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[Aske]

Hmm...

After further investigation, an old GAF thread delivered a guide to installing custom firmware that even I can understand: http://www.blastprocessing.net/?page_id=64

However I use a Mac, so .exe files probably won't work properly for this step:

5. Open the pandora.zip archive. Inside the “msinst” folder is a file named msinst.exe. Extract that file into your working folder (not inside the “despertar_cementerio” folder! It should be at the same level as that folder). Then, inside the “mspformat” folder is a file named mspformat.exe. Extract that file into your working folder too.

And I have no idea what any of the following means:

7. We need a Windows command prompt. Go to Start -> Run, and type “cmd” and hit Enter. This will bring up a command prompt window. We’re going to run the mspformat.exe program, but rather than typing in the long path to the file, you can just drag and drop the mspformat.exe icon from your working folder into the command prompt window. This will fill in the path to the program on the command line (something like “C:\Documents and Settings\Yourname\Desktop\workingfolder\mspformat.exe”). Don’t hit Enter yet! We need to tell this program where to find your PSP. Remember when I told you to take note of what drive letter your PSP is on? Type that letter on the command line next to mspformat.exe (make sure there’s a space before the letter), so that the complete command looks something like this (assuming the PSP is on drive H

Any advice for Mac users, or should I kiss this beautiful dream goodbye?

 

[NameGenerated]

OK, can somebody explain how to install the gbSP GBA emulator on my PSP? It's pretty confusing with the BIOS thing and stuff. Just a step by step would be fine.

 

[Aske]

No GAF Mac users have installed custom firmware to a memory stick? It's looking increasingly difficult if it's even possible.

Are there any reliable sources for pre-loaded memory sticks that have been correctly formatted to run everything I'd need? I've found some eBay sellers peddling magic memory stick/tool battery combos, but I don't want to get screwed by a dodgy battery or a fake memory stick that leaves me with a piano-black brick.

 

[pje122]

OK, can somebody explain how to install the gbSP GBA emulator on my PSP? It's pretty confusing with the BIOS thing and stuff. Just a step by step would be fine.

.

 

[Tony Rocky Horror]

.

It kind of depends if you have a slim or a phat psp.

 

[Rekwest]

OK, can somebody explain how to install the gbSP GBA emulator on my PSP(FAT) It's pretty confusing with the BIOS thing and stuff. Just a step by step would be fine.

 

[Hesemonni]

OK, can somebody explain how to install the gbSP GBA emulator on my PSP? It's pretty confusing with the BIOS thing and stuff. Just a step by step would be fine.

Download gba_bios.bin which you can find using The Secret Hacking Engine and copy the thus acquired gba_bios.bin file to the gbSP folder on your memory stick just like it tells you to do in the readme file?

Other than that it installs just like every other homebrew. Just copy it to the /PSP/GAME/ folder of your memory stick and run through XMB - Game.

 

[pje122]

It kind of depends if you have a slim or a phat psp.

OK, so how about now for a slim?

 

[Hesemonni]

OK, so how about now for a slim?

Look up and ye shall find.

 

[Aske]

I found this YouTube video which instructs Mac users on how to use CatB50's magic memory stick creator: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj1Y6bsIa7s

I know his easy creator is up to version 3 or 4 right now, but I've downloaded 1.1 and 2.0 and it seems like both have the same set of critical files.

The video just tells Mac users to download the MMS creator, but instead of clicking "begin" and following the DOS prompts, we're supposed to drag 150.pbp, 340.pbp and 380.pbp (the old firmware files, yes?) into the root of a memory stick, and then drag the despertar_cementerio file into GAME. Turn on the PSP and open despertar from the games menu, and the PSP creates the MMS. I assume that after doing this, I'd use the Tool battery and memory stick to install the custom firmware. Doing things this way almost seems easier than running the easy creator software properly on Windows - too good to be true.

Does this sound like it should work? And would either creating the MMS or installing the CFW possibly screw up my PSP at any point?

 

[navanman]

No that won't work. The most important part isn't created that way, the IPL (initial program loader). You need a Win32 based PC with DOS command to create this OR an already CFW PSP using UPMS program.

Turn on the PSP and open despertar from the games menu, and the PSP creates the MMS

Also you can't run unsigned code which this is on unmodded PSP.

AFAIK, there are no Pandora Mac apps, you are just going to have to beg, borrow a Win32 PC for 5 mins or purchase an already modded battery/MS combo.

