@ -116,6 +116,8 @@ static void _mtgsFreezeGIF( SaveState& state, GIFPath (&paths)[3] )
 
 void SaveState::mtgsFreeze()
 {
+	FreezeTag( "mtgs" );
+
 	if( mtgsThread != NULL )
 	{
 		mtgsThread->Freeze( *this );
diff --git a/pcsx2/Misc.cpp b/pcsx2/Misc.cpp
index 676ace76b2..738550ad32 100644
--- a/pcsx2/Misc.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/Misc.cpp
@@ -176,9 +176,9 @@ u32 GetBiosVersion() {
 }
 
 //2002-09-22 (Florin)
-int IsBIOS(char *filename, char *description)
+int IsBIOS(const char *filename, char *description)
 {
-	char ROMVER[14+1], zone[12+1];
+	char ROMVER[14+1];
 	FILE *fp;
 	unsigned int fileOffset=0, found=FALSE;
 	struct romdir rd;
@@ -200,31 +200,38 @@ int IsBIOS(char *filename, char *description)
 		return FALSE;	//Unable to locate ROMDIR structure in file or a ioprpXXX.img
 	}
 
-	while(strlen(rd.fileName) > 0){
-		if (strcmp(rd.fileName, "ROMVER") == 0){	// found romver
-			unsigned int filepos=ftell(fp);
+	while(strlen(rd.fileName) > 0)
+	{
+		if (strcmp(rd.fileName, "ROMVER") == 0)	// found romver
+		{
+			uint filepos = ftell(fp);
 			fseek(fp, fileOffset, SEEK_SET);
 			if (fread(&ROMVER, 14, 1, fp) == 0) break;
 			fseek(fp, filepos, SEEK_SET);//go back
-				
-			switch(ROMVER[4]){
-				case 'T':sprintf(zone, "T10K  "); break;
-				case 'X':sprintf(zone, "Test  ");break;
-				case 'J':sprintf(zone, "Japan "); break;
-				case 'A':sprintf(zone, "USA   "); break;
-				case 'E':sprintf(zone, "Europe"); break;
-				case 'H':sprintf(zone, "HK    "); break;
-				case 'P':sprintf(zone, "Free  "); break;
-				case 'C':sprintf(zone, "China "); break;
-				default: sprintf(zone, "%c     ",ROMVER[4]); break;//shoudn't show
+			
+			const char zonefail[2] = { ROMVER[4], '\0' };	// the default "zone" (unknown code)
+			const char* zone = zonefail;
+
+			switch(ROMVER[4])
+			{
+				case 'T': zone = "T10K  "; break;
+				case 'X': zone = "Test  "; break;
+				case 'J': zone = "Japan "; break;
+				case 'A': zone = "USA   "; break;
+				case 'E': zone = "Europe"; break;
+				case 'H': zone = "HK    "; break;
+				case 'P': zone = "Free  "; break;
+				case 'C': zone = "China "; break;
 			}
-			sprintf(description, "%s vXX.XX(XX/XX/XXXX) %s", zone,
-				ROMVER[5]=='C'?"Console":ROMVER[5]=='D'?"Devel":"");
-			strncpy(description+ 8, ROMVER+ 0, 2);//ver major
-			strncpy(description+11, ROMVER+ 2, 2);//ver minor
-			strncpy(description+14, ROMVER+12, 2);//day
-			strncpy(description+17, ROMVER+10, 2);//month
-			strncpy(description+20, ROMVER+ 6, 4);//year
+
+			sprintf(description, "%s v%c%c.%c%c(%c%c/%c%c/%c%c%c%c) %s", zone,
+				ROMVER[0], ROMVER[1],	// ver major
+				ROMVER[2], ROMVER[3],	// ver minor
+				ROMVER[12], ROMVER[13],	// day
+				ROMVER[10], ROMVER[11],	// month
+				ROMVER[6], ROMVER[7], ROMVER[8], ROMVER[9],	// year!
+				(ROMVER[5]=='C') ? "Console" : (ROMVER[5]=='D') ? "Devel" : ""
+			);
 			found = TRUE;
 		}
 
diff --git a/pcsx2/Misc.h b/pcsx2/Misc.h
index 0f9648b24d..d90a1cf020 100644
--- a/pcsx2/Misc.h
+++ b/pcsx2/Misc.h
@@ -55,8 +55,9 @@ extern u64 GetCPUTicks();
 extern u64 GetTickFrequency();
 
