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Posted by GregoryRasputin, on 09/04/2012, @ 10:14am
I wasn’t going to bother posting about Venix Autopatcher, but then a PS3HaX member made a thread asking about it, so here is a quote from the link that Euss posted.
Some portuguese dude (somehow venix name reminds me of a fake bricker CFW and highly hyped and never released manager long time ago) apparently never found ps3devwiki guides or used flowrebuilder/winskeet autopatcher or hexeditor with autopatch scripts.
Tests where done on the software:
Conclusion : USELESS, brickdumps will still show as ‘valid’ and corrupt patch files will be generated, not preventing the user from permabricking.
Posted by GregoryRasputin, on 25/02/2012, @ 11:21am
Most of you think of a Backup manager when the name ‘Rogero’ is mentioned, but the cool PS3 Dev also creates MFW/CFW, which is dedicated for those of you that downgrade, but can be used even if you aren’t a downgrader, here is a quote from the source:
Usage / Compatibility:
- Can be used for Downgrade directly using a hardware flasher like Progskeet / E3 Flasher / Teensy++, etc…
- Can be used for normal system update like any other CFW/MFW from XMB or from Recovery Menu.
Internal Structure:
New Features:
- Built-in system version spoof to 4.11 to prevent accidental system updates (won’t allow going online in any way)
- NoBD Patch to allow installing it with the Blu-Ray drive disconnected (especially for downgrading purposes)
- Have other fixes that prevents the Black screen or Payload loading problems encountered on some PS3 systems.
Standard Features:
- Kmeaw patched Lv2 with necessary patches to allow Peek/Poke support (same games compatibility as Kmeaw CFW)
- LV1 Checks Disabled to bypass the Syscon hashes for downgraded consoles.
- Privacy Patch applied to block communications with all Sony servers.
- Custom Boot Logo.
- built-in “Heavy Rain” dynamic theme.
This is a better optimized version of the previous MFW released, This one is a Custom firmware
built manually by patching and packing the files and the final PUP package using the well known
“failoverflow” public set of tools and having ”Kmeaw” as the base firmware unlike it’s previous
version which was a Modified firmware built using the famous MFW builder application and using
an OFW3.55 as the base firmware.
History:
After several days and more testing of the first MFW released for downgrading from 3.70–>3.55
I had some users feedback from #progskeet-support that some PS3 machines are having either
the Registry Corrupted/Blue Screen or just a Black Screen after downgrade that required re-installing
the MFW from Recovery Menu or reflashing the NOR in some cases.
Further research about the donwgrade V2 patches and the no_check.PUP with some more testing
showed that a Kmeaw based LV2 seems to have better compatibility with the Downgrade patches
applied to the NOR image then a MFW built with a patched LV2, so I decided to build a new version
manually which is a custom firmware that combines Kmeaw LV2 patches with Dospiedras Lv1 no-check
patches and having the minimal/necessary set of patches to preserve the best overall stability.
Thanks to the all the beta testers especially Blakcat & Marlboro1
For those of you who own, or plan on purchasing a ProgSkeet flasher, there is some good news. We have just received confirmation that the offical NOR clips for ProgSkeet will start shipping very soon. The price of the clip is not yet confirmed, but we do know that the clip will NOT require a tristate solder wire to use. We will have pictures for you soon. More information about ProgSkeet can be found over at their official site.
Posted by GregoryRasputin, on 14/12/2011, @ 07:16pm
It has been a while since i update my PS3 history on this site, so instead of rehashing the same old thread, i thought i would make a new post, to get those acquainted with the history that is the PS3:
2000-2001
These years may seem early for a story on the History Of The PS3, but these dates will be understood as you read further into the PS3 history.(Thanks to winocm, for making me go back this far :p).
During the year 2000, Sony Computer Entertainment, Toshiba, and IBM(STI),formed an alliance, an alliance that would see the creation of the Cell Processor, Cell is short for Cell Broadband Engine Architecture.
March 2001
The STI design center opens and begins production of the Cell processor, this would be a four year endeavor, which would lead you to 2005.
Posted by GregoryRasputin, on 04/12/2011, @ 08:06pm
Im sure there are those of you that updated to the new 4.0 OFW that Sony released last week, you needn’t worry as you will be able to downgrade, which has been confirmed by various people/devs including DiGiTaLAnGeL from digitalangel.it, it should be safe to say that all future firmwares will be downgrade able, but its still always better to have confirmation.
BTW, this is the device you should be buying instead of that junk True Blue, with Progskeet, you can downgrade to CFW, for backups and Homebrew, then update to play online and download PSN games, then downgrade back to CFW
Posted by GregoryRasputin, on 28/10/2011, @ 02:02pm
Its been a few months since we interviewed Gitbrew, unquestionably the best and most important group in the PS3 Scene, they have been responsible for so many advances in the PS3 scene one of them being the restoration of OtherOS, much has went on since we last interviewed the guys at Gitbrew, so Pockets69 and myself(GregoryRasputin) decided to throw a few questions together, here are the responses to those questions:
(Q.1) So it has been a few months since the last interview, what have you been doing since then.
