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.
April 14th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
hi,
i just bought my first PSP slim yesterday, V3.72 and i have not been able to do much but scroll Menu.
My little query is:
1) is it possible to upgrade from 3.72 (not M33) to 3.80 M33
2) Is there any other way to downgrade to 3.71 M33 without using Pandora’s BAttery. I just bought it so am a little scared using it.
And isn’t there any other game that i can simply play without tweaking or UMD. (even a SNAKE would suffice
regards
abhijeet
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:37 pm
@Joseph: Yes.
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Hi, can i upgrade from 3.71 m33 straight to 3.80 m33?
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:43 pm
why do i get the error message game could not be started everytime i try to run my 3-90 M33 2 update..i’m pretty i’ve installed everything i need..i have the 150 kernel patch, the 3-90 update and i’ve already updated my network..am i missing something else..help pls!
April 1st, 2008 at 5:24 pm
@Arcius: Try placing the installer files on PSP/GAME371 folder.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:15 pm
And Stylemo, please help me with my problem (50th comment) too, thanks
March 31st, 2008 at 1:54 pm
@robin: Are you sure you have the 3.80 M33-5 firmware? The recovery mode can be accessed by shutting down your PSP first and then turning it again while pressing the R button. Sounds simple right? Please do try again.
March 31st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
my 3.8 m33-5 version error shows the game could not be started(80020148).and i could not
get into the recovry mode.pls help me guys on ths…thnx
March 31st, 2008 at 12:17 pm
my 3.8 m33-5 version error shows the game could not be started(80020148).and i could get into the recovry mode.pls help me guys on ths…thnx
March 31st, 2008 at 12:11 pm
hi,pls help me on my psp coz the recovery mode does not display…thnx