[Tutorial] Downgrading a v3.03 PSP to v1.50/v3.03 OE

[evolve]

This is a step by step tutorial on how to use the new v3.03 downgrader.

So, you just got your PSP and you find out it's a dreaded v3.03 TA-082/TA-08 motherboard. Well, good news! There is a v3.03 downgrader for all motherboards.

It includes all file downloads and instructions. You will need WinZip and WinRar to extract the files.

Warning: Use of this downgrader could brick your PSP. While it is unlikely when used correctly, all modifications to the PSP's internal flash carry a small risk. Please use with care. I take no responsibility to damage done to your PSP.

If your motherboard has "IC1003" on the right, it's a TA-082/TA-086 motherboard:


You can also use a TA-079/TA-081 PSP with the downgrader. A TA-079/TA-081 PSP has markings on the left "IC1006".

Requirements:

- Original GTA LCS (any region), which should have the 2.00 update on the disc. No ISO's, no patched UMD's, and no GTA: VCS. Click Here to check if you have a patched UMD or not.



- A v3.03 PSP

Step 1 - Update to v3.03

Click Here to download the v3.03 firmware update.

Open the zip file. Connect your PSP to your computer via USB or card reader.

- Once connected, make the folder called "UPDATE" in the Game folder.

- Put the 3.03 (eboot.pbp) from the (.zip) file into the UPDATE folder on your memory stick.

So now you have:
X:\PSP\Game\UPDATE\eboot.pbp (X is the PSP drive)

Be sure to put in your AC power adapter. Then on your PSP go to:
GAME --> Memory stick --> v3.03 Update

Once at 3.03 firmware, reformat your memory stick.

Step 2 - Get the needed files

- Download 3.03 Downgrader Package and copy the contents of the folder MS_ROOT from the 3.03 downgrader ZIP to the memory stick.

- Download 3.03 HEN (Homebrew Enabler) and copy the contents of the MS_ROOT folder to the root of your memorystick

- Download 1.5 Update Eboot and rename the EBOOT.PBP to UPDATE.PBP and copy it to X:/PSP/GAME/UPDATE/ . DO NOT OVERWRITE PSP/GAME/UPDATE/EBOOT.PBP. You must rename.

So now you should have the following files in those directories:

x:\PSP


x:\PSP\SAVEDATA


x:\PSP\GAME\UPDATE


Step 3 - Start Homebrew Enabler (HEN)

- Plug in your AC adapter and make sure you have a battery charge of atleast 75%

- Load the unpatched UMD of GTA LCS

- It should get to loading savegame, then the PSP will do the following:
Black Screen + Light Blue Colour Screen + Automatic Restart
(If its not successful the first time, KEEP TRYING)

- Check that HEN is running by going to system settings, then to "System Information" and it should show up as system version 3.03 HEN.

Step 4 - Downgrading to v1.50

- If it is showing up as 3.03 HEN then go to GAME --> Memory Stick and run the X.YZ update.



- If you have a TA-082 or higher motherboard, you will be prompted to allow the downgrader to patch your motherboard so it can be safely downgraded. The downgrader will not let you proceed without patching, if your motherboard requires it.

- Before the downgrader does anything to your PSP it will ask for you to agree to what it is doing, if you no longer want to continue press the Right Shoulder Button (R-TRIGGER).

- If you agree, make sure you have your AC adapter plugged in and your battery is charged atleast 75%

- Once finished the PSP will ask you to press X, and reset itself

- A "settings are corrupt screen" will show, press "O" button to continue, this will mean you will need to re-enter the settings like you've bought your PSP for the first time

- If the "settings corrupt screen" doesn't show up, load the included NetConfigBackup application from GAME --> Memory Stick, and select restore.

- You should now have a 1.5 PSP

- REORMAT YOUR MEMORY STICK, if you try to play GTA LCS while you still have the savegame files then it results in a semi-brick.

- You should now have a 1.5 PSP

Step 5 - Upgrading to Custom Firmware (3.03 OE-C)

Click Here to download the easy installer from 1.50 to 3.03 OE-C.

Make sure you have No UMD's in the drive, and again plug in your AC adapter. Battery must be charged atleast 75%.

On your PC extract the (.exe) that corresponds with what firmware your PSP is:

- 1.50 - 3.03 OE-C
- 2.71 SE - 3.03 OE-C
- 3.02 OE - 3.03 OE-C
- 3.03 OE - 3.03 OE-C
- 3.03 OE - 1.50 (RE-Flash)

Once the (.exe) is extracted, open the (.exe) and state the drive of your PSP and let it copy over the needed files to your memory stick.



Then, on your PSP, run the updater from:

Game --> Memory stick --> 3.03 OE-C Firmware Install
You may re-format your memory stick after this upgrade.

Step 6 - Where to Place the files
Place your ISO's in X:/ISO (X is the letter of your PSP drive)
Place your homebrew in X:/PSP/GAME150 (X is the letter of your PSP drive)

You may need to create some of these folders.

---------------
If all went well, you should be on 3.03 OE-C. Be sure to follow instructions carefully, good luck. I take no responsibility for damage nor does this forum.

[wichozzz]

my psp was 3.03 then now 1.50 (just pust some games on memory stick...and works perfect??..later make again 2.71 ..now it's again 3.03..later lm make again 1.50.....really a lot of fun.!!! just read step by step...thanks guys

[erikjann]

Can i use this easy installer even if my current firmware is 2.71. and i want to upgrade to 3.03 oe-c, without downgrading to 1.50

[bah]

You can use this downgrader on your 2.71 PSP, you just need to follow step 1 and upgrade to 3.03 before you downgrade.

You cannot install the custom firmware without first downgrading to 1.5 (unless you already have a previous version of the custom firmware installed).

Edit: Do what evolve posted, doesn't need the copy of GTA.
Sorry, was rather drunk when I posted this and didn't think of the 2.71 downgrader
Cheers Evolve.

[evolve]

If you have a 2.71 use the following:

For TA-082 Motherboard PSP:
[GUIDE] Downgrading a TA-082 2.71 PSP to 3.03 OE-A/B

Non-TA-082 Motherboard PSP:
[Tutorial] How to downgrade your Non-TA082 2.71 PSP to 1.50

To tell if you have a TA-082 motherboard on your PSP or not, look at the tutorials.

[[]D$[]D]

is this the only downgrade for 3.03 ??will they find other ways??

[bah]

Yes, the GTA exploit is the only currently known way to gain access under 3.03.

There has been no flaw found in the firmware itself (like the tif exploit that has lead to downgraders on other firmwares), nor any other game.

Your best bet is to look to borrow a copy from someone for a short time, theres no real way of knowing when/if another exploitable flaw may be found.

[tootache_2k3]

hey guys, if you don't have a GTA LCS game, is ther any option? I have v3.03 psp......help pease

[evolve]

Originally Posted by tootache_2k3

hey guys, if you don't have a GTA LCS game, is ther any option? I have v3.03 psp......help pease

Currently, you can only use this downgrader through un-patched version of GTA: LCS... I suggest you wait for a TIFF downgrader which won't require a certain UMD to downgrade, and don't ever upgrade.

[bah]

It would be pretty funny if they found yet another exploitable flaw in libtiff
I think Sony would just remove support for the format completely.