In the past few weeks I have noticed a huge influx in the number of visits to my site, and consequently lots of more questions. Here I will write a FAQ in which I will try to explain your questions.

Q.)When i put in the pandora battery i get a black screen and the power light is on ... i cant turn off or anything please help
A.)If you are using a PSP Slim, this is normal. Just press X and when the lights on the left side of the console stop flashing remove the batter( Should take about 5 minutes)

 Q.) I get an error that says, "open error read" - how can I solve this?
A.) Make sure to use a memory stick pro duo that is 256mb or larger in capacity.

Q.) My memory stick pro duo is 256mb (or higher), but on Windows Vista, it's still saying "open error read". Why?
A.) Good question. Most people have claimed that they can't get this to work on Vista (including myself).
    Use Windows XP instead. It is recommended that you use Windows XP Service Pack 2.

Q.) I'm getting an error that says that there is "one or more logical drives". How do I fix this?
A.) Again, make sure that the memory stick is 256mb (or higher) and also make sure that you
     format it - perhaps a few times. You can use both Windows as well as the PSP to format. 

Q.) Im stuck at step 7.  I typed mspformat.exe G and I get a message saying its not recognized as an internal or external command .  Can you please help?
A.) You haven't put the files in the right places. Read the guide carefully again.  

Q.) After installing my PSP boots with a white screen.
A.) This is caused by a corrupted flash1. Boot holding R, then goto Advanced, then select format flash1. Reboot and you will be all done.
Alternatively
Boot and goto Settings and Restore Default Settings.

Q.) Will this guide work with my 3.95 OFW?

A.) This guide works for any PSP, except the brand new PSP-3000 Series.

Q.) after i do step 14 to 16 after that i get an error that says this
Target Drive is 1
Check partition sector
Cannot open device \\.\PHYSICALDRIVE1
Can’t read partition sector

A.) This again, is Windows Vista's fault. Use Windows XP

What you need:

• a PSP with 4.01M33. (Use this tutorial to update your PSP to that firmware, if you don't already have it: How to install 4.01 M33 (update 2) and [1.5kernel addon (PSP FAT ONLY)])

• For installing the 1.5kernel addon you MUST have a fat psp (original)

• USB Cable

• Fully charged PSP

• The file below:

     Installation

First download the files above and extract them

1. Plug the PSP into the PC and turn USB Connection on.
2. Copy the UPDATE folder from the 5.00 M33 folder you just extracted to the GAME folder (which is inside the PSP folder). So, the EBOOT.PBP should be on your PSP in PSP>GAME>UPDATE>
3. After disconnecting your PSP from USB, navigate to the Game menu on the PSP look for the 5.00Installer icon; it should be first. Press X to run it. It will not run unless there is 80 percent battery free.
4. Press X and the update process will start. Yes, it may look similar to a regular Sony update but don't worry!
5. Once finished, the updater will ask you to press X or O to reboot. You MUST do this, otherwise you'll end up with a brick.
6. You've now successfully installed 5.00 Custom Firmware
7. Once the PSP has restarted, connect to USB again. Go to PSP>GAME> and delete the UPDATE folder you put there earlier.

-----------------------------------------------------

1.5 Kernel Installation [PSP FAT ONLY]

If you want to install the 1.5Kernel [PSP FAT ONLY]

Download and extract this file:

1. Connect the PSP to the PC via USB Connection.
2. From inside the 1.50 Official Update folder you downloaded, copy the 150.PBP file to the ROOT of your memory stick [where the VIDEO,PSP,PHOTO folders are].
3. From inside the 1.50 Official Update folder you downloaded, copy the PSP folder to the ROOT of your memory stick.  If it asks you if you want to overwrite click YES
4. If you check you should have the following folder order. >PSP>GAME5XX>1.5kerneladdon>
5. Unplug your PSP from your computer and Exit USB mode.
6. Navigate to GAME then click on Memory Stick.
7. Click and run the 1.50 Kernel Addon program that should be there. Just follow the on screen instructions for full installation.
8. After the installation is successful, you will be taken back to the XMB.
9. Grab a soda. :)

