How to Install Custom Firmware 4.01 M33-2 on your PSP
Dark Alex has done it again! What should we ever do without him. The most awaited custom firmware has finally been released. Now, I know this post might be a bit late, I’ve been having problems with my DSL connection and I haven’t been online for days, but I know a lot of you guys are still waiting for this.
So what are the new features of this custom firmware? This new custom firmware has all the features the 4.01 official firmware has plus a few extras. Many people are asking me if it’s worth installing it and my answer is a YES. I have 4.01 M33-2 custom firmware installed already on my phat PSP and I haven’t encountered any bugs yet. But don’t take my word for it. Try it yourself. You can always revert back to your old 3.90 M33-3 if you want.
So much for the rambling. Here are the instructions on how to install the new custom firmware on your PSP.
Requirements
As always, please do check that you pass all the requirements before you can do the installation.
- A Fat PSP or Slim PSP already installed with a custom firmware. At least 3.52 M33-4 custom firmware must be installed on your Fat PSP and 3.60 M33 for the slim.
- A fully charged battery. I know it will run on 70% battery but 100% battery with the AC adapter plugged is the safest setup.
- A USB cable to transfer files from your computer to your PSP.
- The 4.01 M33-2 installer pack that I created for easy install. Download the 4.01 M33-2 installer pack and unzip on your computer.
The Steps
The steps are divided into 3. Please follow the directions carefully. I will not be held responsible for any bricks. Do this at your own risk! But I’m 100% sure you won’t brick your precious PSP if you follow the instructions carefully.
Step A - Installing the 4.01 M33 custom firmware
- Connect your PSP to your computer using the USB cable. Open the Step A folder and copy the UPDATE folder to ms0:/PSP/GAME/. After copying, disconnect the PSP from your computer.
- On the XMB menu on your computer, navigate to GAME > Memory Stick and run the 4.01 M33 update. When you run the update, the screen turns black. Follow the text instructions. It will take you to the Official Sony Update screen. That is normal. Continue with the process following the instructions.
- The Sony Updater will run. Don’t turn off your PSP or interrupt the update. After the Update, you will be asked to press a certain button to restart your PSP. Do so.
- Congratulations, your PSP is installed with 4.01 M33 custom firmware now. On to Step B.
Step B - Installation of the 4.01 M33 update
- You can only do this if you are successful with Step A. Connect your PSP to your computer. On your memory stick, navigate to PSP/GAME and delete the UPDATE folder.
- Now open STEP 2 folder to your computer and copy the UPDATE folder to ms0:/PSP/GAME/. Disconnect your PSP from the computer once you are done.
- On the XMB menu, scroll to GAME > Memory Stick and run the 4.01 M33-2 update. Just follow the onscreen instructions and you’ll be safe.
- After the installation, you will be returned to the XMB screen.
- Congratulations on your 4.01 M33-2 PSP.
Step C - 1.50 Kernel Add-on Installation Guide
- This last set of steps is optional. You may do this or not. The next set of steps will be instructions on how to install the 1.50 Kernel Add on for the Fat PSP. Sorry slim owners.
- Connect your PSP to your computer. Open Step C folder and then copy 150.PBP file from your computer to the root directory of your memory stick. And then copy 4XX folder from your computer to ms0:/PSP/.
- Exit the USB mode and on your XMB, navigate to GAME > Memory Stick and then run the 1.50 Kernel Add-on program. Follow the onscreen instructions.
- After the installation is successful, you will be taken back to the XMB.
- Congratulations. Your PSP is now the same as mine, a full battle gear handheld. Place your 1.50 homebrews on the PSP/GAME150 folder.
Whew! That was long. I really enjoy writing these kind of stuff. If you have questions or comments, scroll down and leave your message. Thanks to the M33 team for the goodies especially to Dark Alex!
*Update: The screenshot plugin also works with this new custom Firmware!
October 11th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Can this be done on OFW?
October 10th, 2008 at 2:41 am
@Jawo241: Yes sir.
October 9th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
if upgrade my psp fat to CFW 4.01m33 can i change it back to 3.71m33-2 again?
October 8th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
u r a legend worked perfectly, keep up the good work
October 5th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Ok, went for it before you had time to answer :/
Just got my psp a few days ago, so im 100 percent noob, but everything worked like a charm.
Thx a million for the great guide!
piz!
October 5th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
@Rickard: Yes you can skip to step 2. Create a GAME150 folder if you don’t have one.
October 4th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Hi, I asked a question in the forum on “How to Install 3.52 M33-4 on Your PSP” but it seems to be dead in there, So sry for asking it in here.
I got a psp phat with 2.71 SE-C firmware, and want to update it to 3.52 M33-4 and then to 4.01 M33-2.
Since I got 2.71 SE-C I guess I can skip to step 2. Am i right ?
It says that I should copy the M33CREATOR folder to my “ms0:/PSP/GAME150″ (for SE/OE Firmwares)
my only problem is that there is no GAME150 folder, I have a folder called GAME thou
can I copy the files there and go on from there ?
help appreciated.
Thx!
October 3rd, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Hi, where still waiting for Dark Alex (god bless him) to finish the latest update so I have an advanced topic request
Could you please write a topic on how to play ps1 games on the psp using the unfinished update, ofcourse when its complete though
And god bless you
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:40 pm
I could not install the 1.50 kernel add-on for fat psp.It is showing that incorrect or in existing 150.pbp at root.please help me at saddiabhishek@yahoo.co.in