zercas
20th Nov '07 Tue, 11:50
Napulot ko lang sa ibang site..
iPinoyPSP Frequently Asked Questions
Created by: reswel and SlackeR
Before We Start Make sure you familiarize yourself with this PSP Terms:
Firmware - Made up of a group of both essential and non-essential files that run the PSP. A firmware is to a PSP what a Operating System is to a Computer.
eboot.pbp - The most important file in a PSP Game or Application. This contains all the required files and code to execute the Game or Application.
Flash - Is split into two separate categories, Flash0 and Flash1. The PSPs Flash is internal memory inside the PSP that holds the PSPs Firmware files and other essential files to the PSP being ran with optimal performance.
Flash0 - Holds the main PSPs firmware files, Flash0 is only written to during a Firmware upgrade, downgrade or you are editing it yourself. A corruption of these file(s) can result in a the PSP being unable to boot.
Flash1 - Holds other less essential files for the PSPs firmware. Flash1 is written to more frequently during basic PSP use.
Semi-Brick(ed) - Meaning a file in your PSPs flash is corrupted and your PSP cann't turn on but you have access to the recovery menu via a Custom Firmware. With Recovery menu access, you can removed the corrupted firmware file and replace it with a working one fixing the semi-brick.
Brick(ed) - Meaning a file in your PSPs flash is corrupted and your PSP can't turn on. Since the PSP can not boot, the only purpose it can now serve is being a brick.
TA-079 \ TA-081 - The first generation(s) of the PSP, they have no problem with running homebrew with the appropriate firmware.
TA-082 - The second generation of PSP, they have a different motherboard then TA-079 PSPs which blocks firmwares lower than 2.50.
TA-086 - The third and latest generation of the PSP, it runs almost exactly the same as a TA-082 PSP motherboard but with slight insignificant differences.
.PRX - These files can send special commands to be used with the PSPs flash enabling some unique features.
Recovery menu - The Recovery menu can only be accessed if your PSP has a Custom Firmware. The Recovery menu allows you to fix a semi-bricked PSP and edit the firmware files.
Q. Who should read this @#@!!$! FAQ?
A. Hopefully everyone, especially newbies, basic questions you have in mind regarding PSP would be in this FAQ.
Q. What is a firmware ?
A. Firmware are special software that is like a set of instructions that tells the device what to do in order to do it's job. Its like the operating system of your computer.
Q. How can I know what is my PSp's firmware version ?
A. From the PSP XMB (thats what the menu of the PSP is called) go to System Settings, System Information, the value on the System Software is the firmware version.
System Settings
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/5648/systemsettingsde8.jpg
System Information
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/459/systeminfoij7.jpg
System Software
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/4183/firmwaresr0.jpg
Q. What is the latest firmware version for PSP?
A. As of August 2007 the latest version is 3.52
Q. I kept on hearing about firmware v1.5, what's so special about it?
A. PSP with firmware version 1.5 allows loading of homebrew apps and games.
Q. BTW, what is a homebrew anyway?
A. It's any unofficial application (game, program, or other) for a particular system. Still not getting it? Just think of these apps as homemade.
Q. Well, I bought my PSP to play games not to run these so called homebrew apps. So why should I bother?
A. Good question, some of these homebrew apps allows you to load ISO games and personalize your PSP. Given these 2 examples of what homebrew apps can do surely gets your attention.
Q. ISO games? , I thought PSP games are in UMD format?
A. Yes, PSP games are in UMD format. But these games can be ripped from the UMD to an ISO format and can be saved to the memory stick.
Q. Okay, now I get it. It means I can play games for free. But wait my PSP is not 1.5, what should I do now?
A. You can downgrade your unit to v1.5
Q. Downgrade? I've been reading my PSP manual for hours and I can't see any topic regarding downgrade, though there is a topic for upgrading.
A. Downgrade or downdate means changing your PSP's firmware from a higher version to a lower version. Updating or upgrading is the other way around.
