Okay so I have seen this mistake by OFW users on firmware greater than 3.55 wanting to get onto CFW. DON'T buy a new HDD and think, "Oh I can just install CFW/3.55 on it.", this method does NOT work. If you continue to read I will explain why this won't work. Please understand no matter what anyone or any video says you CANNOT do this. I explained this very noob-friendly so people wanting to get into CFW will understand this isn't the right way.
Why you can't install 3.55 on new HDD/Pre-existing HDD>------
Ok whenever you install a newer firmware on your PS3 there is a storage flash that saves that firmware number on it. If you try to install a lower firmware (e.g installing 3.55 on previously 4.80) it will force you to install the saved firmware number (e.g 4.80 or higher). Yes even if you use a different HDD it will force you. The E3 Flasher and Progskeet changes this flash number to 3.55 so you can downgrade.
Why you can't install CFW on new HDD>------
In terms if the CFW is higher than the saved storage firmware you can install it, BUT if you do it will greatly damage your PS3 HDD and maybe your flash. You see when you install a 3.55 CFW there are some steps that can ONLY be done on that 3.55 CFW firmware. Like setting up QA Flag and such. If you try to this on 3.56 CFW+ you will be greeted with errors. QA Flag is very required in the process of CFW. There are also many other reasons for this. Just don't do it. It's a idiot move. It might not even let you sign in to PSN because QA Flag has a debug option to allow PSN sign in (NP Environment). There may also be a chance of you getting a RLOD.
Conclusion>------
Hope this helps some confused people about CFW.
Edited: Made beginning statement more clear.
Why you can't install 3.55 on new HDD/Pre-existing HDD>------
Ok whenever you install a newer firmware on your PS3 there is a storage flash that saves that firmware number on it. If you try to install a lower firmware (e.g installing 3.55 on previously 4.80) it will force you to install the saved firmware number (e.g 4.80 or higher). Yes even if you use a different HDD it will force you. The E3 Flasher and Progskeet changes this flash number to 3.55 so you can downgrade.
Why you can't install CFW on new HDD>------
In terms if the CFW is higher than the saved storage firmware you can install it, BUT if you do it will greatly damage your PS3 HDD and maybe your flash. You see when you install a 3.55 CFW there are some steps that can ONLY be done on that 3.55 CFW firmware. Like setting up QA Flag and such. If you try to this on 3.56 CFW+ you will be greeted with errors. QA Flag is very required in the process of CFW. There are also many other reasons for this. Just don't do it. It's a idiot move. It might not even let you sign in to PSN because QA Flag has a debug option to allow PSN sign in (NP Environment). There may also be a chance of you getting a RLOD.
Conclusion>------
You can now check if you can downgrade with E3/Progskeet. If you can't that is to bad. Atleast you can still play your PS3!
You have wasted money and may have broken your PS3.
Hope this helps some confused people about CFW.
Edited: Made beginning statement more clear.
Last edited by Zero72463,