Now we install the modern, superior CFW.

Rationale: 5.00 M33-6 is the oldest CFW that understands the 6.xx NAND structures and has a functional "Network Update" spoof.

Steps:

Troubleshooting: If error 0x80020148 occurs, enable "No-UMD" mode in Recovery → Configuration.

Now that the system core is updated, we patch it to run homebrew and backups again.

The PlayStation Portable (PSP) homebrew scene evolved through multiple custom firmware (CFW) generations. Dark_AleX’s 3.52 M33 series (circa 2007) was a revolutionary CFW that allowed unsigned code execution. However, modern game releases (e.g., Fate/Extra, Brandish: The Dark Revenant) and PSN features require firmware 6.60 or higher. This paper details the step-by-step upgrade path from 5.50 PROM-4 (the final evolution of the M33 branch) to 6.60 PRO-C2 or 6.60 ME-2.3, including technical prerequisites, risk mitigation, post-upgrade changes in NAND layout, and compatibility matrices.

To avoid running FastRecovery every time your PSP fully shuts down, install the permanent patch. Note: This works on all PSP-1000, most PSP-2000 (excluding TA-088 v3), but not on PSP-3000, PSP Go, or Street models. For those, use “Infinity 2.0” instead.

| Risk | Probability | Severity | Mitigation | |------|-------------|----------|-------------| | Brick (power loss during flash) | Low | Critical | Full battery + AC adapter | | IDStorage corruption | Medium | High | Backup NAND via Hellcat’s Recovery Flasher | | Plugin incompatibility | High | Low | Disable plugins before upgrade | | Permanent patch failure (v3 models) | Medium | Medium | Use non-permanent PRO (FastRecovery) |

This is the safest way to leapfrog versions.

Upgrading from 3.52 M33 to 6.60 is a significant leap that brings your PSP into its final era of functionality. You will lose the nostalgic M33 recovery menu, but you will gain the ability to play the entire PSP library without patching files, run superior emulators, and utilize a much more stable system. The upgrade is a necessary step for any PSP enthusiast looking to get the most out of their hardware today.

To upgrade a Go to product viewer dialog for this item. from 3.52 M33 to the standard 6.60 (or modern custom firmware), you must take a multi-step approach. Because 3.52 M33 is an extremely old custom firmware (CFW), modern installers often won't recognize it or will throw errors like "9.90 version" or "DRN FF FF CD".

The most stable path is to bridge the gap using intermediate updates or cleaning the system before applying the final 6.60 firmware. 1. Preparation and Safety

Battery Charge: Ensure your PSP is charged to at least 78% and plugged into a power source. A power failure during this process can permanently "brick" the console.

Storage: You need a Memory Stick with at least 50MB of free space.

Check Version: Confirm your current version in Settings > System Settings > System Information. 2. Resolving the "Version 9.90" Error

Many M33 users encounter an error stating their version is 9.90, preventing updates. This was a "spoof" meant to stop Sony from forcing official updates. Completely shut down the PSP.

Hold the Right Trigger (R) while powering on to enter the Recovery Menu.

Go to Configuration and find the option for "Use VSH Menu". Set it to "VSH Menu".

Exit and restart. Press Select on the home screen (XMB) to open the VSH menu. Change USB Device to Flash 0. Connect to a PC. Open vsh/etc/version.txt. Change release:9.90: to release:3.52:. Save and exit.

Crucial: Change the USB Device back to Memory Stick in the VSH menu before proceeding. 3. Upgrading to Official Firmware (OFW) 6.60

To move to modern CFW, you must first reach the official 6.60 baseline.

Download the OFW 6.60 EBOOT.PBP file from a reliable source like the Official PlayStation Manuals or WikiHow Guide.

On your Memory Stick, create the folder path: PSP/GAME/UPDATE/. Place the EBOOT.PBP inside the UPDATE folder.

On the PSP, go to Game > Memory Stick and run the 6.60 Update. 4. Installing Modern Custom Firmware (6.60 PRO or ME)

Once on OFW 6.60, you can install a modern, stable CFW like 6.60 PRO-C2. Download the PRO-C2 files. Copy the PROUPDATE and FastRecovery folders to PSP/GAME/. Run PRO Update from the Game menu and press X to install.

(Optional) If you have a PSP 1000 or early 2000, run the CIPL Flasher to make the firmware permanent. For newer models, use FastRecovery if the console restarts.

Troubleshooting Note: If you receive a "DRN FF FF CD" error during the official update, you may need a tool like KeyCleaner to repair "bad keys" in your system's internal memory that were corrupted by early CFW versions. How To Upgrade to PSP 6.60 PRO-C2 Custom Firmware [2021]

Upgrading a to the final 6.60 firmware is a multi-step process because older Custom Firmware (CFW) versions like 3.52 M33 often block official Sony updates to prevent accidental loss of homebrew capabilities. 1. Preparation and Safety Charge your battery

: Ensure your PSP is charged to at least 78% (preferably 100%) and kept plugged into a power source during the entire process. Check for obstructions

: Some older M33 firmwares use a "version.txt" file to trick the system into thinking it is on a higher version (like 9.90) to block updates. If your PSP says it doesn't need an update despite being on 3.52, you may need to disable this in the Recovery Menu or via the VSH Menu. 2. The Upgrade Path

Because 3.52 M33 is extremely old, you typically cannot jump directly to a modern 6.60 CFW without first returning to Official Firmware (OFW) or passing through an intermediate version. Step A: Upgrade to Official Firmware 6.60 Download OFW 6.60 : Obtain the official Sony for firmware 6.60. File Placement : On your Memory Stick, create the folder path PSP/GAME/UPDATE/ and place the Run the Update : Navigate to Game > Memory Stick on your PSP XMB and launch the 6.60 Update. Troubleshooting

: If you receive a "DRNFFFFFFCD" or "dadada" error, you likely have corrupted "keys." Use a tool like Chilly Willy's Key Cleaner to fix your IDStorage before trying the update again. PSP: Updating from the 3.xx OE CFWs to the 6.60 ME CFW 5 Sept 2013 —