How to Completely Reset Your PS3

A complete restore of your PlayStation 3 erases all previously-stored data on the game console's hard drive and should be reserved for fixing fatal errors with the console as data cannot be recovered once erased. The console's settings are reverted to the original factory settings the PlayStation 3 contained when first purchased, and the console cannot be disconnected during this process because it is vulnerable to extensive data damage. Once restored, the PlayStation displays the original console setup screen that appeared when the machine was initially loaded.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Tap the power button located on the front of the PS3 gaming console and wait for the main menu to appear.

   • 2

     Press the down arrow on the directional pad on the controller until "Settings" is highlighted. Press the right arrow and highlight "System Settings."

   • 3

     Press the right arrow to highlight "Restore Default Settings." Press "X" to confirm the settings restore request.

   • 4

     Press the directional pad on the controller to highlight your language in the Initial Setup window. Push the right arrow on the controller to finish the console's initial setup process.