 

[Aske]

No that won't work. The most important part isn't created that way, the IPL (initial program loader). You need a Win32 based PC with DOS command to create this OR an already CFW PSP using UPMS program.


Also you can't run unsigned code which this is on unmodded PSP.

AFAIK, there are no Pandora Mac apps, you are just going to have to beg, borrow a Win32 PC for 5 mins or purchase an already modded battery/MS combo.

That's irritating, but much better to find out sooner than later. Do you know of a good source for batteries and MMS? I figure since I'll have to order the Tool anyway, I may as well pay an extra $30 and get the stick at the same time.

EDIT: Removed link to eBay seller I don't totally trust.

 

[Dragona Akehi]

Goddamn it, I'm getting really pissed with SNES9x PSP version. The damn thing keeps crashing on me with Lufia. It doesn't like when you're low on battery (ie it crashes). It'll crash if you look at it funny.

SOMEONE PLEASE MAKE A GODDAMNED PROPER EMU FOR SNES GAMES ON PSP.

 

[Aske]

Picking up a PSP, games, and an 8GB memory stick later today, although I might wait until I have the tools necessary to install custom firmware before buying the system. Just need to grab GoW: CoO and an 8 GB memory stick or two during the Futureshop sale.

I'm guessing with an 8GB stick I'll need to download the fatmsmod patch. Once I've run it on the CFW PSP, will I need to leave the files on the memory stick, or can I delete them? Are there any side effects to using the patch?

 

[Callo Merlose]

Goddamn it, I'm getting really pissed with SNES9x PSP version. The damn thing keeps crashing on me with Lufia. It doesn't like when you're low on battery (ie it crashes). It'll crash if you look at it funny.

SOMEONE PLEASE MAKE A GODDAMNED PROPER EMU FOR SNES GAMES ON PSP.

Ditto this. There are graphical glitches when fighting some of the bosses in Super Mario World, too.

 

[Rekwest]

Download gba_bios.bin which you can find using The Secret Hacking Engine and copy the thus acquired gba_bios.bin file to the gbSP folder on your memory stick just like it tells you to do in the readme file?

Other than that it installs just like every other homebrew. Just copy it to the /PSP/GAME/ folder of your memory stick and run through XMB - Game.

And the ROMS?

 

[lastendconductor]

And the ROMS?

uh oh

 

[navanman]

I'm guessing with an 8GB stick I'll need to download the fatmsmod patch. Once I've run it on the CFW PSP, will I need to leave the files on the memory stick, or can I delete them? Are there any side effects to using the patch?

The CFW files are installed to the internal flash of the PSP from the Memory Stick. You can delete the files afterwards then.
The fatsmod patch is to help with stuttering and loading speeds of ISO from MS.

 

[hirokazu]

And the ....?

...I think you better edit that, unless banhammer rules have changed...?

 

[Aske]

The CFW files are installed to the internal flash of the PSP from the Memory Stick. You can delete the files afterwards then.
The fatsmod patch is to help with stuttering and loading speeds of ISO from MS.

That's awesome. So unless I have obvious issues, is there much gain from using it? I've read that there's no reason not to use it with 3.90 M33-3 as it makes everything faster. But I've also been reading horror stories on the mod forums about it bricking PSPs at the install, and even making certain PSPs run slower.

No matter which threads I read, it's impossible to find a general consensus on how much risk there is with fatsmod version 2 on 3.90 M33-3 firmware. Would you say it's pretty safe and definitely worthwhile; or something to only install based on need?

 

[The Faceless Master]

And the ROMS?

you dump them yourself.

 

[M3wThr33]

you dump them yourself.

I actually have one of those devices that puts SNES carts onto floppy disks. Never found an AC adapter for it, though.

 

[navanman]

Dragona Akehi
You Shall Be Judged

And the ROMS?

Rekwest
Banned

 

[Mejilan]

:lol

He wasn't even a noob. What was with such a dumb question?

 

[DaCocoBrova]

Yeah, he's been here for years. Oh well.

 

[The Faceless Master]

I actually have one of those devices that puts SNES carts onto floppy disks. Never found an AC adapter for it, though.

if you know the voltage/polarity you can get an adapter from radio shack...

 

[Firestorm]

He probably meant where to put them on the PSP. Like which directory. Not where to get ROMs.

 

[The Faceless Master]

in the roms subfolder?

how many emulators out there diverge from this formula?

 

[hirokazu]

He probably meant where to put them on the PSP. Like which directory. Not where to get ROMs.

It's not exactly hard to figure out since most emulators either have a ROMs folder created for you, or tell you where to put them if you read the fucking readme.

