PlayStation®3 Technical Help

[FlanManFlan]

I have had a system crash and the PS3 tells me about corrupted files and the need to reformat.  I have followed the advice on the posts on this forum and entered safe mode and tried all the steps to no avail.  I have now reluctantly commenced reformatting the drive and the system has been at it for about 5hrs.  

How long should this take?

Also, what should I do if this fails?

I would appreciate any help that anyone can give me.

Flan

[strangeplaice]

This can vary dependant on the drive but can take up to a day. If the system still won't boot then come back and let us know. If it fails there's not much you can do on your own besides have it replaced

[FlanManFlan]

Thanks. I will attempt again today.

Do you mean replace the hard drive or the entire system?

[strangeplaice]

If you have a spare hard disk I'd suggest trying that first, or putting it in a computer and formatting it as FAT32 then putting it back in the PS3.

If you're under warranty and don't have any of the things like a desktop PC or Laptop you can put the drive in, or a USB caddy, it might work out less hassle to have it replaced. If its under warranty it's free. Otherwise there's a £130 charge for replacing.

Either way, if possible, try and fix it yourself

[FlanManFlan]

Thanks for your help.

I tried again for about 14hrs yesterday but it just keeps displaying the restoring screen. I think its had it!

Can I remove the HDD and plug it into my Macbook pro and reformat it that way?

[strangeplaice]

You could try that, though the PS3 will just reformat it again. It may help if there's a bit it's struggling to get past. If possible format it as FAT32.

[FlanManFlan]

I've tried everything and new it seems like Im going to have to buy a new hard drive.
Once I've purchased one, will I have to format it as FAT32 before I put it in the PS3 or can I just put it in and the PS3 will format it for me?

[fi8767 · Accepted solution]

it's easiest to buy one in FAT32 format, then you'll just be able to stick it right in the PS3

[FlanManFlan]

Thanks fella! 

[strangeplaice]

---

fi8767 wrote:
it's easiest to buy one in FAT32 format, then you'll just be able to stick it right in the PS3

---

Most aren't pre-formatted but that might work.