So you have a PSP and you want to try out this thing called "homebrew" you've been hearing so much about. Problem is, you're still on official Sony firmware. What to do? Well, read this guide for starters. Today we'll be tackling how to install custom firmware on PSPs running anything from OFW 1.50 to OFW 3.50.

The first four tutorials below are about downgrading to 1.50. If you're already at firmware 1.50, skip to the end. If you're currently running Sony firmware not listed in the tutorials below, don't fret. Just update to the covered OFWs and follow the instructions we've outlined. For example, if you're on OFW 1.51, update to 2.00. If you're on 2.60, update to 2.80.

So, without further ado, let's get started.

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OFW 2.00 and 2.01

Required downloads:

• eLoader
• 2.0/2.01 Easy Downgrader
• OFW 1.50 Update

Optional download:

• OFW 2.01 Update

Step 1: Extract the eLoader folder in eLoader_v1.zip to the GAME folder of your PSP.

Step 2: Extract the PSP folder in 201DG.zip to the root of your memory stick.

Step 3: Extract the 1.50 update to PSPGAMEUPDATE. Note that you might have to create the UPDATE folder yourself.

Step 4: Run the downgrader via eLoader. To downgrade, choose the v1.00 option.

Step 5: Once you've downgraded to v1.00, run the v1.50 update.

Alternative downgrading method for OFW 2.00:

Required downloads:

• MPH 2.0 -> 1.50 PSP Firmware Downgrader
• OFW 1.50 Update

Step 1: Extract the MPH Downgrader to the root of your PSP's memory stick.

Step 2: Extract the 1.50 update to PSPGAMEUPDATE. Note that you might have to create the UPDATE folder yourself.

Step 3: Go to Photo -> Memory Stick. You’ll see a black screen with some numbers (see pic below). Wait 30 seconds then restart your PSP.

Step 4: Run the OFW 1.50 update. You’ll see an error (first pic below) at the end of the update, but this is normal. Restart the PSP manually. When you encounter another error (second pic below), press O to restart.

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OFW 2.80

Required downloads:

• Homebrew Enabler (HEN) for Firmware 2.80
  
• TA-082 Easy Downgrader
  
• OFW 1.50 Update

Optional download:

• OFW 2.80 Update

Step 1: Copy the contents of the MS_ROOT folder in ta82downgrader.zip to the root folder of your memory stick.

Step 2: Copy the 1.50 update eboot to PSPGAMEUPDATE. Make sure it's named UPDATE.PBP.

Step 3: Install and run HEN 2.80.

• Copy all the files inside the MS_ROOT folder in hen280.zip to the root folder of your memory stick.
• Go to the PHOTO viewer on the PSP XMB and enter the HEN_280 folder. If your PSP freezes, just reboot and try again.
• When the program runs, you'll see either a red or blue screen.

• A red screen means that the files couldn't be written to flash. If you get this result just try again.

• A pale blue screen means that the files were written successfully and HEN is active. The XMB will reboot afterwards. Note that the pale blue screen will appear again every time the PSP reboots with HEN active.
• Test that HEN is working fine by running one of the bundled sample applications.

Step 5: If your PSP has a TA-082 motherboard run the 2.80 idstorage changer. Your PSP's battery has to have at least 75% charge for it to run.

Step 6: Run Update X.YX. Again, your PSP's battery has to be have at least 75% charge for the update to run.

Step 7: If all went fine, you'll receive a blue screen telling you to press O. Do it reenter your settings. You are now at 1.50.

Read more: Improved 2.80 Downgrader released by Noobz!

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OFW 3.03

Required UMD game and downloads:

• an unpatched copy of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories
• Noobz 3.03 to 1.50 downgrader
• OFW 1.50 Update

Optional download:

• OFW 3.03 Update

Step 1: Update to firmware 3.03. If already have this firmware then proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Open the 3.03 downgrade file and copy the contents of the MS_ROOT folder to the root of your memory stick.

Step 3: Open the 1.5 update and rename the EBOOT.PBP to UPDATE.PBP then copy it to PSPGAMEUPDATE. Make sure not to overwrite PSPGAMEUPDATEEBOOT.PBP

Step 4: Load your unpatched version of Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories. It should get to loading save game, clear the screen, then the screen should fill with a light blue color and then reset the PSP. If this does not happen see below.

