ULTIMATE Homebrew Guide / FAQ v2.17 (Updated Sep 11, 2007)

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Intro READ: This is ULTIMATE FAQ v2.17, it is not completed. We ask you to help us complete it by replying below (especially in the emulators section). We will be updating it very frequently but we wanted to publish it now before it was finished so that everyone can read it. Please post any additions that you have, as well as any errors such as corrections, bad links, spelling, or anything you think should be added. If you know of a guide that provides more/better info, please post it so that we can add it. Once your comment is added, we will delete your post. This will help us keep track of what has been added and what hasn't. Thanks! Visit the The Ultimate QJ Guide for guides and FAQ's related to specific homebrew.

Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS I. FORUM POLICY II. INSTALLING HOMEBREW ON YOUR PSP 1) Introduction 2) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with v1.0 Firmware 3) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with v1.5 Firmware 4) Installing Hombrew on a PSP using Pre-made Eboot files/folders 5) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with v2.01/2.5/2.6/2.7/2.71 Firmware 6) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with v2.01/2.5/2.6 Firmware (Method B) 7) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with v2.7/2.71 Firmware (Method B) 8) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with v2.80 9) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with v2.81 -3.03 10) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with v2.71 SE or 3.x OE 11) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with 3.10 - 3.50 12) Note to 3.51 and Higher Users III. EMULATOR GUIDE 1) Introduction 2) Amiga 500 3) GameBoy/GameBoy Color 4) GBA 5) MAME 6) MSX 7) Neo Geo 8) NES 9) Nintendo64 10) PC Engine (Turbo Grafx 16) 11) PS1 (PSone) 12) PSPE (PSP on PC) 13) Sega Genesis/Megadrive 14) Sega Master System 15) SNES 16) Wonderswan IV. FAQ / Tips 1) Introduction 2) Firmware 3) Emulators 4) Homebrew Games 5) Hacks (KXploit, etc) 6) Misc. V. Credits VI. Version History

Forum Policy I. FORUM POLICY: First, read the [QJ] Quick Justice Policy, this is a much stricter rule enforcement policy. Additionally, before you post read these Posting Guidelines: 1) Use SEARCH 2) Post in the correct forum area. Read the description below each forum and choose the section that most fits your post topic. 3) Do not ask: When an emulator, game or hack will be made or released, for a special emulator or game to be written/ported for you, when a Downgrader will work on X.XX. Also do not ask when Homebrew will be available to X.XX users or for help with anything that is covered in the FAQ's or can be easily found by searching the forums and reading the stickied threads. 4) No Illegal Activity Don't ask for ROMs, or other copyrighted material (SDK, Libraries, etc). Do not give the names of websites that host these files. Do not link to sites which sell modchips. Do not ask for someone to send you a PM with the link. Do not ask for an email with links. Additionally, we will not tolerate topics promoting or encouraging illegal activities (such as drug use, theft, vandalism, etc.) in order to protect our younger members. 5) Keep it clean! Since we have a wide range of users, including minors, do not post or link to pornographic material or anything else that may be more than PG-13. This extends to language as well. 6) Keep it friendly! Flaming will not be tolerated. No exceptions. Read about Operation: Positive Posting 7) NO SPAMMING! This includes, but is not limited to: Promoting competitive websites, crossposting/doubleposting, referral links, and bumping before waiting at least 12 hours for your post to be replied to. Spamming and asking for "Points" will not be tolerated and will result in a subtraction of points, left to the moderator's discretion. Repeat offenders will be banned. 8) No Piracy! Here at QJ.net we have a strict "No Piracy" policy when it comes to UMD games and other current generation ISO's and "backups". We will not allow discussions detailing how to pirate games or how to get pirated games/loaders. Topics regarding piracy will be heavily moderated to prevent encouraging it's use and will be left to the moderators' discretion. You best bet is to avoid this topic entirely when posting. You MUST read our Policy on Piracy!! 9) Multiple accounts and "dupe" accounts are not allowed - [Update] Shared accounts are not allowed either Any member discovered having multiple accounts will have their extra accounts permanently banned. Repeat offenders will have their main account banned. Users who were temporarily banned and create a new account to avoid their ban period may have their original account permanently banned. Any act meant to circumvent banning periods will result in a permanent ban. [Update] - Those found sharing accounts with numerous persons may be issued a ban depending on the situation and circumstances. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, sharing an account with someone so that they too can benefit from Premium Member abilities and/or usergroup permissions. It is our right to ban accounts as we wish and as we see fit. [Update 2] - Impersonating a Mod or Admin is strictly forbidden. This includes using a name that a Mod/Admin may have previously occupied, with out asking the former name holder. This also includes "framing" a Mod/Admin. This includes using VBPlaza items, such as changing another users title to include the word "Mod", "Admin", or the name of any current Mod or Admin. i.e. "PWNED BY (insert Mod/Admin name here)". 10) Do not abuse the signature function Signatures should be kept under 6 lines long to make it easy for everyone to browse the forums and read the threads. Additionally, avoid overuse of the emoticons and do not use a font size larger than "3". All sigs and avatars must conform to the other Posting Guidelines listed above. Inappropriate and excessive signatures will be modified by the mod staff and the user will receive a PM informing them why. Repeated abuse may result in a ban. In an effort to help loading times and those with 56K connections, please limit all signature pictures to no more than 200kb. (This includes all animated signatures.) 11) Do not attempt to sell anything Selling on this forum is not prohibited. The attempt to sell or advertising a product for sale that you are selling is not allowed. If you find a good deal for a product, feel free to share it with the community. Please avoid selling your own items on these forums, no matter what the occasion. If you are found in violation of this rule, you will be issued a temporary ban. Repeated offenders will be banned permanently. Any attempts to gain money from scams will not be tolerated as well, all donation requests that appear to be scams will be removed immediately. Donations are accepted under administrative approval. If we feel that you may be donating to something that you shouldn't be, or something in which you are being lied about, we will remove the donation link. Feel free to donate to developers though. 12) Do not ask an administrator or a moderator for a free premium account. Please do not ask for a free premium account, we do not distribute them on these forums and will not reply if asked. Please refrain from doing so. 13) Do not ask numerous members if they could purchase a premium account for you. Recently, we updated our forums and added a new feature that will allow you to buy someone else a premium account. However, we have found that users would PM a number of people asking for one. Please refrain from doing this, if someone wants to buy you one they will come to you. 14) Do not advertise To expand on our no advertising statement with spamming, the same thing goes for signatures. Please refrain from advertising sites in your signature that may be considered competitive. This includes, but is not confined for, sites that cover news that we similarly cover. We hate to have such a policy, but many pay to advertise on our site - so free advertising will not be allowed. The punishment and "advertising" call will be made by the moderator or administrator who is dealing with your situation 15) USE SEARCH!!! Ignoring any of these posting rules will result in post locking, deletion, or banning without warning or notice..