 // Used in Misc,and Windows/Linux files.
-void ProcessFKeys(int fkey, int shift); // processes fkey related commands value 1-12
-int IsBIOS(char *filename, char *description);
+extern void ProcessFKeys(int fkey, int shift); // processes fkey related commands value 1-12
+extern int IsBIOS(const char *filename, char *description);
+
 char *ParseLang(char *id);
 extern const char *LabelAuthors;
 extern const char *LabelGreets;
diff --git a/pcsx2/R3000A.h b/pcsx2/R3000A.h
index 2c6f1cadcd..41cb4862a5 100644
--- a/pcsx2/R3000A.h
+++ b/pcsx2/R3000A.h
@@ -112,10 +112,10 @@ struct psxRegisters {
 	u32 code;			/* The instruction */
 	u32 cycle;
 	u32 interrupt;
-	u32 sCycle[64];		// start cycle for signaled ints
-	s32 eCycle[64];		// cycle delta for signaled ints (sCycle + eCycle == branch cycle)
-	u32 _msflag[32];
-	u32 _smflag[32];
+	u32 sCycle[32];		// start cycle for signaled ints
+	s32 eCycle[32];		// cycle delta for signaled ints (sCycle + eCycle == branch cycle)
+	//u32 _msflag[32];
+	//u32 _smflag[32];
 };
 
 PCSX2_ALIGNED16_EXTERN(psxRegisters psxRegs);
diff --git a/pcsx2/R5900.cpp b/pcsx2/R5900.cpp
index 78ad012144..b7e179f542 100644
--- a/pcsx2/R5900.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/R5900.cpp
@@ -522,7 +522,7 @@ __forceinline bool _cpuBranchTest_Shared()
 	cpuSetNextBranchDelta( ((g_psxNextBranchCycle-psxRegs.cycle)*8) - EEsCycle );
 
 	// Apply the hsync counter's nextCycle
-	cpuSetNextBranch( counters[4].sCycle, counters[4].CycleT );
+	cpuSetNextBranch( hsyncCounter.sCycle, hsyncCounter.CycleT );
 
 	// Apply vsync and other counter nextCycles
 	cpuSetNextBranch( nextsCounter, nextCounter );
diff --git a/pcsx2/SPR.cpp b/pcsx2/SPR.cpp
index d346f33c0e..c9b59e1a25 100644
--- a/pcsx2/SPR.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/SPR.cpp
@@ -454,11 +454,9 @@ void SPRTOinterrupt()
 
 void SaveState::sprFreeze()
 {
-	// Gotta save the weird ref-style DMA timing vars!
-	if( GetVersion() >= 0x05 )
-	{
-		Freeze(spr0finished);
-		Freeze(spr1finished);
-		Freeze(mfifotransferred);
-	}
+	FreezeTag( "SPRdma" );
+
+	Freeze(spr0finished);
+	Freeze(spr1finished);
+	Freeze(mfifotransferred);
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/pcsx2/SaveState.cpp b/pcsx2/SaveState.cpp
index 762a1ca4bf..106fc0adc5 100644
--- a/pcsx2/SaveState.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/SaveState.cpp
@@ -53,7 +53,9 @@ string SaveState::GetFilename( int slot )
 	return Path::Combine( SSTATES_DIR, fmt_string( "%8.8X.%3.3d", ElfCRC, slot ) );
 }
 
-SaveState::SaveState( const char* msg, const string& destination ) : m_version( g_SaveVersion )
+SaveState::SaveState( const char* msg, const string& destination ) :
+	m_version( g_SaveVersion )
+,	m_tagspace( 128 )
 {
 	Console::WriteLn( "%s %hs", params msg, &destination );
 }
@@ -77,44 +79,76 @@ s32 CALLBACK gsSafeFreeze( int mode, freezeData *data )
 	}
 }
 
