New CXMB Install Guide/ How to make a theme.

[Acerthief]

CXMB is a plugin for people that want themes, but don't want to touch their flash0.
Make sure you have 3.90M33, 3.71M33 or 4.01M33.

Installation


1. Download the


CXMB for 3.71M33 (http://exophase.com/files/psp/cxmb_for_3.71.tar.gz) / 3.90M33 (http://exophase.com/files/psp/cxmb_for_3.90.tar.gz) / 4.01M33 (http://exophase.com/files/psp/cxmb_release_321.zip) / 5.00M33 (http://exophase.com/files/psp/cxmb_release33.zip)
The prx needed 3.71M33 (http://forums.exophase.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5972&stc=1&d=1209213380) / 3.90M33 (http://forums.exophase.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5973&stc=1&d=1209213380). (The prx for 4.01M33 are already included in the archive above)

2. Extract the CXMB rar archive, Locate and go into the "CXMB_FULL" folder, copy the "cxmb" to the root of the memory stick ("ms0:/").

3. Copy the "seplugins" folder to the root as well. (For those who already have an exsisting vsh.txt in the seplugins folder to this: Open vsh.txt, start a new line and add "ms0:/cxmb/cxmb.prx", save it and close it.)

4. [People with 4.01M33 may skip this step] Extract the prx rar archive, and put the three prxs into "ms0:/cxmb/support".

And there you have it. You can start making Themes, or use a few themes I've included. The links are at the bottom.
These are .ctf files, put them in the "ms0:/PSP/THEME" folder, Go to the Recovery Menu and Enable cxmb.prx. Now to apply the theme, is just like applying a .ptf file.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb226/offbeatupshore/cxmb/Screenshot003-1.jpg
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb226/offbeatupshore/cxmb/Screenshot003.jpg
On the XMB go to "Settings" -> "Theme Settings" -> "Themes" and choose the theme you want. Unlike ptf files, the system will reboot. Then your theme is applied!


Making A Theme


1. First you will need:


CXMB 3.1 installed, with the prx's.
Theme Creator (http://forums.exophase.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5974&stc=1&d=1209213380) by Sony

2. Now find a theme you like and download it. I prefer themes from THIS (http://www.consolespot.net/psp-themes/) site. It has to be a theme with .prx and .rco, not ptf themes. Now with the theme, you should also have:


A Wallpaper (.bmp, 480x272, 24bit True-color)
A Preview Picture (.bmp, 300x170, 24bit True-color)
An Icon (.png, 16x16, 256 color)

*Before I move on let me give you some tips.
1)The preview pic can be easy, resize your wallpaper, and add the theme name onto it. Save it in the correct format and Ta-da!
2)The Icon is a bit tricky, it's small, so what I do is an easy shape as the back with the First character of the theme name.

3. Now the fun part. I'll demonstrate with the theme "Circular". First open up the Theme Converter. In the information tab, type the Title and Product ID with whatever you want. I personally type out the theme name. For the version, put 371 if it's a 3.71M33 theme or 390 for 3.90M33 themes.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb226/offbeatupshore/cxmb/information.jpg
Make sure there are no space between the characters!



4. Make your way to the Wallpaper tab and locate your wallpaper.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb226/offbeatupshore/cxmb/wallpaper.jpg




5. Skip through other tabs and go to the last "Other" tabs. Locate your icon and preview picture.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb226/offbeatupshore/cxmb/other.jpg




6. Press F5 to export, and save the file with anything you want (Theme name is what I use).
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb226/offbeatupshore/cxmb/export.jpg




7. Now copy the .ptf file just created and the "vsh" "font"(etc) them file folders folders in to "ms0:/cxmb/" Like below.
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb226/offbeatupshore/cxmb/ms0cxmbwithptf.jpg




8. Open up "conf.txt" and change the line of text to "/PSP/THEME/XXXX.ctf " (XXXX Meaning the same name as the .ptf file you've just created).
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb226/offbeatupshore/cxmb/conftxt.jpg




9. Make sure cxmb.prx is enable, if not do it first. Make sure the console is completely turned off before putting the memory stick back to the PSP. Turn it on. When it's turning on, it's going to take a few seconds, don't panic! The system will be loaded with your theme!
http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/bb226/offbeatupshore/cxmb/Screenshot004.jpg
In the same time, your ctf file is made. Now you can delete the .ptf file and the "vsh" "font"(etc) folders, as the plugin now runs off the ctf file in ms0:/PSP/THEME.