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II. INSTALLING HOMEBREW ON YOUR PSP

1) Introduction The very first thing you need to do is find out what firmware version your PSP is. To do this, turn on your PSP, go to Settings > System Settings > System Information and click "X". It will say "System Software Version" 1.0, 1.5, 1.51, 1.52, 2.0, 2.01, 2.50, 2.60, 2.70, 2.71, 2.80, 2.81, 2.82, 3.00, 3.01, 3.02, 3.03, 3.10, 3.11, 3.30, 3.40, 3.50, 3.51, 3.52, 3.60, 3.70, 3.71, 3.72, 3.73, 3.80, 3.90, 3.93, 3.95, 4.00, and 4.01. If your PSP is firmware version 1.0 or 1.5, you can run all homebrew games, emulators, and applications. If your PSP is firmware version 1.51 or 1.52, you cannot run any homebrew (although, you can update to 2.0 and run most homebrew games and/or downgrade to 1.5 via 2.0 Downgrader). If you have firmware 2.01-3.03 you can run most homebrew games. Additionally, 2.50/2.60 can be downgraded to 1.5. 2.71 can be downgraded to 1.5 as well, using the Generic Downgrader. As of Dec 23 2006, 2.80 can be downgraded. On Jan 28, 2007, firmware 3.03 was unlocked allowing for Homebrew and downgrader method for 2.81 - 3.03 users and the same with 3.10 - 3.50. More info can be obtained here. Firmware 3.51 and higher only can be modified by means of a Pandora Battery, more information can be found Here.

2) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with 1.0 Installing Homebrew applications is actually a whole lot easier then it sounds. For the most part, it's all just "Drag & Drop." Although some emulators may require you to rename ROMs, or place them in specific folders, but you can read about that in the Emulators section. Plug your PSP into your computer via a USB cable. Turn on your PSP and navigate to Settings > USB Connection and press "X". Your computer should then automatically detect the PSP. Go to My Computer > Removable Disk (F:) (where F is the drive letter your computer assigns to the PSP). You are now browsing the contents of your memory stick. You should see a folder named PSP. Open the PSP folder and create a GAME folder (if there isn't one already). You will then need to create a folder for each homebrew emulator or game you want to put on your memory card (make sure you use the 1.0 eboot, the one with only one folder, and NOT the 1.5 eboot, the one with two folders). [picture] Note: Most homebrew emulators and games come zipped in folders, in that case you just have to drag the folder into PSP/GAME/. Now, exit USB Connection, and go over to the Game Icon, go down to the filled in Memory Stick Duo Icon, go over to a homebrew game, and launch it.

3) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with 1.5 Connect your PSP to your Computer Navigate to X:\PSP\GAME (where the drive letter X is your PSP's drive letter) Most homebrew today comes in KXploited form. If it's not in KXploit form (meaning that there aren't two different folders, both containing an EBOOT.PBP, and one folder having a % in its name), then you must convert it to KXploited form. To convert homebrew into KXploited form: Download and install SeiPSPTool Using SeiPSPTool, click the Export Eboot Icon (the one with the big green cross) Enter the name of the homebrew you are converting in the name box If the EBOOT.PBP is standalone, meaning it doesn't have any folders with it or anything, click the "..." button and click "from file", and navigate to the Eboot. If the EBOOT.PBP is in a folder, with other files, click the "..." button and click "from whole folder", and navigate to the folder. Now, set your PSP drive in the dropdown box Optionally, check "Hide Corrupted Icon from List", and click Generate. The homebrew is now installed on your PSP! (You may skip the next step) If the homebrew was already in KXploited form, extract both folders to the GAME folder (so the folders are: X:\PSP\GAME\[Appname] and X:\PSP\GAME\[Appname]%) Now, quit USB mode, navigate to Game, scroll down to the filled in Memory Stick Duo icon, and press 'X' Navigate to your homebrew and press 'X' again.

4) Installing Homebrew on a PSP using Pre-made Eboot packs If you want to skip all the do-it-yourself and download a pre-converted pack of emulators, you can get it here. Simply extract all the folders in that zip, connect your PSP via USB, and put them in PSP/GAME/. Note that these emulators are updated very frequently, and when new versions come out you will still be stuck with the older ones. Do not post on our forums asking for people to convert them for you, you can read on to learn to do it yourself, it's quite simple. You can also find Pre-Made EBOOT files for the 1.5 KXploit here. Note: Most of these packs don't have the latest updated homebrew in them. Go to Legion120802's Pre-made eboot thread -I recommend Legion120802's thread since it is the most up-to-date thread. Search for the hombrew game/application that you desire Once you have located the hombrew, download it Once downloaded, extract the contents (WinRAR is sometimes required). Two folders should appear (one with a % sign and one without) Copy these two folders to your PSP/Game directory If you have roms to install, scroll down to view the install directory for each emulator Enjoy your hombrew!

5) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with 2.0-2.71 Note: This method doesn't run ALL homebrew, because some kernel mode and other functions aren't working properly. If you want to run homebrew perfectly, downgrade to 1.5. Download and install eLoader 0.99 TIFF: Auto-installer (Windows only), run and install to your PSP Zip File (other OS's), extract to your PSP Now, navigate to X:\PSP\GAME (where X is your PSP's drive letter) Extract your 1.0 Eboot into the a folder in the GAME folder (X:\PSP\GAME\[appname]). 1.0 Eboot's only have one eboot and one folder, and have no folders with percent signs. If your Eboot is only in KXploited (1.5, 2 foldered form), then follow these steps: Download and install SeiPSPTool Click on the "Convert 1.5-> 1.0 Icon Click the "..." button, and select the folder with the % sign Click the 2nd "..." button, and select the folder without the % sign Click convert Copy the folder without the % sign to your GAME folder Scroll over to the Photo tab, and open the TIFF loader. If it just shuts off your PSP, make sure you have a custom wall paper set, reboot your PSP, and try again Scroll to the homebrew you want to load, and press 'X'

6) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with 2.01-2.60 (Method B) Note: Requires Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories to operate Download the latest eLoader: Auto-installer or Zip file for non-Windows users Run the installer .exe file, or extract all of the files to their proper locations. Download a 2.01+ compatible eboot, availible in this list . Preferably, you want the folder without the % in it's name, extract that folder to X:\PSP\GAME\ (where X is your PSP drive) Load GTA:LCS If eLoader hasn't autoloaded, hit start, go to load game, and load the eLoader in slot 5. Once at the eLoader menu, press X to begin an eboot. Holding down Start+L+R for one second quits the current game. Pressing start at the eLoader menu returns you to the XMB (PSP's main menu) Note: If it fails and shuts-off, many retries may be necessary in order to successfully launch the homebrew.

7) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with 2.7 or 2.71 Note: This does flash files to your PSP's flash, so there is a slight risk of a brick, although none have been reported. 2.71 under HEN-C can't run standard Eboots, so it is suggested that you set up Devhook to emulate 1.5. A guide on how to do this is located here First, download HEN-C here Inside the .rar file, double click on the MS_ROOT folder. Now, with your PSP connected to your PC, navigate to the root directory, and extract the contents of MS_ROOT there. Now, exit USB Mode, and go over to the Photo Icon, but don't press 'X' Press Triangle, and go to Slideshow. If the screen flashes green or blue, then the files were flashed successfully. If it flashes red, just redo this step.

8) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with 2.80 Note: This method doesn't run ALL homebrew, because some kernel mode and other functions aren't working properly. Download and install eLoader 0.995 TIFF: Auto-installer (Windows only), run and install to your PSP Zip File (other OS's), extract to your PSP Now, navigate to X:\PSP\GAME (where X is your PSP's drive letter) Extract your 1.0 Eboot into the a folder in the GAME folder (X:\PSP\GAME\[appname]). 1.0 Eboot's only have one eboot and one folder, and have no folders with percent signs. If your Eboot is only in KXploited (1.5, 2 foldered form), then follow these steps: Download and install SeiPSPTool Click on the "Convert 1.5-> 1.0 Icon Click the "..." button, and select the folder with the % sign Click the 2nd "..." button, and select the folder without the % sign Click convert Copy the folder without the % sign to your GAME folder Scroll over to the Photo tab, and open the TIFF loader. If it just shuts off your PSP, make sure you have a custom wall paper set, reboot your PSP, and try again Scroll to the homebrew you want to load, and press 'X'

9) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with 2.81 - 3.03 You need to first update to 3.03. Link Download 3.03 HEN Link 1. Copy all contents inside MS_ROOT to the root of your memory stick. 2. Load GTA 3. When you run the program, you'll see a colored screen that can be one of two colors: If the PSP freezes or gets a red screen try again * Red: the files couldn't be written to the flash (it happens a few times). * Pale Blue: The files were written successfully, and HEN is active. After that, the xmb will be rebooted. Now you can run the homebrew in format prepared for 2.71. (see details above). Note that a pale blue screen will appear again every time the PSP reboots with HEN active.

10) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with 2.71 SE,3.xx OE, or 3.xxM33 Connect your PSP to your computer, and navigate to X:\PSP (where X is the drive letter of your PSP). Make sure that you have these folders (these folders are necessary, you can't launch homebrew without them). Place all homebrew into its corrisponding folder: X:\PSP\GAME: The regular folder found in official firmwares. Homebrew in this folder may be non-kxploited OR kxploited, it doesn't matter. By default, 1.00/1.50 homebrew doesn't work; we configure it to work following this method: Turn your PSP off, and turn it back on, holding the 'R' trigger button. The PSP will enter recovery mode. Scroll to configuration, and press X. Scroll to Game folder homebrew, and press X until it displays "(currently: 1.50 Kernel)". X:\PSP\GAME150: This is where you put all other homebrew. Homebrew in this folder may be non-kxploited OR kxploited, it doesn't matter. X:\PSP\GAME271 (where 271 corresponds to your custom firmware): This is where you put homebrew designed to run with HEN-C (Homebrew Enabler Revision C) X:\ISO: You just need this folder Now, shut off your PSP and reboot it, this time holding 'R'. Your PSP will boot into recovery mode. Scroll to Configuration, press 'X'. Scroll to Game folder homebrew, and press 'X' until it displays "(currently: 1.50 Kernel)". Scroll to back, and press 'X'. Scroll to exit, and press 'X'. Your PSP will reboot. Go to the XMB (PSP Main Menu), and go over to the game icon, down to the bottom of the list (the filled in Memory Stick Duo Icon), and press 'X' Scroll to any homebrew you want to play, and press 'X' again Most homebrew should work. If some don't, you can try to use the 2.71 SE-A Eboot Fixer Some homebrew may still not work, you'll have to wait until the next revision of the firmware

11) Installing Homebrew on a PSP with 3.10 - 3.50 You need to first update to 3.50. Link Download 3.50 HEN Link 1. Copy the PSP folder inside MS_ROOT to the root of your memory stick. 2. Load Lumines 3. When you run the program, you'll see a colored screen that can be one of two colors: If the PSP freezes or gets a red screen try again * Red: the files couldn't be written to the flash (it happens a few times). * Pale Blue: The files were written successfully, and HEN is active. After that, the xmb will be rebooted. Now you can run the homebrew in format prepared for 2.71. (see details above). Note that a pale blue screen will appear again every time the PSP reboots with HEN active.

