PS3 Upgrading/Downgrading PS3 Slim with broken BT/Wifi

[Timmy1107]

I have a PS3 slim running OFW 4.81 with a broken bluetooth and wifi module. This means any attempt to perform a system update will cause the console to enter a reboot loop. This is a PS3 slim that is capable of running 3.55 firmware.

I'm trying to figure out what my options are for installing CFW on this console. From what I have read on this forum, the two options for installing CFW on this console are:

1. Upgrade to OFW 4.82 and use PS3xploit
2. Downgrade to 3.55 and install CFW

The issue is that normal methods for both of these options will cause the PS3 to enter a reboot loop. Is my only option to downgrade to 3.55 using a hardware flasher (therefore bypassing the system update process)? Or is there any other way I can upgrade/downgrade the OFW while avoiding the BT component of the system upgrade process?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Coldheart2236]

Hi there. If your PS3 can support 3.55 firmware then it is CFW compatible. You will need to install noBD+noBT firmware, which removes the requirements for those modules being operational - hence the boot loop with OFW.

There is no now need to be on 4.82, or downgrade to 3.55. On OFW 4.80-4.88 you can patch your flash using the Flash Memory Manager tool within bguerville's excellent PS3 Toolset. See this handy guide for all the steps you need to patch your flash using it. PS3Xploit is now deprecated in favour of this newer method, so no need to worry about downgrading or being on 4.82 - which was, as you've pointed out, necessary at one time.

Once your NOR flash has been patched, you can reboot and install a noBD and/or noBT CFW. If indeed both modules are damaged, you will need a special noBD+BT variant CFW. I'd recommend Evilnat's 4.88.2 Cobra 8.3 which is the latest and most up-to-date CFW available.

Download: CFW EVILNAT 4.88.2 COBRA 8.3 [CEX] [noBD]
MD5: 80029DC0FBD238DAF8ED45BCDFD04CD6

Download:CFW EVILNAT 4.88.2 COBRA 8.3 [CEX] [noBT]
MD5: 360569FE808B1815BD05258C8496003F

Download: CFW EVILNAT 4.88.2 COBRA 8.3 [CEX] [noBD] [noBT]
MD5: D8BB1F47B77F1737F974308B935F81B6

Hope this helps.

 

[Coldheart2236]

with a broken bluetooth and wifi module

upgrade/downgrade the OFW while avoiding the BT component

Sorry, I may have misread your post. To confirm, can you get internet access on your PS3, if not by Wi-Fi then a cabled Ethernet connection? I believe it's separate hardware, but quite honestly I'm not totally sure about that.

If you can't get internet access, you won't be able to use the PS3 Toolset as obviously it's an external website which requires internet access.

ETA: If your BD drive still works correctly, you will only need the noBT version of CFW and not noBD+noBT which assumes both are not functioning.

 

[Timmy1107]

Thank you for the detailed response. Yes I am able to connect the PS3 to the internet via ethernet cable. I will attempt to patch the NOR and then report back.

 

[Timmy1107]

Update: Fantastic, it worked as described. I patched the NOR using the Flash Memory Manager tool and then installed the CFW without issues. Thanks so much for your help.

I have a few more questions if you're feeling generous. Firstly, this system has a lot of games and profiles installed from years ago that I would like to wipe and start over - is it safe to use either the Format Utility or the 'Restore PS3 System' utility to wipe the console so it's empty (i.e. will the CFW stay in place?). Secondly, since my bluetooth module is broken, I am looking for ways that I may be able to use a wireless controller on this system - is there such thing as a USB dongle that can connect a DualShock3 to the PS3? I've found third party controllers that come with USB dongles (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32822231337.html) - is that my only option?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Mello_1993]

Update: Fantastic, it worked as described. I patched the NOR using the Flash Memory Manager tool and then installed the CFW without issues. Thanks so much for your help.

I have a few more questions if you're feeling generous. Firstly, this system has a lot of games and profiles installed from years ago that I would like to wipe and start over - is it safe to use either the Format Utility or the 'Restore PS3 System' utility to wipe the console so it's empty (i.e. will the CFW stay in place?). Secondly, since my bluetooth module is broken, I am looking for ways that I may be able to use a wireless controller on this system - is there such thing as a USB dongle that can connect a DualShock3 to the PS3? I've found third party controllers that come with USB dongles (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32822231337.html) - is that my only option?

Thanks so much for your help!

Here I have a 2.4Ghz wirelles controller with USB dongle and it works perfectly! You can buy without fear.

 

[Coldheart2236]

Update: Fantastic, it worked as described. I patched the NOR using the Flash Memory Manager tool and then installed the CFW without issues. Thanks so much for your help.

Great news! Glad you got it sorted, mate.

I have a few more questions if you're feeling generous. Firstly, this system has a lot of games and profiles installed from years ago that I would like to wipe and start over - is it safe to use either the Format Utility or the 'Restore PS3 System' utility to wipe the console so it's empty (i.e. will the CFW stay in place?)

When I bought my current PS3 used from a friend, when it was still on OFW, I used the Format Utility I believe. Whichever option wipes the console is the one to go for.

As for the CFW/NOR patch remaining; I'm not entirely sure but I think so. Worse case scenario, you just re-do what you've already done and you'll be on your way. In fact, if you have games or other purchased content on PSN you wish to re-download, that's probably best done on a totally clean OFW system before going over to noBT CFW, to eliminate any ban risk.

 

[Alnur]

How did you do it? I also have a ps3 with noBT running ofw 4.78 and i used a ethernet cable to access ps3toolset but it says "system time setting error please adjust your systems clock" and when i try to update time via internet it asks me to update my ps3 which i cant do, so how??

 

[NiQ]

How did you do it? I also have a ps3 with noBT running ofw 4.78 and i used a ethernet cable to access ps3toolset but it says "system time setting error please adjust your systems clock" and when i try to update time via internet it asks me to update my ps3 which i cant do, so how??

Check if setting your time manually works, if it does, great.

If not, here's an idea - install HEN, which you can do without flashing anything because back then you could still use HEN on OFW (Sony patched it only in 4.83), then use it to spoof your version to 4.91 and sync the time via Internet (note: do not attempt to log in to PSN, just sync the time then go to bgtoolset and install noBT CFW).