PS3 Run PKG games on CFW/HAN from an external Hard Drive.

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wissam_

Forum Noob
Hey guys!


I have a 250Gb PS3 Slim, I have some games on it installed by PKG format, and It support both CFW and HAN.
So, I just bought a new 1TB EXTERNAL Hard Drive, and I was wondering if I can run these games from that HDD and play them, also these games are splitted into parts in PKG format.

Note: I can do both CFW and HAN, just tell me which one should be able to run games from that HDD.

And thanks in advance!
 
With HAN, you will not be able to load games from external. You can use HEN or CFW. IMO, CFW is far away better than HEN. You can load games from both, HEN and CFW, using webMan MOD.
 
Why are they split? That's only necessary as a workaround for the 4GB file limit when storing on a FAT32 external HDD. With a 1TB HDD formatted with the PS3, that 4GB file limit does not apply (only applies for external USB drives, however most CFW file managers support NTFS anyway) and so you'll have plenty of storage space for games backed up in ISO format.
 
wissam_ said:
The games are in .pkg format and splitted, not ISO format.!!!
Click to expand...

PKG games run like a bag of crap off external HDD's in folder format as they are, some of the games can be converted to disc boot and the converted to ISO Format, then if you format the external HDD to NTFS it will run the ISO without splitting it.

PSN liberator v1.0 can do this for you. But beware that not all games in pkg format you can do this with.

If the games you have are split then the game contains a file that is over 4GB. If you are storing the actual install pkg file on the external HDD and its FAT32 then this will be split as the PKG is stored as 1 file, which will defo be over 4GB in size.
 
wissam_ said:
Hey guys!


I have a 250Gb PS3 Slim, I have some games on it installed by PKG format, and It support both CFW and HAN.
So, I just bought a new 1TB EXTERNAL Hard Drive, and I was wondering if I can run these games from that HDD and play them, also these games are splitted into parts in PKG format.

Note: I can do both CFW and HAN, just tell me which one should be able to run games from that HDD.

And thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

For external drives, ISO format is recommended.

You can create the folder /GAMEI in the root of USB drive formatted in FAT32, press SELECT+SQUARE in webMAN MOD and install the PKG.

On the PC you can extract the PKG to /GAMEI so you will have the a path like x:/GAMEI/NPUBxxxxx/USRDIR/EBOOT.BIN
Also you can copy the games from /dev_hdd0/game/NPUBxxxxx to /dev_usb000/GAMEI/NPUBxxxxx

After copy the game from hdd0 to GAMEI, you can delete USRDIR of the game in hdd0/game/NPUBxxxxx, but don't delete the PARAM.SFO or ICON0.PNG or you will get a broken icon on XMB.

If the game is not already installed, it is recommended that you first install the game on HDD0 to create the icon on XMB, then reinstall it on USB. It doesn't need to be the full game, only the PARAM.SFO, ICON0.PNG and EBOOT.BIN are necessary in HDD0. The "FIX" packages can be used to create the icon on XMB.

Games with files larger than 4GB are not compatible. I'm talking of the game files inside the PKG that are extracted to FAT32, the PKG file can be any size.
 
aldostools said:
For external drives, ISO format is recommended.

You can create the folder /GAMEI in the root of USB drive formatted in FAT32, press SELECT+SQUARE in webMAN MOD and install the PKG.

On the PC you can extract the PKG to /GAMEI so you will have the a path like x:/GAMEI/NPUBxxxxx/USRDIR/EBOOT.BIN
Also you can copy the games from /dev_hdd0/game/NPUBxxxxx to /dev_usb000/GAMEI/NPUBxxxxx

After copy the game from hdd0 to GAMEI, you can delete USRDIR of the game in hdd0/game/NPUBxxxxx, but don't delete the PARAM.SFO or ICON0.PNG or you will get a broken icon on XMB.

If the game is not already installed, it is recommended that you first install the game on HDD0 to create the icon on XMB, then reinstall it on USB. It doesn't need to be the full game, only the PARAM.SFO, ICON0.PNG and EBOOT.BIN are necessary in HDD0. The "FIX" packages can be used to create the icon on XMB.

