PSP:Installing ARK-4 CFW: Difference between revisions

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Installing custom firmware on a PSP is a very simple process, and this guide will cover the steps on how to install the typical ME and PRO custom firmwares.
Installing custom firmware on a PSP is a very simple process, and this guide will cover the steps on how to install the most modern CFW available.
 
== Determing the PSP Model ==
Early versions of the PSP can additional CFW methods, so it is preferred to identify what model you have. See the [[PSP:PSP Model Differences]] page in order to determine how to spot the physical differences between each model.
 
If you have a PSP-2000 and want to see if it is classic cIPL compatible, download [https://github.com/Yoti/psp_pspident pspIdent], extract the PSP folder from the zip to the memory card, and run it on the console. If the motherboard it outputs says <code>TA-088v3</code>, you cannot install classic cIPL CFW and either need Infinity or ARK-4 for permanent CFW.


== Updating the Firmware (if applicable) ==
== Updating the Firmware (if applicable) ==
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== Installing Temporary CFW ==
== Installing Temporary CFW ==
When CFW is installed as temporary, it will act like a semi-teathered exploit where it has to be started very time the console is hard reset or shut down. Temporary CFW can also be installed as permanently with [https://infinity.lolhax.org/ Infinity].
When CFW is installed as temporary, it will act like a semi-teathered exploit where it has to be started every time the console is hard reset or shut down. Temporary CFW can also be installed as permanently with [https://infinity.lolhax.org/ Infinity].


=== Initial Installation ===
=== CFW Feature Comparison ===
Since ARK-4 is the most modern CFW available, this guide will focus on installing it instead of older custom firmwares.


# Download the desired CFW for your PSP that matches its firmware version. Links to 6.60 and 6.61 custom firmwares have been provided.
When it comes to legacy CFWs, functionality is almost the same between ME and PRO, as each feature one comes with can be added to the other with plugins. You may want to use ME instead of PRO if you don't intend to use PRO Online, as it's a bit quicker to install (especially with [[PSP:Installing CFW#Installing CFW with cIPL|cIPL]]) and the standalone npdrm_free plugins work better than PRO's NoDRM engine anyway.
#* Functionality is almost the same between ME and PRO, as each feature one comes with can be added to the other with plugins. PRO is slightly preferred over (L)ME due to having extra useful features out of the box, but you can go either way.
 
#* [https://consolemods.org/wiki/images/3/35/6.60_LME-2.3.zip 6.60 LME 2.3]  
==== ARK-4 ====
#* [https://consolemods.org/wiki/images/1/1e/6.61_LME-2.3.zip 6.61 LME 2.3]  
* Compatible with [https://github.com/qwikrazor87/npdrm_free npdrm_free] or [https://github.com/lusid1/npdrm_free_mod npdrm_free_mod] with [https://github.com/lusid1/nploader_mod nploader_mod], which can bypass the DRM on official PSN content.
#* [https://consolemods.org/wiki/images/a/a5/660_PRO-C_Fix_3.zip 6.60 PRO-C Fix 3]
* Compatible with PRO Online and [https://consolemods.org/wiki/XLink_Kai XLink Kai], which are both methods of playing local Ad Hoc multiplayer over the internet.
#* [https://consolemods.org/wiki/images/e/e3/661_PRO-C2.zip 6.61 PRO-C2]
* Compatible with Legacy Homebrew via eLoader and Leda (including the classic KXploit format).
# Plug your PSP into a computer. This will automatically enable USB Mode and mount the console's memory card to the computer. You can also plug the memory card directly into a computer if you have a Memory Stick compatible card reader.
* Compatible with 6.60 Test/Development Tool firmware for testkit and devkit units (including CEX2DEX conversion units).
#* If the console's USB mode doesn't automatically activate, it can be manually activated in the XMB settings.
* Ability to change the region of your UMD drive (including region-free playback support for all UMD movies).
# Extract the contents of your CFW zip file into the root of your PSP's memory card. Ignore the update folder assuming your PSP is already on the correct firmware version.
* Ability for external configurations and PS1 games with anti-mod/LibCrypt protection using the Popcorn controller.
# Exit USB mode after transferring the files over. View your games list and there should be 2 new listings for PRO or LME. Choose PROUPDATE or LME Installer first.
* Ability to have cIPL on any PSP model unlike legacy CFWs.
# Navigate to your games on the XMB and you will see the CFW applications. (either LME Installer/Launcher or PRO Update and PRO Fast Recovery)
 
