PSP Ripping Questions

[Captain Wrong]

OK, I'm getting ready to do some traveling and I'd like to rip some PSP games so I don't have as much clutter to carry around. I've been searching the web for how to info, but I keep coming up with dead ends or else I just can't figure it out. Can someone point me in the direction of how to do this?

FYI, I'm using Darx_Alex's 3.40 FW.

Also, will ripping the games to memory cards decrease load times? I'm thinking specifically of Midnight Club 3 which has some crazy long loading.

Thanks.

[skaar]

I'm pretty sure they don't allow this kind of topic on here - best to edit to clear the topic and request a lock at this point.

Break the wrist and walk away.

[Captain Wrong]

Well, considering I'm not asking for WAREZ or how to download stuff, and considering we've had legnthy discussions about the PS2 HD Loader which is similar, I think this is kosher. I do actually own the games I want to play off the card.

If not, consider my wrist slapped. :D

[skaar]

I won't do the slapping. I tend to download/burn games I buy and keep the originals sealed... yes I know it's weird but it makes me feel warm and fuzzy.

Actually what I usually do is beat the game on a burn/borrowed copy, then buy it if I liked it enough to play through.

[zektor]

Man, there IS a program that will do this (rip the UMD to ISO on the memory stick), but I no longer have the PSP and the name of that program eludes me. Try the forums over at ps3news....it's gotta be in their download area.

[Vectorman0]

I've experienced faster load times running off of the memory stick, than UMD's. Regarding ripping your own games, PM ryanmurf, as I know he has experience with that.

[skaar]

pspcrazy's forums were good for that kinda info too.

[Bassgrabber]

If you're running Dark_Alex's custom 3.40 OE-A firmware you can also upclock the CPU. It's helped with load times here.

BEWARE: I've heard mixed stories about upclocking resulting in damage to PSPs, although I haven't had a problem.

If you find the info please shoot me a PM. I can convert my PSX games fine. It would be nice to be able to convert UMD's, too.

update: PM sent :) Found what I was looking for...

[Nature Boy]

The software you want is called "PSP Filer." I'm using 3.1

It's a nifty little thing that lets you manage files on your PSP without having to connect it to a PC. It has the added benefit of being able to rip a UMD into an iso.

From the menu, hit triangle, then R. Just follow directions.

It is software you have to be careful with, as it lets you modify the flash memory.

I basically play all of my PSP games after ripping them to the memory stick. They just load *so* much faster (and use less battery) it's hard to justify playing the UMDs after I've ripped them. I do keep one UMD in the slot though, just 'cause it means one more game to choose from - I just limit it to games where loading doesn't bother me (Lumines, Pirates).

Hope that helps!

[Bassgrabber]

Hello Nature Boy...

Thanks for the additional info!

I've ripped my Daxter and Kingdom of Paradise UMD's in hopes of improving load times. I've tried three different UMD Dumpers, including PSP Filer 3.1 as you suggested. Nice app!!!

Anyway, I've had the same result with each of the three tools:
The opening video doesn't play smoothly, it stutters.

Generally, If I X past the opening the gameplay itself seems fluid, with no or minimum load time (that's amazing for Daxter!)

Also, in Daxter, after initial instruction from "Pops" if I go back and talk to him once again, I get the same "stutter"

Memory card is properly formatted, file completely dumped. Changing clock speed makes no difference.

EDIT: I just realized that I didn't dump while upclocked (was at default) Will try that and see if it makes a difference... Upclocking on dump made no difference......

Any suggestions?

[Bassgrabber]

Well, to follow up...

I upclocked. No difference.

I adjusted the compression (less compressed). No difference.

There were the skippy stutter parts with Osmo, and then the hotel clerk but subsequent sequences are just fine! The game is running great, and there were no further glitches. If there are any load times they are miniscule.

At 6% through playing Daxter running from my memory stick I'm am rather pleased.

[Nature Boy]

Any suggestions?

I'm guessing when I say this, but most likely it's the compression that is causing the stuttering.

I never compress my games at all, and I've never had a problem with a ripped game skipping or stuttering.

I've always figured that compressing is great only if the performance isn't affected. Playing CSOs, to my knowledge, does mean a performance hit. As such, I don't bother compressing because the whole *reason* I want to convert my UMDs to iso is so that it loads faster and improves performance :)

That probably doesn't help, but that's all I've got unfortunately.

[Bassgrabber]

My mistake earlier. Although I could change the number for compresspion it had no effect for the ISO dump (different app uses it). So I've been doing just a straight dump, and getting the same result. I compared file sizes to comfirm. I feel the same about compression; if quality is sacrificed and/or the purpose defeated then why bother?

Also tried using different memory sticks, and reformatting them.

I'm thinking it just might be the games, and how they run as ISO's.

Why?

I dumped Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth and it's running smooth as silk and load-time free! Not a skip or stutter in the first few hours.

If someone else dumps Daxter or Kingdom of Paradise I'd be curious to know your result...

[Nature Boy]

I dumped Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth and it's running smooth as silk and load-time free! Not a skip or stutter in the first few hours.

If someone else dumps Daxter or Kingdom of Paradise I'd be curious to know your result...

I may buy Daxter at some point, and if I do I'll let you know.

Did you buy these new or used? If used, is it possible they have blemishes or scratches on them? I can't think of any other reason for the games to rip with stutters.

Good luck!

[Bassgrabber]

All were bought used, but there don't appear to be any scratches or blemishes. I've checked by "walking" the disks around in their cases.
Latest developement:
The Legend of Heroes dump makes icon and background, appears to be complete file. Wants to boot but get blank screen after the white PSP "burst" screen. Just won't load. Tried 4 different dump programs, with 3 different memory sticks, with and without UMD in slot, different things enabled, or not.

Recovered to 1.50 and REinstalled 3.40 OE-A with the same results.

Might try to upload my dump of LoH to a friend of mine who had no problem with their own dump of the same game. See if they'll compare files/structures, and see if my dump will play on their machine.

Is it possible that it's a corrupt something on my mobo that isn't corrected by flashing 1.50 and 3.40 OE-A?

I'd really like to solve this enigma!

[Bassgrabber]

Problem solved!

Figured wouldn't hurt so UPgraded to 3.50, then used the new downgrader to 1.50, and finally reinstalled 3.40 OE-A again. Got corruption screen at reboot so used the new netconfigbackup files (restore). Reloaded dumper. Daxter and Legend of Heroes both boot up and play with no stutter/freezes.

YAY!