Games with files larger than 4GB are not compatible. I'm talking of the game files inside the PKG that are extracted to FAT32, the PKG file can be any size.
Click to expand...


Hey guys!

First of all, sorry to revive such a old thread, but I'm searching about this.
This still (and really) works? I use PS3 HEN with a 500Gb HDD internal and 500Gb external and I've always prefer games on folder format but have the disadvantage of "use double space" on hard drive, right?

Like on GTA V, have almost 20Gb on folder to "simulate" the Blu Ray disc and install more 20GB of data, on PKG games is basically the installation on self, I presume.

Anyway, I want to test this, to install PKG games right on external drive too, but got a thing I don't understand, if I use some program like "PS3GameExtractor" to extract the PKG I have to put the game extracted on GAMEI folder on external HDD, right? Then I have to put the folder of the game with the PARAM.SFO and ICON0.PNG to the "game" folder on internal drive to shows up on XMB?

And is that all? The game will works? The PS3 will recognise the game on the external drive and shows up and load on XMB?

Thanks for the help!
 
Nell_Bassanelo said:
Hey guys!

First of all, sorry to revive such a old thread, but I'm searching about this.
This still (and really) works? I use PS3 HEN with a 500Gb HDD internal and 500Gb external and I've always prefer games on folder format but have the disadvantage of "use double space" on hard drive, right?

Like on GTA V, have almost 20Gb on folder to "simulate" the Blu Ray disc and install more 20GB of data, on PKG games is basically the installation on self, I presume.

Anyway, I want to test this, to install PKG games right on external drive too, but got a thing I don't understand, if I use some program like "PS3GameExtractor" to extract the PKG I have to put the game extracted on GAMEI folder on external HDD, right? Then I have to put the folder of the game with the PARAM.SFO and ICON0.PNG to the "game" folder on internal drive to shows up on XMB?

And is that all? The game will works? The PS3 will recognise the game on the external drive and shows up and load on XMB?

Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...

If you use webMAN MOD, connect an external USB on /dev_usb00 and press SELECT+SQUARE to enable the external gameDATA.
Then install the game as you normally do. The files will be stored on /dev_usb000/GAMEI and the icon will appear on XMB as usual.
Before launch the installed game you will need to press SELECT+SQUARE

Alternatively you can extract the package on the PC to X:\GAMEI\<content-id>
Then use webMAN MOD to scan the content to mount the game through /app_home/PS3_GAME

The GAMEI option must be checked in /setup.ps3

---------
The "use double space" on hard drive happens with ISO and folder formats.
However, with games in folder format stored in /dev_hdd0/GAMES you can save recover some disc space using this web command:

/stat.ps3/dev_hdd0/GAMES/<name>&id=<title_id>

The command compares the files in /dev_hdd0/game<title_id> with the files in the folder /dev_hdd0/GAMES/<name> and if the files are identical, one of the files will be replaced with a symlink; reducing the disk space usage.
 
aldostools said:
If you use webMAN MOD, connect an external USB on /dev_usb00 and press SELECT+SQUARE to enable the external gameDATA.
Then install the game as you normally do. The files will be stored on /dev_usb000/GAMEI and the icon will appear on XMB as usual.
Before launch the installed game you will need to press SELECT+SQUARE

Alternatively you can extract the package on the PC to X:\GAMEI\<content-id>
Then use webMAN MOD to scan the content to mount the game through /app_home/PS3_GAME

The GAMEI option must be checked in /setup.ps3

---------
The "use double space" on hard drive happens with ISO and folder formats.
However, with games in folder format stored in /dev_hdd0/GAMES you can save recover some disc space using this web command:

/stat.ps3/dev_hdd0/GAMES/<name>&id=<title_id>

The command compares the files in /dev_hdd0/game<title_id> with the files in the folder /dev_hdd0/GAMES/<name> and if the files are identical, one of the files will be replaced with a symlink; reducing the disk space usage.
Click to expand...

Ah! Now I get it! haha'

Just two more questions, I always have to use the command SELECT+SQUARE to change between games on internal and external, right? But the game icon always will appears on XMB anyway or they will appear when I do the command?

And sorry for my stupidity, but how and where I do the command "/stat.ps3/dev_hdd0/GAMES/"? If this work fine for me I'm not even install the PKGs on external drive! :D

By the way, witch you recommend? Install the PKGs on external drive too or continue using the folder format and do the "stat.ps3' command?