• Check that HEN is running by going to system settings then System Information and it should show up as system version 303 HEN
• If it is showing up as 3.03 HEN then go to the memory stick and run the X.YZ update

Step 5: Before the downgrader does anything to your PSP it will ask for you to agree to what it is doing. If you no longer want to continue press the Right Shoulder Button (R-TRIGGER). If you have agreed to start the downgrade do not unplug the PSP.

Note: If you have an unpatched TA-082 or higher motherboard, you will be prompted to allow the downgrader to patch your motherboard so it can be safely downgraded. The downgrader will not let you proceed without patching, if your motherboard requires it.

Step 6: Once finished the PSP will ask you to press X. After pressing it will reset it self.

Step 7: If a blue screen comes up saying that the settings are corrupt press X or O to continue.

Read more: Are you ready for homebrew? 3.03 HEN and Downgrader released!

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OFW 3.50

Required UMD game and downloads:

• an unpatched copy of Lumines (EUR, USA, KOR, JPN)
• Universal 3.50 HEN/Downgrader
• OFW 1.50 Update

Optional download:

• OFW 3.50 update

Step 1: Update to firmware 3.50. If you are already at 3.50 proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Copy the contents of the MS_ROOT folder in Downgrader350_All_Unpatched.zip to the root of your memory stick.

Step 3: Copy the 1.50 update eboot to PSPGAMEUPDATE. Make sure it's named UPDATE.PBP.

Step 4: Load the Lumines UMD, and as soon as it gets to the Press START screen, press START. It should get to loading save game, clear the screen, then the screen should fill with a light blue color and then reset the PSP. If this does not happen see below.

• Check that HEN is running by going to system settings then System Information and it should show up as system version 350 HEN
• If it is showing up as 3.50 HEN then go to the GAME menu and run the X.YZ update

Step 5: Before the downgrader does anything to your PSP it will ask for you to agree to what it is doing. If you no longer want to continue press the Right Shoulder Button (R-TRIGGER). If you have agreed to start the downgrade do not unplug the PSP.

Note: If you have an unpatched TA-082 or higher motherboard, you will be prompted to allow the downgrader to patch your motherboard so it can be safely downgraded. The downgrader will not let you proceed without patching, if your motherboard requires it.

Step 6: Once finished the PSP will ask you to press X. After pressing it will reset it self.

Step 7: If a blue screen comes up saying that the settings are corrupt press X or O to continue.

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Installing CFW 3.52 M33

Congratulations, you are now at firmware 1.50. From here you'll be able to update to custom firmware 3.52 M33, which in turn will let you update to the later Team M33 CFW releases by Dark AleX. Here's how to go about it.

Required downloads:

• CFW 3.52 M33
• OFW 3.52 Update
  
• OFW 1.50 Update

Step 1: Copy the contents of the 1.50only folder in 3.52M33.zip to PSPGAME and then run it.

Step 2: Copy the M33CREATOR folder in 3.52M33.zip to PSPGAME.

Step 3: Place the 3.52 update eboot in PSPGAMEM33CREATOR. Make sure that the update is named 352.PBP.

Step 4: Place the 1.50 update eboot in PSPGAMEM33CREATOR. Make sure that the update is named 150.PBP.

Step 5: Go to GAMES -> Memory Stick on your PSP and run the 3.52 M33 CREATOR program. Once finished, it will return to the XMB.

Step 6: Go to GAMES -> Memory Stick on your PSP and run 3.52 M33UPDATE. Press X to agree to the installation.

Step 7: When finished, press X to shut down your PSP.

Step 8: Reboot manually.

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Congratulations again! You now have a custom Team M33 firmware running on your PSP. From here, you can update to later versions of the M33 custom firmware. Check out the QJ.NET Custom Firmware Database [ part 1 | part 2 ] for a clearer view of what each CFW offers.

Oh yes. As you have no doubt noticed, this tutorial ends at downgrading from OFW 3.50. Old hands at PSP homebrew know that to downgrade from OFW 3.51 you'll need some very special tools, all of which we'll be covering in the next issue of the QJ How-To series. In the meantime, drop by the forums if you have any questions regarding your PSP.

Visit: QJ.NET PSP FAQs, Guides, and Tutorials forum

* Lots and lots of credit should be given to those who made downgrading possible: Noobz Team, HarleyG, Dark AleX, Mathieulh, Team C+D, 0okm. Props also go to the QJ.NET forum's own Brad as well as makeuseof.com who both served as sources.