Durandal A lot. Our console development efforts are even more intense than they were when you last interviewed us, and we are proud to announce that we have been
joined by refugee developers from git-hacks. Not only do we get to benefit from having these talented developers working with us, but this merge also adds
about 11 gigs of source code to our git repositories. Sorry for the downtime, but when it’s back up it’ll all be worth it.
I’ve also branched off from console development for a bit in order to focus on developing solutions for secure, survivable, and covert communications and
infrastructure for hostile environments, as well as intelligence collection and forensic tools that will support and assure the security of these networks
and their users. We are partnering with other Global-level groups to provide these tools as quickly as we can to the various Occupy movements sprouting up
all over the world. With the help of Iadnah and others in the community we are proud to announce our first release: occupyOS. This secure, no-frills-added
OS can be booted from either cdrom or usb and provides a safe environment activists can use to communicate, publish documents, and perform other necessary tasks
using whatever hardware happens to be available at the time. More information is available at: http://wiki.gitbrew.org/wikibrew/OccupyOS
Snowy Quite a bit as durandal said, I’ve been trying to clear up what happened over the last incident. We again apologize for that and have been working as best as we can in making a proper rsx driver, instead of just documentation. I’ve been trying to help developers out there that are in need of proper documentation as well as the supplys (vnc’s and/or servers to properly test their stuff) As well as hardware to test their applications on. We’ve been quite busy organizing things together and helping as many people as we can along the way. I’m glad to be helping in anyway possible to a developer in need. I had to sell my ps3 so currently most development on my side is on hold until then. Until then, I will just be helping out developers .
(Q.2) Your work was posponed due to durandal needing an operation, how is he doing
Durandal I feel better than I have in years. Sorry about the downtime…I’ll do everything I can to make up for it.
Snowy I’ve known durandal for a few years, and i can say that he’s doing a lot better then ever.
(Q.3) The scene as you no it, is full of drama, we have a team of wanabe devs known as Team PS360, do you think they will eventually crack the ps3.
Durandal Positively… We can all sit back and relax now knowing that ps360 will save the ps3 scene, release 3.70+ keys, and hack the gibson. Oh wait…
you were serious? We used to have a saying in the blackhat community: code or stfu. I think that sums it up. To be honest, if most of these groups and individuals spent half as much time researching and coding as they spend bickering over pirate/anti-pirate and who’s this month’s ps3 scene godfather, they could actually “save the ps3 scene” like they claim to want to do.
Snowy As durandal has said, Code or stfu. I don’t doubt any of them have any coding experience, I don’t doubt that they know partially what they’re talking about. I doubt the fact we haven’t seen anything from them. I wish them luck though, and if any of them needs help then so be it.
(Q.4) Recently glevand unlocked some more of the RSX`s potential, how close is he to ripping it wide open.
Durandal It’s already ripped wide open. Through the resources and synergistic development gitbrew offers, glevand was able to write a ps3fb replacement that takes
advantage of all three FIFO pipes to maximize the amount of data throughput from SYSTEM memory to the RSX. Unfortunately our git is down while we take on
the refugee developers from git-hacks. When the new Gitorious-based repository is up, we’ll dump everything into it. Until then, feel free to download both
the kernel module and userland app at: http://gitbrew.org/~glevand/ps3/linux/ps3rsx_kernel.tar.gz and http://gitbrew.org/~glevand/ps3/linux/ps3rsx_user.tar.gz
Both files are needed to run the new ps3rsx graphics driver, and I want to assure everyone that no lv1 calls were hurt during the development of this much-needed
driver.
Snowy He was having a bit of trouble, but actually looked at the documentation that was released and actually fixed the problems he was having. How’s that for irony?
(Q.5) what do you think about the new method of getting the per_console_key?
Durandal Glevand and many others have been working feverishly to develop methods of obtaining this key. It’s nice to see it’s paid off. I’m looking forward to a day when
the PS3 is as open a development as the PSP.
Snowy One step closer, sooner or later ibm is going to finally send a cease and desist. We’ll put that right up next to dasmoovers sign.
(Q.6) Do you have anyone working on an easy to use tool for the key? we are already used to gitbrew pkgs XD
Durandal If we weren’t, we’d have to quit gitbrew and join PS360….
Snowy I’m pretty sure anything related to the rootkey, we might leave out just so that people actually learn how to get their own keys. As a sort of accomplishment type thing, but eventually there will be simple pkg files released to do it.
(Q.7) What next projects are we going to see from gitbrew regarding the ps3 scene? can we see some sort of “one day one announcement”, like you did a couple of weeks ago?