But :lol if he really meant that. Maybe the stupidity of it is worth a ban?

 

[CrushDance]

Thanks a lot Neko! I saw the plugin a few pages back but didn't know what to do with it.

What theme is this? Where can I get it?

 

[D.Lo]

So it's fine to talk about installing, distributing and using an emulator for a technically still current system who's compatibility with the PSP's only competitor is a selling point...yet mention a word describing the flies it can play, the point of its existence and you get banned?

What would people think if a working GameCube emulator turned up for PS3 or 360 which couldn't rip discs so required downloads of games to their hard drives? Why is it that downloading PS1 games to run on PSP is looked down upon here, but effectively the same thing with more recent GBA games is fine?

0.00000000001% of people using a GBA emulator are dumping their own games.

 

[spineduke]

What theme is this? Where can I get it?

You're going to need that CXMB plugin. I think the themes called Large Original

I highly advise against installing it on your flash0, things break you know

 

[Aske]

What theme is this? Where can I get it?

I was surfing for themes today - this looks like the one you're after.

 

[CrushDance]

You're going to need that CXMB plugin. I think the themes called Large Original

I highly advise against installing it on your flash0, things break you know

Nah. The new version doesn't write to flash

I was surfing for themes today - this looks like the one you're after.

That's not it =/ the one above is blue. Thanks though.

So it's fine to talk about installing, distributing and using an emulator for a technically still current system who's compatibility with the PSP's only competitor is a selling point...yet mention a word describing the flies it can play, the point of its existence and you get banned?

What would people think if a working GameCube emulator turned up for PS3 or 360 which couldn't rip discs so required downloads of games to their hard drives? Why is it that downloading PS1 games to run on PSP is looked down upon here, but effectively the same thing with more recent GBA games is fine?

0.00000000001% of people using a GBA emulator are dumping their own games.

Well. I only play my PS1 ISO's and PSP game(s) a.k.a Crisis Core:lol

 

[D.Lo]

Well. I only play my PS1 ISO's and PSP game(s) a.k.a Crisis Core:lol

As do I, but emulators for other current systems (and a competitor to boot) where for most people it's impossible to dump their own games are another story entirely IMO.

 

[Dilbert]

So it's fine to talk about installing, distributing and using an emulator for a technically still current system who's compatibility with the PSP's only competitor is a selling point...yet mention a word describing the flies it can play, the point of its existence and you get banned?

What would people think if a working GameCube emulator turned up for PS3 or 360 which couldn't rip discs so required downloads of games to their hard drives? Why is it that downloading PS1 games to run on PSP is looked down upon here, but effectively the same thing with more recent GBA games is fine?

0.00000000001% of people using a GBA emulator are dumping their own games.

You have a known history of trolling the PSP, and yet you stick your head into this thread to start shit? You should know better.

 

[Anony]

You have a known history of trolling the PSP, and yet you stick your head into this thread to start shit? You should know better.

no, he has a point

this is more of a forum policy loop hole; 'lol let's not talk about using it to play illegal games, but methods of getting it to work via emulators/cfws hence we are talking about it indirectly'

it's like the old policy where you could link scans from japan/europe but not scans from the us, which made no sense whatsoever

it's all about the loopholes

 

[Dilbert]

this is more of a forum policy loop hole; 'lol let's not talk about using it to play illegal games, but methods of getting it to work via emulators/cfws hence we are talking about it indirectly'

This has been explained before -- and it's still in the Terms of Service -- but since you're new here, I'll go through it one more time.

1) Having custom firmware does not necessarily mean that you pirate games. Running an emulator does not necessarily mean that you pirate games. I'm sure that many people who have CFWs/emulators do, in fact, pirate games, but "many" is not "all."

2) People who are dumb enough to admit to pirating games get whacked. This is a gaming forum, and we as a community ought to have a vested interest in keeping the industry alive. As much as copyright needs to be respected in other areas, games are a particular hot button, and the rules in the area are vigorous enforced.

3) There are probably many cases where you could reasonably conclude that someone pirated some kind of software or media: people discussing an album which hasn't come out yet, people in other countries discussing TV shows which have not yet been released there, people talking about retro games on systems which haven't been sold in decades. However, that conclusion isn't necessarily correct. For every argument you could give to substantiate the piracy argument -- "so-and-so got the album or TV show from a torrent," "so-and-so downloaded the old C64 game illegally," etc. -- there are also legitimate ways for that poster to have access to the media. (Examples: someone working in college radio gets advanced copies of CDs, someone on travel in the U.S. buys a show on DVD and watches it on a region-free DVD player, someone actually has a functioning C64 in their garage and broke it out for kicks.)

