So as most of you know, the PS3 Scene just recently celebrated the one year anniversary of the PS3 being hacked/jailbroken, many, many things have happened in that short year, many changes and break throughs, i have two reasons for creating such a FAQ, the obvious being all the changes, PS3 owners just getting into the scene, need help and guidance, i also seen a failed attempt at a F.A.Q on another site and i thought that mistake needed to be rectified, with a proper F.A.Q 
(Q) Why Would I Hack/Jailbreak My PS3 ?
(A) Hacking your PS3, gives you so many new option’s, you will be able to use emulators, homebrew apps and game backups as well as being able to use Linux, after Sony removed the function in firmware 3.21.
(Q) Is there a firmware my PS3 should be on ?
(A) It seems the preferable firmwares are 3.15(For the real OtherOS), 3.41(The original “Jailbreak” firmware) and 3.55(the first CFW PS3), 3.55 is the favourite and most used.
(Q) What Firmwares cannot be hacked yet ?
(A) 3.56 to 3.70 are unhackable at the moment, perhaps it will remain that way, or perhaps we will see a break through in the future, only time will tell.
(Q) But when i bought my PS3, the firmware was above 3.55/My family member updated my console when i was out 
, how can i have Homebrew ?
(A) All hope isn’t lost, you can downgrade your consoles firmware with devices like progskeet, at the moment, this is rather a tedious process, involving soldering several wires to your PS3, but in the future we will have solderless models of these products, for information on how to downgrade, check this thread:
Noob Tutorial: How to downgrade/flash your PS3 from firmware 3.70 to 3.55 via ProgSkeet/Teensy++ and install 3.55 Kmeaw CFW
(Q) Downgrading was a pain, i don’t want to go through that again, is there a way i can protect my PS3 from accidental upgrading ?
(A) You can use Team Rebugs firmware spoofer, it spoofs the firmware, so that when someone attempts to update the PS3, via internet or disc, the PS3 tells them they are already on the highest firmware, as an extra precaution, you should remove your consoles access to the PS3, when you are not around, you can grab your spoofer, from the offical Rebug site here.
(Q) What other firmwares can i hack/jailbreak my PS3 on ?
(A) 2.76, 3.01, 3.15, 3.21, 3.40, can all be “hacked” using the PS Jailbreak USB Dongle or equivalent variants, information on the useable devices, can be found on my old F.A.Q, which you can view here.
(Q) CFW/MFW Or Dongle ?
(A) CFW/MFW is the way to go, dongles are more or less dead, apart from the Cobra USB dongle, but it too will become obsolete as its features get implemented into CFW/MFW, also with CFW/MFW, you do not need to do the start-eject combo that is needed with the dongles.
(Q) How do i install CFW ?
(A) If you aren’t already on 3.55, you will need to update to the official Sony firmware, then install a CFW via recovery, Pirate wrote a great guide, which you can read here:
[Tutorial] How to play and install Backups with Kmeaw CFW+PSN without risk of brick or itskamel’s NOOB JAILBREAK GUIDE
If you wish to stay on official firmware 3.41, the same method applies, but you will need to grab Team Rebugs 3.41 CFW, which you can find here.
Here is a video of Kmeaw being installed via the Recovery Method.
(Q) I see many different CFW/MFW, which one should i chose ?
(A) As i stated earlier, Kmeaw is the most popular CFW/MFW but there are other versions and you can take your pick, all installed the same way as the above method:
Team Rebugs 3.41/3.55 CFW
BobbyBlunt’s PS3HaX MFW
Thelostdeathknight’s PS3HaX MFW
varaques MFW
bitsbubbas NFW
bitsbubbas NFW With Cobra Implimentation
(Q) I want to test a different CFW/MFW, is it ok to install a CFW on top of another CFW.
(A) If you have Kmeaw installed, you can install Rebug over the top of it, but if you decide you don’t like Rebug and want to go back to Kmeaw, it is advised that you install the 3.55 Official Firmware, then install Kmeaw, as a precaution, i would advise that is done with all CFW changes
(Q) Ok so i have CFW installed, how do i run homebrew ?
(A) You will see in the game section, you will see “Install Package Files”, you will be able to install all your homebrew and backup managers from there, just a note though, the PKG files that you are installing, need to be on the root of your FAT32 formatted thumbdrive/external HDD.
