About Custom Firmware
Aug 27, 2013 PSP 6.61 Custom Firmware Install on any PSP - PSP, PSP Slim, PSP 3000, PSP Go & E1000. Discussion in 'Console Guides' started by InsaneNutter, Aug 27, 2013. Users are very amused by their unique PSP games. The only two ways to buy it is first to get the original version. However, this may be very expensive and not affordable for many of the users. However, there is another possible way to hack and download it with the custom firmware’s available online. Nov 20, 2017 Hi guys, Tech James here, For this tutorial, I’ll show you guys how to install 6.60 PRO C2 Custom Firmware on your PSP/PSP GO. This is the most popular and apparently the best Custom Firmware.
You can play games in the UMD drive, you can play games you bought from the store, but when it comes to trying to play games in an unconventional manner, you will hit a road block. If you try to play a backup copy of a game, activate a non-sony theme, or install an emulator you will find you can’t progress in some manner. That is where Custom Firmware steps in.
Custom Firmware (abbreviated CFW) relaxes restrictions put in place by Sony, and allows you to do much more than you could do before with your PSP. The common feature of all custom firmware available for the PSP is to relax the signing process for PSP applications, so that applications that developers that aren’t Sony approved can be installed.
Permanent vs Non-Permanent
All forms of CFW will mention whether or not they are permanent. A permanent CFW is when you turn off your PSP by holding the power switch or running out of battery, and you see the ‘Sony Computer Entertainment’ boot logo, the CFW remains installed. If the CFW is not permanent, when you restart it returns back to the original state.
There is normally a wider choice if you are okay to go down the non-permanent route, but if you intend to use the features of CFW every time you use your PSP, you will need to reinstall the CFW every time you start your PSP, which will become quickly tedious.
Owners of the PSP 1000 and old 2000 versions will find that a majority of the CFW choices out there are permanent. Sony fixed up some of the exploits used to make the CFW permanent in the remainder editions, but for these devices Infinity can be used to simulate permanent CFW.
So far, the PSP Street (E) is the only device not capable of custom firmware.
How to Install
Deciding on your Custom Firmware
All devices (but Street) are capable of custom firmware, but not all of them are as straightforward as the PSP 1000. You can use our wizard or the Hackinformer site to specify your PSP and discover which process will work for yours.
Specific Guides
For more in depth step-by-step processes, we are writing up guides for each firmware with their pros and cons.
Copying to your PSP
From here on, this guide will focus on the editor choice PRO CFW. Your milage may vary, and the other recommendations are ME and Infinity
Ensure you downloaded the correct version for your PSP. If you installed a 6.60 CFW on 6.61 OFW you could potentially brick your device. If you are unsure, feel free to ask. Carelessness causes (metaphorical) fire.
So you’ve now obtained an archive of the custom firmware you need for your PSP version. Extract this folder and you should see a folder named either PSP or GAME. If so, you need to copy this folder to your PSP.
Connect your PSP to your computer via USB, and go to USB Connection mode. Once it appears in your File Explorer (It’ll appear like a memory stick), open it up. You should see a folder named PSP (If your archive contained a folder named GAME, then open up the PSP folder). Extract your folder here as if you’re overwriting the folder, as your computer should only add the new files. Once done, you can now disconnect your PSP from your computer.
Open up your memory stick under the Game section. You should now see some new exciting options (examples from PRO-C)!
Now here’s the really difficult part. Prepare a brew and dig out the biggest pack of biscuits you’ve got, this is going to take a while. Open 661 PRO-C Fast Recovery (PRO), and wait for your PSP to reboot.
That’s it, now you’re running tethered custom firmware.
Is that really it?
Depends on what you want. What you’ve really done is rebooted your PSP into custom firmware mode. When you turn off or reboot your PSP it will go back to original firmware until you click fast recovery again. If you’re happy doing this (especially if you just keep your PSP in stand by), then you can stop here (PRO can delete all CFW files but Fast Recovery). However, in certain circumstances you can make this permanent. This varies between PSP models, chipsets and custom firmware support.
Making custom firmware permanent
This isn’t as nefarious as it sounds. Some custom firmwares (PRO for one) will allow you to make the cfw permanent if your PSP supports it. This doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it whether you like it or not. Instead of having to manually boot the PRO firmware, a utility will write it to a secret portion of the PSP that controls the start-up process. This means when your PSP boots up, it will run the cfw instantly instead of needing manual activation.
What are the benefits? If you use a large memory card that official firmware cannot detect, it will more likely be detected on boot by the custom firmware. You no longer need to open up fast recovery, or even keep any of the custom firmware utilities on your PSP. However, your PSP must be able to support this as certain models do not. The Hackinformer guide will inform you whether this process is compatible with your PSP.
If your device is capable as pointed out by the wizard, open up the CIPL Flasher utility that came with your custom firmware, and once a black screen with white text opens, press the button that corresponds with ‘install CIPL’. Once done, it will reboot your PSP. Now if you go to system > System Information on your PSP, it should now say you are running the custom firmware you desired. Even without opening the fast recovery utility!
If your device is not listed, you will need to install via Infinity. Please check out our Infinity guide instead for installation on semi-permanent capable devices.