Q. Oh okay, so if I have a v1.00 firmware and I want it to be v1.5. all I need is to Update. How do I update my PSP?
A. There are 3 ways to update your PSP:
First is buy running the Update file included in the UMD games. The firmware version included in these games varies depending on the required firmware version of the game.
Second way is through Network Update. You need to configure your PSP wifi settings to connect to your access point or wireless router. Updating through this is limited to the latest firmware as it connects to official Sony Playstation site for the update file.
Third way is by downloading the official firmware update file and saving it to the memory stick. This is the best way to update since you have the freedom on what firmware version to install to your PSP. Below are the steps :
a. Download the firmware update file here -click this link- (http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmwares/catid/163)
b. Connect the PSP to your PC, you need a USB cable for this, go to System, USB Connection.
c. Copy the EBOOT.PBP (downloaded file) to ms0:\PSP\GAMES\UPDATE folder of the memory stick. Ms0 is
the root of your memory stick, in your PC this might correspond to drive letter E or F etc depending on your setup.
d. From the XMB, go to GAMES, MEM STICK, you will find an icon with the version update, choose that and hit the X button
After rebooting, you can check now the new firmware version of your PSP.
Q. I checked the site you mentioned, but there are a lot of firmwares I can see for different countries (ie JP,US,UK,EU). So what should I download?
A. These correspond to the firmwares released on different countries. Sony recommends you run the appropriate firmware
update file based on your PSP's country of release. But you can run the update file intended for one country on a PSP from a different country of release (ie. US firmware on Japan release PSP unit)
Q. How will I know that on my PSP?
A. Basing on the serial number of your unit, you can determine its country of release. Below is the list
PSP1000 - Japan
PSP1001 - USA
PSP1002 - Australien
PSP1003 - Großbritannien
PSP1004 - Europa, Mittlerer Osten & Afrika
PSP1005 - Korea
PSP1006 - Hong Kong
PSP1007 - Taiwan
PSP1008 - Russland
PSP1009 - China
Q. Good, the sticker at the bottom of my PSP has PSP1000 on it, so I got a Japanese version. What are the differences between
these PSP units?
A. Basically, the functionality is the same except for the Japanese version in which the X and O buttons functions are interchanged. Japan units has O for confirm and X for selection. Most difference will be the the hardware components used as Sony has different factories located around the world. An example will be the LCD screen, Japanese units uses LCD screens manufactured by Sharp while the others get the Samsung screen.
Q. If that's is the case which is better the Samsung or the Sharp LCD Screen?
A. There are a lot of debates going around this topic. Some say the Sharp LCD is sharper. While other say the sharpness is not the issue,
Sharp screens supposedly have better/more natural looking colors while the Samsung panels have a green push that makes it look worse.
**Updated : Sony is now using only Sharp LCD on their PSP.
Q. Since, we are in the topic of LCD screen, I often hear "Dead Pixels". What are they, will my unit have more of that if its a Japanese unit or not?
A. A dead pixel is a defective pixel that remains unlit on an LCD screen. Irregardless of what unit of PSP you have, there are possibilities your unit might have one or a couple of it. This could be due to a factory defect (if brand new) or due to age.
Q. So how can I test if my unit have dead pixels on it?
A. The majority of dead pixels are only noticeable on a solid color background, for example through the use of the "Dead Pixel Checkers" which consist of 4-5 solid-color images.
Q. What if I bought my unit in a sealed box, and found only the dead pixels at home. Can I return it?
A. Most stores locally do not sell units in sealed boxes basically because of this problem. Generally, retailers checked first the
units for dead pixels. Just in case you bought it in a sealed box, just ask first the store's representative their policy on units with dead pixels. Some stores will only accept returns if the dead pixels on the unit meet their requirements (ie 5 dead pixels).
Q. Okay back to updating, is there any danger in updating my PSP?
A. Any operation that writes to your PSP flash memory like Updating/Upgrading can result to a "brick". It is very important that during the process you dont turn off your unit. This is also the reason why during upgrading it is a must that you have almost full battery charge and the adapter plugged in.