[Darkchild]

So with this we can make thos custom themes? (with paf.prx stuff?) nice!

+rep is in order!

[Acerthief]

The good thing about the new CXMB is that all the .rco and .prx files, gameboot, fonts, wallpaper are compacted into one single file. so unlike the older cxmbs, the new one can have lots of custom themes.

[tomguyz]

Thankx Bro Acerthief:w00t:,

Thank you very much ... for this guide ...:blushing:

but for forget 1 more step that need to actived the CXMB.prx VSH form the recover menu .. :blushing:

[Cheezeball99]

I have a question, though... Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there native support for themes by Sony now? If so, why use CXMB?

[Acerthief]

You mean ptf? Yeah, but they only change the icons.

ctf, however, inlcudes lots of prx and rco in it, so it's just like themes you have when you overwrite files in flash0. It's just that the new CXMB uses the sony theme settings to change the theme you want. ;)

[Jake]

Hi, I'm have 3.90 m33-3 on a slim, and have read through this guide several times but cannot get the .ctf themes to work. I have enabled it in the recovery menu and tried several themes. I have also tried formating flash one to reset the settings.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Acerthief]

You mean the ctf file I've included?
Those are only for 3.71M33 :p

[Jake]

I also tried some .ctf off the site you linked to that were made for 3.90.
My problem is the ctf themes are not showing up in the theme settings.

[Acerthief]

Make sure the folder is named THEME not THEMES.

Also if this still don't work do this.
Say you want jake.ctf as your theme.
well throw your jake ctf to ms0:/PSP/THEME.
Now go to ms0:/cxmb/ and open the conf.txt, and change the line of text to "/PSP/THEME/jake.ctf"

Now turn off your PSP completely, take the memory stick out, battery out, wait for a few seconds, stick everything back in and try it.

[Jake]

The folder is called THEME and i tried your instructioinsa and it still doesnt work. Is it possible that the FATMS driver patch (http://exophase.com/psp/patch-for-loading-371-fatms-driver-on-380-390-m33-3298.htm), which i have installed, is somehow stopping it from working?

[Acerthief]

Hm.... I don't think so.
You have a phat right?
Do you have the prxs I included?

[Jake]

I have a slim and I have the prxs.

[Acerthief]

Do me a favor
Try installing the light version.
I saw on a site (I think) that slims have to install light version

[Jake]

Its working now, I redownloaded the cxmb files from here (http://www.2alien.info/2008/03/cxmb_for_390_plugin.html) and replaced the cxmb.prx file that you have provided with the one from this download and now it works! :biggrin:
You might want to check your uploaded files, to make sure that the 3.90 cxmb.prx is the right file.

Thanks for all your help.

[Acerthief]

I see. The link is actually right from the exophase.com server.
I'll talk to x3 about it. :D
Thanks for clearing it up.

[Jake]

No problem, glad to help

[ladygamer]

hello, thanks for the guide but i cannot seem to get mines working :(

i see all the themes at XMB -> Themes, i try to apply it, it reboots, but it's still the original theme from sony..

i'm using the compiled .ctfs you have here, any help is appreciated ,thanks

[Jake]

What firmware are you on? The precompiled ctfs Acerthief included are only for 3.71M33.

[umbro]

Hi there,
am using 3.71 m33-3 (phat)
followed the instructions above
place the ctf file (Circular.ctf) under ms0:/PSP/THEME folder
enabled cxmb.prx under recovery menu
power back up psp
still not able to see the custom themes (i.e Circular.ctf)
any idea why is that so?
Thanks

[ladygamer]

What firmware are you on? The precompiled ctfs Acerthief included are only for 3.71M33.

ahh.. i'm @ 3.90m33.. guess that's what's wrong :P

[ladygamer]

anychance you can convert em to 3.90 m33 ?? ;x ./puppy eyes

lol.. thanks tho <3

[Jake]

Hi there,
am using 3.71 m33-3 (phat)
followed the instructions above
place the ctf file (Circular.ctf) under ms0:/PSP/THEME folder
enabled cxmb.prx under recovery menu
power back up psp
still not able to see the custom themes (i.e Circular.ctf)
any idea why is that so?
Thanks

I had some issues with the downloads on the exophase server, try this download (http://www.2alien.info/stuff/cxmb_3.0_for_3.71.tar.gz) of cxmb for 3.71 from 2Alien.info

anychance you can convert em to 3.90 m33 ?? ;x ./puppy eyes

lol.. thanks tho <3

I don't think you can convert 3.71M33 themes to 3.90M33, but there are a lot of 3.90M33 themes here (http://www.2alien.net/community/viewforum.php?f=10)

[ladygamer]

thanks :) site is awesome helped a lot thx!