# To install custom firmware, select PRO Update or LME Installer and launch them.
==== PRO ====
# Once the PSP restarts, check in the system information page on your PSP and confirm you see the system software version along with the custom firmware version after it.  
* Comes with NoDRM Engine, which can bypass the DRM on official PSN content.
#* If you don’t see that you have custom firmware installed (eg. 6.61 LME-2.3) then run the LME Launcher or Fast Recovery app.
** Plugin equivilants are [https://github.com/qwikrazor87/npdrm_free npdrm_free] or [https://github.com/lusid1/npdrm_free_mod npdrm_free_mod] with [https://github.com/lusid1/nploader_mod nploader_mod]
# Your PSP is now running temporary custom firmware. If you would like to install it permanently, continue to the subsection for Infinity.
* Comes with PRO Online, which is a method of playing local Ad Hoc multiplayer over the internet.
* [https://github.com/jomkingal/procfw Open Source]


=== Permanent CFW with Infinity ===
==== (L)ME ====
* Comes with NoDRM Engine, which can bypass the DRM on official PSN content.
** Plugin equivilants are [https://github.com/qwikrazor87/npdrm_free npdrm_free] or [https://github.com/lusid1/npdrm_free_mod npdrm_free_mod] with [https://github.com/lusid1/nploader_mod nploader_mod]
* Comes with [https://github.com/PSP-Archive/leda LEDA], which allows legacy 1.50 kernel mode homebrew to work on modern firmware.
* Features the ability to download PBOOT updates for ISOs from within the XMB, like with real UMDs or PSN EBOOTs.


# Download [https://infinity.lolhax.org/infinity-2.0.3.zip Infinity] and install the EBOOT from the <code>standard</code> folder under <code>PSP/GAME/UPDATE/EBOOT.PBP</code> on the PSP's memory card.
=== Temporary Installation ===
#* If you are installing Infinity on a PSP Go, use the EBOOT from the <code>pspgo</code> folder instead.
# Launch Infinity from your games list and install it. Press X on the prompt to reboot the console.
# Launch Infinity again, and select the custom firmware you are currently using.


== Installing CFW with cIPL ==
# [https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/releases/latest Download the latest ARK-4 CFW] for your PSP.
This is a preferred method if installing CFW if your PSP can support it. It only supports PSP-1000 and (most) PSP-2000 models.
# Plug your PSP into a computer. This will automatically enable USB Mode and mount the console's memory card to the computer. You can also plug the memory card directly into a computer if you have a Memory Stick compatible card reader.
#* If the console's USB mode doesn't automatically activate, it can be manually activated in the XMB settings.
# Extract the contents of your CFW zip file into the root of your PSP's memory card.
#* If you're installing ARK-4, extract the <code>ARK_01234</code> folder to <code>PSP/SAVEDATA</code> on the PSP's memory card or PSP Go's internal storage. Then, extract the <code>ARK_Loader</code> folder to <code>PSP/GAME</code> on the console's memory card.
#** You can also extract the <code>ARK_Full_Installer</code> and <code>ARK_cIPL</code> folders to the same <code>PSP/GAME</code> folder to do a [[PSP:Installing CFW#Full Flash Installation|full flash]] or [[PSP:Installing CFW#Installing CFW with cIPL (Optional, recommended)|installation of permanent CFW]] respectively.
# Exit USB mode after transferring the files over. View your games list and there should be a new listing for the ARK Loader, along side its respective save file in the save data management.
# To install custom firmware, select the ARK Loader application and launch it.
# Once the PSP restarts, check in the system information page on your PSP and confirm you see the system software version along with the custom firmware version after it.
# Your PSP is now running temporary custom firmware. If you would like to install it permanently, continue to the section for [[PSP:Installing CFW#Installing CFW with cIPL (Optional, recommended)|cIPL installation]].  


