Running backups
Running Game Backups
Once your PlayStation 3 is running custom firmware or a HEN environment, you can launch backups of games you legally own without inserting the original disc each time. This is convenient for protecting fragile discs and for keeping a library on a faster drive.
Only ever back up software that you personally own. This guide assumes every title you load comes from your own discs or your own purchased digital content.
How backups are loaded
Games do not boot on their own. A backup manager reads the game folder, mounts it, and hands control to the system as though a real disc were present. The three most common managers are:
- webMAN MOD — a lightweight plugin that mounts games in the background and adds quick controls.
- multiMAN — a full graphical browser with cover art and file tools.
- IRISMAN — a streamlined manager focused on mounting and maintenance.
Where games live
Backups can sit on the internal HDD for the fastest loading, or on external USB storage for easy expansion. Each location has its own format and file-size considerations, covered in the storage pages of this section.
Pick a manager first
Before copying any games, install and test one manager. Confirm it launches a single known-good title, then build out your library. tip