Upgrading HDD and switching CFW

[redfox45]

Hi there


Currently on 4.88.2 Evilnat Cobra 8.3 [CEX] (slim)
But due to some feature compatability issues I plan to change to Rebug

May I just check a couple of things before I dive in and replace my HDD so I don't end up doing something dumb?

1. As I have already successfully jailbroken my PS3, how much of the process can I skip if I have to reinstall CFW? I assume the dump check isn't related to the HDD
2. I ran the backup utility when I was still on 4.88 OFW. Will the restore process cause any problems once i'm back on CFW? Other than saving time is there any reason why it's better to backup data manually?
3. Is there any need/advantage for pre-formatting my new HDD to FAT32 before putting it in my PS3. I have the means but I'm not seeing the need to if the console does it for me
4. When upgrading HDD apparently it removes(?) resets? any CFW but you can keep it using a USB with the update file on it. Is it worth (if possible) switching from EVILNAT to Rebug during the HDD upgrade process or would that not work? Is it safer to stick to Evilnat and switch after i'm done?

Big thanks for any help

 

[NiQ]

1. Since Rebug REX is 4.84, i.e. older than Evilnat's 4.88, you will need to use the Rebug Toolbox app to set the QA flag, which will allow you to downgrade. After you enable the QA flag you should be able to install Rebug the same way you install any firmware upgrade from USB. There's no need to run the exploit again.
2. Should work, haven't tested, maybe someone else can elaborate more.
3. No. The console uses its own proprietary file system for its internal HDD. It'll format the drive the first time you insert it either way so absolutely no need to format it to anything before putting it in the PS3.
4. Since your console is slim it's definitely NOR based (only phat up to CECHG are NAND). This means that you'll need to reinstall the firmware. It'll ask you to insert a USB disk with the firmware image right after formatting the disk. You cannot downgrade at this point since it'll only accept FW versions at least as new as the version it had before you replaced the disk. You have two approaches here - The first is that you replace your disk first, then reinstall Evilnat 4.88, then toggle the QA flag, then install Rebug. The second is that you set the QA flag first, then downgrade to Rebug, then replace the disk, then reinstall Rebug. Either way you will need to flash the FW twice.

 

[redfox45]

1. Since Rebug REX is 4.84, i.e. older than Evilnat's 4.88, you will need to use the Rebug Toolbox app to set the QA flag, which will allow you to downgrade. After you enable the QA flag you should be able to install Rebug the same way you install any firmware upgrade from USB. There's no need to run the exploit again.
2. Should work, haven't tested, maybe someone else can elaborate more.
3. No. The console uses its own proprietary file system for its internal HDD. It'll format the drive the first time you insert it either way so absolutely no need to format it to anything before putting it in the PS3.
4. Since your console is slim it's definitely NOR based (only phat up to CECHG are NAND). This means that you'll need to reinstall the firmware. It'll ask you to insert a USB disk with the firmware image right after formatting the disk. You cannot downgrade at this point since it'll only accept FW versions at least as new as the version it had before you replaced the disk. You have two approaches here - The first is that you replace your disk first, then reinstall Evilnat 4.88, then toggle the QA flag, then install Rebug. The second is that you set the QA flag first, then downgrade to Rebug, then replace the disk, then reinstall Rebug. Either way you will need to flash the FW twice.

Great, that helps a lot
Thanks for the reply