What you need:

• a PSP with 3.90 M33-3 or higher. (Use this tutorial to update your psp to that firmware, if you don't already have it: http://patrickleif.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!59C03FB1213D652D!938.entry)

• For installing the 1.5kernel addon you MUST have a fat psp (original)

• USB Cable

• Fully charged PSP

• The files below:

•  

  Installation

   

First download the files above and extract them
1. Plug the PSP into the PC and turn USB Connection on.
2. Copy the UPDATE folder from the 4.01 Custom firmware folder to the GAME folder (which is inside the PSP folder). So, the EBOOT.PBP should be in PSP>GAME>UPDATE>
3. After disconnecting your PSP from USB, navigate to the Game menu on the PSP look for the 4.01Installer icon; it should be first. Press X to run it. It will not run unless there is 80 percent battery free.
4. Press X and the update process will start. Yes it may look similar to a regular Sony update but don't worry!
5. Once finished, the updater will ask you to press X or O to reboot. You MUST do this, otherwise you'll end up with a brick.
6. You've now successfully installed 4.01Custom Firmware
7. Once the PSP has restarted, connect to USB again. Go to PSP>GAME> and delete the UPDATE folder you put there earlier. Now, from the 4.01 Update 2 folder you extracted earlier, copy the UPDATE folder  into PSP>GAME> [on your PSP]. .Then disconnect, go to the GAME menu, and run the Update2 program. Again, it should be the first one there. Press X, and you are done.

-----------------------------------------------------

If you want to install the 1.5Kernel [PSP FAT ONLY]

1. Connect the PSP to the PC via USB Connection.
2. From the 1.50 Kernel Addon folder you downloaded, copy the 150.PBP file to the ROOT of your memory stick [where the VIDEO,PSP,PHOTO folders are].
3. Once that is in the root directory of your PSP memory stick, copy the GAME4XX folder from the 1.5Kernel Addon folder on your computer to X:PSP> . [X is the drive where your PSP is plugged in]. If you check you should have the following folder order. PSP>GAME4XX>1.5kerneladdon>
4. Unplug your PSP from your computer and Exit USB mode.
5. Get to your XMB and navigate to GAME then click on Memory Stick.
6. Click and run the 1.50 Kernel Addon program that should be there. Just follow the on screen instructions for full installation
7. After the installation is successful, you will be taken back to the XMB.
8. Pop yourself a beer, you just installed 4.01M33-2 and/or the 1.5 kernel addon

What you need:

• a PSP with 3.90 M33-3 or higher. (Use this tutorial to update your psp to that firmware, if you don't already have it: http://patrickleif.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!59C03FB1213D652D!938.entry)

• The files below:
  
  
  
  
  Installation:

First download the files above and extract them
1. Plug the PSP into the PC and turn USB Connection on.
2. Copy the UPDATE folder from the 3.93 Custom firmware folder to the GAME folder (which is inside the PSP folder). So, the EBOOT.PBP should be in PSP>GAME>UPDATE>
4. Navigate to the root of the Memory Stick (Where you should have the MP_ROOT folder as well as the PSP, MUSIC, VIDEO folders.). Here, copy the 393.PBP file.
3. After disconnecting your PSP from USB, navigate to the Game menu on the PSP look for the 3.93Installer icon; it should be first. Press X to run it. It will not run unless there is 80 percent battery free.
4. Press X and the update process will start. Yes it may look similar to a regular Sony update but don't worry!
5. Once finished, the updater will ask you to press X or O to reboot. You MUST do this, otherwise you'll end up with a brick.
6. You've now successfully installed 3.93Custom Firmware  
7. Once the PSP has restarted, connect to USB again. Now, from the 3.93 Update 2 folder you extracted earlier, copy the UPDATE folder  into PSP>GAME>  [on your PSP]. It will ask you if you are sure you want to overwrite. Say yes. Then disconnect, go to the GAME menu, and run the Update2 program. Again, it should be the first one there. Press X, and you are done.

