Just got a new PSP - need some help

hey guys, i decided to go out and buy a used PSP, Black one, not slim..

System software version 3.03

now what do i do to get custom firmware on this thing, because i am a n00b with PSP's, i have no clue between the different versions ect..

well i do have excellent soldering skills.. i use to use a mig welder, so soldering is ez as sleeping..
and i have some connections for getting the games..

BUT.. i just read some tutorial stuff..

and i think im gonna use the v3.03 downgrader.

But what Firmware should i use? < basically i want it for is to run ISO's

k thx for the suggestion, but i will need to install the firmware 3.52 m33-3 or 4 first, before i can install the 3.71?

just making sure, i design PC software, and i thought Coding in asm and c++ was difficult when i started.. now its a breeze..
same concept here.. kinda confused still..

so basically what i need to do is..:

get the v3.03 downgrader -
get the custom firmwares -
follow the tuts on how to install them.. install them... and thats it?


BTW thx for all your help man, this site and you are makin it alot easier to understand.

k, was just reading, and i need a game or some umd disc in to play games off the mem card.. so i went out and bought a game real quick..

i got all the stuff i need to downgrade and install the new firmware.

just acouple more questions, the 1.5 kernel, where do i get that and how to install? or does it come with the firmware..?

and is there a tool to make psp themes?
i worked with my cousin making textures for a cheap MMORPG PC game.. and i have some great idea's for themes, untill i learn alittle bit more on the system.. right now thats about all i can contribute besides the fact i can code in c++ and ASM.
So maybe i will make some usefull applications for the psp. any idea's on some good applications feel free to let me know
just since this site and you guys are so helpfull, i feel like i owe something in return.

[DarkPacMan77]

Question: How to use the 1.50 kernel?
Answer: Hold the power button to turn the PSP all the way off. Now, hold the R-trigger button and power the PSP on (still holding the R-trigger). This will enter you into the "Recovery Mode", a hidden menu that only custom firmware has . From there, go into the "Configuration" menu, and then press the "X" button on "Game folder homebrew" and in the parenthesis, it should now say, "currently: 1.50 kernel"

Question: Is there a tool to make psp themes?
Answer: Yes. There are a handful of third party programs to help you make your own themes. I can't remember any by name right now, but even Sony has made a theme program quite recently. Sorry for not being more informative, but a little searching on google or something should help you out in this department.

And hey, if you can code, I wish you all the best in any PSP-related endeavors that you may wish to embark on. Also, I responded to your thread in staxx's noobie tutorial in the tutorials section. I highly recommend that you read that.

-DarkPacMan77-

Which custom firmware are you using? If your using 3.71 M33 you have to add 1.5 yourself.

im not using any yet.. im waiting untill i know exactly what to do before i mess with it, cause i dont want to break it :/ lol

but i think im going to install the 3.52 m33-4 and then install the 3.71, how do i install the kernel manually?

you just gotta stick certain files in different folders and stuff. Its pretty easy.

ahh crap do you have to have that gta lcs game to downgrade?

You can downgrade up to the 3.03 firmware with an Unpatched version of GTA: LCS.
You can downgrade from any firmware 3.50 or below by upgrading to 3.50 then using an Unpatched version of Lumines I.

how can i tell if its an unpatched version of GTA lcs? cuz i can get a used copy for cheap, case looks pretty well used, it might be original release.. but anything on the box or umd i can look for to tell if its unpatched or patched?

[BKFraiders7]

there is a code on the box. Well, Lumines has a certain code. so GTA prolly does too. I dont know the code so u can probably find it on goggle somewhere no doubt. So check there and find the code.

Well i doubt that if either games are "greatest hits" then they probably are "defective"

sweet i got myself a copy... ULUS 10041 is on the case.. hopefully its the right one..

I was lucky, one of my friends had an original copy I could use to downgrade mine. Hopefully you will be able to downgrade yours. If you need any help with the 3.50 Lumines Downgrader just ask me .