[Jake]

No problem.:smile:

[umbro]

[QUOTE=Jake;37787]I had some issues with the downloads on the exophase server, try this download (http://www.2alien.info/stuff/cxmb_3.0_for_3.71.tar.gz) of cxmb for 3.71 from 2Alien.info

Hi Jake,
had tried on the above cxmb and replaced on ms0:/cxmb folder
had deleted off the conf.bin file under SEPLUGINS folder and re-enabled the cxmb.prx plugin however still did not see the .ctf when navigating under Custom Themes
any advice further?
Is there anyway to ensure that the cxmb.prx is running as so far can only be verified that is being enabled under recovery menu
Thanks again, appreciated the help so far
:)

[Jake]

I'm unsure if theres a way to see if cxmb.prx is running.
Try this;
Go to ms0:/cxmb/ and open the conf.txt(create it if needed), and change the line of text to "/PSP/THEME/mytheme.ctf". Where "mytheme" is the name of the theme in "/PSP/THEME/" that you want to apply.
Now completely restart you psp.
If this is successful the theme "mytheme.ctf" will be applied.

[umbro]

I'm unsure if theres a way to see if cxmb.prx is running.
Try this;
Go to ms0:/cxmb/ and open the conf.txt(create it if needed), and change the line of text to "/PSP/THEME/mytheme.ctf". Where "mytheme" is the name of the theme in "/PSP/THEME/" that you want to apply.
Now completely restart you psp.
If this is successful the theme "mytheme.ctf" will be applied.

Hi Jake,
had tried it but still same
btw the conf.txt will only contain 1 line which is >>> "/PSP/THEME/mytheme.ctf" ??

[Jake]

btw the conf.txt will only contain 1 line which is >>> "/PSP/THEME/mytheme.ctf" ??

Yes I believe it will only have one line.

Have you tried multiply themes or just the Circular.ctf one? If not see if other themes will show up.

And to see if cxmb is working, put a normal .ptf theme in the THEME folder, and see if that shows up in the theme option. If the ptf theme shows up then it means that cxmb is not working.

[umbro]

Yes I believe it will only have one line.

Have you tried multiply themes or just the Circular.ctf one? If not see if other themes will show up.

And to see if cxmb is working, put a normal .ptf theme in the THEME folder, and see if that shows up in the theme option. If the ptf theme shows up then it means that cxmb is not working.

HI Jake,
other .ctf files getting same results for me, basically not able to see any .ctf files under theme settings
normal .ptf works fine even before cxmb.prx was enabled
anyway had update version to 3.90m33-3 and enable cxmb and its working now
seriously no idea why
anyway thanks for the help and advices given
cheers
:)

[thesorrowmgs3]

Nice guide, I had to read some of the reply post to sort things out, but very helpful.

[aero125]

Hi anyone can help ?

I encounter this problem of having both poploader and cxmb be enabled, and worked, at the same time.

When, only my poploader is enabled, I have no problem playing mutidisc and my PS1 FF8 game works.

When I installed the CXMB as guided in the forum, and enabled it at recovery (with Poploader also enabled), CXMB didn't work and I saw no CTF themes even though they were in the /PSP/Theme folders.

When I removed the poploader file and reinstalled the CXMB, enabling it at recovery, CXMB worked fine and I could see all the CTF themes.

However, when I put back the poploader file and enabled it at recovery ( with the CXMB also enabled), my poploader failed to work now and I couldn't play my FF8 using the earlier 3.3CFW setting.

I'm still on 3.9M33-3, kernel set to 3.9x default.

Both my poploader files and CXMB are in housed the same seplugin folder, with both the poploader and vsh txt files separate. I have checked both the txt files and they have the respective prx statement inserted.

