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.
June 17th, 2008 at 9:27 am
thanks for this
i got my psp updated
thanks again man!!!!!
June 12th, 2008 at 10:10 am
@Dragon:
Try to be nice my friend. Not all people are born with high IQs like you. Aren’t you flattered enough that someone needs your help? Or you just didn’t experienced being a newbie yourself? Relax! Try to be considerate with some peoples questions.
StyleMo really f*cking hates Trolls!!!!
June 12th, 2008 at 10:06 am
@psp newbie:
yes sir. you have to mod your psp using pandora battery first before you can play cso/iso games on your unit.
June 12th, 2008 at 9:56 am
it’s me again,sorry.
I just read in some forum that the pandora battery is used to downgrade the official sony version 3.80 b4 installing the custom firmware 3.80 M33. but you didnt mention this in your tutorial. or is it unnecessary?
thanks…(i can’t wait to start playing God of war.cso that a friend gave me
Hope 2 hear from u soon.
June 12th, 2008 at 8:34 am
hi stylemo,
as my nick suggests, i’m a PSP newbie. mine is PSP phat with firmware version 3.80.i’ve read all ur guides/tutorials on upgrading. but my concern is do i need a pandora battery for my upgrade as i’m scared of bricking it? my friend says dat som1 upgraded his own but he used a different battery. so i was thinking he might have used the pandora battery.anyway,i want to upgrade to version 3.80 M-33_5 so dat i can play games from MS. thanks lots and i’ll appreciate if u reply soon.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:07 am
Whatever,man. Just try to be nice for once. I apologise. So, what’s the answer to my question? A simple “yes” or “no” will do. Thanks & w8ting
June 12th, 2008 at 2:03 am
@pSp_newbie: Can’t you read the instructions? And also don’t type in capital letters. I hate newbies like you.