Q. Duhh !!! Brick ??!!!
A. It's a common term for a dead set electronic item. As in useless, oh wait there is a use for it, as a paperweight. LOL.
Q. I have a firmware version higher than v1.5 and I would like to downgrade. Can I downgrade it back to 1.5 ?
A. As of the moment only firmware version 3.50 and lower (starting from 1.51) can be downgraded to 1.50.
Q. I always hear the TA-082 or the IC0003 serial on the motherboard, what is this all about?
A. Sony introduced new generations of motherboard to improve some components on it at the same time to prevent running 1.50 firmware on it. To check your unit if it has the IC0003 serial on the motherboard, check the image below.
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4534/happyta082oe7.jpg
Q. I have that IC0003 or TA-082/TA-086 motherboard can I still downgrade it to 1.5?
A. Yes, all motherboards can now be downgraded provided the firmware installed is 3.50 and lower.
Q. How about if I have a non TA-082/TA-086 units how can I downgrade my unit ?
A. See links below :
1.51-2.00 (http://www.pspjunkies.com/content/view/659/46)
2.01-2.60 (http://www.psp-spot.com/forums/PSP-Exploits-Loaders-26-25-Downgrader-FULL-Version-t25902.html)
For 2.71 and above users you can use the downgraders for the TA-082/TA-086 given above. If you have a 2.71 or 2.80 just skip the part of patching your motherboard (1.5 enabler). Just in case you executed it in your non TA-082/TA-086 motherboard, its perfectly alright since the patcher detects if you have a TA-082/TA-086 mobo.
Q. My friend has a unit with 3.11 firmware, so we can use the Lumines exploit to downgrade the unit. But we can't update
to 3.50, it gives an error message. What's the problem?
A. Starting from 3.30 and up firmwares, Sony now checks the values of Idstorage Keys (including Key 5) before proceeding with the updates. Your friend's unit has been downgraded before to 1.50. His unit now has corrupted idstorage keys and will not be able to apply any offical firmware updates higher than 3.11. Only solution left is to wait for Noobz team to release the idstorage key cleaner for units with 3.10 and 3.11.
Q. I also hear about corrupt idstorage keys blah blah blah. Can you explain what are these?
A. Idstorage is a part of PSP's NAND flash used to store low-level information on the PSP, such as the serial, mac address, umd, wlan and region. Developers of downgraders such as Dark_Alex and Noobz team corrupted some keys in order to succesfully downgrade
TA-082/TA-086 to 1.50. This resulted to some components in the PSP like USB, WLAN not to function properly. But later researches done by PSP coders established that only the value of idstorage key 5 should be corrupted in order to downgrade TA-082/TA-086 motherboards. This leads to the development of corruption free downgraders.
Q. Okay, so what if I have a downgraded unit and the old downgrader was used, can I still fix my idstorage keys?
A. Yes, there is a homebrew application called KeyCleaner (http://forums.maxconsole.net/showpost.php?p=478772&postcount=1) by Chilly Willy. He also coded the corruption free mobo patchers used for
downgrading TA-082/TA-086 units.
Q. Okay, I already downgraded to 1.5 but after turning it on, the screen is just black but the power light is turned on. Is my unit already bricked?
A. It depends, try first pressing the brightness button (small button beside the music button). This issue is present on later releases of TA-082 and on all TA-086. If after pressing the brightness button and nothing happens then its possible that you already have a bricked unit. You might have skipped the step on patching the motherboard before downgrading to 1.5. This is known as FTP (forgot to patch) brick.
Q. Okay, if its bricked then what ? What are my options?
A. You can have your unit unbricked by a qualified technician or have the motherboard replaced. Another option is just disassemble the unit and sell it by parts.
Q. If I have the brightness bug problem how can I permanently fixed this?
A. You can use this application (http://forums.maxconsole.net/showthread.php?t=71740)
Q. After downgrading to 1.5 then what's next?
A. You got 2 options. One is stay on 1.50 and use Devhook to emulate higher firmware or install custom firmware.
Q. What's the better option then, use devhook or install custom firmware?
A. Installing a custom firmware is better since aside from being capable of playing backup games, you can also enjoy the new features of the new firmware like PS1 emulation and full video resolution. Also custom firmware let's you play newly released games
unlike devhook which limits you to the firmware it can only support.
