This guide will cover installing PRO or LME custom firmware on your PSP. Depending on your PSP model, you might need to install Infinity or cIPL to make it permanent on any PSP model. PRO and LME are custom firmware while Infinity and cIPL is a exploit to allow it to stay permanent. Visit this page if you need to update to 6.60 or 6.61 before installing custom firmware: Update PSP Official Firmware.
Some things to note before continuing:
- Use Chronoswitch to revert to official firmware if you currently have Infinity installed
- Update to official firmware if you are on an older version of custom firmware (eg. 5.50 M33)
- Be sure to have over 80% battery life and keep your charger plugged in during the process
If you are unsure what model you have click the photos below. The Street has touch buttons for the bottom row and the PSP Go is the most compact. The 1000, 2000, and 3000 can be differentiated by the logo and speaker placements on the device.
This page covers installation of older custom firmware (which is still okay to use and follow). There is a new page that covers installing ARK-4, which is a newer release of custom firmware that is still being developed. It is rich with new features and tools. You may check it out here.
Downloads
Introduction
The PSP 1000 is able to have permanent custom firmware installed via cIPL flasher. cIPL (custom IPL) installs to the nand and allows the PSP to load the custom firmware files on boot. This is the preferred method for this model over installing Infinity. Infinity itself isn’t custom firmware but an exploit that allows PRO or LME to be enabled permanently. You are free to use whatever method you prefer but this guide suggests cIPL. As for ME and PRO, you can choose whatever one you want. Both are very similar in what features they offer and you can uninstall and try the other one if you are curious. For the sake of this guide, I personally use ME and find that the plugin manager a helpful feature which isn’t included in PRO.
Installation
cIPL Flasher
Download the firmware version matching your PSP of PRO or ME. Unzip the folder and place the following contents into the GAME folder on your memory stick.
For PRO: copy CIPL_Flasher and PROUPDATE folders
For ME: copy me_installer (or 661me_installer) folder
Exit USB mode on the PSP and view your games list.
If you are installing ME just run the installer and follow the directions on the display. Once complete you should now have permanent CFW.
If you are installing PRO, launch PRO Update first. Follow the directions on the display and then launch cIPL Flasher to make it permanent.
That’s it for installing custom firmware for the PSP 1000 via cIPL. Below will cover installing Infinity instead. Do not install custom firmware over each other, you may end up bricking your device.
Infinity
Follow the tab for installing temporary CFW on all models first, then download Infinity. Extract the contents and rename the standard folder to UPDATE. Copy the UPDATE folder to the GAME folder on the PSP memory card. Then Exit USB mode.
Open Infinity 2 and press X to install. Press X to reboot. Launch PRO Fast Recovery or LME Launcher to regain custom firmware. Launch Infinity 2 again and press the left dpad. Select the custom firmware you are using and press X. There should now be a circle next to it. Press Home button to exit. Check the system information tab to ensure you have PRO or LME ∞.
Downloads
Introduction
There are 2 options for permanent CFW for the 2000 model. You can use cIPL flasher or use Infinity 2.0. CIPL flasher was meant for only 1000 and some 2000 models. Please read carefully below on how to determine if cIPL Flasher or Infinity 2.0 should be used.
The PSP 2000 is able to have permanent custom firmware installed via cIPL flasher if it’s an early revision model. Sony patched this with newer motherboard versions. cIPL (custom IPL) installs to the nand and allows the PSP to load the custom firmware files on boot. This is the preferred method for this model over installing Infinity. Infinity itself isn’t custom firmware but an exploit that allows PRO or LME to be enabled permanently. You are free to use whatever method you prefer but this guide suggests cIPL if your PSP 2000 is able to install it. As for ME and PRO, you can choose whatever one you want. Both are very similar in what features they offer and you can uninstall and try the other one if you are curious. For the sake of this guide, I personally use ME and find that the plugin manager a helpful feature which isn’t included in PRO.
Determining Motherboard Revision
If your PSP 2000 is a newer version you will only be able to install Infinity. If it is an older version you can use cIPL flasher. Using cIPL flasher on an unsupported model may brick your PSP. If this worries you, please follow the steps to install Infinity 2.0 or install temporary CFW.
Use Module Checker or PSPIdent to determine what motherboard your PSP 2000 is.
- Place the folder with the EBOOT.PBP in it onto your memory card in /PSP/GAME/.
- Run the application and view which motherboard revision is listed.
If it says TA-088v1/v2 you can use cIPL Flasher.
If it says TA-088v3 you can only use Infinity 2.0.
Another way to double check if looking at the sticker in your battery slot for a Date Code. eg. 5A, 5C, 6A, 8B would be older than 8C, 8D, 9A.
