Hacking Objective: Create a TN-V bubble with a smaller size base game.

[RyanRDLPS]

Hey fine peoples,

I apologize for the similar topics, but the deeper I go in working on this the more I find it to be very headache-inducing.

With that said, I think I know what I need to do, but I need a couple questions answered if you can.
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I need to install ARK on my system, which I believe will allow me to use it's built in file browser to copy over the PBOOT file that I need. Which in turn will make the base game much smaller. This is an issue though, as write access has been blocked to GAME directory in 3.55 FW.

However, I already have TN-V installed and am utilizing Mimana as the base game. It is about 500MB in size though, and I'd love to get that much smaller.

1) I have TN-V installed but have about 10 GB worth of PSP titles installed as well. If I re-exploit with ARK instead, will I lose those ISO/CSOs? Or since I've installed them through TN-V will they remain on the system?

Thanks to all in advance!
PSVITA
FW 3.55

 

[Deleted User]

So if I'm not mistaken, you just want to replace Mimina with a smaller basegame?

 

[Townsperson]

I believe the question is along the lines of "Can I install ARK (and use it instead of TN-V) without losing my installed games?"

As for choosing ARK over TN-V, I'm guessing some guide somewhere states that you can use some replacement PBOOT (And overwrite the base game's PBOOT) if you use ARK (At least, that's what it seems like OP is getting at).

I'm not that knowledgeable on Vita hacks, so hopefully someone else can help out here.

 

[RyanRDLPS]

Thanks for the replies guys!

So if I'm not mistaken, you just want to replace Mimina with a smaller basegame?

Yes ultimately, that is the objective. I don't need ARK really at all. Do you know of a simpler way to do that? The wall I keep hitting is the removal of write access to the GAME folder.

As for choosing ARK over TN-V, I'm guessing some guide somewhere states that you can use some replacement PBOOT (And overwrite the base game's PBOOT) if you use ARK (At least, that's what it seems like OP is getting at).

I think installing ARK allows an FTP/File Browser system that can successfully write to GAME. According to the collective, this seems to be the case.
I'll work on it today, and get back to everyone a bit later.

 

[RyanRDLPS]

Yup. That did it!
I was successful! For whatever reason, the FTP homebrew application works for data transfer to the GAME folder on ARK, but not TN-V.
It's really a simple matter of moving the PBOOT TN-V file into the demo folder (I used a "Mini" type game) once you are using the FTP system inside of ARK!
I want to document this so if more people have issues, they can follow my route, and hopefully shorten their process.

Now I have a TN-V launcher at only 11 MB!
For anyone wondering, I purchased the mini title - Alien Zombie Death (11MB) - Smallest I could find for the price! 0.99 cents!