0

I got my grandson a new sata HDD for his PS3, as it as corrupted.

I can see where to download the PS3 stuff online, which needs to go to a 1GB flash stick (which I don't have). Can the download be put onto a disc and then used to format the new hard drive on startup?

Improve this question
2
  • Are you trying to ask if you can burn files to a CD/DVD and use them in a PS3?
    – Comic Sans Seraphim
    Commented May 9, 2015 at 17:41
  • @Studoku - You can apply updates to the PS3 using a USB stick if need be, but I think he's asking about replacing the HDD entirely. See my answer below
    – Robotnik ♦
    Commented May 11, 2015 at 4:45

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

It sounds like you're trying to replace the internal hard drive of the PS3. If so, the PS3 will detect that and prompt you to format it on start up. You shouldn't need to download/run anything from a USB flash stick or CD/DVD at all. It is very much 'Plug and Play' in that regard.

Once formatted, it will install the version of the OS that the PS3 was released with. Once up and running, you can update from this version as you would normally: by connecting it to the Internet and checking for updates using the 'Settings' menu and allowing it to download the updates.

These updates can also be done using a USB flash stick, which I believe is where you're getting confused. As @Memor-X states - you can update using some Game's disks - if you get some new released games it'll stop you from playing until you updated the system to the required version, which is included on the disk.

But you shouldn't need either a USB stick or a DVD if all you're doing is replacing a faulted/corrupted hard drive.

If you're still unsure, there are plenty of guides that walk you through how to replace a PS3 hard drive on Youtube, such as the one below. Basically, the process is:

  1. From the PS3, Back up your saves to a USB flash stick or external hard drive
  2. Disconnect the PS3 from the power.
  3. Locate and take off the hard drive cover.
  4. Remove the 'blue screw', which holds the hard drive bay in place.
  5. Remove the hard drive bay, and unscrew the old hard drive.
  6. Swap out the old drive for the new one, and rescrew the hard drive in place.
  7. Replace the hard drive bay (making sure to push it in firmly).
  8. Replace the blue screw and hard drive bay cover.
  9. Reconnect power, turn on your PS3 and follow the prompts to format the drive.
    (Note that your controller may need to be plugged into the PS3 by the charging cable in order to function correctly.)
  10. Restore any backed up saves/data.

Note: Every PS3 hard drive is encoded to that specific PS3. Once replaced with a new drive, the encoding is changed. This means that - should you be able to get save files off the corrupted drive, you should do this before replacing the drive.

Improve this answer
4
  • 1
    to clarify you can update via a disk but it's only with Game Disks. if you don't regularly update your PS3 and you get a new released game it'll stop you from playing until you updated the system to the minimum version which is included on the disk. similar to what the X-Box 360 and PSP did
    – Memor-X
    Commented May 11, 2015 at 4:46
  • 1
    Nope, all on the disk. back before i had a good connection i had to wait 1 minute per MB for any download so downloading ~180 MB was a ~3 hours job. when i did need to update it was always forced by the game and the internet was off. i remember getting Resistance 2 having played the first one for a couple of years (used the PS3 for PS1 and 2 games mainly then) and i was forced to do an update on the system when i went to play Resistance 2.
    – Memor-X
    Commented May 11, 2015 at 4:57
  • I replaced my PS3's hard drive a couple of years ago, and the system was unable to re-install without me downloading the latest version and installing from a separate location (like a USB stick). Have things changed since then? Or do I remember wrong? I definitely remember that it couldn't reinstall without me getting another file.
    – George T
    Commented May 11, 2015 at 12:53
  • @GeorgeT - I don't know, I replaced my HDD about 4 years ago and these are the steps I had to take. Indeed, every reinstall video I've watched on YT has these same steps...
    – Robotnik ♦
    Commented May 11, 2015 at 22:36

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.