Q. Is there any chance of bricking my unit while installing custom firmware?
A. Yes, custom firmware installation format and copies files into your PSP's main flash. Any interruption during the process will most likely result into a brick.
Q. Ok, I already installed 3.40 OE on my unit but I wish to upgrade to 3.52 M33. Is this possible ? Do I have to downgrade back to 1.5
before upgrading?
A. Yes, it possible for you to upgrade to a higher custom firmware from a lower version. No need to downgrade back to 1.50 if you are already using a custom firmware. Just remember custom firmware upgraders are developed to be run using 1.50 or any custom firmware versions. If you have an official firmware running in your unit, you need to downgrade it first to 1.50.
Q. I often see units with custom themes. Can I do this in custom firmware?
A. Yes, only units with custom firmware can do that (aside from an emulated firmware using devhook).
Q. Ok, I already downloaded some themes and was able to flashed it to my unit. But after turning it on all I can see is a white screen and the menu is gone. Can I still fix this?
A. Yes, you still can, looks like you flashed a theme not intended for the custom firmware version currently installed on your unit. This is called semi-brick. You can flashed again the custom firmware via the recovery menu/folder or restore the original theme from your backup.
Q. Well I'm pretty sure I downloaded the correct theme for my custom firmware. What went wrong?
A. You might have forgotten to free up space in your flash0. If you already did then try to go to the recovery menu and change the FAKE REGION (under Configuration) to America or Europe.
Q. How do I access this recovery menu?
A. The recovery menu is accessed by holding the R-Trigger button as you turn on your unit. Release the button once you see the recovery menu.
Q. I already tried a couple of times, but still I can't access it. Am I doing something wrong?
A. Your unit might not be turned off and only in suspend mode. Turn off your unit by switching the power button and holding it for a couple of seconds.
iPinoyPSP Frequently Asked Questions
Created by: reswel and SlackeR
Before We Start Make sure you familiarize yourself with this PSP Terms:
Firmware - Made up of a group of both essential and non-essential files that run the PSP. A firmware is to a PSP what a Operating System is to a Computer.
eboot.pbp - The most important file in a PSP Game or Application. This contains all the required files and code to execute the Game or Application.
Flash - Is split into two separate categories, Flash0 and Flash1. The PSPs Flash is internal memory inside the PSP that holds the PSPs Firmware files and other essential files to the PSP being ran with optimal performance.
Flash0 - Holds the main PSPs firmware files, Flash0 is only written to during a Firmware upgrade, downgrade or you are editing it yourself. A corruption of these file(s) can result in a the PSP being unable to boot.
Flash1 - Holds other less essential files for the PSPs firmware. Flash1 is written to more frequently during basic PSP use.
Semi-Brick(ed) - Meaning a file in your PSPs flash is corrupted and your PSP cann't turn on but you have access to the recovery menu via a Custom Firmware. With Recovery menu access, you can removed the corrupted firmware file and replace it with a working one fixing the semi-brick.
Brick(ed) - Meaning a file in your PSPs flash is corrupted and your PSP can't turn on. Since the PSP can not boot, the only purpose it can now serve is being a brick.
TA-079 \ TA-081 - The first generation(s) of the PSP, they have no problem with running homebrew with the appropriate firmware.
TA-082 - The second generation of PSP, they have a different motherboard then TA-079 PSPs which blocks firmwares lower than 2.50.
TA-086 - The third and latest generation of the PSP, it runs almost exactly the same as a TA-082 PSP motherboard but with slight insignificant differences.
.PRX - These files can send special commands to be used with the PSPs flash enabling some unique features.
Recovery menu - The Recovery menu can only be accessed if your PSP has a Custom Firmware. The Recovery menu allows you to fix a semi-bricked PSP and edit the firmware files.
