ARK-4 Assistant 🎮

A modern, user-friendly WPF-based GUI tool for installing ARK-4 Custom Firmware on PlayStation Portable (PSP) devices.

Features • Requirements • Installation • Usage • Contributing • License

✨ Latest Updates

🎨 Major UI Framework Update

• 🔄 Migrated from Windows Forms to WPF for improved performance and modern UI
• 📱 Implemented XAML-based interface with responsive grid layout
• 🎯 Enhanced visual design with modern controls and animations
• 🔗 Added GitHub source code link in footer

🎭 Visual Improvements

• 🌙 Redesigned dark theme with accent colors
• 🔲 Modern button styles with hover effects
• 📊 Enhanced progress bar visualization
• 🎮 Integrated PSP icon in header area
• 📝 Improved footer layout with source code link

⚡ Installation Process Enhancements

• 📈 Added detailed progress tracking with status indicators
• 🔄 Improved extraction progress calculation accuracy
• ✅ Enhanced checklist system with visual status markers:

  [ .. ] In Progress
  [ ✓ ] Completed
  [ ✗ ] Error
  [ - ] Skipped
  

• 📢 Added real-time feedback during file operations

🛠️ Debug Mode Improvements

• 🔧 Streamlined debug mode interface
• 📊 Enhanced status message handling
• 🎨 Consistent text styling across all modes
• 📌 Improved version display formatting in debug mode

🚀 Features

Core Features	Advanced Features
🎮 Automatic PSP Detection	🛡️ Safe Installation
🔄 Latest ARK-4 Auto-Update	📝 Detailed Logging
📊 Real-time Progress	🔍 Debug Mode
🌈 Modern Dark Theme	⚡ Smart Version Management
🔄 Auto Drive Refresh	💾 Backup Support

📋 Requirements

• 💻 Windows OS with PowerShell
• 🎮 PSP on firmware 6.60 or 6.61
• 🔌 USB cable
• 💾 Memory Stick (not required for PSP Go)
• 🌐 Internet connection

📥 Installation & Running

🚀 Option 1: Run Directly (Recommended)

irm raw.githubusercontent.com/Nigel1992/Ark4-Assistant/main/Helper.ps1 | iex

📌 If PowerShell blocks the script

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Run: Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
3. Type 'Y' to accept
4. Try running the command again

📦 Option 2: Manual Download

1. Download the latest release from GitHub
2. Extract the files
3. Right-click Helper.ps1 and select "Run with PowerShell"
4. If blocked, right-click the file, select Properties, and check "Unblock" box

📖 Usage

1. Connect your PSP via USB
2. Enable USB Connection mode
3. Launch ARK-4 Assistant
4. Click "Detect PSP" or select drive
5. Click "Start" to begin
6. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Verify firmware:
   • Settings > System Settings > System Information
   • Confirm NO custom firmware
   • Verify Official Firmware 6.60/6.61
7. Follow on-screen instructions

🔧 Advanced Features

🔍 Debug Mode

• Toggle debug mode for testing
• Simulate different CFW states
• Access detailed logs
• Test installation scenarios

⚠️ Error Handling

• Comprehensive error catching
• Detailed error messages
• Safe failure states
• Recovery suggestions

❗ Troubleshooting

PSP Not Detected

• Enable USB mode on PSP
• Try different USB port
• Check USB cable
• Use refresh button

Installation Fails

• Verify firmware (6.60/6.61)
• Check Memory Stick space
• Verify internet connection
• Review debug log

📝 TODO List

High Priority

• Automatic firmware detection
• Backup creation system
• ChronoSwitch integration
• Enhanced error recovery
• Installation verification

UI/UX

• Dark/light theme toggle
• Localization support
• Installation wizard
• Enhanced progress visuals
• Feature tooltips

View full TODO list

🤝 Contributing

Contributions welcome! Please read our Contributing Guidelines first.

👥 Credits

• ARK-4 Project
• ChronoSwitch
• All ARK-4 contributors

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This tool is not affiliated with Sony or PlayStation. Use at your own risk. Always backup your data before modifying system software.

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Made with ❤️ by Nigel1992