Durandal Well RSX is taken care of, NPDRM is getting very close to being irrelevant, and I’ve heard there’s almost usable versions of psl1ght floating around. I guess the next really big thing you’ll see is the release of the gitSkeet flasher. We teamed up with progskeet and rebug to create a special edition of the progskeet2 that will have solderless clips and the kind of support and documentation only gitbrew is capable of providing. It also gives us an opportunity to branch out into the actual hardware exploitation as well. As far as having announcement a day weeks, expect to see more of them in the not so distant future.
Snowy Ah the one day one announcement might end up as something a bit different (As a lemon twist as richlando has once told me). We might release something soon, but it will be more planned out next time.
(Q.8) what else is everyone from gitbrew working on, that you are allowed to mention of course?
Durandal We’ve got active Android and iOS dev groups working on various projects, and iadnah and I are spearheading the Global Occupy development effort. We’re also accepting hardware donations for use by the various Occupy movements. While all this is going on, Snowy and euss are diligently working to document and publicize everything being done. Without the two of them, gitbrew wouldn’t be possible. Due to the nature of gitbrew, I’m sure there’s other dev teams working on other awesome projects, so expect some big announcements over the next several months.
Snowy Quite a bit still, i’m only helping 3-4 groups atm, but might turn into more or might turn into less. We might take a look at the frankenstein sdk again. Lets just hope i can figure out how durandal originally made it work.
(Q.9) What is your thought on the recent discoveries on the ps3 scene?
Durandal Imagine, if you can, being basically bedridden for the last four months and waking up to all this. I think 2011 will go down as the year the PS3 finally got the attention it deserves. I’m amazed at just how much development is going on, both inside gitbrew and in the community at large.
Snowy Theres a few things i want to be seen done, but i’m not picky.
- A.) psx backups working
Durandal This one wasn’t really a surprise, but it’s still really awesome to be able to play some of those classics without digging out a 10 year old CD and hoping it’ll play on your dusty PSX. Thanks for giving me the chance to finally have that Twisted Metal rematch, and with much improved resolution.
Snowy Once iso backups from a drive is done, I’ll be happy about this. Most of my psone games are far too scratched to even boot now.
- B.)
duplex releases of cracked psn games
Durandal If they could keep their network up and not illegally store customer data, people might actually pay for the games. Maybe Sony shouldn’t hire Kevin Mitnick to secure their network.
Snowy I’d actually like to congradulate them on it, someone was smart enough to hit sony again. Next time sony, hire ibm to actually do the rest of the security for your console.
- C.) mallory and juanadie releases on the npdrm keys.
Durandal We’re proud to call mall0ry a gitbrew developer. I can’t wait to see what else he comes up with.
Snowy As durandal said, awesome dude. Glad to have him aboard. Juanadie, you’re also more then welcome to join or idle in the irc. It would help a lot as well as spark more interesting ideas, never know.
- D.) The new jb2 dongle AKA true blue.
Durandal I’m always very wary of dongles. Usually they’re just a ploy to make a buck, and these days it doesn’t take long for someone to reverse what the software they’re trying to hide does. Expect to see the same happen here. If we want to deter others from trying to peddle their software in a dongle form, we should make a point of reversing a dongle’s functionality
and implementing it in a package. I’m sure that group paid a lot of money to get all those dongles made, and they’d hate to see that money go to waste.
Snowy Yet again as durandal said, dongles are dongles, regardless someone is going to take a crack at them and release a free version of it. Cobra hasn’t even been touched by most of the developers, and those who have touched it don’t really care for piracy. I would like to thank dean for taking the first step in making psx backups working though, a small step but none the less towards the proper direction for the scene.
To be continued……….
Pockets69 & GregoryRasputin
Thanks for taking the time to answer the few questions, you guys are awesome <3
durandal & Snowy
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us. Without communities like ps3hax, none of this would’ve been possible.
With the interview over, i would like to personally request something from each of you and that is to send the guys at Gitbrew a little donation, it can be as little as $1, if one hundred people donate only $1 each, that’s $100, which helps a huge way to covering server expenses and it shows that you appreciate the work they do, this donation request does not come from Gitbrew, nor have they asked me to post this, it is a request from me(GregoryRasputin), as i think they deserve all the support they can get.
To donate, please follow this link.
To donate to graf_chokolo egorenar@gmail.com
For help from or to work with OtherOS visit them on IRC here:
gitbrew.org
ssl
6697
Join #otheros
Posted by PS3Hax Member News, on 29/09/2011, @ 09:29pm
Rogero, famous for various PS3 homebrew, has released a CFW V2 Kmeaw LV1 Patched 3.72 Spoof Privacy Patch for custom firmware users!
Roughly translated:
Rogero is back to give us an update of the CFW that we presented in this news. Here’s a summary of the features of this custom firmware. You should know that it was created at the beginning to correct the problem trophies was going after a hardware downgrade Dospiedras Method v2 (with a chip programmer like Progskeet).
