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How to Recover PS3 Game Saves

Unlike the original PlayStation and PlayStation 2 consoles that required external memory cards, the PlayStation 3 stores data internally. For this reason, you must occasionally back up your saved game data. The backup ensures that you recover files in case of a hard drive failure or other equipment malfunction. Once you back up your saved game data, you can recover data at any time.

Instructions

- 1
  Insert a mass storage device into one of the ports on the front panel of your console. Compatible storage devices include USB flash drives and all sizes of memory cards.
- 2
  Open the folder named "Saved Data Utility (PS3)" under the "Games" menu. This folder holds each game save currently on your console's hard drive. Scroll through the list until you find a save you want to back up, or back up each save individually.
- 3
  Highlight any of the game files and press "Triangle." From this menu, select "Copy." Locate your storage device on the list of available storage units and hit "X" to start the copy process. Once the file is copied, hit "Circle" to exit this menu and return to the list of game saves.
- 4
  Recover your files by inserting your memory card into your new or repaired console. Return to your "Saved Data Utility (PS3)" screen and scroll to the very top.
- 5
  Highlight your memory card name and hit "X" to open the list of files. Find the game saves you wish to recover and press "Triangle." Choose "Copy" from this menu and wait while the files copy to your hard drive. You can now insert your game disc and pick up your game from your save point.

PlayStation 3