Tip & How-To about Video Game Consoles & Games
A Hard Drive error is a very common problem on the PS3 and this tip will outline how you can troubleshoot and hopefully resolve a hard drive problem. If your PS3 is showing signs that the hard drive is corrupted or is displaying a message asking you to restore the hard drive follow these steps carefully and you may well avoid an expensive repair or having to consign your hard drive to the bin.
Steps 8 and 9 involve erasing data from your Hard Drive so if at all possible please try to back up your data before commencing this procedure. To back up data go to 'System Settings - Backup Utility' Then follow the on screen instructions and back up the information to an external storage device such as a USB Pen.
To begin the process of troubleshooting and resolving your Hard Drive error you must first put the unit into Safe Mode. Follow these steps carefully;
1) Turn off the PS3 by holding the power button on the front of the unit till it turns red.
2) Hold the power button until you hear the unit beep three times. This will take 15 to 20 seconds.
3) The unit will power off on the third beep and power light will turn red again.
4) Touch and hold the power button again as in step 2. The unit will beep three times except this time the third beep will sound like a quick double beep. As soon as you hear this double beep release the power button.
5) You will see a message onscreen telling you to "Connect a controller using USB and then press the PS button".
6) Do as the message says i.e. connect the controller and press the PS button - you are now in Safe Mode and the hard drive repair can begin.
7) Restore File System. From this point select "Restore File System" on the menu. The PS3 will attempt to repair damaged files on the hard drive. If this does not work move to step 8.
8) Rebuild Database. Enter Safe mode again as outlined and this time select "Rebuild Database". Be aware this mode will erase some information from your hard drive which is not recoverable such as photo and message information. If this fails move to step 9.
9) Restore PS3 System. Again enter Safe Mode and select "Restore PS3 System". This will restore all defaults and completely formats the drive.
Be aware this mode will erase all information from the hard drive.
If everyone of these steps fail and the PS3 is still showing symptoms of hard drive error you can be certain that the hard drive has failed and it will need to be replaced. However in a majority of cases these steps will resolve the issue.
Many thanks for viewing this Tip and I hope it has been helpful to you.
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