(Q) Now that i have updated to 3.55 CFW, is there a list of working homebrew app’s/games ?
(A) Here are a few links:
Homebrew Games Collection(Maintained by manster)
Homebrew Emulator Collection(Maintained by Thelostdeathknight)
Homebrew Application Collection(maintained by GregoryRasputin(me)
(Q) How do i play my backups ?
(A) You will need a backup manager, the following are available(We recommend the PS3HaX endorsed multiMAN):
multiMAN For help, check the (Support Forum) Grab BDEMU2 here.
Rogero
Gaia
Iris
Open Manager(Firmware 3.41 Only)
Hermes Manager(Firmware 3.41 Only)
(Q) I have my games backed up, i now want to play online, how do i do that ?
(A) Currently there is no way to access the PSN server to play online, even if a new CFW came out, Sony would block PSN again with a new OFW, so your only real option, if you want both homebrew and PSN, is to have two PS3′s
(Q) What are my storage options for backing up games ?
(A.1) You can backups certain games to CD/DVD/BD disc’s, read here for more information.
(A.2) You can install games on the PS3′s internal HDD or use an External USB HDD, which needs to be formatted to FAT32, you can also use a FAT32 USB Thumb Drive, note that with FAT32 you are limited to games with single files under 4GB, if you prefer all your games to be on the internal HDD, you can get up to 1TB 2.5? HDD, or you can use the Xecuter PS3 HDXT method and have your internal HDD on the outside of the machine, the benefit of this, is that you can use 3.5? Sata and IDE HDD’s as internal storage.
Some more PS3 HDD Information submitted by ieder-zijn-meis(Thanks again)
- maximum height is 9,5mm (many 2.5? drives above 640GB are too high too fit inside)
– maximum PS3 filesystem is 1TB (512KB block size)
– maximum FAT32 theoretical size is 8TB, practical limit on the PS3 is 2TB
– 7200rpm can be used, as well as Flashdrives (although the 1/5th lower loadingtime of GTA5 can be considered too low to justify the higher pricetag of SATA Flashdrives.
– SATAII-300 can be used, although it will work on SATA1-150 speed interface.
– If using external 3.5? drives hooked up to the internal SATA, you’ll need an external powersupply (some drivebays include them).
– If on low budget or you like DIY: use a normal extension (male to female) SATA cable (and make sure it doesn’t get loose) and recycle the case + powersupply of an external USB harddisk (without using the USB connection/conversion).
– Don’t use RAID or SAN drives with (e)SATA interface, just a plain single drive with a bare SATA connector (many controllers don’t work without drivers/software).
– Games can be hardcoded for BluRay speeds (9MB/s) so sticking a 85~220MB/s harddrive inside will not speedup everything/allways (but most do).
– If you plan on exchanging the drive, download the full PUP of your FW you are using and put it on an USB Mass Storage Device formatted with FAT32 in PS3UPDATEPS3UPDAT.PUP and disconnect the LAN before re powering the PS3 (or you’ll bound to end up with the latest (3.55 now) unjailbreakable/undowngradable version).
– Use a good fitting X screwdriver, the screws fitted to the HD<>tray are made of very soft aluminum.
Here is a tutorial, by forum member Invi, on how to an External IDE HDD Case and use it as Internal Storage:
HowTo: Use an external IDE HDD Case to connect an Internal 3,5″ Sata HDD as PS3 HDD.
An image of the Xecuter PS3 HDXT.
Videos of different HDD expansion options.
(Q) Now that i am on 3.55, can i install Linux ?
(A) Follow this thread.
(Q) Ok im fed up with using my thumb drive, is there a way to download apps directly to the PS3.
(A) Yes,you will need to instal “Package Installer”, then you will be able to FTP the apps to the “packages” folder on your PS3, you can find more about that here.
(Q) Ok so i have backed up a game, i want to save that game to my computer as an extra backup, or i want to mod the game, how do i transfer it from my PS3.
(A) There are two methods, FTP, there are three of those at the moment:
PS3 FTP Server by CJCP
blackb0x FTP Server by blackb0x
OpenPS3FTP(Probably the most stable)
Alternatively you can use
Comgenies Awesome Filemanager
or
Simple Filemanager
multiMAN also has FTP and Filemanger options
if you cant use FTP, or have an External HDD, Comgenies Filemanager is the best choice.
