The Ultimate Guide to PS3 Jailbreak 4.90 – OFW to CFW

Understanding PS3 Jailbreak

What is PS3 Jailbreak?

PS3 jailbreak refers to the process of modifying the console’s firmware to remove restrictions imposed by Sony. By jailbreaking your PS3, you gain the ability to install custom software, homebrew applications, and even play game backups from external storage.

Benefits of PS3 Jailbreak

Jailbreaking your PS3 opens up a world of possibilities, including:

1. Customization: Personalize your PS3 by installing custom themes, changing icons, and fonts to suit your style.
2. Homebrew Applications: Unlock access to a vast library of homebrew applications developed by the community, such as emulators, media players, and game mods.
3. Game Backups: Store your game library on external storage devices and run game backups without the need for physical discs.
4. Unlock Region Restrictions: Play games from different regions on your PS3, expanding your gaming options.
5. Additional Features: Enjoy a range of additional features, such as file managers, console utilities, and plugins, enhancing the functionality of your PS3.

PS3Xploit: The Key to Unlocking Your PS3

What is PS3Xploit?

PS3Xploit is a powerful toolset developed by the PS3 homebrew community. It provides a user-friendly way to exploit compatible PS3 models and enables jailbreak installation without the need for hardware modifications.

PS3Xploit Compatibility

PS3Xploit is compatible with specific PS3 models, primarily the early “Fat” models (CECHA to CECHG) and some “Slim” models (CECH-20xx and CECH-25xx). However, compatibility may vary depending on the console’s manufacturing date, so it’s crucial to check compatibility lists and guides specific to your PS3 model.

Features of PS3Xploit

PS3Xploit offers several features to facilitate the jailbreaking process:

1. Browser Exploit: PS3Xploit utilizes a web browser exploit to inject custom payloads into the console, initiating the jailbreak process.
2. Flash Writer: This feature allows you to write custom firmware or patches directly to the PS3’s flash memory, bypassing the need for external hardware.
3. IDPS Dumper: PS3Xploit enables you to extract the unique IDPS (console identification) from your PS3, which may be required for certain advanced functionalities.

Custom Firmware (CFW): The Gateway to Limitless Possibilities

What is Custom Firmware (CFW)?

Custom Firmware (CFW) refers to modified firmware versions developed by the PS3 homebrew community. CFW replaces the original Sony firmware, providing additional features, functionalities, and customization options.

Benefits of Custom Firmware

By installing CFW on your jailbroken PS3, you can enjoy various benefits, including:

1. Homebrew Compatibility: CFW enables enhanced compatibility with a wide range of homebrew applications, allowing you to explore a vast library of software developed by the PS3 community.
2. Plugin Support: CFW supports the installation of plugins that extend the functionality of your PS3, such as cheat systems, media players, and system utilities.
3. Game Backup Managers: CFW allows you to install game backup managers, which simplify the process of storing and launching game backups from external storage devices.
4. PS2 Compatibility: Certain CFW versions include partial or full backward compatibility with PlayStation 2 (PS2) games, enabling you to play your favorite PS2 titles on your PS3.

Popular Custom Firmware Options

When it comes to custom firmware for the PS3, several options are available, each with its own features and community support. Some popular CFW options include:

1. Rebug: Rebug is a widely used custom firmware known for its extensive feature set, stability, and compatibility. It offers various editions, including standard and “Rex” versions.
2. Rogero: Rogero CFW provides a user-friendly experience and is known for its stability. It supports a range of PS3 models and offers regular updates.
3. Overflow: Overflow CFW focuses on customization and features a visually appealing interface. It offers various customization options to personalize your PS3.

Step-by-Step Guide to Jailbreak PS3 on Firmware 4.90

Now that we have explored the concepts of PS3 jailbreak, PS3Xploit, and CFW, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of jailbreaking your PS3 on firmware 4.90:

1. Preparing Your PS3

Before starting the jailbreak process, ensure you follow these preparations:

1. Backup: Back up any important data on your PS3, such as game saves, photos, and videos, to an external storage device.
2. Disable Automatic Updates: Go to the “System Settings” menu on your PS3 and disable automatic updates to prevent accidental firmware updates that could remove the jailbreak functionality.
3. Format External Storage: If you plan to store game backups or homebrew applications on an external storage device, format it to FAT32 or exFAT file system for compatibility.