12) Note to 3.51 and Higher Users You currently can't run Homebrew or downgrade unless you have a Pandora Battery. More Information on the subject can be found Here

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III: EMULATOR GUIDE

1) Introduction There are many Emulators out there for PSP, and they are being updated extremely fast. Here is a little summary of many of the popular ones. Click on the following link to go to our File Download section for Emulators: http://dl.qj.net/PSP-Emulators/catid/111

2) Amiga 500 PSPUAE: Amiga 500 Emulator for PSP Folder: PSP/GAME/PSPUAE BIOS file: KICK.ROM Accepted ROM File Extensions: .ADF Zip Support: NO Menu Button: Select Notes: Copy an amiga ADF disk file as /PSP/GAME/PSPUAE/DISKS/______.ADF Then, you need to put the Amiga Kickstart 1.3 KICK.ROM file into /PSP/GAME/PSPUAE (Make sure the filename is KICK.ROM) Link.

3) GameBoy/GameBoy Color RIN: This is a GameBoy/GameBoy Color Emulator for PSP by Mr. Mirakichi. Folder: PSP/GAME/*ANY* ROM File Extension: .GB, .GBC Zip Support: YES Menu Button: L Trigger Additional Information: Putting ROMs in subfolder ROMS works well Link. Homer's RIN: This is a GameBoy and GameBoy Color emulator done by our one Homer. Folder: PSP\GAME\RIN\ ROM File Extension: .gb, .gbc Additional Information: This version is for use on 2.01+ PSPs using the eLoader. Link.

4) GBA gpSP: This is a GameBoy Advance Emulator for PSP. Folder: PSP/GAME/gpSP ROM File Extension: .GBA Zip Support: YES Menu Button: Triangle Additional Information: Full Speed, Need GBA BIOS Link.

5) MAME M.A.M.E.: This is a MAME Emulator for PSP by TMK. Folder: PSP/GAME/MAME ROM File Extension: .ZIP Zip Support: YES Menu Button: Additional Information: Mame Faq xMAME: This is a MAME Emulator for PSP. Folder: PSP/GAME/MAME/ ROM File Extension: .ZIP Zip Support: MUST be ZIPPED Menu Button: Additional Information: Not KXploit friendly

6) MSX fMSX: This is a MSX Emulator for PSP by Osakana. Folder: PSP/GAME/MSX ROM File Extension: .ROM for Cartridge, .DSK for Disks Zip Support: YES Menu Button: L Trigger Additional Information: Place Bios files in the PSP/GAME/MSX/BIOS/ Link. HITBIT: This is a MSX Emulator for PSP by Mariko. Folder: PSP/GAME/ ROM File Extension: Zip Support: Menu Button: Additional Information: Link.

7) Neo Geo ngPSP: This is a Neo Geo Emulator for PSP by NeXis2600 Folder: PSP/GAME/NGPSP ROM File Extension: .NGP Zip Support: NO Menu Button: Additional Information: Additional needed folders: "Battery", "State", "Roms". Select button for Menu. Link. Neo Geo CD: This is a Neo Geo CD Emulator for PSP by Matinez Fabrice and Fosters Folder: PSP/GAME/NEOCD ROM File Extension: Zip Support: Menu Button: L Trigger Additional Information: Left trigger = Exit, Archive all files in your NEOGEO CD to zip file named "neocd.zip". Get NEOGEO CD BIOS. /PSP/GAME/NEOCD + EBOOT.PBP + STARTUP.BIN + loading.bmp + NEOCD.BIN (BIOS) + NEOCD.ZIP (CD contents) Link.

8) NES NesterJ: This is a Nintendo Emulator for PSP by Ruka. Folder: PSP/GAME/*ANY* Accepted ROM File Extensions: .NES Zip Support: YES Menu Button: L Trigger Additional Information: ROMs can go anywhere in the NesterJ folder or subfolders. Link.

9) Nintendo64 Daedalus: This is a N64 Emulator for PSP. Folder: PSP/GAME/Daedalus ROM File Extension: .n64 Zip Support: YES Additional Information: Decent Speed, Some Game Don't work Link.

