HFW 4.90 Firmware On PS3: In Simple Steps 

Installing HFW 4.90 Firmware and HEN on your PS3 is a straightforward process that unlocks new capabilities for your console. Firstly, ensure your PS3 is updated to the latest official firmware. Optionally, you can format your PS3 for a clean installation.

Download the HFW 4.90.1 firmware file (PS3UPDAT.PUP) from a trusted source like PSX-Place and verify its integrity using a tool like WinMD5. Prepare a FAT32 formatted USB flash drive, creating folders named ‘PS3’ and ‘UPDATE’ within it. Place the downloaded firmware file in the ‘UPDATE’ folder.

Connect this USB drive to your PS3 and navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘System Update’, choosing to update via storage media. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the firmware. After installing HFW, use the PS3’s browser to access the official HEN installer website.

Follow the website’s instructions to download and install HEN.Once installed, restart your PS3 and check for HEN activation, indicated by new options in the PS3’s menu.

Remember to back up any important data before starting and ensure your PS3 is connected to the internet during the HEN installation process. By following these steps, you can enhance your PS3’s functionality safely and efficiently.

If you encounter the ‘DEATH STRANDING ERROR CODE 51003‘ or need to know ‘HOW TO FIX STAR CITIZEN FAILED TO FETCH CODE, these issues are unrelated to the HFW 4.90 and HEN installation on PS3. However, they are common errors in their respective games and platforms, often requiring specific troubleshooting steps that can be found in dedicated gaming forums or support sites.

How To Install HFW 4.90 Firmware And HEN On PS3

Installing the HFW (Hybrid Firmware) 4.90 and HEN (Homebrew Enabler) on a PS3 can enhance the console’s capabilities. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on the information available online:

Step 1: Prepare Your PS3

  • Update to the Latest Official Firmware: Ensure your PS3 is updated to the latest official firmware available.
  • Optional – Format Your PS3: Consider formatting your PS3 to clear all existing data for a clean installation. This step is optional.

Step 2: Download HFW 4.90.1

  • Download the Firmware File: On your computer, download the HFW 4.90.1 firmware file (typically named PS3UPDAT.PUP). You can find it on trusted websites like PSX-Place.
  • Verify the File: To ensure the integrity of the downloaded file, verify its MD5 checksum using tools like WinMD5 for Windows.

Step 3: Transfer HFW To PS3

  • Format USB Drive: Use a USB flash drive formatted to FAT32.
  • Create Folders on USB Drive: On the flash drive, create a folder named PS3, and inside it, create another folder named UPDATE.
  • Copy Firmware File: Place the PS3UPDAT.PUP file inside the UPDATE folder on your USB drive.

Step 4: Install HFW On PS3

  • Connect USB Drive to PS3: Insert the USB drive into your PS3.
  • Navigate to System Update: On your PS3, go to Settings > System Update.
  • Choose Update via Storage Media: Select the option to update via storage media. The PS3 should recognize the firmware file on your USB drive.
  • Follow On-Screen Instructions: Proceed with the installation by following the on-screen instructions.

Step 5: Install HEN

  • Access PS3 Browser: After installing HFW, use the PS3’s internet browser.
  • Go to HEN Installer Website: Visit the official HEN installer website. This can usually be found through a quick online search or communities like PSX-Place.
  • Follow HEN Installation Steps: On the website, follow the instructions to download and install HEN on your PS3.

Step 6: Post-Installation

  • Restart PS3: After the installation is complete, restart your PS3.
  • Check for HEN Activation: Ensure that HEN is activated. You might see new options available in the PS3’s menu indicating that HEN is active.

Additional Tips

  • Backup Data: Before starting the process, back up any important data from your PS3.
  • Follow Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions on the HEN installer website.
  • Internet Connection: Ensure your PS3 is connected to the internet during the HEN installation process.

By following these steps, you can successfully install HFW 4.90.1 and HEN on your PS3, unlocking new capabilities for your console. Remember to only download firmware and software from trusted sources to avoid any risks to your device.

