PSP firmware downgrade from 2.71 to 1.50

Date: 2006-12-19

I remember being disappointed when I first purchased my PSP that I didn't get a v1.50 firmware version - the result of getting in a bit later has meant that running homebrew applications has been impossible. However - a bit of research tonight and I found a great set of tools from a guy called Dark_Alex (see his site at: http://dax.st/) which has enabled me to downgrade (all the way from 2.71) to 1.50 :)

The basic procedure is as follows: (please note: this is simply a recollection of the procedure I used to downgrade my PSP - I take no responsibility as to whether this will work for you - Make sure you don't have a TA-082 PSP - if you do this procedure will most likely "brick" your PSP and render it useless!)

First - download all you need:

from http://dax.st/ download the following:

• Homebrew Enabler for 2.71
• Update Flasher (generic downgrader) for 2.71

Next step is to install the Homebrew Enabler (assuming you are running firmware 2.71 on your psp - if not upgrade it first before downgrading) - follow the instructions in the readme.txt - it's real simple.

Once you have the Homebrew Enabler working (mine took two attempts before the lovely green screen appeared) follow the instructions in the readme.txt for the Update Flasher. Make sure you copy the EBOOT.PBP from the v1.50 firmware you downloaded into the /PSP/GAME/UPDATE folder as UPDATE.PBP. You can then run the Update Flasher.

If the update flasher doesn't appear to run - make sure you have at least 75% charge in your battery and try again.

Follow the instructions on screen and viola! your PSP is now running firmware v1.50

Now it's time to play with the 2.71 Special Edition firmware from Dark_Alex and get things really moving and running in a versatile way ;)

If this is still unclear there's plenty of other tutorials out there -including a rather comprehensive one (with purdy pictures too!)