# Download the desired CFW for your PSP that matches its firmware version. Links to 6.60 and 6.61 custom firmwares have been provided.
==== Installing CFW with cIPL (Optional, recommended) ====
#* Functionality is almost the same between ME and PRO, as each feature one comes with can be added to the other with plugins. PRO is slightly preferred over (L)ME due to having extra useful features out of the box, but you can go either way.
This is the preferred method of installing CFW, as it can run during bootup and can give you brick protection.  
#* [https://consolemods.org/wiki/images/b/b3/6.60_ME-2.3_%28OFW_Version%29.zip 6.60 ME 2.3]
#* [https://consolemods.org/wiki/images/0/06/Release_661_%28OFW_Version%29.zip 6.61 ME 2.3]
#* [https://consolemods.org/wiki/images/a/a5/660_PRO-C_Fix_3.zip 6.60 PRO-C Fix 3]
#* [https://consolemods.org/wiki/images/e/e3/661_PRO-C2.zip 6.61 PRO-C2]
# Extract the contents of your CFW zip file into the root of your PSP's memory card. In the <code>PSP/GAME</code> folder, you should have the following at a minimum:
#* PRO: <code>CIPL_Flasher</code> and <code>PROUPDATE</code> folders
#* ME: <code>me_installer</code> (or <code>661me_installer</code>) folder
# Now you need to launch the CFW installer.
#* If you are installing ME just run the installer and follow the directions on the display. Once complete you should now have permanent CFW.
#* If you are installing PRO, launch PRO Update first. Follow the directions on the display and then launch cIPL Flasher to make it permanent.
# Your PSP will now have cIPL CFW. It can be seen in the system settings.


== CFW Feature Comparison ==
# [https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/releases/latest Download the latest ARK-4 CFW] for your PSP, if it's not downloaded already.
# Plug your PSP into a computer. This will automatically enable USB Mode and mount the console's memory card to the computer. You can also plug the memory card directly into a computer if you have a Memory Stick compatible card reader.
#* If the console's USB mode doesn't automatically activate, it can be manually activated in the XMB settings.
# Extract the <code>ARK_cIPL</code> folder into the root of your PSP's memory card if you haven't done so already.
# Launch the ARK cIPL installer application, and select the option for <code>New cIPL</code>.
# Your PSP will now have cIPL ARK-4 CFW. It can be seen in the system settings.


=== PRO ===
==== Full Flash Installation (Optional) ====
Normally, many functions of ARK-4 are kept in the <code>ARK_01234</code> save data folder, such as the CFW settings or custom launcher. If this is undesirable for you, you can install these functions to the PSP's internal flash memory so ARK-4's save data file is no longer necessary.  That being said, the ARK_01234 save file folder will still be prioritized for CFW settings if it's detected on the memory stick. It will also be re-created if you run an ARK-4 update from an OTA update or sideloading the ARK_Updater application.


* Comes with NoDRM Engine, which can bypass the DRM on official PSN content.
Since the PSP's flash memory is also too small to store the custom launcher that comes with ARK-4's save data folder, PRO Shell will instead be used as the custom launcher with a seperate and more basic recovery menu if the save data folder is not detected.
** Plugin equivilants are [https://github.com/qwikrazor87/npdrm_free npdrm_free] and [https://github.com/lusid1/npdrm_free_mod npdrm_free_mod] plus [https://github.com/lusid1/nploader_mod nploader_mod]
* Comes with PRO Online, which is a method of playing local Ad Hoc multiplayer over the internet.
* [https://github.com/jomkingal/procfw Open Source]


=== (L)ME ===
#[https://github.com/PSP-Archive/ARK-4/releases/latest Download the latest ARK-4 CFW] for your PSP, if it's not downloaded already.
#Plug your PSP into a computer. This will automatically enable USB Mode and mount the console's memory card to the computer. You can also plug the memory card directly into a computer if you have a Memory Stick compatible card reader.
#* If the console's USB mode doesn't automatically activate, it can be manually activated in the XMB settings.
# Extract the <code>ARK_Full_Installer</code> folder into the root of your PSP's memory card.
# Launch the application and follow the on-screen instructions.
# Your PSP will now have ARK-4 fully installed on the console's internal flash memory, allowing the reliance on having an ARK-4 save file to be no longer necessary for operation.


* Comes with [https://github.com/PSP-Archive/leda LEDA], which allows legacy 1.50 kernel mode homebrew to work on modern firmware.
[[Category:PSP]]

Latest revision as of 15:49, 7 September 2024

Installing custom firmware on a PSP is a very simple process, and this guide will cover the steps on how to install the most modern CFW available.

Updating the Firmware (if applicable)

In order to use the most up-to-date custom firmwares, your PSP will need to either be on 6.60 or 6.61 firmware.

PSP:Updating your Firmware (OFW) covers how to update a console's firmware.

Installing Temporary CFW

When CFW is installed as temporary, it will act like a semi-teathered exploit where it has to be started every time the console is hard reset or shut down. Temporary CFW can also be installed as permanently with Infinity.

CFW Feature Comparison

Since ARK-4 is the most modern CFW available, this guide will focus on installing it instead of older custom firmwares.

When it comes to legacy CFWs, functionality is almost the same between ME and PRO, as each feature one comes with can be added to the other with plugins. You may want to use ME instead of PRO if you don't intend to use PRO Online, as it's a bit quicker to install (especially with cIPL) and the standalone npdrm_free plugins work better than PRO's NoDRM engine anyway.