Rogero was not happy about it and had also added the patch and Privacy lv1 checks patched to bypass the syscon 3.56 +. And today is the spoof 3.72 found in this newly created CFW.
Included in firmware:
- Kmeaw’s LV1 patch
- V3.72 spoof
- Privacy Patch
- Dospiedras’ LV1 no-check patches
The solderless ProgSkeet will be released tomorrow, bringing dual NAND setup, and a 1gigabit NAND (allowing backups or dual boots). More info on that HERE. (more…)
Posted by PS3Hax Member News, on 23/09/2011, @ 07:09pm
We haven’t heard a lot of progskeet recently. They have just announced progskeet as solderless. On top of that, they have also announced a dual nand setup. Progskeet seems to be getting better over time.
We are happy to introduce you the SOLDERLESS KITS for our ProgSkeet device!
The main word is “BE FLEXIBLE” as ProgSkeet project will be the BEST TOOLKIT for the NAND and NOR flashing!!!
We present today the NAND TOOL KITS, in few days we will be ready also with NOR TOOL KITS!!! Stay Tuned
1 – PROGSKEET is 100% PIN to PIN compatible with the SOCKET tool sold from this site http://www.360-clip.com
Just connect the ProgSkeet 32 pin special flat cable. (please note that this version don’t support programming or reading with out the device is powered on. A new version will be released with the VCC pad to manage NANDS with a self power provided from PROGSKEET) 360-clip.com and also us we will offer this socket in a package together with the 20 cm 32 PIN flat cable.
2 – ADAPTOR PCB: This pcb is an adaptor from 50PIN ZIF PROGSKEET CONNECTOR (necessary for the coming “NOR SOCKET” solderless tools) to 2 x 32 PIN ZIF connector. With this adaptor progskeet is able to manage 2 NANDS on the DEVICE and also extra 2x SECONDARY NANDS (for dual nand feature). The kit include the 50 pin flat cable from PROGSKEET to ADAPTOR PCB.
3 – NAND PCB: This “optional” pcb has a 1Gbit NAND flash on board. Progkseet is able to use it like a backup nand or switch this nand and use it instead the NAND on the board of the device. The feature called “DUAL NAND” allow to support different NANDs ONLINE and test firmwares in a easy fast way. The software will be ready soon to support this feature, user can also attach a switch to progskeet to allow a fast selection of the NANDs without using the PC tool.
Progskeet support max 2 x NAND PCB on each ADAPTOR PCB, the kit include a 32 PIN 3CM flat cable (from NAND PCB to NAND SOCKET)
You can see a FULL PROGSKEET KIT SAMPLE where is clear how is the complete kit with 2x NANDS PCB and 2x NANDS SOCKETS (on the picture miss one socket sorry J ) but I think the concept is clear.
The big advantage of PROGSKEET is that can work on ANY CONSOLE / DEVICE, is study to be MODULAR and so is MUCH CHEAPER then any other solution that is specific addressed to a device.
The nice special FLAT CABLES are also easy to be fitted inside the device without bit problems, and also the KIT is removable in few minutes and is not PERMANENT.
We remember that PROGSKEET is an OPEN PROJECT study to be used in many kind of devices CONSOLES, SATELLITE, IPHONES, PENDRIVERS etc etc. “PROGSKEET NOTHING MORE THAN A GOOD NAND / NOR PROGRAMMER”.
We will send tomorrow more infos and pictures regarding PROGSKEET V1.1 “CRYSTAL BLUE LIMITED EDITION” in production in these days and available in the market soon!
Nice news also about the PROGSKEET software, that now support new nice features.
Posted by GregoryRasputin, on 12/09/2011, @ 09:54am
For those of you that have Progskeet, AnGeL DiGiTaLAnGeL.iT has released a patchfile.txt needed for proskeet “patcher”, here is a quote from the source:
|————————————————————————–|
| ProgSkeet Patcher’s PS3 NOR Downgrade v2 patchfile |
| by |
| AnGeL |
| WwW.DiGiTaLAnGeL.iT |
|————————————————————————–|
|========================================================|
|============================= HOW TO USE IT ================|
|-Just extract the folder “downgrade v2 ProgSkeet” anywhere on your PC. |
|-Open WinSkeet40000/LinuxKeet/iSkeet on your computer. |
|-Create a dump of your 3.70 OFW if you haven’t already done it. |
|-Call it “OFW370.bin” -IT MUST BE A BYTESWAPPED DUMP!- |
|-Open the “Patcher” tab and select “OFW370.bin” as the input file. |
|-Select the progskeet_patch.txt as the patch file. |
|-Go for it Now you have a fully working downgrade.bin to flash ! |
|============================================================|
|============================================================|
|==============================================================|
|This release is based on the patchset of the downgrade v2 released by |
|dospiedra, and you should check BYTESWAP while reading NOR and when you |
|flash your downgrade.bin file back! |
|===========================================================
|-uf6667. |
|-Ago. |
|-bmx. |
|-and dospiedra for his work Kudos to him for the downgrade patches! |
|=======================================================
Posted by PS3Hax Member News, on 10/09/2011, @ 05:23pm
Remember Rogero? The man behind Rogero Backup manager? Well he has released some information about the downgrade from 3.70 by Dospiedras and states that any MFW that does not have LV1.self file patched to Disable all checks will result in a brick.Now he has released his own MFW that fixes this trophy error.
