IMCUnlockLite VS VitaDeploy

If its not setup already, yes you just install, run and choose unlock. Its recommended to disable your plugins before you do.

Else, the card is necessary for a 1000 model. My advice is to buy a used 4GB ($10-$15), setup the hack, then install imcunlock lite. This will give you access to a 1GB internal storage, similar to a 2000 model. This partition is available even if the hack is removed, so it completely removes the console's dependence on memory cards. Then sell the 4GB memory card back into the market for what you paid.

If you have an OLED, use imcunlock lite to create a internal 1GB storage (removes dependency on memory card, even when running stock).

Definitely sounds like memory card failure. Only option is to buy another memory card to run homebrew applications. Next time you might want to look into imc unlock lite; this application will create a ~1GB internal storage on your OLED (similar to a Slim). This way, if your memory card ever fails you can revert to imc0 partition as a backup.

If the Vita is a slim, you don't need an official memory card as it has a built it memory. If its a phat oled consider this. IMCUnlockLite / IMCUnlock (if your not sure what your doing stick with the lite version). This is an option, use it as your own risk.

Once you have sd2vita setup, look into IMUnlock Lite to create a small internal partition, similar to the internal partition on a Slim. This will protect you from requiring a memory card once sd2vita is setup. In fact, I know people that have bought a used 4GB from Gamestop, setup sd2vita then IMCUnlock, and returned the memory card to Gamestop.

Then transfer over vitadeploy.vpk from https://github.com/SKGleba/VitaDeploy/releases/tag/v1.2 to your Vita with Vitashell USB/FTP. Install it, open Vitadeploy, go to app downloader and install Yamt. Close Vitadeploy and open Yamt. Install the lite version. It'll reboot.

I like to use Guthub for the text instructions https://github.com/SKGleba/VitaDeploy . I also followed the video instructions from Blaine Locklair on YouTube, https://youtu.be/l9HWm4561hU . And I just use the Vita Autoplugin2 app to install the plugins that allow adjustment for all the analog, touch, gyro, and button functions.

VitaDeploy Tool that makes homebrewing the Vita/PSTV easier (SKGleba)

Use Vitashell + FTP on your phone or whatever "without a pc" encompasses to install Vitadeploy. Open Vitadeploy and either just follow this or choose Playstation Update Package and set these options, then press install. Don't press yes on any weird transfer messages you may or may not get. Once done, follow https://vita.hacks.guide/yamt.html.

Are you sure you are on the latest version of vita deploy? If you download it from the github page you can see it says it supports 3.74. https://github.com/SKGleba/VitaDeploy/releases/tag/v1.0.1 Let me know if it works for you.

Vitadeploymakes downgrading very simple, even has option to install Enso immediately after the downgrade. I'm not sure about the compatibility with DS4 plugins on 3.74, but your system will be more stable overall after installing Enso.

Are you using the latest version of Vitadeploy? https://github.com/SKGleba/VitaDeploy/releases/tag/v1.0.1