ARK-4

  • Compatible with npdrm_free or npdrm_free_mod with nploader_mod, which can bypass the DRM on official PSN content.
  • Compatible with PRO Online and XLink Kai, which are both methods of playing local Ad Hoc multiplayer over the internet.
  • Compatible with Legacy Homebrew via eLoader and Leda (including the classic KXploit format).
  • Compatible with 6.60 Test/Development Tool firmware for testkit and devkit units (including CEX2DEX conversion units).
  • Ability to change the region of your UMD drive (including region-free playback support for all UMD movies).
  • Ability for external configurations and PS1 games with anti-mod/LibCrypt protection using the Popcorn controller.
  • Ability to have cIPL on any PSP model unlike legacy CFWs.

PRO

  • Comes with NoDRM Engine, which can bypass the DRM on official PSN content.
  • Comes with PRO Online, which is a method of playing local Ad Hoc multiplayer over the internet.
  • Open Source

(L)ME

  • Comes with NoDRM Engine, which can bypass the DRM on official PSN content.
  • Comes with LEDA, which allows legacy 1.50 kernel mode homebrew to work on modern firmware.
  • Features the ability to download PBOOT updates for ISOs from within the XMB, like with real UMDs or PSN EBOOTs.

Temporary Installation

  1. Download the latest ARK-4 CFW for your PSP.
  2. Plug your PSP into a computer. This will automatically enable USB Mode and mount the console's memory card to the computer. You can also plug the memory card directly into a computer if you have a Memory Stick compatible card reader.
    • If the console's USB mode doesn't automatically activate, it can be manually activated in the XMB settings.
  3. Extract the contents of your CFW zip file into the root of your PSP's memory card.
    • If you're installing ARK-4, extract the ARK_01234 folder to PSP/SAVEDATA on the PSP's memory card or PSP Go's internal storage. Then, extract the ARK_Loader folder to PSP/GAME on the console's memory card.
  4. Exit USB mode after transferring the files over. View your games list and there should be a new listing for the ARK Loader, along side its respective save file in the save data management.
  5. To install custom firmware, select the ARK Loader application and launch it.
  6. Once the PSP restarts, check in the system information page on your PSP and confirm you see the system software version along with the custom firmware version after it.
  7. Your PSP is now running temporary custom firmware. If you would like to install it permanently, continue to the section for cIPL installation.

Installing CFW with cIPL (Optional, recommended)

This is the preferred method of installing CFW, as it can run during bootup and can give you brick protection.

  1. Download the latest ARK-4 CFW for your PSP, if it's not downloaded already.
  2. Plug your PSP into a computer. This will automatically enable USB Mode and mount the console's memory card to the computer. You can also plug the memory card directly into a computer if you have a Memory Stick compatible card reader.
    • If the console's USB mode doesn't automatically activate, it can be manually activated in the XMB settings.
  3. Extract the ARK_cIPL folder into the root of your PSP's memory card if you haven't done so already.
  4. Launch the ARK cIPL installer application, and select the option for New cIPL.
  5. Your PSP will now have cIPL ARK-4 CFW. It can be seen in the system settings.

Full Flash Installation (Optional)

Normally, many functions of ARK-4 are kept in the ARK_01234 save data folder, such as the CFW settings or custom launcher. If this is undesirable for you, you can install these functions to the PSP's internal flash memory so ARK-4's save data file is no longer necessary. That being said, the ARK_01234 save file folder will still be prioritized for CFW settings if it's detected on the memory stick. It will also be re-created if you run an ARK-4 update from an OTA update or sideloading the ARK_Updater application.

Since the PSP's flash memory is also too small to store the custom launcher that comes with ARK-4's save data folder, PRO Shell will instead be used as the custom launcher with a seperate and more basic recovery menu if the save data folder is not detected.

  1. Download the latest ARK-4 CFW for your PSP, if it's not downloaded already.
  2. Plug your PSP into a computer. This will automatically enable USB Mode and mount the console's memory card to the computer. You can also plug the memory card directly into a computer if you have a Memory Stick compatible card reader.
    • If the console's USB mode doesn't automatically activate, it can be manually activated in the XMB settings.
  3. Extract the ARK_Full_Installer folder into the root of your PSP's memory card.
  4. Launch the application and follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. Your PSP will now have ARK-4 fully installed on the console's internal flash memory, allowing the reliance on having an ARK-4 save file to be no longer necessary for operation.