Internal HDD installation

Here you'll setup the internal HDD for installation of a Linux distro.

CAUTION

Baikal internal installation is still unstable. Proceed with caution and make backups beforehand.

CAUTION

This method uses Ext2, which... isn't the best at error handling and power cuts. So if you want to change the file system, we've included instructions down below.

...Though, If you're using "initramfs-ps4" and not "better-initramfs", This doesn't apply.

CAUTION

The PS4 System Storage Checker™ might nuke your linux.img, So be careful of that.

WARNING

This shit is slow on an HDD. Be careful and prepare your balls for imminent explosion.

However, if you have swapped your internal HDD for an SSD, this doesn't apply.

Internal HDD setup

Check your PS4 storage, as you'll need to choose the size of the installation. Leave some free space in your console, and remember that the PS4 doesn't report the space taken internally by Linux!

FTP to your PS4. Go to the /data/ folder, and create the folder /linux/boot/ and place your bzImage (and bootargs.txt if you have it) and initramfs in there.

NOTE

Files sent via FTP can transfer incorrectly, especially if overwritten. In that case, try to move them using a USB drive.

Then, go to /user/system/, create a folder called boot, and paste your distro in there. Remember that it needs to be called distro.tar.xz!

NOTE

If you're using the old initramfs, the distro archive file needs to be called psxitarch.tar.gz or xz.

When installed, you can remove your Linux installation by removing the above files, and the "linux.img" found in /user/home/ folder. Just in case you realize I was correct.

Launching Linux Rescue Shell

After that, either launch your payload with a payload website to load them, or use GoldHEN's built-in payloader if the website doesn't work for you.

NOTE

You'll need to be using GoldHEN v2.4b18.10 or higher to use the built-in payloader. Some users have reported that the payloads only work correctly when using the "Payload Guest" app.

TIP

Remember that the amount of VRAM you allocate is taken from your system memory! For a 2GB of VRAM payload, you'd have 8-2 = 6GB of remaining system RAM! You aren't creating memory out of thin air!

For servers

Server payloads are available in 32MB, 64MB, and 128MB VRAM variants. Use 128MB by default for server or general headless use, as 32MB and 64MB can cause display issues on some setups.

Payload website hosts

Firmware 5.05 - 13.52

WARNING

You MUST select 1GB of VRAM or less for installation and first boot. Afterwards, 2GB is recommended.

Do not use GoldHEN version v2.4b18.8, update it!

Follow these steps:

• Go to http://webkitty.arabpixel.net on your PS4's browser
• Scroll down with your right thumbstick, mouse, or keyboard
• Select Linux tab at the top right
  • Wait for the cache to finish installing!
• Load your desired payload
  • Again, 1GB or less is necessary for first time installation!
  • If you use the PS4 as a server after installation, switch to one of the server payloads for more system RAM.

Local payloads (if website doesn't work for you)

If you so desire, or you can't launch it from the web browser for some reason, it's possible to load these payloads locally.

In order to do that, you need to download them here.

Local payloads setup (GoldHEN payloader)

• Extract from the ELF folders
  • Using the .elf seems to lead to a higher success rate when launching
  • Enable "see file extensions" on Windows Explorer or what you're using
• Put the files in the /data/payloads/ directory, create it if it does not exist
• Open the GoldHEN menu, then navigate to Utilities>PayLoader>LaunchPad and select your desired payload
• Remember to check here sometimes to see if there's any updates

Local payloads setup (Payload Guest)

• Install "Payload Guest" (or similar app) on your PS4
• Extract from the ELF folders, and rename the file to have a .bin extension instead of .elf, because Payload Guest can't load ELFs
  • Using the .elf seems to lead to a higher success rate when launching
  • Enable "see file extensions" on Windows Explorer or what you're using
• Put the files in the /data/payloads/ directory, create it if it does not exist
• Open Payload Guest and select your desired payload (A controller is required, as Payload Guest does not accept keyboard input)
• Remember to check here sometimes to see if there's any updates

Installation commands

Now that the storage is covered, here comes the moment of truth. You'll be sent to the Rescue Shell, which will look like this:

• If you have a disc in your console, remove it by running eject /dev/sr0 or it'll corrupt the installation
• Type install-linux-int.sh

NOTE

Type install-linux-hdd.sh or linux-install-hdd.sh if you're using the old initramfs.

• Type how much storage you want to use for the installation
  • Check how much free space you have, don't fill up your drive as the PS4 will only report the used amount of space inside the partition, and not the total partition size!
  • If it fails, check your initramfs, or go to the Installation Issues

TIP

Pick 8GB if you want to change the file system after this. See Different Filesystem.

Hydrate yourself while you wait. It'll take a while.

It should already boot into the desktop. If it doesn't, run:

resume-boot

WARNING

Don't run resume-boot more than twice, or it'll crash the system! Do CTRL+ALT+DELETE to reboot instead!

Finale

Go now, conquer the finale. Also, read the post-credit stuff.