What's happening ? Is it because at any one time, only 1 prx plugin can work even though a few prx were enabled ?

Thk u very much if anyone can offer any advise.

aero125
Singapore

[davidw89]

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS ABOVE IT DOES NOT WORK WITH POPLOADER ENABLED OR DISABLED....

HELP I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING

But i can't find the themes :/

I put it here x:\psp\theme (where x=removable disk of psp)

and the psp cant find it :/

[aero125]

Temporary delete the pop file from seplugin in your psp, exit usb, then make sure cxmb.prx is enabled in recovery.

Boot psp up, and u should be able to see cxmb in your theme folder. It worked for me.

The problem now is, u are unable to load popsloader. If u put back popsloader file into your seplugin, and then try to enable pops in recovery, your popsloader is still unable to load.

To make popsloader works, you will now have to delete the vsh.txt and the cxmb.prx from your psp, then go into recovery to make sure pops is enabled, boot your psp up and aha ... your popsloader works again.

My psp behaves in this way, unless a kind soul out here can enlighten me how to enabled both and make them work.


aero125
Singapore

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS ABOVE IT DOES NOT WORK WITH POPLOADER ENABLED OR DISABLED....

HELP I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING

But i can't find the themes :/

I put it here x:\psp\theme (where x=removable disk of psp)

and the psp cant find it :/

[x3sphere]

Have you tried using CXMB v3.2.1? The version in this guide is outdated... I will need to tell Acer to update it.

http://forums.exophase.com/showthread.php?t=7774

Anyway, popsloader has never worked with CXMB enabled in previous releases, so it's a fairly well-known bug. The latest release of CXMB may fix this, however, I am unable to test as I'm running 4.01 M33.

[aero125]

Hi x3sphere,

Now I know why the two can't work together. I'll try the v3.2.1

Thks alot.


Have you tried using CXMB v3.2.1? The version in this guide is outdated... I will need to tell Acer to update it.

http://forums.exophase.com/showthread.php?t=7774

Anyway, popsloader has never worked with CXMB enabled in previous releases, so it's a fairly well-known bug. The latest release of CXMB may fix this, however, I am unable to test as I'm running 4.01 M33.

[skidnix]

Does anyone know if ther's a psp theme viewer to download?

[Acerthief]

Updated the guide for 4.01M33.

Don't have much time though, maybe someone can give me a fast test for me?
Thanks.

[lacrosix]

anyone know of 4.01 m33 XMB theme d/l sites?

since most only have 3.90 m33 ctf that will not work on 4.01 m33 cfw.

why is that when the file is still a ctf???? wierd huh

[Acerthief]

anyone know of 4.01 m33 XMB theme d/l sites?

since most only have 3.90 m33 ctf that will not work on 4.01 m33 cfw.

why is that when the file is still a ctf???? wierd huh



I've included a site in the tutorial.

You must realize that ctf file is a compacted file of flash0 theme files. Even though they are all ctf they include different prxs for different firmwares.
Not weird at all :)

[Furball Zen]

I just updated to 4.01 M33-2 from 390 M33-3 and now when i enable cxmb.prx it reboots and all i get is a black screen and then it shuts off. I cant even get it to work using the .conf change and reboot with MS and batt pulled out trick.

Uh nvm, found the extra pages and installed the updated cxmb.prx and im good to go!

Thanks guys!!!

Ugh i take that back, i can only get one ctf theme to work. Nothing else i try works. And i want my Ultimate Blue V back :sad:

[silver_surfer]

I just updated to 4.01 M33-2 from 390 M33-3 and now when i enable cxmb.prx it reboots and all i get is a black screen and then it shuts off. I cant even get it to work using the .conf change and reboot with MS and batt pulled out trick.

Uh nvm, found the extra pages and installed the updated cxmb.prx and im good to go!

Thanks guys!!!

Ugh i take that back, i can only get one ctf theme to work. Nothing else i try works. And i want my Ultimate Blue V back :sad:

you need the new CXMB 3.2.1 to use CTF Theme by the way you can't use your old 3.90 CTF Themes in CFW 4.01 m33 :wink:

[Furball Zen]

you need the new CXMB 3.2.1 to use CTF Theme by the way you can't use your old 3.90 CTF Themes in CFW 4.01 m33 :wink:

Yea i got that, so i guess i gotta wait for updated files? :sad:

[biro]

whats the use of cxmb!!!