(Q) I just bought a new game, tried to play it, but it says i need to update my firmware, what do i do ?
(A) Unfortunately, newer games being released, will be unplayable on current CFW’s, you may be lucky and get a patch, but the chances of those are getting slimmer as time goes on, so the only options you are left with, are update or buy a new PS3, this is the sad situation of the scene, until the scene developers release a new CFW, you will be unable to play the newer games you bought.
(Q) I want to be able to create my own Homebrew, is it possible.
(A.1) Yes, using the Open Source PS3 SDK, named PSL1GHT, you can create Homebrew, PSL1GHT was created by AerialX, read about it here.
(A.2) You can use the Official Sony SDK, it is reported that this is better for creating homebrew, than the open source version.
(Q) I backed up a few of my movies to .AVI and .MKV formats, but when i try and play them through Showtime, or stream them via PS3Media Server, i get a Cinavia warning, is there any way past this ?
(A) You can install this app:
Disable Cinavia Installer (3.41 & 3.55)(By Team Rebug)
(Q) Can play PS2/PS1 backups on my Jailbroken PS3 ?
(A.1) You can use this method, it lets you use Swap Magic to load PS2 backups on your PS3, the only consoles allowed, are those that are Backwards Compatible, this option also works on a non Jailbroken PS3, even with firmware 3.70
(A.2) You can use the Cobra USB dongle, to play PS1 or PS2 backups on your Jailbroken PS3, it is compatible with firmwares 3.41 and 3.55.
(A.3) You can use this method to play PS1 backups on firmware 3.41 and 3.55.
People who deserve thanks and respect, for making this great PS3 Scene what it is, without them, it wouldn’t really exist Mathieulh, RichDevX, GeoHot, The PS Jailbreak Team, KaKaRoTo, Hermes, klutsh, Amon-Ra, marcan, ThatOtherPerson, AerialX, Comgenie , NZHawk, CJCP, blackb0x, MohammadAG, gliitch, Kmeaw, fail0verflow, moogie, durandal, Snowydew, kaz, eussNL, robo hobo, squarepusher2, condorstrike, CrashSerious, graf_chokolo, glevand, jjolano, Mr.Goodfrag, samson, facanferff, DarkhackerPS3, lunuxx, deank, Rogero, uf6667, opium2k, Codename Rebug and any other person, who has also created a payload, made homebrew, or contributed to the scene, if i have missed your name, sorry
The other guys that deserve a big thank you, are the site admins, that work to keep you up to date with news and bring you those all important exclusives, the only decent English speaking PS3 Scene sites are listed below:
greg @ Dashacks
GaryOPA
Sennax @ ThePlaystationClub
And of course
Pirate , here @ PS3HaX
This is by no means finished, if you see anything you would like to see addressed, feel free to leave a post in the comments section
08-26-2011
05:02 PM
Very nice GregoryRasputin!
It definetely should answer some questions if they search the forums and read this 1st!
08-26-2011
05:03 PM
solderless? so are they ever gonna create a version where I can just download the files onto a USB drive?...
08-26-2011
05:19 PM
08-26-2011
05:35 PM
well done and great work , this will help people out for sure
thought i tell you the bit that says "(Q) I want to be able to create my own Homebrew, is it possible.
(A) Yes, using the Open Source PS3 SDK, named PSL1GHT, you can create Homebrew, PSL1GHT was created by AerialX, read about it here."
there is no link from the bit "here"
08-26-2011
06:25 PM
dam, when the hell did gta5 come out?
(haha.)
08-26-2011
06:35 PM
08-26-2011
06:36 PM
Great guide. Just what this scene needs.....good direction! Just like the Wii scene. Everything is organized and understandable. I bought a Wii just to softmod, and the directions and steps online allowed me to do it in 1/2 hour. Without any previous studying or reading. That's what the PS3 scene should evolve to, and thanks to ps3hax, it is!
Quick question....I am on wtgrza 3.55. I want to try rebug. I am assuming that I need to update to OFW 3.55 and then follow the steps of installing CFW in service mode. Is that right? Is that question worthy of a spot on the FAQ
08-26-2011
07:51 PM
Hey neat, I am in the 'thankyou' list!