2. Exploiting Your PS3 with PS3Xploit

The next step involves exploiting your PS3 using PS3Xploit. Follow these steps:

1. Update Your PS3 to Version 4.90: Start by updating your PS3 to the latest System Software Update 4.90. you can manually update by downloading the latest update file, formatting a USB drive to FAT32, placing the update file in the “PS3/UPDATE” folder on the USB drive, and selecting “Update via Storage Media” in the system update settings.
2. Prepare for the Jailbreaking Process: Download the PS3 Jailbreak Kit .zip folder and extract its contents. Format a USB flash drive to FAT32 and copy the “PS3” subfolder from the extracted folder to the root directory of the USB drive.
3. Check the Original PS3 Firmware Version: Plug the USB drive into your PS3 and go to “Settings” > “System Update.” Select “Update via Storage Media” and note the firmware version. Ensure that the firmware version is 3.56 or lower for successful jailbreaking.
4. Copy the Hybrid Firmware 4.90 to your USB Stick: Download the PS3UnzipDownloads.zip file and extract it. Copy the “PS3 HFW 490” > “PS3” subfolder to the USB drive.
5. Create a Hosted Toolset on Your PC: Install the XAMPP Apache distribution on your PC. Configure XAMPP to run Apache, delete the contents of the “htdocs” folder, and copy the contents of the “PS3 Flash Writer 490” folder to the “htdocs” folder. Start Apache.
6. Figure Out Your PC IP Address: Open the Command Prompt on your PC and type “ipconfig” to find your PC’s IPv4 Address.
7. Install the Hybrid Firmware 4.90 on your PS3: Plug the USB drive into the right-most USB port of your PS3. Go to “Settings” > “System Update” and select “Update via Storage Media.” Install the hybrid firmware by following the on-screen instructions. Delete cookies, search history, cache, and change the home page to blank in the PS3 Internet Browser.
8. Enter Your PC IP Address Into the PS3 Internet Browser: Open the PS3 Internet Browser and select “File” > “Address Entry.” Enter your PC’s IP address with port number 80 to connect your PS3 to your PC.
9. Completing the Final Checks Before Jailbreaking: Verify the USB field, run checks for NOR or NAND, download the “flash490.P3T” file, and click on “Dump NOR/NAND flash memory” in the PS3 browser. Do not close the browser window after the backup completes.
10. Verify the Integrity of the Backup Files: Remove the USB stick from the PS3 and plug it into your PC. Transfer the “PS3FlashDump490OFW.bin” file to the “PyPS3Checker” folder in the original download folder. Drag and drop the flash dump file onto the “drag&drop_your_dump_here.bat” batch file. Make sure there are no dangers or warnings in the PyPS3 checker.

Congratulations! You have successfully jailbroken your PS3 using the PlayStation 3 Toolset exploit, PS3Xploit, and CFW. Remember to proceed with caution and ensure you follow the instructions carefully.

3. Installing Custom Firmware (CFW)

After successfully exploiting your PS3, it’s time to install custom firmware (CFW). Here’s how:

1. Preparing the CFW: Download the appropriate custom firmware for your PS3 model and firmware version.
2. Transferring CFW: Copy the downloaded CFW file to a USB flash drive formatted in FAT32. Ensure the CFW file is placed in the root directory (not in any folders).
3. Updating PS3: Connect the USB flash drive to your PS3 and navigate to the “System Update” option under the “Settings” menu. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your PS3 with the custom firmware.

4. Verifying the Jailbreak

After installing CFW, you can verify if the jailbreak was successful:

1. System Information: Go to the “System Information” option under the “Settings” menu and check if the installed firmware version matches the custom firmware you installed.
2. Install Homebrew Applications: To confirm the jailbreak, install a Homebrew application of your choice from a trusted source. If the application runs successfully, it indicates a successful jailbreak.

Read More: PS3 Jailbreak 4.90 (PS3HEN)

Conclusion

Jailbreaking your PS3 on firmware 4.90 opens up exciting possibilities, giving you the freedom to explore custom firmware, homebrew applications, and enhanced features. With the power of PS3Xploit and the world of custom firmware at your fingertips, you can personalize your gaming experience and unlock new capabilities. Remember to stay informed, exercise caution, and adhere to legal and ethical guidelines as you delve into the world of PS3 jailbreaking.