10) PC Engine (Turbo Grafx 16) PCEP: This is a Turbo Grafx 16 Emulator for PSP. Folder: PSP/GAME/*ANY* Accepted ROM File Extensions: .PCE Zip Support: YES Menu Button: L Trigger Additional Information: Supports TG-16/PCE and 2-disk roms like street fighter 2 Link.

11) PS1 (PSone) PS1P-Alpha 1: This is a Playstation 1 Emulator for PSP. Folder: PSP/GAME/__SCE__ps1p File Extension: ISO, BIN, Z and ZNX. Additional Information: Close or Full speed Link.

12) PSPE (PSP on PC) PSPE: This is a PSP v1.0 Emulator for the PC. This Emulates a PSP with v1.0 Firmware on the PC. Developers use it to test their code.

13) Sega Genesis/Megadrive PSPGenesis: This is a Genesis Emulator for PSP by Sougen Folder: PSP/GAME/PSPGenesis Accepted ROM File Extensions: .BIN and .SMD Zip Support: NO Menu Button: Select Additional Information: Place ROMs anywhere, You'll not be able to use this emulator if you don't add the 'system.fnt' file on the memory stick with the EBOOT. DGen: This is a Genesis Emulator for PSP by Syn-z. Folder: PSP/GAME/*ANY* Accepted ROM File Extensions: .SMD and .BIN (only when inside a .ZIP) Zip Support: YES Menu Button: Select Additional Information: Link.

14) SMS SMSPlus: This is a Sega Master System Emulator for PSP by Chris Swindle. Folder: PSP/GAME/SMS Accepted ROM File Extensions: .SMS, .GG Zip Support: NO Menu Button: Select Additional Information: SELECT: Sound toggle, L&R: Quit. ROms must go in a folder named "ROMS" inside the SMS folder. Link.

15) SNES Snes9x TYL: This is a Super Nintendo Emulator for PSP by YoYoFr, Laxer3a, and Thunderz.. Folder: PSP/GAME/*ANY* Accepted ROM File Extensions: .SMC and .SFC Zip Support: YES Menu Button: Stick Left Additional Information: Link.

16) Wonderswan eSwan: This is a Wonderswan Emulator for PSP by “E” Folder: PSP/GAME/*ANY* Accepted ROM File Extensions: .ws, .wsc Zip Support: No Menu Button: R Trigger Notes: Only options are for sound on/off. Link.

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IV. FAQ / Tips

1) Introduction Before you post read this FAQ! Many questions are answered here, and it will be updated all the time.

2) Firmware What is this Firmware you speak of? Firmware is what you could call the PSP's Operating System (like Windows on a computer). The PSP's Firmware is stored on what's called a "Flash Disk." Now, when Sony finds bugs, or flaws in the OS, they release new updates and upgrades to the firmware. At the time of me writing this, there are currently many different firmware versions. Version 1.0, Version 1.5, 1.51 and 1.52; Version 2.0 and 2.01; Version 2.50; Version 2.60; Version 2.70 and 2.71; Version 2.80, 2.81 and 2.82; Version 3.0, 3.01, 3.02, 3.03; Version 3.10 and 3.11; Version 3.30; Version 3.40; Version 3.50, 3.51 and 3.52; Version 3.60; Version 3.70, 3.71, 3.72 and 3.73; Version 3.80; Version 3.90, 3.93, and 3.95; Version 4.00 and 4.01. So how do I know which Firmware I have? Just goto the PSP's main menu, then goto Settings > System Settings > System Information. Then you should see where it says: System Software Version x.xx (x.xx is your Firmware version). Can my PSP run Homebrew? Read section II of this guide for more information. Where can I find out more information about the PSP firmwares? Read here or here. Why not just take a digital signature from [INSERT GAME HERE]? The signatures are dynamically signed, so that means, when we run the PSP with the stolen signature, the PSP will tell thats its different and refuse to run it. When will my firmware be hacked? Can I mod it or downgrade? Downgrading is now possible at many firmwares. You may downgrade a 2.0, 2.01 (using Fanjita's latest downgrader), 2.5, 2.6, 2.71, 2.80, 2.81 - 3.50 to 1.5. TA-082 PSP's can be downgraded now. Ultimate Downgrader Guide. For 3.51 and higher there is the Pandora Battery. How do I know if my PSP is a TA-082/86 or higher? Check this Where can i find the 1.5 JAP Firmware download? (added 6/26/05) I have recently fixed the link and it is now linked to an uploaded version on the forums by FrozenIpaq. To download 1.5 JAP Firmware, click [Click Here] Where can I find the 2.0 JAP firmware download? At the current time you can find it here: [In this thread] Note: If you have any questions, please read this thread: [Click Here] How can I tell what firmware the PSP is before I buy Check this guide What is a Custom Firmware? A custom firmware is just like what it sounds. It allows you to do things that Sony didn't intend you to do. The latest custom firmware, 4.01 M33 and 3.95 GEN, allows you to run the features in the official firmware plus launch nearly all Homebrew from the same XMB! Is there a mod chip? Yes, read here for more information.

