2014-02-06 Updated for version 2.21

As several users asked for a quick noob guide, here are some FAQ I would like to share with the forum:

Psnpatch condemns piracy.
Don’t use psnpatch to play pirated software.
Use it only to play backups of legally owned content.

Q: Where can I get PSNPATCH ?
A: http://tortuga-cove.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=129&t=5576

Q: Is there any other sites where you will launch PSNPATCH updates ?
A: No! PSNPATCH releases will be exclusively published at Tortuga Cove   

Q: What can I do with psnpatch ? 
A: Psnpatch allows a safer (less “banneable”) connection to PSN when using a CFW (custom firmware).
To do so, it “masks” cfw (simulates an official firmware version) and deletes all traces of homebrew (unlicensed ps3 software) been used in your console.
If this is what you want to do, just run psidpatch pressing TRIANGLE until you ear 3 beeps – or wait for the user interface to appear and follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: If you want to play online, you should mount any game backup you may need BEFORE using psnpatch. After using psnpatch, it will NOT be possible to change the mounted backup UNTIL next reboot.
You can also use psnpatch to do a temporary change of your console’s ID (IDPS and PSID) and install RAPs, EDATs and unlock psn game demos.

Q: How can I confirm that CFW is properly masked ?
A: PSNPATCH does the test for you. After masking CFW it makes the proper testing and beeps if they were successfully.
You can do other tests until you trust psnpatch   : just call multiman or iris manager – if the cfw is properly masked / disabled, you will get an error with both applications.

Q:But my console is banned ! what can I do ?
A: If you have the ConsoleID (IDPS) and the PSID from another unbanned console, you can “spoof” that console unbanning you current one.
1. Edit psnpatch.cfg file (see example that goes with psnpatch distribution) and apply the proper values.
2. Place psnpatch.cfg at the root of a usb stick.
3. Place the stick in the rightmost port of your ps3.

Q: How can I obtain an unbanned IDPS and PSID ?
A: Usually by having another (tipically dead / ylod) console and accessing its flash memory in order to get the IDPS and PSID.

Q: I don’t like pressing so many keys. I will like to do a “all in one” idps & psid spoofing, cfw disabling/masking and execution history deletion. Can it be done ?
A: Yes ! Run psnpatch and keep CROSS pressed. Wait for the beeps and getting back to the xmb.

Q: I have here some RAP files and also some EDAT files. What are these ?
A: They are license files to allow you to execute certain PSN games or DLC (downloadable contents).

Q: How can I use them with psnpatch ?
A: Just place them in a exdata folder in a usb stick. Place the stick in the rightmost port of your ps3.
When running psnpatch, press L1 to install RAP & EDAT files.
After installation, you can remove the files from the exdata folder.

NOTE: RAP files are connected to the current console ID (IDPS). If you installed a RAP with a spoofed IDPS, the game will only work when that IDPS is spoofed in memory.
NOTE: I suggest you have a user to install content for one IDPS, and another user to run content of another IDPS.
NOTE: Oppostite to RAP files, EDAT files are system and user independent. Just install and play !

Q: In the readme.txt it says that PSNPATCH can unlock game demos. How ?
A: Simple: Just press R1. All PSN game demos (C00 type) will be unlocked.

Q: I have a 4.46 system that shows a black screen when playing the newer games. What can I do ?
A: Probalby those games are signed with the new 4.50 keys. Simply use psnpatch and press L2.
   A menu will allow you to choose were to scan for games, including a usb port.
   Note that usb port 0 is rightmost one.
   After patching the needed games, the ps3 will reboot.


Q: What does mean the cobra stealth extensions ?
A: These are a set of new opcodes specially designed to make a perfect cobra cfw "stealthing".
   When these are installed and psnpatch "disable cfw" option is activated, it is virtually impossible to detect that a cfw is running.
   Note that this only work in 4.46 cobra editions and 4.53 habib cobra editions.
   4.46 system can be of any author known at the moment, but for 4.53 only HABIB versions were tested.


Q: Are there any additional PSN unban suggestions ?
A: A couple of points I've compiled:
1. Stay off-line !
2. Stay off-line !!
3. Stay off-line !!!
4. Never configure your ps3 to auto-connect to psn on boot time;
5. Use psnpatch BEFORE connecting to the psn;
6. DON’T use any homebrew AFTER connecting to the PSN;
7. If you already connect to the psn with a firmware version (ex: 4.50) never try to connect with a lower version afterwards – this will mean INSTANT BAN !!!

Q: What is the XMB ?
A: It’s the PS3 menu !

Q: What is a Ps3 ?
A: Well … If you’re asking this, you should not be reading this document  

Q: You say that “Psnpatch condemns piracy”. So, why have you made psnpatch ?
A:
KW had a PS3 which Bluray player was damaged  for playing disc games.
He had to wait for 30 days to receive a “new” reconditioned (repaired) ps3.And was afraid of getting again the same problem.
Some time after this, started the cfw wave.
According to the laws of KW country, he has the legal right of doing a backup of legally obtained material (for personal use only).
So, he decided to have his ps3 with cfw to play his (long list of legally obtained) games from the internal HDD – sparing the BR drive.
Some time after, He needed to replace the ps3 HDD for a bigger one, but S@nï decided to ban his psn account and his console’s ID. During the HDD switching he lost all the licenses of the legally obtained psn games !!!
So he made this tool, sharing it with the community. Hoping that the ones that will use it, will do it for the same reasons.

KW
