What Do You Lose When You Format Your PS3?

Data

• When you format your PS3̵7;s hard drive via the Format Utility option, the process erases any stored games, photos, music, videos and related game data files. The formatting process also erases any game patches -- files that repair any errors found in games you play or saved on your PS3̵7;s hard drive. Patches come directly from the game manufacturer.

Deletion of Folders

• In addition, the formatting process deletes any folders, system and any user-created folders, from your PS3̵7;s hard drive. Once the hard drive is formatted, the drive is available for reloading data or for saving future games, music, photos and other files.

Backup Procedure

• Before formatting the device̵7;s hard drive, plug in a Universal Serial Bus hard drive into any available USB port on the back of the device. Your PS3 will automatically detect the drive. Use one of the PS3̵7;s controllers to select ̶0;Settings,̶1; ̶0;System Settings̶1; and ̶0;Backup Utility.̶1; Select ̶0;Back Up̶1; to start the back-up process. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process. PS3̵7;s backup utility will copy the hard drive̵7;s content and prompt you when the process is complete. The USB hard drive you are using must have enough free space to hold the content of your PS3̵7;s hard drive otherwise the process will stop and present an out of space error.

Restoring Data

• To restore data from the USB hard drive, use one of the PS3̵7;s controllers to select ̶0;Settings,̶1; ̶0;System Settings̶1; and ̶0;Backup Utility.̶1; Select ̶0;Restore̶1; to start the restoration process. Follow the on-screen prompts to select the USB hard drive and the stored backup file. The restoration process will begin and the utility will prompt you when it is complete.