3) Emulators What is an emulator? From Google Define: An Emulator (or "Emu") is "hardware and/or Software that allows a computer or other device to act as if it was another type of machine. For example Emulators are used on computers to emulate Games consoles such as the N64, MegaDrive and PlayStation." Can I have multiple emus/programs on my memory stick(s)? Yes, just create separate identical folders on both memory sticks for each emulator or program. Is running emulators at 333mhz safe? This isn't necessarily overclocking the PSP since the CPU *IS* a 333mhz CPU. However it will be quite a drain on your battery, which is why the current PSP UMD games do not utilize this CPU speed. So far there have been NO reports of 333mhz harming the PSP, but this option is relatively new so still use at your own risk. There are so many different emulators, which ones are the best? Most systems now have multiple emulators for them on PSP, below are my personal recommendations for each system I have tried: NES: NesterJ is definitely the best NES emulator. Mega Drive / Genesis: This goes to Megadrive for PSP in my opinion. Snes: This goes to the "TYL" series of Snes9x (Snes9XTYL) GameBoy: There is only one but it is excellent and that is Homer's RIN. PC Engine / Turbo Grafx 16: PCE for PSP for its great speed and wealth of features. Why is the emulator game playing so slow?!? First, they are running purely on the PSP's processor. There is no graphics acceleration like on the official UMD games for PSP. Second, these emulators are new and hence not fully living up to their potential and some have quite a few bugs. However, most emus have settings which can compensate for the slowdown. Enabling Frameskip (3-4 frames), increasing the CPU speed (266-333mhz), and turning off the sound or lowering the quality of sound is sometimes necessary in order for some games to run at a decent speed. It will vary game to game - experiment and see what works best for you!! Where can I find game ROMs for these emulators? First, its important to note that not all ROMs are legal. Some are commercial ROMs and illegal to have unless you own a copy of that game. Here at PSPUpdates, we will not allow discussion of how to obtain illegal ROMs. Note: Any post asking for or offering ROMs (or links to ROMs) on the open forum will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be banned. When will an emulator for [GAME SYSTEM] come out? Is it possible??? Unfortunately, we're not psychic, so your guess is probably as good as ours. If you want to jump into porting or making an emulator, you can get started here. Currently there are no emulators for many systems. There is no point in posting threads requesting emulators such as Nintendo64, GBA, or PSX. When 16-bit emulators such as SNES get running at full speed, than you can expect to see emulators for the following generation of consoles. Note: Any post asking why an emulator hasn't been made, or when it will be, will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be temporarily banned.

5) Hacks (KXploit, etc) Can I find pre-made converted emulators for the KXploit on my 1.5? Yes, if you search the forums you should be able to find many of them, there should also be "packs" of them uploaded to the files section under the "Firmware Hacks" section often. Do not post for people to make files for you, please find ones that are available or learn to do it yourself. Can I hide the "Corrupted Data" icons on the PSP? Yes. Simply load all the folders WITHOUT the "%" onto your PSP first, then all the ones with the "%" after. Your PSP will display them in the reverse order they were loaded, so all the Homebrew will be at the top of the list, and all the corrupted ones at the bottom. You can also change the file names to actually hide the corrupt icon. To do this, please follow this guide: [Click Here] I've got a Mac, are there any programs to make my own EBOOTs? Swaploit for Mac KXploit for Mac How do I change my PSP Background/Obtain the originals for 1.00/1.50 firmware? Read this post. How do I change my PSP background on 2.00+ firmware? To do this, go to the PSP XMB (main menu). Go all of the way left to the "Settings" tab. Go down to "Theme Settings" and press 'X'. Go down to Wallpaper, press 'X', go down to "Use", and press 'X'. Now, go to the "Photo" tab. Press 'X' on "Memory Stick". Scroll down to the picture you want as your background and press 'X'. Press 'Triangle'. Navigate with the arrows to "Set as Background" and press 'X'. Return to the XMB, and your background has been changed! How do I create musical eboots? Read this post

