model cechp01 firmware ofw 4.90
Unfortunately the only way to install CFW in your case would be to use a hardware flasher to downgrade your PS3 to version 3.55 or below and then install CFW.
While we have the Flash Writer tool, which is self-hosted and does not rely on a service that is not guaranteed to survive forever, when we say that it can work offline we mean that it can work without an Internet connection - but you still need a LAN connection to the computer hosting the exploit, since the exploit relies on the Internet browser (the WebKit engine specifically). As of the time of writing this, all known methods to get the initial access on firmware versions 3.56 and above rely on WebKit exploits and therefore require some sort of network connection. Well, all softmods, because as said a hardware flasher will still work.
i was thinking of taking it to a shop that does "downgrading" services (i assume they reflash the firmware and install cfw with a flasher for you) but im not sure if thats the right solution
You should check prices first - a 2nd hand PS3 costs around $100, sometimes even less, and it's very possible that the said service would cost more than just buying another PS3.
If you do take it to a repair shop you should also use that opportunity to clean the dust inside and reapply the thermal paste to the Cell and RSX chips to avoid overheating and YLOD, which is not too rare on phat models.
If your console is CFW capable, then you can install the noBT version of some CFWs in order to avoid the WiFi/Ethernet board checks.
But the issue here is that noBT will also disable the Bluetooth board, even if it is in working conditions. In other words, you will lose the ability to use wireless controllers.
The best solution here would be to replace the WiFi module, but that requieres soldering skills and proper tools.
They'd need to buy a broken (for parts) unit to get the WiFi module from and, if they're not savvy enough to replace the daughterboard themselves, then also have a repair shop do it, which would most definitely cost more than a 2nd hand console, and all of this for a non-BC phat? They should seriously get a 21xx slim, which is way more reliable, or better yet, a 25xx if they can use MinVerChk and verify it's CFW compatible.