Good job, a well written FAQ, should be useful for the next few months until the next big thing gets released!
08-26-2011
08:07 PM
The next big thing is in my pants
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using Tapatalk
08-26-2011
08:44 PM
You forgot post about psn and ps3iso is also a great english site
08-27-2011
01:08 AM
Sweet... i've been wanting one of these
08-27-2011
03:13 AM
dont no if it has been added but if you have spoofer enabled you can still accedently update later firmwares using a new game
08-27-2011
03:18 AM
(A) You can use Team Rebugs firmware spoofer, it spoofs the firmware, so that when someone attempts to update the PS3, via internet or disc, the PS3 tells them they are already on the highest firmware, as an extra precaution, you should remove your consoles access to the PS3, when you are not around, you can grab your spoofer, from the offical Rebug site here.
Read more: http://www.ps3hax.net/#ixzz1WDPK48Aq
(A) You can use Team Rebugs firmware spoofer, it spoofs the firmware, so that when someone attempts to update the PS3, via internet or disc, the PS3 tells them they are already on the highest firmware, as an extra precaution, you should remove your consoles access to the Internet, when you are not around, you can grab your spoofer, from the offical Rebug site here.
Read more: http://www.ps3hax.net/#ixzz1WDPK48Aq
08-27-2011
03:18 AM
why tah fok a n00bs wool wanna ues linux at teh ps3?/? ( j/b a ps3 tae ues linuss while 'tsh already at 3.70 tar play teh hottez gamef..... doon mek me laaaff ---ololololololo!!!!!11)
08-27-2011
03:24 AM
I also hope you don't think you're "cool" typing like that. You just look like a jackass.
08-27-2011
03:26 AM
08-27-2011
03:31 AM
08-27-2011
04:39 AM
good job man thank's
08-27-2011
06:16 AM
You are 30, try acting your age >.<
08-27-2011
08:33 AM
it might be worth adding MultiMAN to the FTP servers (it has one running in the background) as you already recommend it for backups and people might have it installed as it's so popular
08-27-2011
08:51 AM
Thanks
You were in the thank you list in my First F.A.Q, back in December 2011 and in my second one when CFW was released
08-27-2011
10:18 AM
you dare thank moogie over me, blasphemy...lol. I'm kidding, good job on the list.
08-27-2011
10:22 AM
Thanks and you are on the list
08-27-2011
06:23 PM
Very clear, understandable guide, well done Mr Rasputin
08-28-2011
02:49 PM
thanx alot
plz remove that blue person from the front picture
it same how reminds me of portal 2
08-29-2011
12:17 AM
very nice guide
08-29-2011
03:24 PM
Might I suggest you amend the FTP server section a bit?
CJCP's FTP server was fantastic as being the first homebrew for the job, but the software is extremely crash prone and potentially dangerous with flash write support. I don't think it should be recommended at this point, as there are much better alternatives.
For sheer stability and speed, I find OpenPS3FTP is the top choice. As a bonus, it even installs a nice icon under the "Network" category.
http://www.ps3hax.net/downloads.php?do=file&id=643 (Needs to be updated to 2.3) ===> http://ps3.dashhacks.com/downloads/openps3ftp
Blackbox comes in at a close second. We all adore MultiMan, but I find the FTP server built in crashes sometimes, and I always leave it disabled in favour of used the dedicated app.
*Edit*
There's also a fork of OpenPS3FTP with dev_flash write support with better stability for those dangerous operations:
https://github.com/axtux/openFTP
This fork is based on older source though, and I would still recommend the regular over it. Just another option.
08-29-2011
03:40 PM
>.< cant believe i left out OpenFTP.
EDIT:
Fixed my fail and updated the file on our servers, thank you
08-30-2011
08:38 PM
great guide, thank you!!
09-01-2011
09:28 PM
Are we able to play mkv files natively yet? I haven't been following the scene for a while.