Securing Your PS3 After Upgrading To The HFW 4.90 Firmware

1. Set Up An Account Password

HFW 4.90

  • Protect Your Account: Set up a strong password for your PS3 account to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Regularly Update Your Password: Change your password periodically to maintain security.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (If Available)

HFW 4.90

  • Add an Extra Layer of Security: Enable two-factor authentication if your PS3 supports it, adding a secondary code requirement for account access.

3. Regularly Install System Updates

  • Keep Your System Updated: Regularly check for and install system updates. These often include important security patches.
  • Automatic Updates: Enable automatic downloads for system updates to keep your PS3 up-to-date.

4. Disable Unused Features Or Services

HFW 4.90

  • Minimize Vulnerabilities: Disable any features or services on your PS3 that you do not use to reduce security risks.
  • Review Your Settings: Periodically review your PS3 settings to ensure only necessary features are enabled.

5. Enable Automatic Downloads For New Updates

HFW 4.90

  • Stay Ahead of Security Threats: Enable automatic downloads so your PS3 automatically installs new system updates as they become available.

Additional Tips

  • Regular Backups: Regularly back up your PS3 data to an external storage device for safety.
  • Be Cautious with External Content: Be careful with content from external sources and stick to trusted sources to avoid security threats.

These bolded lines highlight the key actions to take for securing your PS3 after upgrading to the HFW 4.90 firmware, ensuring both the console’s and your personal information’s safety.

Preparing To Install The PS3 HFW 4.90 Firmware

Step 1: PS3 Settings

HFW 4.90

  • Update Your PS3: Ensure your PS3 is updated to the latest available firmware version. This can be done through the system settings under ‘System Update’.
  • Optional Formatting: Consider formatting your PS3 to clear all existing data. This step is optional but recommended for a clean installation.
  • Create a New Account: Set up a new user account on your PS3, preferably named “JB”. This account will be used for future processes related to the firmware.
  • Set Time and Date: Accurately set the time and date of your PS3 using an internet connection. This ensures proper system functioning.

Step 2: Internet Browser Setup

HFW 4.90

  • Access Browser Settings: On your PS3, press the triangle button on the controller and navigate to the “Tools” menu.
  • Enable Cookies and JavaScript: In the browser settings, make sure to enable cookies and JavaScript for proper website functionality.
  • Disable Browser Confirmation on Close: For convenience, disable the “Confirm Browser on Close” option.
  • Set Home Page to Blank: Change your browser’s home page to a “Blank Page” for a cleaner browsing experience.
  • Clear Browser Data: Regularly delete your cookies, search history, cache, and authentication information for added security.

Step 3: Preparing The Flash Drive

HFW 4.90

  • Format Flash Drive: Use a FAT32 file system to format your USB flash drive, ensuring compatibility with the PS3.
  • Create Required Folders: On your flash drive, create the following folders:
    • “PSXISO” for storing PSX games.
    • “PS2ISO” for storing PS2 games.
    • “GAMES” for storing PS3 games.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: Can HFW 4.90 be installed on any PS3 model?
Ans1: Yes, HFW 4.90.1 can be installed on all PS3 models. However, the ability to install Custom Firmware (CFW) using HFW 4.90.1 is limited to certain models (typically 2.5K or lower).

Q2: Do I need any special tools or equipment to install HFW 4.90.1 and HEN?
Ans2: No special tools are required. You will need a USB flash drive formatted to FAT32, a computer to download the firmware file, and an internet connection for your PS3.

Q3: Is it safe to install HFW 4.90 and HEN on my PS3?
Ans3: Installing HFW and HEN is generally safe if you follow the instructions carefully and use trusted sources for downloading the firmware and HEN installer. However, as with any modification, there is always a risk, so proceed with caution.

Q4: Will installing HFW 4.90 and HEN void my PS3’s warranty?
Ans4: Yes, installing HFW and HEN can void your PS3’s warranty. It’s important to consider this before proceeding with the installation.

Photo of author

Shashank Jain

Shashank Jain, founder of good-name, a young and energetic entrepreneur has always been fond of technology. His liking for technology made him go for engineering in computers. During his studies, he learned & worked on different computer languages & OS including HBCD, Linux, etc. He also has a keen interest in ethical hacking.

Leave a Comment