Upgrading from 3.71 m33-2

[randomvector]

I have a PSP slim (psp-2003) that my friend put custom firmware 3.71 m33-2. Having been off the PSP scene for a while and want to get back into it I would like to upgrade it to a newer CFW. What firmware can I upgrade to which will give me the best compatibility for homebrew and especially backups. I would like to upgrade to the newest CFW if possible (cfw 5.00 I think?). Or if you could recommend the best CFW version for my needs that would great.

Also can someone please tell me what m33-x denotes?

A quick upgrade guide/link would be handy- I've looked on the net and not found much help on upgrading from that CFW version and I don't want to brick my PSP.
(I do not have a pandora battery)

Thanks.

[nikomania-$]

the newest cfw is 5.50gen-b and you will have a good compatibility with the games but in my opinion the 5.00m33-6 is more stable and it has bigger compatibility with the homebrews/plugins.
because i am new here a don't know where are the tuts but i find them i will post the link

[Xenogears V]

Install 5.00 M33
http://rapidshare.com/files/154847567/5.00M33.rar

Requeriments:

- Installation requires a PSP with 3.52 M33-4 or higher.

Instructions

- Copy the UPDATE folder into /PSP/GAME/
- Get the 5.00 sony update from somewhere, and put it in same folder, with name "500.PBP".
Alternatively, you can let the installer to download for you via wifi.
- Run it, the update will be done by Sony updater. At the end when you are asked to reboot the
PSP pressing X or O, do it.

5.00 M33-4
http://rapidshare.com/files/170591048/500m33_4.zip
Copy UPDATE folder /PSP/GAME/ and run.

If you come from a version prior to 5.00 M33, put sony update as 500.PBP in same folder, or let the program download it for you using a wifi connection.

[randomvector]

Install 5.00 M33



Requeriments:

- Installation requires a PSP with 3.52 M33-4 or higher.

Instructions

- Copy the UPDATE folder into /PSP/GAME/
- Get the 5.00 sony update from somewhere, and put it in same folder, with name "500.PBP".
Alternatively, you can let the installer to download for you via wifi.
- Run it, the update will be done by Sony updater. At the end when you are asked to reboot the
PSP pressing X or O, do it.


If you come from a version prior to 5.00 M33, put sony update as 500.PBP in same folder, or let the program download it for you using a wifi connection.

Done - I've upgraded to 5.00 m33-6. Thanks everyone

[Xenogears V]

Done - I've upgraded to 5.00 m33-6. Thanks everyone

Not at all. When you need, I am here.