3.50 Downgrading FAQ

Firmware Hacks and Launchers

Downgrader for 3.50 firmware (with support for Japanese Lumines)

Auri 07-04-2007, 2:58 PM
NOTE: Any modifications made to your firmware or PSP can permanently damage your PSP. You use this download at your own risk.

(Description from Noobz)

As promised, we've completed the HEN and downgrader for Japanese Lumines. This will work for both ULJS00005 (the original Lumines) and ULJS19005 ('The Best' version). In fact, both versions are identical - even so far as using the same SAVEDATA folder.

The new package, containing support now for US, EU and JP versions can be downloaded below.

Please note: 0okm, in conjunction with HellDrive, has also released a port of HEN to Japanese Lumines, on his blog . Our version was created independently, but we can confirm that both versions work fine. Congratulations to 0okm on his speed, I just wish we'd noticed that he had done his before we worked on ours!

Major thanks are also due to Daimaou and BDIGITAL for providing us with their Japanese UMDs to work with.

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Author, Hacking the PSP
www.hackingpsp.com

3.50 Downgrading FAQ

Auri 07-04-2007, 3:09 PM
(mirrored from QJ)

If you're looking for help in understanding the ins and outs of Noobz' 3.50 downgrader, then you should go take a look at Fanjita's new FAQ on the team's website, which should give you a better idea of what you will and won't need for the downgrading process.

Here's a quick list of the important things mentioned in the downgrader FAQ:

   1. Read the 3.50 Downgrader's readme file.
   2. If you have a Lumines savegame, you may want to back it up to preserve your profile.
   3. Don't upgrade your PSP using Network Update, because you'll pick up FW 3.51 instead. Either follow the directions in the readme file to grab a copy of 3.50, or pick up the one we have on QJ. (you can also download it from the Hacking PSP forums here)
   4. The 3.50 Downgrade process works on the US, EU and Japanese versions of the original Lumines, including Platinum and Greatest Hits versions.
   5. People selling Lumines at high prices are, to quote the FAQ, "scum, pure and simple."
   6. Don't download ISOs.
   7. Read the 3.50 Downgrader's readme file.

If you noticed that we repeated the whole readme file thing, there's good reason for that. The FAQ only answers the questions frequently asked by people regarding downgrading from FW 3.50, but shouldn't be taken as the be-all and end-all resource for it. Combine the readme file that comes with the downgrader, the FAQ, and possibly the downgrading video as well, and you should have the definitive set of instructions to get you into homebrew.

Here is the complete FAQ, mirrored from Noobz:

We've had a lot of questions about the v3.50 downgrader. Here's an attempt to clear up as many of these as possible.

Can I downgrade without reading the readme guide?
Yes, if you're feeling brave and stupid. We write the readme to protect you from common problems and mistakes during downgrading. Please read it first.
Should I do anything before I downgrade?
Apart from the instructions in the readme, the only other thing you might want to do is to backup your Lumines savegame, if you want to preserve your profile. Just back up any folders from /PSP/SAVEDATA with the word LUMINES in the name, then copy them back once the downgrade has completed.
Can I still play Lumines after downgrading?
Sure. Just remove the exploited Lumines save data from /PSP/SAVEDATA - either just delete it, or replace it with the backup you made before downgrading.
How do i downgrade a firmware version less than 3.50?
Simple. Just upgrade it to v3.50, then do the downgrade. Don't upgrade via Network Update though - that will install v3.51, which won't work. Just grab the 3.50 EBOOT from the location given in the downgrader readme file.
Which idstorage keys are altered by this downgrader?
This downgrader uses the latest idstorage hack for TA-082+ motherboards. That means that it only modifies key number 5, which means you won't suffer from any screen brightness problems or other issues that affected earlier downgraders.
When will the v3.11 stuck firmware fix come out?
Some time soon. We're all very busy, and will get to it as soon as we can.
Will there be a version that doesn't need Lumines?
No. Not for a long time. Lumines is a good game, and even with all the price-jacking it's not too hard to get hold of. We did a lot of hard work to bring you this downgrader, it's not so much to ask you to make a bit of effort to track down Lumines.

When will there be a HEN? I don't want to downgrade.
There already is a HEN, it's included with the downgrader. It should be just as compatible as the v3.03 HEN.
When will there be an eLoader then?
As soon as we can find time to get around to it. We appreciate that some people don't like to downgrade, and do want to do something to support you too. It just takes a little time - please be patient.
Which versions of the PSP does this work on?
It works on any currently-available PSP. The region, model number and colour does not matter.
Which versions of Lumines does this work on?
It works on all US and EU versions of the original Lumines game, including Platinum and Greatest Hits versions. As far as we know, the Australian and New Zealand versions are identical to EU or US, so those should work too. It does not work on Lumines II, and it does not work on Lumines+ (that's for PS2 anyway, dummy! )
Does this work on Japanese Lumines? When will it work?
Not yet. We're working on it, it will be done as soon as we can. Please be patient.
Does Noobz need a copy of Japanese Lumines?
No, thanks. We now have the UMD thanks to the help of some kind people.
Does this work on Korean Lumines?
Not yet. We need the UMD first (see below).
Does Noobz need a copy of Korean Lumines?
Yes, please. If you can donate or lend a Korean Lumines UMD, please let us know.
What do you think about people selling downgrader services?
If it's a reasonable price, it's not so bad. It would be nice if they would acknowledge the original authors with a donation, however.
What do you think about people selling Lumines at high prices?
They are scum, pure and simple. We attempted to help the community with a game that was cheap and plentifully available. Those who are exploiting the community with high prices are ruining all that, and they are nothing more than selfish bastards.
Which version of the 1.5 firmware should I use?
All official versions of the v1.5 firmware are identical - you can use the North American version (using the link in the readme) on any PSP, without any problems.
What do I do after I've downgraded? I'm confused!
The world of homebrew awaits. There are some simple guides on the PSP Homebrew site that should get you started.
Lumines won't start now on v1.5 firmware.
You need to delete the exploited Lumines savegame from /PSP/SAVEDATA. Then it should start normally.
The downgrader complains that it has a corrupted update.pbp file.
We're not quite sure what causes this. Try following the instructions again, being careful to follow them exactly.
The downgrader complains that it can't find update.pbp
Probably Windows has renamed it to update.pbp.pbp. Try just calling it 'update' rather than 'update.pbp'.
Does this exploit work for other games?
No. Although other games may look superficially similar, their code is different and this exploit cannot be ported directly to them. You need to accept that you need Lumines, sorry.
Where can i download ISOs?
Don't do that. Really. Just buy the game. You can always convert it to ISO yourself if you really need the battery and load-time benefits.
Can you recommend some good homebrew?
Take a look at the PSP homebrew database for a slightly out-of-date, but still useful, list.
I keep copying MS_ROOT but it doesn't work?
You're copying the MS_ROOT folder, but you should be copying its contents. Re-read the readme instructions.
This downgrader isn't enough for me. Release another one. Now.
No. If this downgrader isn't good enough for you, that's tough. We put a lot of effort into it, and can't afford to keep doing that to meet your whims.

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Author, Hacking the PSP
www.hackingpsp.com