How to Upgrade to 3.80 M33 Custom Firmware
The most awaited PSP custom Firmware has just been released by Dark Alex. I have it installed already on my PSP and it only took me like only 2 minutes max. I know this will be easy for you too especially if you know how to read instructions.
Like all the custom firmware installation guides I’ve written before, there is always a tiny risk of bricking your PSP especially when you don’t follow the guide very carefully. I’ve read and studied most people’s comments from the previous installation guides and I just found out that they were not reading the requirements nor the instructions very carefully. That’s why they end up having various problems. I hope this time everybody pays attention to details.
So now let’s get on with the 3.80 M33 custom Firmware installation guide.
The Requirements
So here’s what we’re going to be needing.
- A PSP Classic (A.K.A. Phat PSP) or the PSP slim with a custom firmware installed higher than 3.52 M33-4. It means if you have 3.71 M33 installed on your PSP, then you are good to go but I think it’s safer if you update your 3.71 M33 first to 3.71 M33-4. Since I did my custom firmware install at 3.71 M33-4.
- Configure your kernel to be running on 3.71 if your custom firmware is 3.71 M33-4 or 3.52 if you have 3.52 M33-4. How do we do this? Easy, turn off your PSP and then turn it on again while holding the R button. You will see the recovery menu so go to Configuration > Game Folder Homebrew and set your respective Kernel.
- You need to have your battery charged to 75% or more. I did my installation at 93%.
- If you have changed your theme, you must revert back your original PSP theme. I’ve read some forums about this firmware and some said that the original PSP Theme must be active.
- A USB Cable which you can conneect from your computer to your PSP.
- Winzip or WinRAR for file decompression
Please make sure that you have passed all the requirements before jumping to the installation guide below.
The Installation Guide
- Download the 3.80 M33 installer pack.
- Extract the contents anywhere on your computer.
- Connect your PSP to your computer using your USB cable. Copy the UPDATE folder from your computer to your PSP in this directory: ms0:/PSP/GAME. (where ms0 is the drive letter of your PSP)
- Disconnect your PSP from your PSP. Go to the XMB menu on your PSP and navigate to GAME > Memory Stick and execute the 3.80 M33 update. Follow the onscreen instructions. The screen will go black then after accepting the instructions it will lead you to the official Sony updater screen. Accept everything then wait for the update to finish. Warning: Don’t interrupt the PSP while updating or you’ll end up bricking your PSP.
- After the update is finished, you will be prompted to manually reset your PSP by pressing X or O. Just do it.
- Tada! Enjoy your new custom firmware. I suggest you check out the new features.
Please install the 3.80 M33 Update 2 after this. The guide is over here. You might want to also install the 1.50 Kernel Add-on.
***Update : 3.80 M33-4 Custom Firmware update has been released. Install it using this guide.
For questions, please use the comment form below. If you find this guide helpful and you want to share with others, please DIGG IT.
March 28th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Hi, I tried to update to 3.80M33 but when I execute the updater I recieve the following message: “The system configuration of this PSP system does not appear to be correct. The update cannot be completed. Contact technical support for assistance. (DRNFFFFFFCD)”
My current custom firmware is 3.71M33-4, mine is a phat one. And I did the second requirement which is ‘Configure your kernel to be running on 3.71 if your custom firmware is 3.71 M33-4…’
Does anyone knows how to fix this?
March 28th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
what if my software is 3.72?how can i upgrade that to 3.80M33
March 24th, 2008 at 5:54 am
respect for Stylemo!!
with your guide, anyone can update safe!
keep it going (Y)
March 9th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
@Skyriderlink: If the PSP you are about to update is using Sony’s official Firmware, you ‘ll need Pandora’s battery. Otherwise just follow the steps above. Hint: Read the full requirements.
March 9th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Does upgrading process need Pandora bat coz I don’t have one.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
hi, my psp is currently running firmware 3.40 OEA, how shld i go about updating it to 3.80 M33-4??
pls advise. THanks!!
February 14th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Please Help me to fix my PSP fat I try to upgrade from 3.71 m33-4 to 3.80 m33-5 ( error code DRNFFFFFFD7) TNX
February 14th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Ok I just bought a PSP slim and recently updated to 3.9 version firmware that comes with the psp. I have never used custom firmware of any kind before. I’m trying to figure out how to get dark alex’s M33 3.8 firmware. It seems everywhere I go the requirements include having some version of custom firmware already. I was wandering if you could point me in the right direction.
thanks!!
February 13th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Thanks Stylemo! you are great!
February 12th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
@dax-ur: Try reformatting your mamory stick using your PSP. If that doesn’t work, reconfigure the Kernel on your recovery menu to 3.52.