Tutorial: Understanding your PSP Memory Stick Data
Once you have connected your PSP to your computer via USB, you’ll find that (after formatting the card) you’ll have a basic directory structure. Each directory holds information that is relevant to a different part of the PSP’s operating system. Some are for video, or MP3’s, or game saves. Here’s a look at the directories and what they are for.
MP_ROOT
This folder holds video files - there are two file extensions the PSP can read. You need to place the right file format into the right folder (100ANV01 for AVC files, or 100MNV01 for MP4 files) and they need to have a sequentially numbered filename or they won’t be read. If you use software such as PSPVideo9 then this will sort things automatically, otherwise you’ve be better using the VIDEO folder, which has no such restrictions.
MUSIC
This directory (and one level of sub directory in it) is wher you can place your audio files for listening to under the Music icon on the menu bar. You can listen to MP4 files, AAC files (unencrypted) and Windows WMA files (after activating this potion in the Settings part of the menu.
OMGAUDIO
Sony also have an encrypted playback system for audio files, using the ‘Open Magic Gate’ system and their own dedicated file transfer software. If you have Sony’s Connect software, then this will be where the files are stored, but being encrypted, it’s hard to work out what happens in here. Best leave it alone.
PICTURE
Again, to one level of sub directories, you can place JPG and PNG picture files for later viewing. Great for family snaps, screenshots of Google Maps, or anythign else you want to keep close at hand.
VIDEO
You can drop in your video files here, any code, with any filename, and teh PSP will show them in the Video applciation. This is a lot easier than playing around with the MP_ROOT folder, although VIDEO as a folder is only present on later firmwares of the PSP.
PSP
Finally, the PSP folder is where a lot of system information is held, and a number of legacy directories. These sub-directories (again to only one level) are:
Game: Used to store downlaod game titles such as the free demos availabel for certain UMD Titles.
Music: The original folder for storing audio files in early firmwares.
Photo: The original folder for storing image files in early firmwares.
Savedata: any information saved by a UMD game will be saved in here. Each gmaes create’s its own folder.
System: Currently used by the Web Browser and RSS reader to store lists, urls, bookmarks and other technical details.
Comment by Angelo
Great post,really interesting…just one q’:expect for the VIDEO folder on the Rott of the memory stick, Y is there picture, music and omgaudio folders on the root.y aren’tthey inside the PSP folder lik normal?