[Hoi-Yant]

EDIT: Feedback? Anyone?! If this has helped you, or think it will help others, keep this thread alive!

Recently, I've seen a lot of thread pertaining to troubles with running the famous Final Fantasy: VII. Thus, I've decided to write up a little guide.

First off, to run FF:VII, you need to run firmware 3.71 by either reverting back to said firmware, or using PopsLoader. Game EBOOTs should all have the same game ID in order to continue playing after switching CDs. Creating a multi-disced EBOOT isn't a bad idea, although it will take up over 1.5 gigs.

The very first thing you need in order to play is, of course, custom firmware. Custom firmware does not come standard, out-of-the-box with a newly bought PSP, you must install it using Pandora's Battery and a Magical Memory card. However, this isn't what this specific guide is for, so it you need to acquire custom firmware, search the forums.

If you do have custom firmware, the second thing you need is a homebrew application called, PopsLoader. This application allows one's PSP to emulate past custom firmwares. There are different versions of said application, one for each version of custom firmware available, so select the proper version specific to your custom firmware.

You can find PopsLoader for custom firmware 3.80 M33-5 here.

Once you've downloaded PopsLoader, extract the folder "sesplugin" into the root of your memory stick. After, reboot your PSP into recovery mode, that is, turn on your PSP while holding the R trigger. Once in the menu, select Plugins and enable PopsLoader.

Problem:
How do I use PopsLoader? When I select FW 3.71, nothing really happens.

Solution:
To even use PopsLoader, you must first the firmware you wish to emulate. In this case, you need to install firmware 3.71.

I have found a very helpful guide for using PopsLoader. Here it is. Once you have loaded firmware 3.71 onto you PSP, FF:VII should run smoothly.

Problem:
While using the program, RS-GUI PopStationMD v3.0, I encounter an error stating that I'm missing the file "cygwin1.dll". What do I do?!

Solution:
I've seen this error here and there. I haven't found a solid solution yet, although I have determined that it's caused by the fact that your computer is missing said file.

Your best bet is to find and download cygwin1.dll and put it into your "C:\WINDOWS\system" folder.

After that, the program should work.

Please note that I'm working under Windows XP, I do not know how to deal with the problem under Windows Vista.

Problem:

My PSP's telling me that my game's corrupted...

Soltution:
This could be caused by a number of things.

• You have used the wrong game ID.
• The .iso is corrupted.
• Your EBOOT is corrupted.
• You have not set your PSP to kernel 1.50.

If you have used the improper game ID, simply create a new EBOOT with the proper game ID.

If you have .iso is corrupted, re-rip your FF:VII CDs. Do not download them, it is illegal.

If your EBOOT is corrupted, recreate an EBOOT by either using the same program you have last time, or try using a new program.

If you have not set you PSP to kernel 1.50, reboot your PSP and enter into the recovery menu. Go into Configurations and highlight Game folder homebrew, cycle through the options until you hit 1.50 Kernel.

Problem:

My game freezes on the very first battle, when Cloud jumps off the train.


Solution:
You need to install PopsLoader, along with appropriate files pertinent to FW 3.71.

Problem:
I have 3 separate EBOOTs and everything. How do I change discs when the time comes?


Solution:
As long as all the 3 EBOOTs have been created using the same game ID, you can changed discs by saving at the appropriate section of the game, exit, and start the EBOOT containing the new disc.

If you have created an EBOOT that contains all 3 discs, there will be an option in your home menu that will allow you to swap discs.

There you have it. That's all I can think of as of right now. If ever I see any other problems or see that my guide is vague and unclear, I'll edit it.

EDIT: Feedback? Anyone?! If this has helped you, or think it will help others, keep this thread alive!