CHANGES:
--------

1. Uses the 3.93 kernel
2. Implented all the original custom firmware features.
3. Ability to use the normal recovery inside the XMB by pressing the HOME button:
- When in the recovery, the system is suspended, and you can change all options directly.
- All options work immediatly, there is no need to reboot (even the Slim's USB charging option)
- Ability to make a Pandora battery from the recovery, read and restore the EEPROM, etc. Providing that the motherboard supports it.
- Ability to hide the MAC adress in System Information, if you do so, the MAC will show visually as all 0's.
- Ability to save the savegames in normal format, rather then encrypted (only functions in March33 and Sony NP9960 mode).
4. The native 3.93 pops isn't as good as the previous pops, therefor I hope the popsloader will get updated to support 3.93.

Your PSP is now the latest custom firmware ;)

What you need:

• a PSP with 3.52 M33-3 or higher. (Use this tutorial to update your psp to that firmware, if you don't already have it: http://patrickleif.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!59C03FB1213D652D!397.entry)

• The files below:
  
  
  
  
  Installation:

First download the files above and extract them

1. Using the USB Cable, connect the PSP to your Computer.
2. From the 3.90M33 Easy Installer folder, run the Easy Installer (on your computer, of course). Select your psp type (fat or slim), and the PSP drive letter. You can find that by connecting your PSP to the computer via USB Connection, then going to My Computer. See the picture below. When all that is done, Click INSTALL. It Will now copy all the files you need to your PSP.  
3. On your PSP, disconnect from the computer. Navigate to the GAME menu, and highlight the 3.90Installer (it should be the first one). Press X to start. Press X again when it prompts you to start the installation. Follow the instructions on the updater. After the update, press X or O to manually reboot. It is important to do this last step to avoid a brick
4. Congratulations. You now have a 3.90 M33 Powered PSP.
5. Back to the computer: from the Update3 folder you extracted before, copy the UPDATE folder onto your PSP into PSP>GAME>. IT will ask you if you want to overwrite the current data, click YES. (So the EBOOT.PBP inside the UPDATE folder is in PSP>GAME>UPDATE).
6. Disconnect again, go to the GAME menu, and run the UPDATE3 Updater. Press X to launch it. Press X again to start the update.
7. Congratulations, you just updated your PSP.

How to HARDMOD a Pandora Battery: Warning , this is IRREVERSIBLE

This was taken from http://www.pspmod.com/forums/psp-hardware-guides/24224-how-pandoras-battery-high-res-pics.html. All credit goes to "one"

HOW TO MAKE A MAGIC MEMORY STICK (WITHOUT A HACKED PSP)

NEW FAQ Section: If you have a problem check here before adding a comment
http://patrickleif.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!59C03FB1213D652D!1737.entry

Stuff you will need:

  USB cable for the PSP or Memory Card Reader (if the PSP is bricked)

• The following files:
  

• Computer(with administrator account)

Installation:.

EDIT: Most of the errors you might get are due to the memory stick not being properly formatted. So before you start, connect the Memory Stick to a PC, go to My Computer, and then right click and select format. Then click Yes, or Format, depending on what version of Windows you are using.

EDIT 2: Windows Vista causes a lot of errors when trying to use this guide. It is better to use Windows XP

1. Download all files above, and extract them (you only need to extract .part1, as the second one will extract automatically with the first) 
2. From inside the "Computer files - copy to C" folder, copy both files to the root of your C: drive . (The root is what you see when you go to MY Computer, then double click on C:)
3. Connect the Memory Stick to the PC (with a Memory Card reader or a PSP).
4. Go to My Computer, right click on the Memory Card icon, which will be under Removable Devices, and select Format. If a message comes up saying you don't have the rights to do this, just click Ok and go onto the next step. Otherwise, click Yes in the window that pops up. Once the card is formatted then close the window and goto the next step.
5. From inside the "Pandora Files - Copy to Root of Memory Stick" folder, copy all files to the root of the Memory Stick. (My Computer>Removable Disk>)
6. On your computer, go to start, click run, and type CMD.
7. When the command window appears, type
   cd C:\
8. Then type
   mspformat.exe X
   Make sure you replace X with the drive letter. In the picture, my PSP is in drive F. Check which drive your PSP is in by going to My Computer. It will probably show up as Removable Disk. I would type mspformat.exe E
    
