I added this new method to the UPDATE in the
OP, but here it is below also for those who may miss it there... worth a try:
Update: Here is another new method work-in-progress to try out from
bigjokker, to quote:
Anyone with IDPS and OFW 4.81 willing to test new 4.81 Backup method?
Download -
4.81_Retailer.rar
Put your IDPS in the main folder. It would look like "idps.bin"
Put Backup files (i.e archive.dat) from your PS3 in the backup folder Now in the folder with ps3xport.exe in it make sure nothing in folder is highlighted. Hold down SHIFT and right click in folder. This will bring up a menu select "Open Command Window Here". Click it.
On the CMD line paste ps3xport ExtractPSID backup/ psid.bin
That will create your psid.bin file in folder
Now put both Converted game folder and update folder in "non-protected/dev_hdd0/game" folder. So they both should be in the last folder game.
Now in your converted game right click on LICDIR and select cut. Go into "protected/dev_hdd0/game" and rename the "NP---------" to your games name. Go into that folder and paste the LICDIR in there. So it would look like "protected/dev_hdd0/game/NPUB12345/LICDIR/LIC.EDAT"
Now pull up the Command line again and Paste ps3xport SetPSID psid.bin SetDeviceID idps.bin CreateBackup PS3/EXPORT/BACKUP/201412242359 Non-Protected Protected
Wait until the CMD prompt returns then it is done.
You will have a PS3 file backup. Put it on fat32 USB and restore in ps3.
It works on my OFW 4.53 system but I don't have a PS3 on 4.81. If it does work please let us know.