What Happens If You Keep a PSP ISO File on Your Computer?

Keeping a PSP ISO/CSO file on your PC does nothing harmful by itself. It's just a disk image file (~300 MB–1.8 GB).

What It Does Not Do

• Does not affect your PSP until transferred and run via Custom Firmware (CFW).
• Does not "infect" your PC (unless the ISO was packed with malware—scan it).
• Does not auto-execute or install anything.

Considerations

• Storage: A few ISOs = few GB. Hundreds = hundreds of GB. Manage disk space.
• Legality: Downloading ISOs of games you do not own is copyright infringement in most countries. Ripping your own UMDs (using CFW PSP) for personal backup is legally gray but widely considered fair use.
• Organization: Rename files clearly (Game Name [Region].iso), keep in folders, use a manager like PSP ISO Organizer.
• CFW Requirement: To play, PSP needs CFW (6.61 PRO-C2 / LME-2.3 / Infinity) or a signed homebrew loader.

Best Practice

• Own the original UMD → rip yourself (legal safety, clean dump).
• Scan downloads with VirusTotal / Malwarebytes.
• Back up saves separately (SAVEDATA folder).

Bottom line: File sitting on HDD = inert. Legal/ethical status depends on source and ownership.