09-05-2011
02:18 PM
Yes, you can play MKV with full audio switching and subtitle support with Showtime:
http://www.redsquirrel87.com/Showtime.html
09-19-2011
11:03 AM
Hi,
I have an external hdd (Hitachi Lifestudio) and Multiman doesn't recognize my hard in the games menu but ps3 can recognize my external hdd in the photo, video and other menus.
so it's amazing i can copy games from my hard to the some destination but it's not current GAMES destination.
PLZ help me or do some works on the multiman updates.
Thanks' a lot.
09-29-2011
08:10 AM
Very nice GregoryRasputin!
10-01-2011
01:53 AM
Please help I have gaia manager and iris manager and want to back up my own black ops and other games which requires you yo update to version 3.60 or higher i do not go on playstation network is this possible to do without destroying my back up programs I have in place or is there any other way of getting around this problem any help would be great.
(new to this) thanks
10-01-2011
02:00 AM
10-01-2011
02:01 AM
10-02-2011
01:19 AM
i have 3.55 so it would be fine for any games 3.60? just ignore the upgrade message and than back up?
10-02-2011
01:53 AM
10-02-2011
01:56 AM
assasins creed brotherhood la noir
10-02-2011
02:02 AM
both games are playable
look here
http://www.pshomebrew.net/wiki/PS3_B...atibility_List
also you need to dl update 1.01 for la noire to work.
10-07-2011
12:39 AM
thanks do you recommend the latest multi man to back up all these games in the list?
Thanks again for your help!
10-07-2011
01:23 AM
10-10-2011
06:47 AM
Updated with PS1 backup information and PS3 disc backup information.
10-13-2011
10:21 PM
i have two reasons for creating such a FAQ
11-07-2011
11:10 PM
solderless? so are they ever gonna create a version where I can just download the files onto a USB drive?...
11-13-2011
08:03 PM
I apologize in advance I know you are tired of these questions but a few days ago I bought a ps3 and it contains 3.65 system, how will I be able to play downloaded games? I spent hours of time on the computer in the hope that something will be found and downloaded the program but nothing I could do
11-13-2011
08:32 PM
11-13-2011
08:50 PM
but how can I downgrade 3.65 , itskamel's Noob Jailbreak Guide is for 3.55
11-13-2011
09:48 PM
thought i tell you the bit that says "(Q) I want to be able to create my own Homebrew, is it possible.
(A) Yes, using the Open Source PS3 SDK, named PSL1GHT, you can create Homebrew, PSL1GHT was created by AerialX, read about it here."
there is no link from the bit "here"
11-13-2011
10:47 PM
11-25-2011
06:23 AM
if you stay at 3.41 i prefer HERMES CFW work charm
i stuck at hermes cfw v4C with payloads !!!
HERMES thank you
11-25-2011
07:31 PM
hmmm nice a tut...guess this booN will try irc....hope I dont get flamed to bad...lulz
11-30-2011
04:36 PM
11-30-2011
04:40 PM
No you don't "need" a dongle to hack your PS3, you will need a flasher though like originally stated to downgrade your firmware.
After you downgrade you can use itskamel's tutorial for modding the PS3 (once on 3.55).
Good Luck.
11-30-2011
04:47 PM
i have a flash drive with me add me lol thnx for the info but now what do i do i got a usb drive then i downgrade software
11-30-2011
04:58 PM
11-30-2011
05:16 PM
if a flasher is a dongle i was going to buy one anyway ive hacked other things before im just new to ps3 if i could just get started i would be good at it lol
11-30-2011
05:18 PM
As for the flash drive mix up: a flasher is not a flash drive/usb drive/pen drive/thumb drive or any form of portable USB removable storage device, it is a device used to read/write information to/from a certain storage chip found on systems like the PS3.
11-30-2011
05:25 PM
haha thnx bro i dont really now the terms lol kk ik i sound stupid but i buy it then can i mod my games i now the hax i just got to figure out how to mod
12-09-2011
03:03 AM
can i downgrade 3.56
12-10-2011
06:25 AM
But yeah that flasher route is still open...
12-28-2011
11:58 PM
Hello
am new to the PS3 Modding scene. Am planning to buy a PS3. I have a few questions.
i dont want to risk soldering and/or hardware modding. so as you all suggest, i should buy only ps3 with firmware less than or 3.55
1) How do i check the firmware of the PS3 before i buy?
2) I know many places where they sell pirated game DVD's. Will those work on an unmodded ps3?
