IMPORTANT: This will NOT work with PSP's with TA-88V3 Motherboards and PSP-3000s.
We are going to do it in three parts:
1. Making the Magic Memory Stick (MMS)
2. Make the Pandora Battery (JigKick Battery)
3. Update the firmware of the PSP to 4.01 M33-2
When this guide is done, you should have a PSP that is Custom Firmwared up to 4.01 M33-2, a magic memory stick and a Pandora Battery (if you hardmodded it that is)
So lets get started =D
Update: The PSP-3000 (PSP Slim & Brite) can be custom firmwared - needs a Datel Lite Tool battery of a special sort - can't remember its name. The rest of the procedure should be the same.
If you want to know if your PSP Slim & Lite has a TA88V3 motherboard or not, view this:
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![]() http://www.pspnieuws.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=515:dark-alexorg-terug-van-weg-geweest&catid=1:laatste-nieuws |
You'll also need
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![]() http://rapidshare.com/files/148934187/88v3id.rar |
this file and the 3.90 and 4.05 Official Firmware which can be obtained from here:
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![]() http://alek.dark-alex.org/filez/psp_fw/ |
If you want an EXACT reason why TA88V3 motherboard PSPs can't be custom firmwared, go here:
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![]() http://www.dark-alex.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1194 |
Last I heard, the situation was still the same, so don't expect anything - the TA88v3 motherboards are RARE as it is.
1. Making the Magic Memory Stick
This will guide you through the process of how to make a Magic Memory Stick for the PSP to boot off the Custom Firmware.
What the Magic memory Stick does is having the system files we want to replace the original PSP's system files with, which in this case is the Official Firmware with our Custom Firmware.
IMPORTANT: If you have a PSP Slim & Lite, do not mess with any option relating to 1.50 firmware. If you try flashing firmware with the 1.50 addon, your PSP is screwed, my friend, with no hope in hell.
This is also why we need to have a Pandora Battery, because the Pandora Battery allows us to boot from the Memory Stick and depending on which 2 options we pick, it will replace the files and settings with its own.
So now since you have a basic understanding of how this works, lets get started =D
You will need a Memory Stick Pro DUO with at least 512mb of memory ( you can use your own, but make sure you have backed up your files on it first in case something goes wrong =D ) and a cord to connect the PSP to the computer or a Card reader if you don't have a chord for it or your PSP is bricked.
You Will Need:
� A computer running Windows XP/Vista (I mean, LastXP/Prophecy compatible!
)
� An Internet Connection (duh)
� WinRAR (if you don't have it, what are you doing here? :S )
Now download these three files:
� 4.01 Official Firmware
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![]() http://rapidshare.com/files/173391315/401OFW_by_NiTeShADe.RAR
http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/1506 |
� Rain's Simple MMS Maker v.10
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![]() http://rapidshare.com/files/173390342/RainMMSFull.rar |
(ONLY FOR PHAT PSPs I.E. PSP-1000s)
� 1.50 Official Firmware
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![]() http://rapidshare.com/files/173391810/150OFW_by_NiTeShADe.rar
http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/4 |
When downloaded, extract the 'RainMMSFull.rar' file to somewhere you will find it.
Now plug your Memory Stick (via card reader) or PSP (via USB) into your computer. Now, find the RainMMS.exe on your desktop, and double click it
When opened, it should look like this:
Now, make sure the top drop-down menu is '4.01 OFW/M33-2 (DCv7)' so this is done correctly.
When that is selected, press 'Load EBOOT' then the bottom screen will open.
Now select your '401.PBP from the menu, and press 'Open'
Now make sure the 'Format Memory Stick' box is selected, and make sure 'USB Version Fake Plugin' and '1.50 Kernel Addon Installer' are also selected (Once you press this, you need to load your 1.50 Official Firmware by pressing '1.50 EBOOT' and finding it.
[Only for PHAT PSP I.E. PSP-1000s]. The 'Pandora Trigger Button' should be on L - if not, change it to it.
Under 'Other Functions' from the drop-down menu, select 'Format & Inject IPL & Create Folders' and now click 'Make MMS'
Make sure, that when it is creating it, to NOT click the Magic Memory Stick creator anywhere in its window area.
If you click it, it will look like its frozen, and when its finished, you will have a corrupt Magic Memory Stick.
When finished, you have created your Magic Memory Stick. w00t!
2. Make the Pandora Battery (JigKick Battery)
Making a Pandora Battery allows the PSP to enter 'Service Mode' which will let the PSP to boot off the Magic Memory Stick.