Last night I had the chance to try and downgrade a Slim Ps3 (JSD-001 board with Spansion NOR) version 3.70 to CFW 3.55 using Dospiedra’s downgrade v2 patches.
I managed to get a clean dump of the NOR using my ProgSkeet (latest QT port used), created a patched Downgrade.bin image
using the 6 patched files from Dospiedra and a hex editor, then I flashed the image to the PS3 NOR, dumped the NOR another
time and verified that all was written fine.
Then I continued with the normal downgrade procedure, go into service mode, update using the 3.55_no_check.PUP, then exit
service mode and all was good, it was back into CFW 3.55.
Here the problems started, I tried to start a game and I got the famous Trophy error, so I decided to update it to my
personal Modified Firmware, so I started the update and after installing the firmware, the PS3 turned off by itself,
I tried to turn it on again, It turned on for almost 2 or 3 seconds then turned off completely ( No Screen Output, No Red Led either )
so I knew-ed at this point that the PS3 was Bricked
N.B: this was never mentioned in any of the downgrade tutorials floating on the net, although this is a very important point
to warn the users who are downgrading their Ps3 machines not to update using usual Modified firmwares unless the firmware
have the LV1.self file patched to Disable all checks, anything else will result into a Bricked PS3, and this is not good at
all especially if the Hardware flasher used to downgrade was removed from the Ps3′s NOR or Nand Flash.
After doing some research and discussing the issue with my friend eussNL <– a wiki by himself
I realized what happened to the Ps3, after the downgrade procedure, the machine’s syscon still had a version > 3.55
(3.56 or higher) and this needs a Patched LV1.self (checks disabled) in the NOR for the PS3 to be able to boot fine, and when
I updated it to my own MFW, the LV1.self file in the NOR was replaced with a non-patched version (checks enabled) and the PS3
detected the higher syscon version (3.56+) and Bricked.
To Fix it, I had to re-flash the NOR again with the patched Downgrade.bin image (to get rid of the patched LV1.self)
then the Ps3 was fixed and booting fine again.
At this point, the Ps3 was working again, but the Trophy problem was always there, so I prepared another Modified firmware with
3.70 spoof, Privacy Patch and this time the LV1.self Checks Disabled
(the patches were provided by eussNL too so Credits here goes to him),
then while still having Progskeet soldered to the NOR flash, I updated the Ps3 with the new MFW, everything
went fine, and it rebooted fine into the XMB, did some tests and the Trophy problem was gone for good and all games working fine.
For all the users who had successfully downgraded their PS3 machines to 3.55 again, I share with you my MFW with Lv1 Checks patched to bypass the 3.56+ syscon version and prevent any brick after updating to it, and to get rid of the annoying Trophy problem encountered after the usual downgrade procedure.
Posted by GregoryRasputin, on 10/09/2011, @ 06:50am
Now whilst others try and stall the scene, by leaking information and other important stuff that should be kept secret, there are decent people hard at work, trying to keep the scene alive, like the cool guys at Digital Angel, who have released this important application, which works in conjunction with Progskeet, here is a quote from the source:
Hi Guys!
Today i would like to introduce you the new step in the Progskeet evolution: the “QT” Flasher…
The actual public version is a bit “buggy” and difficult to use, and it works well only on Windows XP, as Windows 7 and other OS have compatibility problems with it (some are just crappy things that you can fix with some tricks, while other makes the Flasher crash).
During the last times, the Flasher developer which constantly works on it to improve the stability and the features, has gave a big push to the Flasher, making the choice of using a powerful and multi-platform framework such as QT!
QT is a framework which can allow the developer to write a program and make it work the same way on the 3 main platforms : Windows,Linux and Mac OS X without worrying about write tons of lines to make it work on the currently running platform: QT will do the dirty work for you.
Because of this, @uf6667, helped by two other good coders named Ago and bmx, started to port the original Flasher to QT… and as always we (DiGiTaLAnGeL) and some others have the privilege to beta-test this new and awesome version of the Flasher.
Let’s start with some hightlights: at the moment, the version we have is the Windows one, which then will be called WinSkeet40000,followed by Linuxkeet (Linux) and iSkeet(MAC OS X).
The interface is full of new things… and for now we can use these features:
The “evil” progskeet.log is gone, and the event log is now embedded in the flasher itself, in realtime!
You can manually read,write and now erase too.