+void SaveState::FreezeTag( const char* src )
+{
+	const int length = strlen( src );
+	m_tagspace.MakeRoomFor( length+1 );
+	
+	strcpy( m_tagspace.GetPtr(), src );
+	FreezeMem( m_tagspace.GetPtr(), length );
+
+	if( strcmp( m_tagspace.GetPtr(), src ) != 0 )
+	{
+		assert( 0 );
+		throw Exception::BadSavedState( string( "Tag: " )+src );
+	}
+}
+
 void SaveState::FreezeAll()
 {
 	if( IsLoading() )
 		PreLoadPrep();
+		
+	// Check the BIOS, and issue a warning if the bios for this state
+	// doesn't match the bios currently being used (chances are it'll still
+	// work fine, but some games are very picky).
 
-	FreezeMem(PS2MEM_BASE, Ps2MemSize::Base);	// 32 MB main memory   
-	FreezeMem(PS2MEM_ROM, Ps2MemSize::Rom);		// 4 mb rom memory
-	FreezeMem(PS2MEM_ROM1, Ps2MemSize::Rom1);	// 256kb rom1 memory
+	char descout[128], descin[128];
+	memzero_obj( descout );
+	IsBIOS( Config.Bios, descout );
+	memcpy_fast( descin, descout, 128 );
+	Freeze( descin );
+	
+	if( memcmp( descin, descout, 128 ) != 0 )
+	{
+		Console::Error(
+			"\n\tWarning: BIOS Version Mismatch, savestate may be unstable!\n"
+			"\t\tCurrent BIOS:   %s\n"
+			"\t\tSavestate BIOS: %s\n",
+			params descout, descin
+		);
+	}
+
+	// First Block - Memory Dumps
+	// ---------------------------
+	FreezeMem(PS2MEM_BASE, Ps2MemSize::Base);		// 32 MB main memory   
 	FreezeMem(PS2MEM_SCRATCH, Ps2MemSize::Scratch);	// scratch pad 
-	FreezeMem(PS2MEM_HW, Ps2MemSize::Hardware);			// hardware memory
+	FreezeMem(PS2MEM_HW, Ps2MemSize::Hardware);		// hardware memory
 
+	FreezeMem(psxM, Ps2MemSize::IopRam);		// 2 MB main memory
+	FreezeMem(psxH, Ps2MemSize::IopHardware);	// hardware memory
+	FreezeMem(psxS, 0x000100);					// iop's sif memory	
+
+	// Second Block - Various CPU Registers and States
+	// -----------------------------------------------
+	FreezeTag( "cpuRegs" );
 	Freeze(cpuRegs);   // cpu regs + COP0
 	Freeze(psxRegs);   // iop regs
-	if (GetVersion() >= 0x6)
-		Freeze(fpuRegs);
-	else 
-	{
-		// Old versiosn didn't save the ACCflags...
-		FreezeLegacy(fpuRegs, sizeof(u32));   // fpu regs
-		fpuRegs.ACCflag = 0;
-	}
+	Freeze(fpuRegs);
 	Freeze(tlb);           // tlbs
 
+	// Third Block - Cycle Timers and Events
+	// -------------------------------------
+	FreezeTag( "Cycles" );
 	Freeze(EEsCycle);
 	Freeze(EEoCycle);
-	Freeze(psxRegs.cycle);		// used to be IOPoCycle.  This retains compatibility.
 	Freeze(g_nextBranchCycle);
 	Freeze(g_psxNextBranchCycle);
-
 	Freeze(s_iLastCOP0Cycle);
 	Freeze(s_iLastPERFCycle);
 
-	u32 dummy = 1;
-	Freeze( dummy );		// was g_psxWriteOk
-	
-	
-	//hope didn't forgot any cpu....
-
+	// Fourth Block - EE-related systems
+	// ---------------------------------
 	rcntFreeze();
 	gsFreeze();
 	vuMicroFreeze();
@@ -125,17 +159,16 @@ void SaveState::FreezeAll()
 	gifFreeze();
 	sprFreeze();
 
