PUP File Extension

What is PUP file?

Files with the PUP (PlayStation Update Package) extension are packages of files which are used in the process of updating Sony system in the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3 systems. Files may include patches for security measures or errors, modified or completely new settings or additional options for the system.

Types of PUP files

PUP files can be encountered in two types. First of them is the so-called patches which are called PS3PATCH.PUP and the other type are files which contain full updates - PS3UPDAT.PUP . Also four different versions can be distinguished:

• Retail/CEX,
• Shop/SEX,
• Debug/DEX,
• Tool/DECR.

Moreover, Retail/CEX include 2 types of PUP files. The first one is of standard file size, and it is published also online. The other type varies from the former by the fact that after standard content of the file, zeros are added, so that the file reaches size of 256 MB.

Additional information about PUP files

1. PUP files are the same for specific regions of the world.
2. Content of PUP files can be extracted in Windows using the PS3 PUP Extractor tool.
3. PUP file can be copied onto a Sony console from a memory carrier or it can be downloaded directly from Internet – it should be located in /PS3/UPDATE catalogue

Programs which support PUP file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open PUP files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. PUP files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 10/07/2023

How to open file with PUP extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PUP files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with PUP files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PUP files.

Step 1. Download and install PS3 PUP Extractor

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports PUP files installed on the system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing PS3 PUP Extractor or different compatible program, such as Sony PlayStation. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading PS3 PUP Extractor installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of PS3 PUP Extractor and update if needed

If you already have PS3 PUP Extractor installed on your systems and PUP files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that PS3 PUP Extractor cannot handle files with PUP may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using PS3 PUP Extractor.

Step 3. Assign PS3 PUP Extractor to PUP files

After installing PS3 PUP Extractor (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open PUP files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the PUP file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the PS3 PUP Extractor installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open PUP files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with PUP extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select PS3 PUP Extractor and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with PUP extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the PUP for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the PUP file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the PUP file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the PUP is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the PUP file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the PUP file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the PUP file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic PUP file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with PUP extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the PlayStation 3 Update Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run PS3 PUP Extractor

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PUP extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with PlayStation 3 Update Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with PUP files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the PUP file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on PUP file.