With booting from the Magic Memory Stick, we replace the system files that are the original PSP's firmware to the Custom Firmware.
This is also for if your PSP is bricked. It replaces the stuffed up firmware with a new firmware. Using this method can also allow you do 'fix' your PSP's original firmware and can also downgrade your PSP's firmware if needed.
When the PSP battery is inserted, the PSP reads from the battery's EEPROM which is something in binary code: 00101000101110010101001 (not actual code, just an example of binary). Making a Pandora or 'JigKick' battery, sets that code to all 1's ( 1111111111111111111111 ) which makes the PSP enter 'Service Mode'.
For this, I give you four options:
1. Buy a hybrid two-in-one battery from the internet. These are special batteries that can be used as a normal PSP battery or a pandora battery at the press of a button. You can buy one from here:
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![]() http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.15153 |
I did - its still working fine. Once you've received yours, just skip down to step 3, because none of this section has anything to do with you anymore
.
2. Buy a tool battery converter that converts PSP batteries (2000 or 1000) into a service tool battery (Pandora/JigKick). You can buy one from here:
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![]() http://us.codejunkies.com/Products/PSP-Battery-Service-Tool__EF000530.aspx |
Plug your battery in, push the button, and abra cadabra, its a Pandora battery. Again, skip down to Step 3, because none of the rest has anything to do with you. Remember to change your battery back to a normal one after flashing the PSP.
3. Softmod the battery yourself. This is essentially the same thing as what a battery converter does, except we're gonna use two Phatties to do our bidding. Here's what you need:
� A Phat PSP that is already custom firmwared to 4.01 M33-2 or below
� A Phat PSP battery ( one is fine, because we will be turning it back after this is done =D )
� A computer running Windows XP/Vista (Again, LastXP/Prophecy compatible)
� An Internet Connection
� WinRAR
Now you need to download just one thing, that is this:
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![]() http://dl.qj.net/dl.php?fid=15895 |
Its name is LE Recovery Menu Plugin.
Now lets start =D
Plug the Custom Firmwared Phat PSP into your computer, and if there isn't a folder on the root of the memory stick called 'seplugins' make one. (without the quotes, duh)
Open it, and right click inside and go to 'New > Text Document'
Name that text document 'vsh' (without the quotes)
Open that newly created vsh.txt document.
Copy and Paste 'ms0:/seplugins/recovery.prx' into it and save it (without the quotes)
Now, double-click on the LE Recovery menu archive you downloaded, and double click the 'SEPLUGINS' folder. Now copy and paste the 'recovery.prx' file in there to the 'seplugins' folder on the PSP.
Exit USB Connection.
Now fully power off the custom firmwared Phat PSP by holding up the power button.
Now press the R shoulder button while turning back on.
You are now in the Recovery Menu.
Now navigate down to plugins. press X and then navigate down to 'recovery.prx [VSH]' and press X on it to enable on it.
Exit recovery menu.
Now on your PSP XMB, hold the R shoulder button and press the Music Note button.
When that menu comes up, go to Extends, and navigate down to 'Pandora' press X on it.
Now navigate down to Pandora Battery, and press X, then wait about 10 seconds and press X again.
Keep on pressing circle until you are out of the LE recovery menu.
Now, you have a softmodded pandora battery that works in a Phat and a Slim & Lite PSP.
(You do basically the same to turn the battery back to normal)
Go to Step 3.
4. Hardmod the battery. It involves opening up the battery and soldering off a pin or cutting a cord, which depends on what PSP Battery you have.
You will need a spare battery because when you make it Pandora, there is no way of using it as a normal battery.
So lets start =D
CAUTION: If done wrongly with the Phat PSP battery, it could blow off your hand. So at YOUR OWN RISK )
IMPORTANT: PHAT PSP-1000's PANDORA BATTERY WILL WORK WITH A PSP SLIM & LITE, BUT A PSP SLIM & LITE's PANDORA BATTERY WILL NOT WORK WITH A PSP PHAT
Making the Battery:
PHAT BATTERY
You Will Need:
For PSP Phat Battery
� Any PSP Phat Battery
� Guitar Pick
� Soldering Iron with a very fine conical tip
� Xacto-Knife with sharp tip / Steak knife / Scissors
� A VERY steady hand
� Crazy Glue / Super Glue / Tape
First off, you will need to crack into the case, this isn't too hard, just slide the guitar pick across the sides to crack it open
Now we need to remove the 5th pin from a chip that has the model number S93C56 printed on it. Here is a magnified view below:
The newer PSP Phat batteries have a different layout, but you will still need to remove that 5th pin from that same circuit.