And one more time, really thanks a lot! :congratulatory::congratulatory::congratulatory:
 
Nell_Bassanelo said:
Ah! Now I get it! haha'

Just two more questions, I always have to use the command SELECT+SQUARE to change between games on internal and external, right? But the game icon always will appears on XMB anyway or they will appear when I do the command?

And sorry for my stupidity, but how and where I do the command "/stat.ps3/dev_hdd0/GAMES/"? If this work fine for me I'm not even install the PKGs on external drive! :D

By the way, witch you recommend? Install the PKGs on external drive too or continue using the folder format and do the "stat.ps3' command?

And one more time, really thanks a lot! :congratulatory::congratulatory::congratulatory:
Click to expand...

The entry always appear on XMB, because it is in the internal database. However, the ICON may appear as a broken image until you press SELECT+SQUARE to redirect /dev_hdd0/game to /dev_usb000/GAMEI. If there is an icon installed in the game folder of hdd0 the icon will show properly but the game will not launch (unless it is also fully installed in hdd0 too) until you press SELECT+SQUARE.

The web command must be performed a web browser like the PS3 Internet Browser or from a PC, smartphone or tablet.

Example:
http://192.168.1.123/stat.ps3/dev_hdd0/GAMES/GTAIV [BLUS30127]&id=BLUS30127

Where the IP address must be the correct one for your console.
The path between start.ps3 and & is the path of game folder. And the id at the end is to compare it with /dev_hdd0/game/BLUS30127

If there is enough free space in the internal HDD, I prefer the JB games.
The games on USB are convenient when you don't have much enough free space in the internal HDD.
Also, some games run better as ISO. So the /stat.ps3 command will not help for those games.

Tips to save additional hdd space:
1- Remove the PS3_UPDATE from all your games. It's useless on CFW.
2- Truncate the files used for foreign languages that you don't use. Do not delete the files, only truncate them (replace with a file of 0 byte ). webMAN MOD has a truncate function if you right click on a file using Chrome or Edge on a PC. Or use PS3RIP from PS3 Tools Collection.
3- Run PS3 Unlock HDD Space if you haven't done it.
4- Clean the cache folder in multiMAN or IRISMAN
5- Delete the game data of the games that you don't play
6- Run the web command above for the JB games that you have in /dev_hdd0/GAMES
7- Zip the PSX or PSP games that you don't use frequently. Mount these games with IRISMAN.
8- Delete the internal HDD the games that you don't really use. Anyway you can re-install them if you change your mind.
 
aldostools said:
The entry always appear on XMB, because it is in the internal database. However, the ICON may appear as a broken image until you press SELECT+SQUARE to redirect /dev_hdd0/game to /dev_usb000/GAMEI. If there is an icon installed in the game folder of hdd0 the icon will show properly but the game will not launch (unless it is also fully installed in hdd0 too) until you press SELECT+SQUARE.

The web command must be performed a web browser like the PS3 Internet Browser or from a PC, smartphone or tablet.

Example:
http://192.168.1.123/stat.ps3/dev_hdd0/GAMES/GTAIV [BLUS30127]&id=BLUS30127

Where the IP address must be the correct one for your console.
The path between start.ps3 and & is the path of game folder. And the id at the end is to compare it with /dev_hdd0/game/BLUS30127

If there is enough free space in the internal HDD, I prefer the JB games.
The games on USB are convenient when you don't have much enough free space in the internal HDD.
Also, some games run better as ISO. So the /stat.ps3 command will not help for those games.

Tips to save additional hdd space:
1- Remove the PS3_UPDATE from all your games. It's useless on CFW.
2- Truncate the files used for foreign languages that you don't use. Do not delete the files, only truncate them (replace with a file of 0 byte ). webMAN MOD has a truncate function if you right click on a file using Chrome or Edge on a PC. Or use PS3RIP from PS3 Tools Collection.
3- Run PS3 Unlock HDD Space if you haven't done it.
4- Clean the cache folder in multiMAN or IRISMAN
5- Delete the game data of the games that you don't play
6- Run the web command above for the JB games that you have in /dev_hdd0/GAMES
7- Zip the PSX or PSP games that you don't use frequently. Mount these games with IRISMAN.
8- Delete the internal HDD the games that you don't really use. Anyway you can re-install them if you change your mind.
Click to expand...