If the date code is 8C or later, you cannot use CIPL Flasher. Some 8C date codes can use CIPL. Use the apps above to double check.
Installation
cIPL Flasher
Download the firmware version matching your PSP of PRO or ME. Unzip the folder and place the following contents into the GAME folder on your memory stick.
For PRO: copy CIPL_Flasher and PROUPDATE folders
For ME: copy me_installer (or 661me_installer) folder
Exit USB mode on the PSP and view your games list.
If you are installing ME just run the installer and follow the directions on the display. Once complete you should now have permanent CFW.
If you are installing PRO, launch PRO Update first. Follow the directions on the display and then launch cIPL Flasher to make it permanent.
That’s it for installing custom firmware for the PSP 2000 via cIPL. Below will cover installing Infinity instead. Do not install custom firmware over each other, you may end up bricking your device.
Infinity
Follow the tab for installing temporary CFW on all models first, then download Infinity. Extract the contents and rename the standard folder to UPDATE. Copy the UPDATE folder to the GAME folder on the PSP memory card. Then Exit USB mode.
Open Infinity 2 and press X to install. Press X to reboot. Launch PRO Fast Recovery or LME Launcher to regain custom firmware. Launch Infinity 2 again and press the left dpad. Select the custom firmware you are using and press X. There should now be a circle next to it. Press Home button to exit. Check the system information tab to ensure you have PRO or LME ∞.
Downloads
Pro and LME are very similar. Choose one to download and download Infinity.
Installation
Move the contents of the LME or PRO folder into the GAME folder of your PSP. Copy the EBOOT.PBP in the standard folder (located in the infinity folder) to the UPDATE folder.
Exit USB mode after transferring the files over. View your games list and there should be 2 new listings for PRO or LME. Choose PROUPDATE or LME Installer first.
To install the custom firmware press X. The installation process will begin and once finished you will be asked to press X again to reboot (PRO) or the PSP will reboot automatically (LME). Once the PSP restarts, check in the system information page on your PSP and confirm you see the system software version along with the custom firmware version after it. If don’t see any custom firmware (eg. 6.61 LME-2.3) run the LME Launcher or Fast Recovery in your games list to enable custom firmware.
Open Infinity 2 and press X to install. Press X to reboot. Launch PRO Fast Recovery or LME Launcher to regain custom firmware. Launch Infinity 2 again and press the left dpad. Select the custom firmware you are using and press X. There should now be a circle next to it. Press Home button to exit. Check the system information tab to ensure you have PRO or LME ∞.
Downloads
Pro and LME are very similar. Choose one to download and download Infinity.
Installation
Move the contents of the LME or PRO folder into the GAME folder of your PSP. Copy the EBOOT.PBP in the standard folder (located in the infinity folder) to the UPDATE folder.
Exit USB mode after transferring the files over. View your games list and there should be 2 new listings for PRO or LME. Choose PROUPDATE or LME Installer first.
To install the custom firmware press X. The installation process will begin and once finished you will be asked to press X again to reboot (PRO) or the PSP will reboot automatically (LME). Once the PSP restarts, check in the system information page on your PSP and confirm you see the system software version along with the custom firmware version after it. If don’t see any custom firmware (eg. 6.61 LME-2.3) run the LME Launcher or Fast Recovery in your games list to enable custom firmware.
Open Infinity 2 and press X to install. Press X to reboot. Launch PRO Fast Recovery or LME Launcher to regain custom firmware. Launch Infinity 2 again and press the left dpad. Select the custom firmware you are using and press X. There should now be a circle next to it. Press Home button to exit. Check the system information tab to ensure you have PRO or LME ∞.
Downloads
Pro and LME are very similar. Choose one to download and download Infinity.
Installation
Move the contents of the LME or PRO folder into the GAME folder of your PSP. Copy the EBOOT.PBP in the pspgo folder (located in the infinity folder) to the UPDATE folder.
Exit USB mode after transferring the files over. View your games list and there should be 2 new listings for PRO or LME. Choose PROUPDATE or LME Installer first.
To install the custom firmware press X. The installation process will begin and once finished you will be asked to press X again to reboot (PRO) or the PSP will reboot automatically (LME). Once the PSP restarts, check in the system information page on your PSP and confirm you see the system software version along with the custom firmware version after it. If don’t see any custom firmware (eg. 6.61 LME-2.3) run the LME Launcher or Fast Recovery in your games list to enable custom firmware.
Open Infinity 2 and press X to install. Press X to reboot. Launch PRO Fast Recovery or LME Launcher to regain custom firmware. Launch Infinity 2 again and press the left dpad. Select the custom firmware you are using and press X. There should now be a circle next to it. Press Home button to exit. Check the system information tab to ensure you have PRO or LME ∞.