FAQ
How can I see whether my custom firmware is running?
All cfws like to modify the system information screen to show what custom firmware you’re running. Open System Settings and then System Information. If ‘System Software’ shows just a number and your full mac address is shown, then you are running official firmware. Custom firmware will add their moniker to this segment (e.g. 6.61 PRO-C2).
Should I hold back on updating my PSP?
No. Official firmware 6.61 has been cracked, and comes with internal system fixes. If you are running 6.60 then you can comfortably stay on that version, but other versions will benefit from a systems upgrade.
How do I remove/uninstall custom firmware?
Either do not run, or even delete the ‘fast recovery’ option and reboot your PSP. You should find the system software will not mention custom firmware in it, indicating that it is not running.
Is the process safe? Can I ‘brick’ my PSP?
While the procedure for most custom firmwares are tried and tested, yes it is possible to brick your PSP.
To avoid bricking your PSP, make sure you checked your console beforehand, as the following may cause a brick:
- Installing the wrong CFW for your version and device.
- Not uninstalling a permanent cfw prior to install (nowadays it should be fine, but still runs a risk with older firmware).
- Running out of battery/power during the install process.
- Shutting down the PSP during install or flashing (like Windows tells you not to shut down during an update).
Once bricked, unless you have a first generation PSP your best bet is to purchase another one. First gen owners can make or purchase a Pandora battery, which will force the PSP into recovery mode and can then restore the damaged firmware.
Last updated: 26th February 2020The following article details the process of setting up your PSP with the PRO custom firmware. PRO firmware enables your vendor-locked device to do many more functions, including but not limited to:
- Play downloaded and/or backed-up ISO and CSO games.
- Play homebrew games and applications.
- Customise advanced settings, overclock your processor and change to custom themes.
For more details and benefits of cfw, check out the main article.
Prerequisites
To proceed with the custom firmware process, all you need is:
- A working PSP console, any version.
- PSP data transfer cable, or a way to connect the memory stick to your PC.
- Additional file(s) needed for Go! variants, will be mentioned in the article.
- An up-to-date firmware version.
PRO supports the latest firmware (version 6.61) released by Sony, and it is recommended that you upgrade to receive the latest fixes and improvements before proceeding. However, if you do wish to remain with an older firmware, the latest custom firmware version supports back to 6.20. Ensure you download the version that matches your current firmware version!
To determine your PSP firmware version, open System Settings on the XMB, then select System Information. The System Software will let you know which version you have.
Downloads
Ensure you download the version that matches your PSP firmware. If your firmware does not match any of the listed, then consider updating your firmware. Installing a mismatched version may brick your PSP.
Setup
Once you’ve downloaded the corresponding custom firmware package for your console, then we’re ready to begin!
Extract your downloaded archive to a place on your computer. The folder is created should look like this inside.
The developers structure the layout so that it can simply be dropped into the root of your PSP, and the files will be placed where they need to be.
Connect your PSP to your computer with your data cable, or if you have the means to do so connect your Memory Stick Duo (or MicroSD) to your computer. Copy the PSP and seplugin folders from your extracted archive, and paste them into the root of your PSP. The PSP folder is supposed to already be there, so when it asks if you wish to merge folders, say yes.
Now the files are on your PSP, we can now disconnect it from your computer.
Installing
Returning to the PSP, you should now have some new entries under Memory Stick menu item in Game. You should have entries for Pro Update, Pro Fast Recovery and Pro CIPL Flasher. If any or all of these come up as corrupted media, then double check your firmware versions and try again.
To install the custom firmware, run the Pro Update application. The console will act like it’s running a game. If successful, you should be greeted with a black screen with tiny white text on it. Press X and your PSP will reboot itself into custom firmware mode.
Check your PSP firmware like you did earlier on, and if all was successful your system software will show the custom firmware you installed after it.
That’s it, you’re now running custom firmware! However, this is not permanent. Every time you start up your PSP, you will need to run Pro Fast Recovery to return to the custom firmware state. It’s not exactly a difficult process, but in a few cases you do have the option to make this permanent.
If you’re happy to re-run the software on reboot, then feel free to delete CIPL Flasher and Pro Update from your console.
(Optional) Making it Permanent
If you have a an older PSP, such as a first or early second generation then you are in luck and this process is super quick. Simply after the reboot occurs and you are in the custom firmware state, run the last of the PRO package, CIPL Flasher.
Now this tool will write your custom firmware to the tiny, tiny onboard storage the PSP has for operation. This process is tried and tested, but ensure you follow the on-screen prompts when running it. After installing it, there should be a brief pause and your PSP will reboot into custom firmware mode again.
Check to see if it worked by rebooting your PSP, and without running PRO Update check your Firmware version and see if you have PRO mentioned in it. If so, your custom firmware is permanent! You can now delete all the entries for PRO in the Games menu.
Psp Custom Firmware For Ppsspp Windows 7
If later on you decide to remove your permanent custom firmware, simply download the package again and re-run CIPL Flasher. There will be an option to remove it and return to the original firmware state.
This article is still in progress, but please let us know what details you would like to be seen!