You can use presets and create new ones, matching your NOR/NAND flash -now there are some presets for the PS3 flashes and XBOX360 NAND-.
You can change the write method, between buffered write (the default one) or use the “single word” or “double word” mode (you can use it when something goes wrong or your tasks fails).
Now the flasher is splitted in tabs: “Common”,”NOR”,”NAND” and “Patcher” making it more easier and faster to use.
The byteswap function is still here, working flawlessly on both writing and reading.
You can use the “patcher” tab:useful to apply patch to your dump on the fly.
There is an option to change to refresh-cycle of the flash (for slower/faster flashes).
Progskeet Flasher is being translated! For now there are english,french and german languages -italian and all the others are coming-
The “verify” task is now done at the end of the read->erase->write process.
Posted by GregoryRasputin, on 26/08/2011, @ 04:59pm
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 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) 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.
(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) 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
Team E3DIY, the same guys behind the E3 card reader in the PSJailbreak days have contacted us today unveiling their new product, E3 Flasher. The E3 flasher is essentially a ProgSkeet clone, which you know is being used to downgrade PS3s from firmware 3.70.
To quote email:
E3 FLASHER, the world first flasher special for PS3 , easier backup and downgrade,support dual boot,coming soon !
E3, created miracles on PS3 jailbreak , release free jailbreak,downgrade and goldfinger , and will now release a full new revolutionary E3 FLASHER which includes: backup, restore, upgrade, downgrade and dual boot all in one .
Features:
NOR FLASH ON board
1 KEY backup or restore, simple is best
Dual boot , choose booting from original bios or E3 bios.
3 save MODE, save bios to E3 nor flash, TF card or PC .
NO harm for console, but can longer console life because of specially design.
Integrated lots of interface, perfectly extension, will have more function with future new E3 accessory.
Compatible all slim and fat console, include latest 3000x version.
Don’t forget E3DIY team, which free service always It said they were studying BIOS, Let’s wait and see what happens.
AND please note the new E3 domain www.e3-tech.net , more details coming soon !
PS: E3DIY team note 3.7 downgrade, so maybe E3 flasher will downgrade automatically, no need modify on PC .
Thanks all guy whom contribute PS3 jailbreak.
Not a bad alternative to a ProgSkeet. Prices and availability will be announced soon.
Posted by PS3Hax Member News, on 20/08/2011, @ 06:05am
You don’t want to downgrade your PS3 on OFW 3.70 (you’ll loose all your data), but want to enjoy Homebrew and capabilities of Official Firmware 3.70 with one Console? Then this is the right tutorial for you. DiGiTaLAnGeL from Italy has managed to “fast-swap” between Custom Firmware (3.55) and Official Firmware (3.70) with the ProgSkeet Flasher and a second Harddrive.
English Version for international blogs, greetz from Italy -Google Translate sucks- (and my english too… sorry )
Today i’ll write a tutorial to “fast-swap” between CFW 3.55 and OFW 3.70, using 2 HDDs… at the end of the tutorial, you i’ll be able to swap between the firmware just flashing a dump on your PS3 using Progskeet. (instead of downgrading and loosing all data).
The first steps are not so easy, so take your time and go on, by the way, you must have some skill with Progskeet, and it must be 100% working on your console.
What we need:
PS3 Slim running with FW 3.70
2 Hard Disks
Progskeet installed and working on your PS3 Slim
Downgrade.bin edited with your personal data (there are tons of tutorials for do this)
3.55 Downgrade Dongle to do the downgrade process.
Lv2Diag “FILE 2″ to go out of Service/Factory Mode. (DOWNLOAD)
We need 2 HDD because the NOR flashes stores some parts of the current FW on the HDD… so we will need 2 HDDs, one is for 3.55, and one is for 3.70..
We will call those HDD “A” (for 3.70) and “B” (for 3.55) dont mix them up!
Starting with a PS3 Slim with OFW 3.70.
Plug in HDD “B”, format and prepare it if it’s required by the PS3 and you should have your 3.70 up and running.
DUMP your actual NOR and call it “original dump 3.70.bin”
Now flash your “downgrade.bin” (edited with the personal data found in “original dump 3.70.bin”)
Turn on your PS3 and be sure that the PS3 is asking you to press the PS button (downgrade.bin flashed correctly )
Insert a 3.55 Downgrade dongle and enter factory/service mode.
Copy Lv2Diag.self by Jaicrab and the 3.55 NO CHECK UPDATE renamed as “PS3UPDAT.PUP” in the root of your USB Stick.
Plug in the USB Stick in the most-right USB port of your PS3 and wait for it to turn OFF.
Leave the factory mode using the other Lv2Diag.self
After the reboot, you need to configure and set up your system… now you have a fully working 3.55 CFW based on KMEAW “NO CHECK”.
DUMP your actual NOR and call it “swap dump 3.55.bin”
Unplug HDD B and Plug in HDD A.
