You have to use http://ps3toolset.com to patch your console to allow CFW installation.So, I have a CECHA01 model that I just got. It has never been modded. Its on system software version 4.82. I cant seem to get this to install. When I attempt to install from USB, It gets to about 70% then I get a error code saying it is corrupt even thought I have compared the md5 of the source and destination files are the same. I used the bgtoolset tool on the ps3s web browser and tried again, still no luck. Anyone have any idea what I am doing wrong?
Once you patched your PS3, you can install any CFW from 4.82 or later, including Evilnat 4.90 PEX
It is highly recommended that after CFW installation you dump your IDPS, PSID, act.dat for all your users and ERK (eid root key) on an USB storage device.
Also enable QA flags and leave them enabled. This setting will let you downgrade to any version supported by your console if you need it.
but i guess a lot happened since then 