Q. Who should read this @#@!!$! FAQ?
A. Hopefully everyone, especially newbies, basic questions you have in mind regarding PSP would be in this FAQ.
Q. What is a firmware ?
A. Firmware are special software that is like a set of instructions that tells the device what to do in order to do it's job. Its like the operating system of your computer.
Q. How can I know what is my PSp's firmware version ?
A. From the PSP XMB (thats what the menu of the PSP is called) go to System Settings, System Information, the value on the System Software is the firmware version.
System Settings
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/5648/systemsettingsde8.jpg
System Information
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/459/systeminfoij7.jpg
System Software
http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/4183/firmwaresr0.jpg
Q. What is the latest firmware version for PSP?
A. As of August 2007 the latest version is 3.52
Q. I kept on hearing about firmware v1.5, what's so special about it?
A. PSP with firmware version 1.5 allows loading of homebrew apps and games.
Q. BTW, what is a homebrew anyway?
A. It's any unofficial application (game, program, or other) for a particular system. Still not getting it? Just think of these apps as homemade.
Q. Well, I bought my PSP to play games not to run these so called homebrew apps. So why should I bother?
A. Good question, some of these homebrew apps allows you to load ISO games and personalize your PSP. Given these 2 examples of what homebrew apps can do surely gets your attention.
Q. ISO games? , I thought PSP games are in UMD format?
A. Yes, PSP games are in UMD format. But these games can be ripped from the UMD to an ISO format and can be saved to the memory stick.
Q. Okay, now I get it. It means I can play games for free. But wait my PSP is not 1.5, what should I do now?
A. You can downgrade your unit to v1.5
Q. Downgrade? I've been reading my PSP manual for hours and I can't see any topic regarding downgrade, though there is a topic for upgrading.
A. Downgrade or downdate means changing your PSP's firmware from a higher version to a lower version. Updating or upgrading is the other way around.
Q. Oh okay, so if I have a v1.00 firmware and I want it to be v1.5. all I need is to Update. How do I update my PSP?
A. There are 3 ways to update your PSP:
First is buy running the Update file included in the UMD games. The firmware version included in these games varies depending on the required firmware version of the game.
Second way is through Network Update. You need to configure your PSP wifi settings to connect to your access point or wireless router. Updating through this is limited to the latest firmware as it connects to official Sony Playstation site for the update file.
Third way is by downloading the official firmware update file and saving it to the memory stick. This is the best way to update since you have the freedom on what firmware version to install to your PSP. Below are the steps :
a. Download the firmware update file here -click this link- (http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Firmwares/catid/163)
b. Connect the PSP to your PC, you need a USB cable for this, go to System, USB Connection.
c. Copy the EBOOT.PBP (downloaded file) to ms0:\PSP\GAMES\UPDATE folder of the memory stick. Ms0 is
the root of your memory stick, in your PC this might correspond to drive letter E or F etc depending on your setup.
d. From the XMB, go to GAMES, MEM STICK, you will find an icon with the version update, choose that and hit the X button
After rebooting, you can check now the new firmware version of your PSP.
Q. I checked the site you mentioned, but there are a lot of firmwares I can see for different countries (ie JP,US,UK,EU). So what should I download?
A. These correspond to the firmwares released on different countries. Sony recommends you run the appropriate firmware
update file based on your PSP's country of release. But you can run the update file intended for one country on a PSP from a different country of release (ie. US firmware on Japan release PSP unit)
Q. How will I know that on my PSP?
A. Basing on the serial number of your unit, you can determine its country of release. Below is the list
PSP1000 - Japan
PSP1001 - USA
PSP1002 - Australien
PSP1003 - Großbritannien
PSP1004 - Europa, Mittlerer Osten & Afrika
PSP1005 - Korea
PSP1006 - Hong Kong
PSP1007 - Taiwan
PSP1008 - Russland
PSP1009 - China
Q. Good, the sticker at the bottom of my PSP has PSP1000 on it, so I got a Japanese version. What are the differences between
these PSP units?