Now we need to remove that pin, there are a lot of ways to do this, like snapping off the pin. But this is most likely the easiest way and less damaging to the circuit board in the battery.
Use the Xacto-Knife, and try and put it under the pin. Get someone to hold the Xacto-knife while you hold the soldering iron on the pin. When the solder melts, pop the pin up with the knife. Just make sure you don't hold it for too long because it could make the battery too hot and blow it up.
When you are done, it should look something like this:
And now your done, close the case and glue it together with some super glue or crazy glue.
Or you can tape it together, but that is not recommended because it will be very tight in the Battery Holder on the PSP and will take some effort to put it in and take it out.
And now this can be used just like a Pandora battery for either PSP Phat or Slim.
SLIM & LITE BATTERY
You Will Need:
� PSP Slim & Lite battery model PSP-S110 (3.6v 1200mAh) (Original PSP Slim & Lite Battery)
� Guitar Pick
� Magnifying Glass (Recommended but not needed)
� Sharp Utility Knife
� Crazy Glue / Super Glue / Packing Tape
Open the battery case using a guitar pick. Slide around the sides and bottom until the seals break.
Take a bit more care around the top breaking the seal since there is where the connectors for the circuit board connect to the top of the battery which connects to the PSP power connector.
Now that its open, there you should see a small circuit board connected to the lithium-ion battery by 2 small pieces of metallic foil. Gently, and with a bit of time, unfold the circuit board away from the battery pack and lay out flat.
Now in the top-left corner of the circuit board, if your looking at it like I am, you should see the number 19.
Now, using the utility knife, and it being very sharp will make it easier (this will be a lot easier if you have a magnifying glass) cut on the '19' line.
The end product ( the cord cut ) should look something like this:
Now refold the circuit board back into place, and put the battery back together. Now for the start here, use packing tape just to make sure it works. Once all sealed, let's test it to see if it works. Put it in your PSP. Once it touches the PSP's connectors, the PSP should turn on automatically.
If it did, it worked and you can get rid of the packing tape and stick it together with super glue and then it is fully pandorized and cannot be turned back.
If it didn't turn back on, leave the battery in there and try turning the power on yourself. If it does, you need to make the cut deeper, if it didn't turn back on, either your battery was flat before you started, or you cut too deep and stuffed up the PSP battery entirely. If you have stuffed it, I recommend, not re-trying it, but buying a Hybrid 2-in-1 battery (links are above)
And now you have a Pandora Battery.
3. Custom Firmware the PSP to 4.01 M33-2
Now since you have a Pandora Battery (Tool Battery/JigKick Battery), its time to load the firmware from the Magic Memory Stick using the newly-created battery you just created/bought.
You Will Need:
� PSP-1000 (Phat) or PSP-2000 (Slim & Lite) with any Official Firmware or bricked
� Your newly-created Pandora Battery
� Your newly-created Magic Memory Stick
Take out the battery (Pandora or otherwise).
Put your Magic Memory Stick in the PSP.
Hold the L Trigger Button on the PSP and insert the Pandora Battery. Your PSP's power should come on automatically and after a few seconds, it will enter 'Service Mode'
You should see something like this:
Now you should have seven options (as above):
1. Install 4.01 M33
2. Install 4.01 OFW
3. NAND Operations
4. Hardware Info
5. Test M33
6. Shutdown
7. Reboot Device
We are going to do the first option, but first, I'll explain what each option means.
The first option lets us install 4.01 M33-2 Custom Firmware on our PSP's system.
The second option updates the PSP to the Official Firmware, and in this case it is 4.01
The third option copies all the files that is on the PSP system's memory to your memory card (Approx 32mb for Phat PSP, and approx 64mb for Slim & Lite PSP)
The fourth option tells you your PSP Model, Motherboard, Tachyon, Baryon, Pommel, Nand Size and Fuse ID.
The fifth option lets you test the M33 firmware on the Magic Memory Stick (4.01 M33-2)
The sixth option shutdowns the PSP
And the seventh option reboots the PSP.
So navigate up to the first option and pres X to install the Custom Firmware and when it prompts you to turn off your PSP using X, press it. Not doing so, could potentially damage your PSP beyond repair.
Now turn the PSP back on not holding any buttons. If done correctly, it should turn back on like your PSP did before any of this.
If not, redo the steps above until it did.
Now just to make sure you did the steps correctly, go into Settings>System Settings>System Information. The system software should read '4.01 M33-2' if not, redo the steps above.
