Recently (in fact a few minutes ago as I'm writing this) I've come across a need to find out the lowest possible firmware version my Refurbished PS3 could go. Well, while googling around and searching through the PS3-hax forums I managed to find a firmware checker utility that I feel may be of use to other members here on GP for various reasons. As always, I take no credit for this, the source of this utility (or at least as far as I can tell) can be found HERE.
What you'll need:
Minimum Version Checker
A USB Flash Drive
PS3
PC
WinRar
Instructions:
Step 1: Download the MinVerChk.rar (from the link provided above) and extract the .pup file using WinRar.
Step 2: Put the PS3UPDAT.PUP onto the USB Flash Drive in the PS3/UPDATE/ folder.
Step 3: Power on your PS3 and navigate to the "System Update" option in the settings
Step 4: Choose "Update Via Media Storage"
Step 5: Let the PS3 search for the update, once it's found it it will ask you if you'd like to run it. Hit "OK"
Step 6: It should only take a few seconds, a message will pop up telling you what the lowest version firmware your PS3 can use!
Step 5: Congratulations! You're done!