Got it!

Thank you so much for the advices! Really, helped me a lot!

I prefer JB games too but most of people I know here (in Brazil) keep saying that PKG games are better, and I really don't know why. So I decide to give a chance and search to see and ended up here. :D :D

You're work are great, really.

Thanks again! :D

***EDIT***

I've tested here in a few games and really works, but for some reason the game Dante's Inferno "disappear" from the GAMES folder.

I did not do the command on every game yet, this can happen with others? It's "normal"?
 
Last edited:
Nell_Bassanelo said:
Got it!

Thank you so much for the advices! Really, helped me a lot!

I prefer JB games too but most of people I know here (in Brazil) keep saying that PKG games are better, and I really don't know why. So I decide to give a chance and search to see and ended up here. :D :D

You're work are great, really.

Thanks again! :D

***EDIT***

I've tested here in a few games and really works, but for some reason the game Dante's Inferno "disappear" from the GAMES folder.

I did not do the command on every game yet, this can happen with others? It's "normal"?
Click to expand...

The PKG games have the advantage that don't require a backup manager and can run on OFW so they are convenient for online play.
Also have disadvantages like only can be installed on internal HDD (or external FAT32 with GAMEI). license, installation time, etc.

About Dante's Inferno, it's not "normal" that the game disappear. Maybe you did something wrong executing the web command, or it could be a bug that I haven't caught yet.
 
aldostools said:
The PKG games have the advantage that don't require a backup manager and can run on OFW so they are convenient for online play.
Also have disadvantages like only can be installed on internal HDD (or external FAT32 with GAMEI). license, installation time, etc.

About Dante's Inferno, it's not "normal" that the game disappear. Maybe you did something wrong executing the web command, or it could be a bug that I haven't caught yet.
Click to expand...

Certainly I mess up something! hahaha''

I have 45 games on PS3 (between internal and external, I don't remember how much is in internal now but is most of the games) -44 now that Dante's Inferno is gone hahaha- and I did not test the command on every game, but Dante's Inferno was the only that mess up until now, so I'll consider my mistake. :D

Ah! The icon (that appears on webman) of Little Big Planet 2 is missing too, but the game works normal. If something more happen I'll post here to you. I don't know if many people use this command but here (on my social circle, friends, YouTubers, facebook groups etc) I'd never heard of and is very useful!

Thanks again! You do such amazing job.
I'm not going bothering you anymore with this! haha' :D :D :D
 
@Nell_Bassanelo Check if the game was moved to the root of /dev_hdd0 (or /dev_usb000 if it was on an external disk)

Backup managers like multiMAN or IRISMAN can move the PS3_GAME to the root of the disk if the option "BD mirror" is enabled for that game. Normally the folder is restored to the original location when you run the backup manager again.

If you run multiple backup managers and mount another game with the "BD mirror" it could mess both games.

That "BD mirror" was the workaround used before Cobra to prevent the black screen issue on certain games.
 
Last edited:
aldostools said:
@Nell_Bassanelo Check if the game was moved to the root of /dev_hdd0 (or /dev_usb000 if it was on an external disk)

Backup managers like multiMAN or IRISMAN can move the PS3_GAME to the root of the disk if the option "BD mirror" is enabled for that game. Normally the folder is restored to the original location when you run the backup manager again.

If you run multiple backup managers and mount another game with the "BD mirror" it could mess both games.

That "BD mirror" was the workaround used before Cobra to prevent the black screen issue on certain games.
Click to expand...

I'll check, but guess is not that case, I don't remember to mark this option on any game. And I use only Multiman (and I getting a weirdo issue with it too theses days) so this probably don't happend.

The Dante's Inferno keeps showing on webman, but without a icon, and when I tried to load just give a "error" message. Then I did the "reload game list and XMB" and it's gone form the list. I checked the GAMES folder and the game wasn't there anymore, certanlly I deleted. haha'

And Little Big Planet 2 is in the list but without the icon too, but the game load normally.
 
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