[Acerthief]

whats the use of cxmb!!!


Read the first two lines of the first post.

[Narutonoor]

Acerthief, I've downloaded many many .ctf themes for 4.01m33 (guess they would work for m33-2 as well, firmware I have) and out of the 10 I've downloaded, the only 2 that worked were the ones in your tutorial that you had in the button. The mac one and the grand turismo one. I don't know what the problem is, I have cxmb enabled and everything.

[silver_surfer]

@ Furball Zen: there's a lot of CTF Themes for CFW 4.01 m33 check consolespot.net

@ Narutonoor: is the CTF Theme created for CXMB 3.2.1 or for CXMB 4.01 by Miriam? cuase CTF Themes created from CXMB by Miriam wouldn't work for CXMB 3.2.1 and vice-versa..

anyway try to delete the CONF.BIN inside seplugins and enable the CXMB plugin again

[Narutonoor]

I don't know how to tell what they were created by. It says they work for 4.01m33 though.
And I don't have a CONF.BIN I have CONF.TXT

[silver_surfer]

@ Narutonoor:

download the CTF Themes found here

http://www.consolespot.net/psp-themes/

by the way CONF.BIN is located in seplugins not in CXMB folder

anyway try to format flash1 at the recovery menu

just navigate to Advanced then navigate to Format flash1 and reset settings press X to format

[Pranzer]

Wow this is amazing. i have psp slim 4.01 m33-2 and i just install the cxmb.. cool thanks men!!

[Narutonoor]

Yeah I do download from that one site, the CONF.BIN thing didn't do anything, and neither did reformatting the flash1 settings.

[Acerthief]

Re-Updated the CXMB link for 4.01M33.
Most ctf themes should work now.

[Narutonoor]

Thanks man. Now virtually all .ctf themes for 4.01m33 are working :D

[game123]

hey i enabled the cxmb prx and i have a few ctf themes on my psp 3.71 m33-2 but nothing's in there. plz help. and my folder is called THEME.

[Acerthief]

hey i enabled the cxmb prx and i have a few ctf themes on my psp 3.71 m33-2 but nothing's in there. plz help. and my folder is called THEME.

Some themes don't work on every firmware. Check if they are compatible

[x_fox81]

Just to check around which are the common softwares people use to create Themes & icon?

Just to gather feedbacks. Thanks! :biggrin:

[reshave]

don't working on FW 4.01 m33-2, please help me.......:sad::sad::sad:

[Acerthief]

don't working on FW 4.01 m33-2, please help me.......:sad::sad::sad:

be more specific. what theme's are you using and what part of the guide did you encounter the problem

[MugenNeS]

Awesome guide, worked like a charm. Thanks for this. :D

[january39]

Nice guide - Which is going to help me greatly to get that pesky glow and pulse, lol.

:wink:Thanks Acerthief

[ALainONE]

Hello! These themes (or any CTFs) don't work on mine!
I have a 4.01 M33-2, should I downgrade to 4.01 M33 only???

[eskelapa]

i have phat 3.90 m33-2 i tried all the CXMB posted here...
And put the .ctf file in /PSP/THEME

But still i cant find any of .ctf files in my Theme Settings -- Theme...
Can anyone help?

btw is the 3.2.1 CXMB only for 4.01? or for all CFW like 3.90?

[Acerthief]

i have phat 3.90 m33-2 i tried all the CXMB posted here...
And put the .ctf file in /PSP/THEME

But still i cant find any of .ctf files in my Theme Settings -- Theme...
Can anyone help?

btw is the 3.2.1 CXMB only for 4.01? or for all CFW like 3.90?


You'll have to make sure the .ctf file is for 3.90M33

[xchengx]

can i ask something??
i have a sony psp slim with firmware 4.01m33-2...
i cant make my ctf files work properly... any help T_T
Apollon.ctf is the only CTF file that works properly T_T

any can help me??? i want to use my edited ctf file but when i try to use it, it turn to orignal psp theme.....

thanks for the help ^^

[bakemono1526]

Good Day! I've already installed it in my 5.0 CFW and it works..
Very cool! Thank you Acerthief!

[etienneb1]

Where are the prx for 5.00 CFW to make themes ?