9. Type Y, then enter.
10. You will now get this message:
    Drive successfully formatted, and partition moved.
11. Close the command window. Remove the memory stick. After you have removed it, reconnect it to the Computer. This step is important.
12. Go to MY Computer, then right click on Removable Disk, and select explore. Check that the files you copied in step 4 are still there.
13. FIX TO ALL THE ERRORS YOU GOT BELOW: TONNES OF THANKS TO David/Icehotter
    
    "When you split down the files from "Computer files - copy to C" there is a file missing thats meant to go there too. This is the "msipl.bin" file, you will find this in the"Pandora Files - Copy to Root of Memory Stick" folder.
     
    Copy the msipl.bin to the root of C:\ too. This way you wont get the "cant open msipl.bin" error that people are mentioning above.   "
    
14. From inside the "Pandora Files - Copy to Root of Memory Stick" folder you downloaded, copy all files to the root of the Memory Stick. (My Computer>Removable Disk>)
15. Click Start, Run, and type cmd.
16. When the command window appears, type
    cd C:\
17. Then type
    msinst X msipl.bin
    Like above, make sure you replace X with the drive letter. I would type msinst F msipl.bin
18. A long message will appear. Type Y and press enter.
19. Write MS BOOT CODE will appear.
20. Close all windows.
21. Congratulations, you now have a Despertar del Cementerio Memory Stick.
    
    

    NEW FAQ Section: If you have a problem check here before adding a comment
    http://patrickleif.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!59C03FB1213D652D!1737.entry

Many many times I have found people in forums asking this question. "Where is the ROOT of the Memory Stick?" Sony have made life a bit harder since many people confuse the ROOT of the Memory Stick with the MP_ROOT folder.

So, here is the answer.

The Root of the Memory stick is where the PSP, MUSIC, VIDEO and MP_ROOT , etc... folders are

Basically, when you open My Computer, and then double click on the removable disk drive, your looking at the "root" of the memory stick

Hope that helps people.

How to install 3.80M33

What you need:

• a PSP with 3.52 M33-3 or higher. (Use this tutorial to update your psp to that firmware, if you dont already have it: http://patrickleif.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!59C03FB1213D652D!397.entry)

• The files below:
  
  

Installation:

First download the files above and extract them.
(X: refers to the drive where your psp is plugged in)
1. Copy the UPDATE folder contained in the 3.80M33.zip archive to X:/PSP/GAME
2. From the 3.80Official update folder, rename the file called EBOOT.PBP to 380.PBP and then place it in X:/PSP/GAME/UPDATE
3. Navigate to the Game menu on the PSP look for the 3.80Installer icon; it should be first. Press X to run it. It will not run unless there is 78 percent battery free.
4. Press X and the update process will start. Yes it may look similar to a regular Sony update but don't worry!
5. Once finished, the updater will ask you to press X or O to reboot. You MUST do this, otherwise you'll end up with a brick.
6. You've now successfully installed 3.80 M33  

Your PSP is now running DAX´s latest firmware

Changes:

- HEN core: user mode can load now signchecked files from flash.
- recovery: flash1 format will create flash1 directories after format.
  This could fix some flash1 issues with the previous versions.
- Network update from dark-alex.org page. By default is enabled.
  You can turn it off in recovery (when off, network update will download sony updates as usual).
- Nids resolver for various kernel libraries.

3.80 changes include:

• The function [Radio via Internet] has been added under [Network].
• The import of channels OPML format is now possible under [RSS Channel].
• Pictures can now be displayed under [RSS Channel].
• New visualization effects were added to the viewer under [Music].

Pandora Battery Compatibility List