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Your Name edited this page Mar 7, 2025 · 1 revision

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page answers common questions about ARK4 Helper and ARK-4 installation.

General Questions

What is ARK4 Helper?

ARK4 Helper is a Windows application that simplifies the process of installing ARK-4 Custom Firmware on PlayStation Portable (PSP) devices. It automates downloading, extracting, and copying the necessary files to your PSP.

Is ARK4 Helper free?

Yes, ARK4 Helper is completely free and open-source software.

Which operating systems are supported?

ARK4 Helper currently supports Windows 7, 8.1, 10, and 11. There are no plans for macOS or Linux versions at this time.

Do I need an internet connection?

Yes, ARK4 Helper needs an internet connection to download the latest version of ARK-4 from GitHub.

PSP Compatibility

Which PSP models are supported?

ARK-4 and ARK4 Helper support all PSP models:

  • PSP 1000 (Fat)
  • PSP 2000 (Slim)
  • PSP 3000 (Slim)
  • PSP Go (N1000)
  • PSP Street (E1000)

Which PSP firmware versions are compatible?

ARK-4 is compatible with PSP firmware versions 6.60 and 6.61 only. If your PSP has an older firmware, you'll need to update it first.

Will this work with a PSP that already has custom firmware?

It's recommended to remove any existing custom firmware before installing ARK-4. ARK4 Helper will detect some existing CFW installations and warn you.

Installation Questions

How long does the installation take?

The entire process typically takes 5-10 minutes, depending on your internet connection speed and PSP model.

Is there a risk of bricking my PSP?

The risk is minimal if you follow the instructions carefully. ARK-4 is designed to be safe, and ARK4 Helper includes additional safeguards. However, as with any firmware modification, there is always a small risk.

What's the difference between temporary and permanent installation?

  • Temporary installation (ARK Loader): Needs to be run each time you restart your PSP, but is 100% safe
  • Permanent installation (cIPL Flasher): Automatically loads ARK-4 when you turn on your PSP, but involves flashing the PSP's internal memory

Can I uninstall ARK-4 if I change my mind?

Yes. For temporary installations, simply delete the ARK-4 files from your Memory Stick. For permanent installations, you can use ChronoSwitch or other uninstallers to remove ARK-4.

Troubleshooting Questions

Why isn't my PSP detected?

This is usually due to USB connection issues. Make sure your PSP is in USB mode, try a different USB cable, or manually select the PSP drive from the dropdown menu.

The download keeps failing. What should I do?

Check your internet connection, temporarily disable your firewall/antivirus, or try again later. GitHub occasionally has rate limits or service disruptions.

ARK Loader crashes on my PSP. How can I fix it?

Verify your PSP firmware is 6.60 or 6.61, and try reinstalling ARK-4. If problems persist, your Memory Stick might be corrupted or incompatible.

Where can I find the debug log?

Click the "Debug Log" button in ARK4 Helper to view the log file. It's stored in your Windows Temp folder.

Feature Questions

Can ARK4 Helper install plugins?

Currently, ARK4 Helper focuses on installing the core ARK-4 firmware. Plugin installation may be added in future versions.

Does ARK4 Helper include game backups or homebrew?

No, ARK4 Helper only installs ARK-4 firmware. You'll need to obtain and install games and homebrew applications separately.

Will ARK4 Helper be updated regularly?

Yes, ARK4 Helper is actively maintained and will be updated to support new ARK-4 releases and to add new features.

Getting More Help

If your question isn't answered here, please:

  1. Check the Troubleshooting page
  2. Search the Discussions section
  3. Create a new discussion in the Q&A category

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