-	// iop now
-	FreezeMem(psxM, Ps2MemSize::IopRam);        // 2 MB main memory
-	FreezeMem(psxH, Ps2MemSize::IopHardware); // hardware memory
-	//FreezeMem(psxS, 0x00010000);        // sif memory	
-
+	// Fifth Block - iop-related systems
+	// ---------------------------------
+	psxRcntFreeze();
 	sioFreeze();
+	sio2Freeze();
 	cdrFreeze();
 	cdvdFreeze();
-	psxRcntFreeze();
-	sio2Freeze();
 
+	// Sixth Block - Plugins Galore!
+	// -----------------------------
 	FreezePlugin( "GS", gsSafeFreeze );
 	FreezePlugin( "SPU2", SPU2freeze );
 	FreezePlugin( "DEV9", DEV9freeze );
@@ -147,18 +180,6 @@ void SaveState::FreezeAll()
 		PostLoadPrep();
 }
 
-// this function is yet incomplete.  Version numbers hare still < 0x12 so it won't be run.
-// (which is good because it won't work :P)
-void SaveState::_testCdvdCrc()
-{
-	/*if( GetVersion() < 0x0012 ) return;
-
-	u32 thiscrc = ElfCRC;
-	Freeze( thiscrc );
-	if( thiscrc != ElfCRC )
-		throw Exception::StateCrcMismatch( thiscrc, ElfCRC );*/
-}
-
 /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
 // gzipped to/from disk state saves implementation
 
@@ -215,8 +236,6 @@ gzLoadingState::gzLoadingState( const string& filename ) :
 			"\tThe savestate was created with a newer version of Pcsx2.  I don't know how to load it!" );
 		throw Exception::UnsupportedStateVersion( m_version );
 	}
-
-	_testCdvdCrc();
 }
 
 gzLoadingState::~gzLoadingState() { }
@@ -229,34 +248,30 @@ void gzSavingState::FreezeMem( void* data, int size )
 
 void gzLoadingState::FreezeMem( void* data, int size )
 {
-	gzread( m_file, data, size );
-	if( gzeof( m_file ) )
+	if( gzread( m_file, data, size ) != size )
 		throw Exception::BadSavedState( m_filename );
 }
 
 void gzSavingState::FreezePlugin( const char* name, s32 (CALLBACK *freezer)(int mode, freezeData *data) )
 {
-	Console::WriteLn( "\tSaving %s", params name );
 	freezeData fP = { 0, NULL };
+	Console::WriteLn( "\tSaving %s", params name );
+
+	FreezeTag( name );
 
 	if (freezer(FREEZE_SIZE, &fP) == -1)
 		throw Exception::FreezePluginFailure( name, "saving" );
 
-	gzwrite(m_file, &fP.size, sizeof(fP.size));
+	Freeze( fP.size );
 	if( fP.size == 0 ) return;
 
-	fP.data = (s8*)malloc(fP.size);
-	if (fP.data == NULL)
-		throw Exception::OutOfMemory();
+	SafeArray<s8> buffer( fP.size );
+	fP.data = buffer.GetPtr();
 
 	if(freezer(FREEZE_SAVE, &fP) == -1)
 		throw Exception::FreezePluginFailure( name, "saving" );
 
-	if (fP.size)
-	{
-		gzwrite(m_file, fP.data, fP.size);
-		free(fP.data);
-	}
+	FreezeMem( fP.data, fP.size );
 }
 
 void gzLoadingState::FreezePlugin( const char* name, s32 (CALLBACK *freezer)(int mode, freezeData *data) )
@@ -264,21 +279,17 @@ void gzLoadingState::FreezePlugin( const char* name, s32 (CALLBACK *freezer)(int
 	freezeData fP = { 0, NULL };
 	Console::WriteLn( "\tLoading %s", params name );
 
-	gzread(m_file, &fP.size, sizeof(fP.size));
+	FreezeTag( name );
+	Freeze( fP.size );
 	if( fP.size == 0 ) return;
 
-	fP.data = (s8*)malloc(fP.size);
-	if (fP.data == NULL)
-		throw Exception::OutOfMemory();
-	int read = gzread(m_file, fP.data, fP.size);
+	SafeArray<s8> buffer( fP.size );
+	fP.data = buffer.GetPtr();
 
