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How to Access the Debug Menu in a 160 GB PS3

If you are experiencing problems with your Sony PlayStation 3, debug your hard drive using the PS3's ̶0;Safe Mode̶1; menu. The menu doesn̵7;t appear unless you press a sequence of buttons. Once initiated, the menu has the following options: restore the system to default settings, restore your file system, rebuild the database, restore the PS3 system, perform a system update or simply restart the system. Using these options is the only way to fix a corrupted PS3 hard drive without taking it to a repair shop.

Things You'll Need

PS3 USB cable
Wireless controller

Instructions

- 1
  Plug in the USB cable to the PS3 system USB slot. Do not connect the controller yet.
- 2
  Hold down the power button on the front of your PS3. You will hear a beep signaling that the system has turned on. Keep holding the power button until you hear a second single beep, then a third single beep. After the third beep, the PS3 system will shut off and you can remove your finger.
- 3
  Hold down the power button again. There will be a single beep as the system starts up. Continue holding the button for five seconds and you will hear a second single beep. After another five seconds, there will be a double beep. After the double beep, remove your finger from the power button.
- 4
  Connect your PS3 wireless controller to the USB cable connected to your PS3 USB port.
- 5
  Press the PS3 button on your PS3 controller to start the Safe Mode menu.

PlayStation 3