[CaptainCPS-X]

I been doing a few experiments lately while on Cobra 3.55 FW. I made a backup copy of my 'dev_flash' while I was on Kmeaw FW as well and been doing some research.

I found out a couple of interesting things from Cobra FW 'dev_flash'

dev_flash\vsh\resource\explore\xmb\category_gam2.xml <- [new file] is used when PS3 is started with dongle

dev_flash\vsh\resource\explore\xmb\category_game.xml <- is used when PS3 is started without dongle

The regular XML file doesn't have all the references to the 'Package Intaller' and the 'app_home/PS3_GAME'. So I just made an extra copy of 'category_gam2.xml' and renamed it as 'category_game.xml' (keeping a backup of the regular one).

Now when I boot the PS3 without the dongle I can see everything like when the PS3 is booted with the dongle.

Still, this wasn't enough, I saw that the 'nas_plugin.sprx' from Cobra is different than the one from Kmeaw, so what I did was replace it with Kmeaw one (keeping a backup as well).

Ok, I can now install stuff from the 'Install Package' section on the XMB when I boot the PS3 without the dongle, no more error messages.

Now, there is something else going but I haven't been able to find out where is this handled.

If I put a PS1 CD-R backup or a PS2 DVD-R backup (not original) without using the dongle on boot, they are detected as 'Data Disc' on the XMB. But when I boot with the dongle and I insert the same discs, they are detected as PlayStation 1 Format Disc, and PlayStation 2 Format Disc on the XMB.

I did something else too just in case, I went to 'dev_flash\ps2emu' and renamed these files (since I assume they are used when booting with the dongle):

pst_emu.self <- copied as 'ps2_emu.self' and kept a backup of the old one
pst_gxemu.self <- copied as 'ps2_gxemu.self' and kept a backup of the old one

Basically, I do this thread with hopes that someone might be able to find out more about this particular thing. Because if this indeed is something changed on 'dev_flash', then we would be able to make it possible on Kmeaw firmware as well.

Btw, the Cobra dongle and its features keep working fine after I made these changes. If I start without the dongle I cannot mount any game with multiMAN (BDEMU not supported error) or other manager, Cobra manager just refuses to launch without the dongle.

Note: I made changes to 'dev_flash' by carefully using multiMAN 'dev_blind' feature. Don't mess with 'dev_flash' files if you don't know what you are doing, your PS3 could brick.

EDIT: After trying to load a original PS2 game with the renamed 'pst_emu.self' and 'pst_gxemu.self' the PS3 would freeze on loading, doesn't even show the PlayStation 2 boot. So I guess these files are not used [?]. I'm just gonna rename the original files.

EDIT2: It seems I was wrong, these 2 files are indeed used when PS3 is booted with Cobra. I confirmed this by temporary deleting them and trying to load a PS2 game. After putting the files back I could load the game from XMB.

PS: All this tests are made on a FAT PS3 CECHE01 (BC).

SeeYa!
^^