Turn on your PS3, plug in your USB Stick containing official 3.70 update and press start+select when asked.
When the PS3 reboots, check that the system is fully working and DUMP your actual NOR and call it “swap dump 3.70.bin”.
NOW IT’S OVER! You should have “swap dump 3.55.bin” and “swap dump 3.70.bin” … Now you just have to swap HDD and flash the corrispondent dump:
HDD A = swap dump 3.70.bin
HDD B = swap dump 3.55.bin
WARNING: Do not install other CFW than the “NO CHECK” one… because it’s used to make the “fast-swap” working… if you flash something different you will not be able to go between the 2 FWs. This CFW disable the Syscon checking at the startup… so it will not freeze or complain when the syscon says “3.70″ and your FW is 3.55
WARNING: In case you wanna update your console with a future “3.80″ or-so firmware. Do not update your console when you are running 3.55 firmware! You have to go to “swap dump 3.70.bin” and then update as usual (XMB or recovery)… -By the way, the downgrade is confirmed working only on 3.70… we haven’t tested it on other FWs, you could loose the possibility to go back to 3.55!-
Most of you have heard the news of the PS3 slim downgrade on firmware 3.70, helping those buying newer or updated PS3 slim consoles to the scene. At the moment push aside “soft modding” and its time to bring on the good ole’ soldering iron back out.
This new method of downgrading basically requires the soldering of a multi-console-compatible chip known as ProgSkeet (or clone) which you can find or purchase HERE…or you can use Teensy++ board if you still have those from the good dongle days. A solder-less ProgSkeet is in the works, more info here.
Now the original tutorial was released in a very technical form and in Spanish, but we at PS3Hax have got you covered, and are bringing you easy to follow tutorial that a noob can follow on. This tutorial is long, but it is more detailed than complicated, making sure your bases are all covered.
So lets get started, this tutorial is split into multisteps. You should also check out the posts made here, and the posts that will be made in this thread to get assistance. The following tutorial was modified from the original Spanish translation by Dospiedras1973, and the tutorial/images were modified from PS3Hax member Mattr92 tutorial over at his site: RootedSystem and and thanks to the many PS3Hax members that brought us the proper/native translation of the original instructions .
Highly advised you read this tutorial fully once, and then again and read the comments in this thread and the other threads linked above to get a GOOD understanding of what your getting yourself into and how the entire process works. Remember, this should be a fun and rewarding experience
DISCLAIMER: PS3Hax.net is not responsible for any damage caused to your system. We do not claim credit for this method, we simply have compiled and reorganized the information so it is easier to follow. I kindly request for other sites to not rip this entire tutorial to their websites, but instead link to this page if you wish to share it on your webpage. This page will be actively updated so please keep checking back to find solutions to encountered/discovered problems.
A PS3 (phat or slim) running PS3 original firmware 3.70 and has NOR memory, not NAND, and has ProgSkeet/Teensy++/Clone installed(click here to check if your console has NAND or NOR) – Note: This guide covers ProgSkeet install.
If your a noob (and I assume most of you are), it may be a good idea to have some what of a idea on what NAND/NOR is. It is basically the PS3 flash memory. If you want to get a better understanding of the PS3 system and its various components, you should check this out.
To quote:
The PS3 has 256 megabytes of flash memory to store firmware, using two NAND 128MB Samsung flash chips. The installed firmware data is interleaved between the two flash chips for speed. To prevent errors, Error Correcting Code Checksum (ECC) is added/used on the data in the PS3 flash chips. In newer PS3, a single 16MB Spansion flash chip is used.
Because of the smaller flash chips in later versions, newer firmware versions allow for the firmware data to be partially stored on the harddrive (instead of totally inside the flash), making the flash purely responsible for holding data involved in the critical booting up process. This allows for cheaper flash chips, while using the harddrive for later bootup stages.
To summarize now we are going to be downgrading a PS3 via NOR flasher, so the PS3 MUST have NOR memory most PS3 units have NOR now, the stock/initial PS3s (phat) that were released had NAND, there is a chart linked above so you can make sure. As of now, all SLIMs have NOR memory so your good to go .
First thing is first you have to install ProgSkeet. You can install Teensy++ board as well, or any other ProgSkeet clone but I don’t know how they work and I assume you need to substitute the tools/files for Teensy++.
So there are plenty of good threads to first checkout related to ProgSkeet, for starters this is what ProgSkeet is:
ProgSkeet is your one and only solution to your flashing needs. Whether it is NAND, NOR or any other kind of non-volatile memory – just solder, plug in and operate!
Works on various other devices (in addition to PS3) and consoles including Xbox 360 and Wii.
Here is a sample image of some ProgSkeet installs (gets you an idea what your getting into):
THERE IS CURRENTLY A SOLDERLESS CHIP IN THE MAKING, BUT AS OF NOW (8/20/2011), YOU MUST SOLDER AND PERFORM THIS METHOD IF YOU WISH TO DOWNGRADE FIRMWARE 3.70
Make sure your PS3 first has NOR memory, all SLIM PS3′s do, the older “phat” PS3 have NAND. Check if your console has NOR memory here.