If it does, you have done it, and you either unbricked your PSP or downgraded (or upgraded :S) to a Custom Firmware.
So put in your spare battery (non-pandorized) and if this is your only memory stick, format the memory stick! Now you are fully done!
FOR PHATTIES:
Navigate to your Game menu and go to Memory Stick.
There is the Installer for 1.50 Kernel Addon for 4.01
Press X on it and go through the steps, and do whatever it says.
And now you can play homebrew games on your PSP-1000!!!
EXTRA:
While we're still here, let's take a look at the 'M33 Recovery Menu'
To get into the menu, hold your power switch up until the PSP is fully off.
And when turning back on, hold the R trigger Button
You are now in the 'M33 Recovery Menu'
Toggle USB: Same as USB Connection in the XMB
Configuration:
Skip Sony Logo: Skips Sony logo on booting up
Hide corrupt icons: Hides any icons that are corrupt on the XMB
Game folder homebrew: Has a kernel already in there, but you still need to install it on a Phat PSP (I think)
Autorun program at: /PSP/GAME/BOOT/EBOOT.PBP: Allows you to run update EBOOTS when your PSP is booted (Recommended to disable)
UMD Mode: Has three options - Normal (UMD Required), M33 Driver (No UMD), Sony NP9660 (No UMD), OE isofs legacy (No UMD)
Fake Region: Allows you to choose which regions UMDs run on (Recommended to disable - keeps it region free)
Use VshMenu: Toggles the menu in the XMB when Select is pressed (the overclock options etc - Recommended to enable)
XMB Usb Device: Toggles which memory of the PSP is explorable through the USB connection. You can toggle from Memory Stick, Flash 0, Flash 1, Flash 2, Flash 3, UMD Disc
Charge Battery When USB Cable Plugged: Allows you to charge through USB without going into USB Mode
Use M33 Network Update: Allows update of custom firmware instead of official firmware through the XMB
Hide PIC0.PNG and PIC1.PNG in game menu: Hides game pictures, icons and backgrounds
Use version.txt: Don't know - I suspect it uses this file's information to display in the System Information from the XMB
Run program at /PSP/GAME/RECOVERY/EBOOT.PBP: Don't know what this is for - some sort of recovery, maybe?
Advanced:
Advanced Configuration:
Plain modules in UMD/ISO: Don't bother
Execute BOOT.BIN in UMD/ISO: Don't bother
XMB plugins: Don't bother
GAME plugins: Don't bother
POPS plugins: Don't bother
Toggle USB (flash0): Changes USB from Memory Stick to PSP Flash0 memory
Toggle USB (flash1): Changes USB from Memory Stick to PSP Flash1 memory
Toggle USB (flash2): Changes USB from Memory Stick to PSP Flash2 memory
Toggle USB (flash3): Changes USB from Memory Stick to PSP Flash3 memory
Format flash1 and reset settings: Format flash1 memory and reset all PSP settings (themes, wallpapers, name etc)
CPU Speed:
Speed in XMB: Set the PSP's CPU frequency in the XMB
Speed in UMD/ISO: Set the PSP's CPU frequency in-game (whether UMD or ISO)
Plugins: Any plugins installed on the PSP will show up here, and can be enabled or disabled from here.
Registry Hacks:
Button Assign: Toggles the default OK button to X or Circle
Activate WMA: Lets you play WMA audio files on the PSP without an Internet connection
Activate Flash Player: Lets you play .swf files in the video menu in the XMB
To exit the M33 Recovery Menu, just go back to the main menu and hit Exit.
Once your PSP has booted up, press Select. This is your VSH Menu. Go to EXIT on the bottom of it to exit.
There is a newer firmware update, just so you know. If you have a WiFi connection, then just make sure in the M33 Recovery Menu you have Use M33 Network Update enabled. If for some reason, you don't then go here:
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![]() http://www.warez-bb.org/viewtopic.php?p=14391060 |
Quick Questions
Q. I have just bought a new PSP, I followed this guide correctly, but it didn't work. Why?
A. Like I explained above, your PSP is either a PSP Slim & Lite with a TA88v3 motherboard, or your PSP is a PSP-3000 (PSP Slim & Brite) which needs a new kind of Pandora battery
Q. How do I check if my PSP has a TA88v3 motherboard?
A. I've put links above on why it can't be Custom Firmwared and how to tell if it is a TA88v3 motherboard.
Q. I have a question not answered here, what do I do?
A. PM me and I'll answer it in this FAQ section.