-	if( read != fP.size )
-		throw Exception::BadSavedState( m_filename );
+	FreezeMem( fP.data, fP.size );
 
 	if(freezer(FREEZE_LOAD, &fP) == -1)
 		throw Exception::FreezePluginFailure( name, "loading" );
-
-	if (fP.size) free(fP.data);
 }
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
diff --git a/pcsx2/SaveState.h b/pcsx2/SaveState.h
index d7fe5fb242..380f7185e3 100644
--- a/pcsx2/SaveState.h
+++ b/pcsx2/SaveState.h
@@ -24,10 +24,14 @@
 #include "PS2Edefs.h"
 #endif
 #include "System.h"
+
 // Savestate Versioning!
 //  If you make changes to the savestate version, please increment the value below.
+//  If the change is minor and compatibility with old states is retained, increment
+//  the lower 16 bit value.  IF the change is breaking of all compatibility with old
+//  states, increment the upper 16 bit value, and clear the lower 16 bits to 0.
 
-static const u32 g_SaveVersion = 0x8b400006;
+static const u32 g_SaveVersion = 0x8b410000;
 
 // this function is meant to be used in the place of GSfreeze, and provides a safe layer
 // between the GS saving function and the MTGS's needs. :)
@@ -41,6 +45,7 @@ class SaveState
 {
 protected:
 	u32 m_version;		// version of the savestate being loaded.
+	SafeArray<char> m_tagspace;
 
 public:
 	SaveState( const char* msg, const string& destination );
@@ -76,6 +81,12 @@ public:
 		FreezeMem( &data, sizeof( T ) - sizeOfNewStuff );
 	}
 
+	// Freezes an identifier value into the savestate for troubleshooting purposes.
+	// Identifiers can be used to determine where in a savestate that data has become
+	// skewed (if the value does not match then the error occurs somewhere prior to that
+	// position).
+	void FreezeTag( const char* src );
+
 	// Loads or saves a plugin.  Plugin name is for console logging purposes.
 	virtual void FreezePlugin( const char* name, s32 (CALLBACK* freezer)(int mode, freezeData *data) )=0; 
 
@@ -95,11 +106,6 @@ public:
 
 protected:
 
-	// Used internally by constructors to check the cdvd's crc against the CRC of the savestate.
-	// This allows for proper exception handling of changed CDs on-the-fly.
-	void _testCdvdCrc();
-
-
 	// Load/Save functions for the various components of our glorious emulator!
 
 	void rcntFreeze();
diff --git a/pcsx2/Sif.cpp b/pcsx2/Sif.cpp
index 06b11b45b3..0456780b60 100644
--- a/pcsx2/Sif.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/Sif.cpp
@@ -586,22 +586,13 @@ __forceinline void dmaSIF2() {
 }
 
 
-void SaveState::sifFreeze() {
+void SaveState::sifFreeze()
+{
+	FreezeTag( "SIFdma" );
+
 	Freeze(sif0);
 	Freeze(sif1);
 
-	if( GetVersion() >= 0x0002 )
-	{
-		Freeze(eesifbusy);
-		Freeze(iopsifbusy);
-	}
-	else if( IsLoading() )
-	{
-		// Old savestate, inferior data so...
-		// Take an educated guess on what they should be.  Or well, set to 1 because
-		// it more or less forces them to "kick"
-
-		iopsifbusy[0] = eesifbusy[0] = 1;
-		iopsifbusy[1] = eesifbusy[1] = 1;
-	}
+	Freeze(eesifbusy);
+	Freeze(iopsifbusy);
 }
diff --git a/pcsx2/Sio.cpp b/pcsx2/Sio.cpp
index 894ad7e180..8e17a70ccc 100644
--- a/pcsx2/Sio.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/Sio.cpp
@@ -566,22 +566,15 @@ void SaveState::sioFreeze()
 	// CRCs for memory cards.
 	u64 m_mcdCRCs[2];
 
+	FreezeTag( "sio" );
     Freeze( sio );
 