Find the right pinout for your PS3 motherboard HERE. (Scroll down to “Pinout Gallery“). Additional ProgSkeet pinouts HERE. Teensy++ Pinouts located HERE.
Gather soldering tools, resin, and wire.Recommended gauge for wires: 24 (anything from 20-26 AWG is fine). Keep them at ~20cm each. – Note: 40/80 wire Floppy cables won’t work, to see a full list of compatible wires see this table.
Here are 2 “prep” videos for your ProgSkeet:
STEP 4 – The NOR Dumping
Now the actual work begins and the part you all have been waiting for, the NOR dumping!
Install Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package (x86) [Download Here]
Restart your computer.
Launch the ProgSkeet Dumper
Plug in your ProgSkeet and wait for for the jingle/beep
Insert the following values for the NOR: if you have a SPANSION branded flash memory on your PS3 then: NOR Sector Size = 128kb / NOR Sectors = 128. If you have a SAMSUNG branded flash memory on your PS3 then NOR Sector Size = 4kb / NOR Sectors = 4096.
After getting the correct values inserted, select output and then press DUMP, and you should have the exact dump generated as seen in Part B.
Dump the NOR from your PS3 with the ProgSkeet/Teensy++ it should be exactly 16,777,216 bytes. If it is not, go back to part A, and keep re-dumping until it is. Make sure its down to the byte.
Next open up Transplante.exe, in “donador” select your nor-dump.bin.REV and for “receptor” select downgrade.bin and click GO.
Now that your downgrade.bin is successfully hexed open Flow Rebuilder back up. Select “Byte reverse and extract a NOR Dump” and drag downgrade.bin to the bottom option and click “Execute Operation”.
You will now be presented with an error, this is normal. All you are interested in is the file generated: “downgrade.bin.REV” -> This file will be flashed onto your PS3.
Now comes the last, and actual flashing part. Make sure you follow all the instructions above to the letter, and if you have any issues report them before continuing.
From the ProgSkeet flasher you downloaded in step 1, flash the file you generated in step 2 #5: downgrade.bin.REV to your PS3 (make sure your PS3 is on during this process).
If you flashed your PS3 correctly, your PS3 will reboot and show this message: “Push PS button”. DO NOT PRESS THE PS BUTTON!
Turn off the PS3 console as we will now place it in Factory/Service mode.
Copy these files to the ROOT (not subforulder!) of USB Mass Storage Device-: **WARNING: Make sure that this is a USB stick formatted to FAT 32. DO NOT use your MP3 player, phone, or anything except a USB stick as the timings are crucial for the downgrading process! If your having issues, we recommend you reformat your pen drive/usb drive with THIS tool.
Kmeaw CFW PUP File (3.55) [Download HERE or Mirror]
Insert to right most USB port on PS3
Now turn on your PS3 and leave it alone, the PS3 should turn off by itself in 10-15mins.
Unplug your USB from the PS3, and turn the console back on. It should boot to the XMB menu, once it does this turn your PS3 off again.
Now copy and replace this file on your USB: Modded LV2Diag [Download Here]
Insert once again to the right most USB port on your PS3
Turn on your PS3, it should turn off by itself in about ~20 seconds.
You have now successfully downgraded, and installed 3.55 KMEAW CFW on your PS3! You can check out our forums for more info on various homebrew, or drop by our tutorial section for more neat things you can do with your unlocked PS3 .
Don’t use any USB Mass Storage Device with enhanced functions as: encryption, fingerprintreader, U3, pincode etc.
Don’t use USB Mass Storage Devices with a long initialisation time (e.g. some MP3 players)
Don’t use multipartitioned USB Mass Storage Devices, only use 1 single primary FAT32 partition.
Make sure they are formatted according to specifications with FAT32 (e.g. HP USB Format Tool – or TOKIWA / Ridgecrop FAT32 formatter)
Most USB Mass Storage Devices that’ll work effortless with PenDrive Linux, will also work with the PS3 (for downgrading, upgrading, storage of your Game dumps and any normal filestorage under the XMB). Those USB Mass Storage Devices are most likely also the ones giving you the least problems under more exotic platforms like PSX/PSone, PS2/PStwo, Xbox/X360, Gamecube/Wii etc.
The libusb-win32 Kernel Driver needed for the the flasher to get access to the USB port was not installed. Make sure you unpacked the drivers_xxxxxx file and installed the Progskeet driver (VendorID:1988 / ProductID:0001 in case you need it).
In case of “the application has failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect” make sure Microsoft Visual C 9.0 runtime is installed and “Windows Installer” is not disabled (set to manual or automatic) in Services.msc
, how can i have Homebrew ?