A. Basically, the functionality is the same except for the Japanese version in which the X and O buttons functions are interchanged. Japan units has O for confirm and X for selection. Most difference will be the the hardware components used as Sony has different factories located around the world. An example will be the LCD screen, Japanese units uses LCD screens manufactured by Sharp while the others get the Samsung screen.
Q. If that's is the case which is better the Samsung or the Sharp LCD Screen?
A. There are a lot of debates going around this topic. Some say the Sharp LCD is sharper. While other say the sharpness is not the issue,
Sharp screens supposedly have better/more natural looking colors while the Samsung panels have a green push that makes it look worse.
**Updated : Sony is now using only Sharp LCD on their PSP.
Q. Since, we are in the topic of LCD screen, I often hear "Dead Pixels". What are they, will my unit have more of that if its a Japanese unit or not?
A. A dead pixel is a defective pixel that remains unlit on an LCD screen. Irregardless of what unit of PSP you have, there are possibilities your unit might have one or a couple of it. This could be due to a factory defect (if brand new) or due to age.
Q. So how can I test if my unit have dead pixels on it?
A. The majority of dead pixels are only noticeable on a solid color background, for example through the use of the "Dead Pixel Checkers" which consist of 4-5 solid-color images.
Q. What if I bought my unit in a sealed box, and found only the dead pixels at home. Can I return it?
A. Most stores locally do not sell units in sealed boxes basically because of this problem. Generally, retailers checked first the
units for dead pixels. Just in case you bought it in a sealed box, just ask first the store's representative their policy on units with dead pixels. Some stores will only accept returns if the dead pixels on the unit meet their requirements (ie 5 dead pixels).
Q. Okay back to updating, is there any danger in updating my PSP?
A. Any operation that writes to your PSP flash memory like Updating/Upgrading can result to a "brick". It is very important that during the process you dont turn off your unit. This is also the reason why during upgrading it is a must that you have almost full battery charge and the adapter plugged in.
Q. Duhh !!! Brick ??!!!
A. It's a common term for a dead set electronic item. As in useless, oh wait there is a use for it, as a paperweight. LOL.
Q. I have a firmware version higher than v1.5 and I would like to downgrade. Can I downgrade it back to 1.5 ?
A. As of the moment only firmware version 3.50 and lower (starting from 1.51) can be downgraded to 1.50.
Q. I always hear the TA-082 or the IC0003 serial on the motherboard, what is this all about?
A. Sony introduced new generations of motherboard to improve some components on it at the same time to prevent running 1.50 firmware on it. To check your unit if it has the IC0003 serial on the motherboard, check the image below.
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4534/happyta082oe7.jpg
Q. I have that IC0003 or TA-082/TA-086 motherboard can I still downgrade it to 1.5?
A. Yes, all motherboards can now be downgraded provided the firmware installed is 3.50 and lower.
Q. How about if I have a non TA-082/TA-086 units how can I downgrade my unit ?
A. See links below :
1.51-2.00 (http://www.pspjunkies.com/content/view/659/46)
2.01-2.60 (http://www.psp-spot.com/forums/PSP-Exploits-Loaders-26-25-Downgrader-FULL-Version-t25902.html)
For 2.71 and above users you can use the downgraders for the TA-082/TA-086 given above. If you have a 2.71 or 2.80 just skip the part of patching your motherboard (1.5 enabler). Just in case you executed it in your non TA-082/TA-086 motherboard, its perfectly alright since the patcher detects if you have a TA-082/TA-086 mobo.
Q. My friend has a unit with 3.11 firmware, so we can use the Lumines exploit to downgrade the unit. But we can't update
to 3.50, it gives an error message. What's the problem?
A. Starting from 3.30 and up firmwares, Sony now checks the values of Idstorage Keys (including Key 5) before proceeding with the updates. Your friend's unit has been downgraded before to 1.50. His unit now has corrupted idstorage keys and will not be able to apply any offical firmware updates higher than 3.11. Only solution left is to wait for Noobz team to release the idstorage key cleaner for units with 3.10 and 3.11.
