How to Add a Hard Drive to a PSP

Purchase a portable external hard drive with a digital display screen, such as the Nexto Extreme ND2700 or the Share Steno CD311 (see Resources). Traditional external hard drives without display screens will not work directly with the PSP, since they need a computer to interface with the PSP console.

Insert a Memory Stick Duo into the dedicated port located at the bottom edge of your PSP console. This memory will be used to transfer files to your portable hard drive, so ensure that the files you wish to transfer are stored to the memory. Select either the "Games," "Music" or "Videos" option from the PSP's main menu and then press "X" on the "Memory Stick" icon to display files stored to the Memory Stick Duo.

Plug your PSP USB cable's small (Mini-B) connector into the PSP console. Connect the USB (Standard-A) end to your portable hard drive. Ensure that the power is on to both your PSP and the portable external hard drive unit.

Select the "Settings" option from the main menu screen on your PSP. Next, select the "USB Connection" option from the drop-down menu and press the "X" button to set the PSP into USB mode. A confirmation screen will appear on your PSP informing you that the console is in communication with the portable external hard drive, which will now recognize the PSP's memory.

Choose the files you wish to back up to your portable hard drive by using the digital display screen's options menu, which will vary depending on the type of hard drive you are using. When the desired files have finished transferring, disconnect the USB cable from both the PSP and portable external hard drive. Clear space on your Memory Stick Duo, if desired, by selecting the "Memory Stick" option once again and highlighting individual files and selecting the "Delete" option.