-	// versions prior to 3 didn't have CRCs.
-	if( GetVersion() >= 0x03 )
+	if( IsSaving() )
 	{
-		if( IsSaving() )
-		{
-			for( int i=0; i<2; ++i )
-				m_mcdCRCs[i] = MemoryCard::GetCRC( i );
-		}
-		Freeze( m_mcdCRCs );
-	}
-	else
-	{
-		m_mcdCRCs[0] = m_mcdCRCs[1] = 0;
+		for( int i=0; i<2; ++i )
+			m_mcdCRCs[i] = MemoryCard::GetCRC( i );
 	}
+	Freeze( m_mcdCRCs );
 
 	if( IsLoading() && Config.McdEnableEject )
 	{
diff --git a/pcsx2/VUmicroMem.cpp b/pcsx2/VUmicroMem.cpp
index 1c31f324aa..bdcef00d31 100644
--- a/pcsx2/VUmicroMem.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/VUmicroMem.cpp
@@ -160,6 +160,8 @@ void vuMicroMemReset()
 
 void SaveState::vuMicroFreeze()
 {
+	FreezeTag( "vuMicro" );
+
 	jASSUME( VU0.Mem != NULL );
 	jASSUME( VU1.Mem != NULL );
 
@@ -169,15 +171,7 @@ void SaveState::vuMicroFreeze()
 	FreezeMem(VU0.Micro, 4*1024);
 
 	Freeze(VU0.VF);
-	if( GetVersion() >= 0x02 )
-		Freeze(VU0.VI);
-	else
-	{
-		// Old versions stored the VIregs as 32 bit values...
-		memzero_obj( VU0.VI );
-		for(int i=0; i<32; i++ )
-			Freeze( VU0.VI[i].UL );
-	}
+	Freeze(VU0.VI);
 
 	Freeze(VU1.ACC);
 	Freeze(VU1.code);
@@ -185,14 +179,5 @@ void SaveState::vuMicroFreeze()
 	FreezeMem(VU1.Micro, 16*1024);
 
 	Freeze(VU1.VF);
-	if( GetVersion() >= 0x02 )
-		Freeze(VU1.VI);
-	else
-	{
-		// Old versions stored the VIregs as 32 bit values...
-		memzero_obj( VU1.VI );
-		for(int i=0; i<32; i++ )
-			Freeze( VU1.VI[i].UL );
-	}
-
+	Freeze(VU1.VI);
 }
diff --git a/pcsx2/VifDma.cpp b/pcsx2/VifDma.cpp
index 0f24085f9a..c2a2d13ca5 100644
--- a/pcsx2/VifDma.cpp
+++ b/pcsx2/VifDma.cpp
@@ -1344,23 +1344,17 @@ void vif0Reset() {
 
 void SaveState::vif0Freeze()
 {
+	FreezeTag( "VIFdma" );
+
 	// Dunno if this one is needed, but whatever, it's small. :)
-	if( GetVersion() >= 0x04 )
-		Freeze( g_vifCycles );
+	Freeze( g_vifCycles );
 
 	Freeze( vif0 );
-	if( GetVersion() >= 0x04 )
-	{
-		Freeze( g_vif0HasMask3 );
-		Freeze( g_vif0Masks );
-		Freeze( g_vifRow0 );
-		Freeze( g_vifCol0 );
-	}
-	else if( IsLoading() )
-	{
-		// Hack to "help" old savestates recover...
-		SetNewMask(g_vif0Masks, g_vif0HasMask3, vif0Regs->mask, ~vif0Regs->mask);
-	}
+
+	Freeze( g_vif0HasMask3 );
+	Freeze( g_vif0Masks );
+	Freeze( g_vifRow0 );
+	Freeze( g_vifCol0 );
 }
 
 //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
@@ -2357,16 +2351,8 @@ void SaveState::vif1Freeze()
 {
 	Freeze(vif1);
 	
-	if( GetVersion() >= 0x04 )
-	{
-		Freeze( g_vif1HasMask3 );
-		Freeze( g_vif1Masks );
-		Freeze( g_vifRow1 );
-		Freeze( g_vifCol1 );
-	}
-	else if( IsLoading() )
-	{
-		SetNewMask(g_vif1Masks, g_vif1HasMask3, vif1Regs->mask, ~vif1Regs->mask);
-		//if(vif1ch->chcr & 0x100) vif1.done = 0;
-	}
+	Freeze( g_vif1HasMask3 );
+	Freeze( g_vif1Masks );
+	Freeze( g_vifRow1 );
+	Freeze( g_vifCol1 );
 }