Q. I also hear about corrupt idstorage keys blah blah blah. Can you explain what are these?
A. Idstorage is a part of PSP's NAND flash used to store low-level information on the PSP, such as the serial, mac address, umd, wlan and region. Developers of downgraders such as Dark_Alex and Noobz team corrupted some keys in order to succesfully downgrade
TA-082/TA-086 to 1.50. This resulted to some components in the PSP like USB, WLAN not to function properly. But later researches done by PSP coders established that only the value of idstorage key 5 should be corrupted in order to downgrade TA-082/TA-086 motherboards. This leads to the development of corruption free downgraders.
Q. Okay, so what if I have a downgraded unit and the old downgrader was used, can I still fix my idstorage keys?
A. Yes, there is a homebrew application called KeyCleaner (http://forums.maxconsole.net/showpost.php?p=478772&postcount=1) by Chilly Willy. He also coded the corruption free mobo patchers used for
downgrading TA-082/TA-086 units.
Q. Okay, I already downgraded to 1.5 but after turning it on, the screen is just black but the power light is turned on. Is my unit already bricked?
A. It depends, try first pressing the brightness button (small button beside the music button). This issue is present on later releases of TA-082 and on all TA-086. If after pressing the brightness button and nothing happens then its possible that you already have a bricked unit. You might have skipped the step on patching the motherboard before downgrading to 1.5. This is known as FTP (forgot to patch) brick.
Q. Okay, if its bricked then what ? What are my options?
A. You can have your unit unbricked by a qualified technician or have the motherboard replaced. Another option is just disassemble the unit and sell it by parts.
Q. If I have the brightness bug problem how can I permanently fixed this?
A. You can use this application (http://forums.maxconsole.net/showthread.php?t=71740)
Q. After downgrading to 1.5 then what's next?
A. You got 2 options. One is stay on 1.50 and use Devhook to emulate higher firmware or install custom firmware.
Q. What's the better option then, use devhook or install custom firmware?
A. Installing a custom firmware is better since aside from being capable of playing backup games, you can also enjoy the new features of the new firmware like PS1 emulation and full video resolution. Also custom firmware let's you play newly released games
unlike devhook which limits you to the firmware it can only support.
Q. Is there any chance of bricking my unit while installing custom firmware?
A. Yes, custom firmware installation format and copies files into your PSP's main flash. Any interruption during the process will most likely result into a brick.
Q. Ok, I already installed 3.40 OE on my unit but I wish to upgrade to 3.52 M33. Is this possible ? Do I have to downgrade back to 1.5
before upgrading?
A. Yes, it possible for you to upgrade to a higher custom firmware from a lower version. No need to downgrade back to 1.50 if you are already using a custom firmware. Just remember custom firmware upgraders are developed to be run using 1.50 or any custom firmware versions. If you have an official firmware running in your unit, you need to downgrade it first to 1.50.
Q. I often see units with custom themes. Can I do this in custom firmware?
A. Yes, only units with custom firmware can do that (aside from an emulated firmware using devhook).
Q. Ok, I already downloaded some themes and was able to flashed it to my unit. But after turning it on all I can see is a white screen and the menu is gone. Can I still fix this?
A. Yes, you still can, looks like you flashed a theme not intended for the custom firmware version currently installed on your unit. This is called semi-brick. You can flashed again the custom firmware via the recovery menu/folder or restore the original theme from your backup.
Q. Well I'm pretty sure I downloaded the correct theme for my custom firmware. What went wrong?
A. You might have forgotten to free up space in your flash0. If you already did then try to go to the recovery menu and change the FAKE REGION (under Configuration) to America or Europe.
Q. How do I access this recovery menu?
A. The recovery menu is accessed by holding the R-Trigger button as you turn on your unit. Release the button once you see the recovery menu.
Q. I already tried a couple of times, but still I can't access it. Am I doing something wrong?
A. Your unit might not be turned off and only in suspend mode. Turn off your unit by switching the power button and holding it for a couple of seconds.