So, what can we do, other than to ban people who self-admit to piracy? (And, oh, by the way, there are entire magazines devoted to retro gaming and emulation -- apparently we aren't the only ones who think this is a legitimate discussion topic.)

 

[Twig]

Um.

It looked to me like the dude/dudette who was asking "And the ROMs?" was asking where to PUT the ROMs on the memory stick. Not where to get them. Since the previous question was "how do I install the emulator?"

Maybe I'm wrong. But when I saw that he/she was banned, I did a double-take. It could easily be interpreted both ways, I guess. Meh.

 

[Jaeyden]

I'm curious about the ability to run the CPU at 333 with CFW. I gave up on Tomb Raider Anniversary last year because the framerate got annoying after a while. Will I see a difference on older games with the higher clock speed? Oh also, does remote play work with CFW? Is there any functionality/applications I would give up switching my OFW to CFW?

 

[Mejilan]

I'm curious about the ability to run the CPU at 333 with CFW. I gave up on Tomb Raider Anniversary last year because the framerate got annoying after a while. Will I see a difference on older games with the higher clock speed? Oh also, does remote play work with CFW? Is there any functionality/applications I would give up switching my OFW to CFW?

What exactly are you curious about? I've never subjected myself to PSP Tomb Raiders, but I can attest to many other games that benefit greatly from clocking the PSP to 333MHz, so I can only imagine that Tomb Raider would benefit as well. Fuck, I consider Wipeout Pure, a launch game, practically unplayable at the stock 222Mhz speed.

Is the framerate that bad? Absolutely not. In fact, I found it quite serviceable when I first got my PSP on day 1. But now, having experienced Wipeout Pure at a rock-solid 60 FPS, clearly the way it was meant to be played, I cannot go back to vanilla Wipeout Pure...

Remote Play works fine with CFW. All aspects of it. You'll be giving up Location Free and Korean fonts, IIRC, and even then, only if you install the 1.50 kernel patch (PSP 1000s only). IIRC.

 

[D.Lo]

You have a known history of trolling the PSP, and yet you stick your head into this thread to start shit? You should know better.

I have been an active follower and contributor (well, beneficiary, Thanks Navanman and Mejilan) of this thread for several months. Just because I argue about various systems' position in the market doesn't mean I don't play them, and this thread is the best PSP thread on the net.

 

[callous]

What exactly are you curious about?

I don't know if this is what he meant, but I have found that some titles with dodgy frame rates, such as Wipeout, become a whole new experience at 333mhz, while others benefit very little.

 

[Aske]

What exactly are you curious about? I've never subjected myself to PSP Tomb Raiders, but I can attest to many other games that benefit greatly from clocking the PSP to 333MHz, so I can only imagine that Tomb Raider would benefit as well. Fuck, I consider Wipeout Pure, a launch game, practically unplayable at the stock 222Mhz speed.

Besides decreased battery life, is there any downside to changing the default to 333MHz and leaving it alone?

 

[spineduke]

Besides decreased battery life, is there any downside to changing the default to 333MHz and leaving it alone?

I'm not sure if Wifi can be enabled while the CPU is at 333mhz?

Don't take that as certain, this was the case a long time ago, CFW may have already overcome this issue.

 

[Sagitario]

I'm not sure if Wifi can be enabled while the CPU is at 333mhz?

Don't take that as certain, this was the case a long time ago, CFW may have already overcome this issue.

It can be enabled...

 

[SmokinGunZ1981]

Need some advice, just picked up a PSP and it has 3.03 OE-C Firmware, anyone got any advice for what i'd need to do to upgrade to the latest version?

Cheers in advance.

 

[navanman]

Need some advice, just picked up a PSP and it has 3.03 OE-C Firmware, anyone got any advice for what i'd need to do to upgrade to the latest version?

Cheers in advance.

The Man from Del Monte.... sorry........ The Faceless Master please follow this link

 

[Mejilan]

Besides decreased battery life, is there any downside to changing the default to 333MHz and leaving it alone?

Yeah callous, not all games benefit. But I've yet experienced a game that crapped out on me with the PSP at 333. I've had both of my PSPs at 333 forever, and I never change it.

I'm not sure if Wifi can be enabled while the CPU is at 333mhz?

Don't take that as certain, this was the case a long time ago, CFW may have already overcome this issue.

Wifi's fine at 333.

 

[Aske]

.