Temporary custom firmware is available to install if you just want to test out CFW on your PSP before making it permanent.
Pros:
- Safest and easiest option for new users
- Same features as permanent CFW
- Regaining CFW takes less than 10 seconds once first install is completed
Cons:
- You “lose” your custom firmware if you turn off your PSP. As per the point above you regain CFW very easily.
- You can’t get into recovery mode right away incase you soft brick your device
Downloads
Installation
Move the contents of the LME or PRO folder into the GAME folder of your PSP. Ignore the update folder assuming your PSP is already on the correct firmware version.
Exit USB mode after transferring the files over. View your games list and there should be 2 new listings for PRO or LME. Choose PROUPDATE or LME Installer first.
To install the custom firmware press X. The installation process will begin and once finished you will be asked to press X again to reboot (PRO) or the PSP will reboot automatically (LME). Once the PSP restarts, check in the system information page on your PSP and confirm you see the system software version along with the custom firmware version after it. If you don’t see that you have custom firmware installed (eg. 6.61 LME-2.3) then run the LME Launcher or Fast Recovery app.
Now when the PSP shuts off, loses battery, or your games just aren’t showing up anymore run the Fast Recovery or LME Launcher to regain CFW capabilities. Check out the other tabs for your specific PSP model if you are interested in making it permanent.
Below will go over setting up the ability to swap out the digital comics or SensMe channels section on your PSP menu to the Fast Recovery or LME Launcher. That way it isn’t cluttering up your game list. This part isn’t required but it is a great feature to have if you don’t plan on mkaing the CFW permanent.
Lightspeed & Darkspeed
For LME CFW:
Lightspeed 6.60
Lightspeed 6.61
For PRO CFW:
Darkspeed 6.60
Darkspeed 6.61
Installation
Unzip the folder and place the Darkspeed or Lightspeed folder into /PSP/GAME/.
eg. `/PSP/GAME/Lightspeed/EBOOT.PBP`
Launch Fast Recovery or LME Launcher if you aren’t on CFW already. Launch Darkspeed or Lightspeed listed in your games list. Choose what XMB App to replace (Comics or SensMe). Once completed you can press X to exit. Check to make sure the changes are made on the XMB and the app chosen will now be replaced.
Dark_AleX : For his great CFW. This CFW is based on his 5.00 M33.
Moz : For his beta test and translated language file in Italian.
BombingBasta : For his translated language file in French.
Rapper_skull : For his translated language file in Italian.
The Z : For his translated language file in German.
largeroliker : For his translated language file in Spanish.
bassiw : For his translated language file in Netherlands.
Publikacii : For his translated language file in Bulgarian.
Yoti : For his translated language file in Russian.
ExzoTikFruiT : For his translated language file in Russian.
ABCanG &Dadrfy &estuibal &plum &SnyFbSx &teck4 &wn : For their work to collect nid list.
Tipped OuT : For his EBOOT.PBP ICON0.
Total_Noob: For the initial discovery of the Power-Kernel-Exploit in 6.20 OFW.
Coldbird: For initial reverse of the TN Kernel Exploit, Hacks to make it 6.3X compatible and several other things CFW related.
VirtuousFlame: For the ISO Loading Code, Custom PSX EBOOT Support and most of the CFW related code.
Mathieulh, Geohotz, TPU and everyone else involved for making PSP signing possible, making the Minna No Sukkiri Exploit redundant.
Dark_Alex for the initial M33 CFW who guided us mentally through several CFW generations by giving good examples on how to patch Sony OFW.
Davee for his v1 register leak address discovery used in Power-Argument-Patching.
victor.rds for the cool animated Fast Recovery Icon.
Takka and Plum for their idea of preventing hibernation deletetion.
kgsws for his idea of faking vshmain module as permanent patch
bbtgp and Draan for their PrxEncrypter source code to produce the signed fake vshmain module for permanent patch
bbtgp, Dark_AleX, Noobz, Team C+D, M33 Team, and coyotebean for their new psardumper source to get the OFW binary
neur0n for his syscall execution in kernel mode, and CIPL allowing hackable PSPs to have CFW installed permanently, and several bug fixes
jas0nuk for his PSPident source to detect if it is a TA-88v3 unit
ardi for his umd4homebrew to enable UMD in homebrews
some1 for his exploit on 6.39 OFW, allowing CFW on 6.39
again some1/Davee/Proxima/Zecoxao for their exploit on 6.60 OFW, allowing CFW on 6.60
Yoti for blocking satellite menu in Go!cam
xFede and sinistro for their translations for Italian and Spanish
Richard J. Prinz for the 8×8 fonts in 8×8 Pixel ROM Font Editor
PRO Team
frostegater