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How to Format a Corrupt PS3 Drive

The PlayStation 3 game console features an integrated hard drive designed to store downloaded content, critical system files, pictures, videos, music and game updates. Turning off the PS3 game console while installing updates to the system or performing other harmful actions may corrupt the hard drive. In order to restore full functionality to your PlayStation 3, you may have to format the hard drive.

Things You'll Need

USB connection cord
PS3 controller

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the game console.
- 2
  Press and hold the front "Power" button until the system powers on and back off.
- 3
  Press and hold the front "Power" button until the system beeps twice.
- 4
  Connect the USB cord from the PS3 controller to an available USB port on the console, when prompted. Press the "PS" button on the controller.
- 5
  Wait for the recovery menu to appear on the screen.
- 6
  Highlight the "Restore PS3 System" option and press the "X" button.
- 7
  Select "Yes" and press the "X" button. Keep in mind that formatting the hard drive may take several minutes to complete and will erase any user content saved to the system.
- 8
  Allow the PS3 system to restart automatically and follow the setup prompts to complete the process.

PlayStation 3