6) Misc. / Unfiled A friend and I only have 1 copy of a game but we want to play multiplayer. Can we? Yes. Start up an ad hoc multiplayer game and set the time for unlimited. On the first PSP. Eject the UMD disc and choose NO when it asks if you would like to quit. On the first PSP. Put the UMD in another PSP and start multiplayer gaming with your friends. Reapeat previous previous 2 steps for as many players as you want in the game. I can't navigate through the Menu, did my game freeze? Probably not. Use the analog stick, not the D-Pad. Or, your Key Hold may be on, if the dot by your power switch (under the power light) is yellow, then you have key hold on. Gently slide the power switch up, but not far enough to sleep your PSP. Help, I can't read the PDF tutorial files! Use Google to search for and download Adobe Acrobat Reader. I just downloaded a file and it has a .rar, .lzh, or other weird file extension, how do I unzip it? Get WinRar from here. I can't register on the Forums, or download from the Files section, Help! We have created a forum specifically for people like you called "PSPUpdates.com Help". Anyone can post here, you must register first though. Please read the stickies in this forum before posting! You can get there by clicking here.

[Clay]

Credits V. Credits Jake: Overall QJ.net workhorse! JZT: Lots of work on FAQs Brain_Stew: Great info, great mod! Giga_Phil: Help with FAQs Markland556: Moderation Zerox: Help with emulators Mike: News updates Dan: News updates Smiths: for always being there with a smile and a kind word Uncreative: Wrote some of the firmware section Anubis: Wrote some of the firmware section FrozenIpaq: Wrote the background change guide/Musical eboot guide, Super Moderator and editor Trunkz: Hide Corrupt Icon Guide NeilR: Editor Abe_Froeman: Crotchety Old Man/Editor Hardrive: Editor brad: Editor Adiuvo: Editor Posters who gave corrections which were used: eli, Teko, nivek, RuneEdge5k1, popypopy, nandy, DiscoMania, Gunton10 If something you wrote was used in this guide and you are not in the credits, please send me a PM so that I can add you, thanks!

Version History VI. Version History 09-11-07 @ 09:36PM GMT - Version 2.17 +3.51 and above additions +Mention of Pandora's Battery 07-24-07 @ 11:27AM GMT - Version 2.16 +3.30 and above additions have been clarified +3.51 M33 additions for clarification 06-26-07 @ 09:20PM GMT - Version 2.15 +3.30 and above additions have been clarified +Installing Homebrew on 3.10 - 3.50 have been clarified 01-30-07 @ 11:00AM GMT - Version 2.14 +3.03 Additions +3.10 firmware added +Installing Homebrew on 2.81 - 3.03 01-22-07 @ 07:00PM GMT - Version 2.13 +Editing of emulator section +Editing of faq/tips section 12-23-06 @ 11:55PM GMT - Version 2.12 +Custom Firmware Updates +3.00 and above related additions 11-03-06 @ 03:27AM GMT - Version 2.11 +Custom Firmware Updates +2.82 Related Additions 10-24-06 @ 01:37PM GMT - Version 2.1 --Major Update +Addition of Custom Firmware +Addition of 2.70-2.80 Homebrew +Addition of 2.71 Downgrader +Mandatory Updates +Fieldset Tags (organising boxes) 07-28-06 @ 12:47AM GMT - Version 0.16 +Addition and updates for 2.80 firmware 04-26-06 @ 04:34PM GMT - Version 0.15 +Minor editing. 04-25-06 - Version 0.14 +Updates to firmware 2.7 information. 01-30-06 @ 01:26AM GMT - Version 0.13 +Additions of 2.0/2.01/2.50/2.60 Homebrew instructions 07-12-05 @ 08:36PM GMT- Single addition +Installing Hombrew on a PSP using Pre-made Eboot files/folders 07-08-05 @ 09:48AM GMT - Version 0.12 +Musical Eboots +Original Backgrounds +Shipping firmware change +Added PSwan (Wonderswan Emulator) +Added UAE (Amiga Emulator) 06-26-05 @ 01:20PM PST - Version 0.11 + Installing Homebrew on a PSP with v1.5 Firmware using other methods + JAP 1.5 Firmware Download Link +How to play ad hoc with 1 game 06-21-05 @ 02:15PM PST - Version 0.1 + Initial Release