Preparation

• 1). Update your system to the latest official firmware. From the main screen, select the "Settings" icon and then "System Update" from the drop-down menu. The PS3 will download and install the update. A message appears when the installation is complete.
  
  
• 2). Download the PS3 CFW software onto your computer and save it to your desktop. This contains all the necessary custom update components.
  
  
• 3). Plug your USB drive into your computer's USB port. From Windows, press the "Start" button at the bottom of your desktop, then select "Computer." The USB drive will show on the list of storage media. Click on the drive. Right click anywhere inside the screen and select "New" from the drop down menu and "Folder" from the subsequent menu. Name the folder "PS3."
  
  
• 4). Create a new folder inside the PS3 folder and name it "UPDATE" in all capital letters.
  
  
• 5). Go back to your desktop. Open the PS3 CFW file and you will see a file called "PS3UPDAT.PUP." Right click on the file and select "copy" from the drop-down menu. Open your USB drive again and go to the "UPDATE" folder. Right click on the screen and select "paste" to place the file in the folder.
  
  
• 6). Download the MD5 Checker software and save it to your desktop. This is critical, because it ensures that the update file is not corrupted or damaged in some way. If it damaged, installing it could ruin your PS3.
  
  
• 7). Double click on the MD5 software icon on your desktop. A window opens. Click on the "Browse" button and it will show you all your storage devices and files on a list. Open your USB drive, double click on the "PS3" folder, then the "UPDATE" folder.
  
  
• 8). Scan the file. Double click on the "PS3UPDAT.PUP" file and the MD5 software will automatically scan it.
  
  
• 9). Check the file name. In the box next to the "Browse" button, the file must exactly say "2be5e87a22bf1e7f48e98fcabd38977b." If there is any difference, do not install the file, as it is malicious.
  
  

Installation

• 1). Plug your USB drive into the PlayStation's USB port.
  
  
• 2). Press the "Power" button to turn off your PS3.
  
  
• 3). Boot your PS3 into Safe Mode. Hold down the power button until you have heard three beeps. They are each a few seconds apart.
  
  
• 4). Repeat the above step. You will eventually hear two quick beeps. Release the "Power" button and your PS3 will turn on in Safe Mode.
  
  
• 5). Connect your controller to the PS3 with its USB cable, which is included with your system. A menu will appear.
  
  
• 6). Select "System Update" from the menu.
  
  
• 7). Choose "Update via Storage Media."
  
  
• 8). Press the "PS" button on the center of your controller. The PS3 will ask you to agree to the terms of service before the update. Select "Accept" and your PS3 will install the custom firmware.