3) will original games work on a modded ps3? (including online gaming?)
4)I just want to know if by some software modding method, i'll be able to run those pirated dvds
12-29-2011
02:01 AM
If i restored my ps3 would it downgrade it?? You know without smoldering or E3 or progskeet??
01-07-2012
02:47 PM
I think you should put dean in the thanks.
01-07-2012
02:51 PM
01-07-2012
02:54 PM
01-19-2012
10:23 PM
has any one else got a virus downloading the files.
01-19-2012
10:30 PM
01-25-2012
05:57 AM
A nasty legal battle between Sony and Playstation 3 hacker George geohot Hotz has ended in an abrupt settlement.
A joint statement from Hotz and Sony, posted on the official Playstation Blog, says Hotz agreed to a permanent injunction meaning hell wipe all his PS3 hacking resources from the web as part of the settlement. Neither side is disclosing the full terms.
Sony sued Hotz and several other hackers in January, after he posted files and documentation for the PS3 jailbreak. As with Hotzs work on the iPhone, the PS3 hack allowed users to install unauthorized software, including cheats, pirated software and the Other OS feature that Sony removed from the console a year ago. It was never my intention to cause any users trouble or to make piracy easier, Hotz said in a statement. Both parties say theyre happy to have the lawsuit behind them.
But the settlement still leaves plenty of loose ends. The joint statement says nothing about the other hackers that the company sued, and theres no shortage of BitTorrent sites listing Hotzs jailbreak, limiting the effects of the permanent injunction. To combat hacking, Sony has threatened permanent bans from the Playstation Network for anyone it catches with unauthorized software. Sonys actions have also drawn the ire of Anonymous, a hacking collective that has attacked Sonys servers and planned a boycott of Sony stores on April 16. (The statement notes that Hotz wasnt involved in the attacks.)
Still, the lawsuit was probably hurting more than helping Sonys reputation. The company angered privacy advocates when it won a subpoena for the IP addresses of anyone who visited Hotzs website, as a way to prove how many people visited and to allow jurisdiction in San Francisco instead of Hotzs home state of New Jersey.
Hotzs image may suffer now that hes given up the legal fight, but the settlement doesnt require him to be nice. On his blog, hes already vowed to boycott Sony products and promises much more to come on this blog. Whatever that means, it wont include PS3 hacking.
02-24-2012
11:28 PM
There is a downgrade or jailbreak for the ps3 v3.72 cechk01???
03-24-2012
07:48 PM
just asking because i have been away from the scene for a while... over 8 months i believe...
i am still running official firmware 3.41 with a dongle (tensy board with the hermes v4 payload and gaia manager).
all is working ok so far for me... i dont play online...
i was just wondering if anything new has surfaced yet that i should consider changing my method to player newer games???
or the newer games are still working with the method above??? i have not had a chance to test any newer ones yet. the last one i played was Uncharted 3.
i thank you in advanced!
06-10-2012
02:01 PM
Ok im new to this hacking thing like I have 2 ps3's I have a slim one and a original one on a 3.55 version and I was wondering if anybody can help me jailbreak it so I can learn to make challenge lobbies on Mw2 Please help me
06-10-2012
02:04 PM
Sure i can help. start by reading this and then ask away
http://www.ps3hax.net/2011/08/f-a-q-...g-ps3-hacking/
07-01-2012
12:46 AM
In the wake of recent developments in Sony's war on Geohot, the company has released an "Official Statement Regarding PS3 Circumvention Devices and Pirated Software," which reads, in part:
Consumers using circumvention devices or running unauthorized or pirated software will have access to the PlayStation Network and access to Qriocity services through PlayStation 3 system terminated permanently.
To avoid this, consumers must immediately cease use and remove all circumvention devices and delete all unauthorized or pirated software from their PlayStation 3 systems.
In other words: get caught with custom firmware, find yourself banished from the PlayStation Network forever. Seems rather reasonable. More reasonable than, say, filing a motion in court for the usernames and IP addresses of everyone who posted comments on Geohot's YouTube video. Read the entire statement at the source link.
07-21-2012
11:45 AM
Use this revised thread instead:
http://www.ps3hax.net/2012/07/ps3-ja...ised-for-2012/