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How to Format a PS3 Memory Card

If you have a PS3 you can save games for older PS2 and PS1 on a memory card. But before you use a new card, you need to format it. This will only work if your PS3 has a slot for a memory card. Note that formatting a memory card will result in the loss of all information on it. Download the files on your memory card to your computer for later retrieval if you do not want them permanently lost in the format process. If you want to save into PS2 or PS1 format or play games from those older consoles on your PS3, you will need to format your memory card.

Things You'll Need

PS3 with memory card slot Memory card

Instructions

- 1
  Turn on your PS3.
- 2
  Insert the memory card into the memory card slot.
- 3
  Wait for the PS3 to detect your memory card.
- 4
  Answer "yes" when the system asks if you want to format the card.
- 5
  When the format is complete, your memory card will be ready to use with your PS3.
- 6
  If your PS3 does not recognize that you inserted a memory card, you can go to the Main Menu. Then select "Memory Card Utility."
- 7
  From the Memory Card Utility, choose whether it will be PS2 or PS1 format. All games saved in PS3 format will automatically be saved on the hard drive.
- 8
  After selecting the format, return to the "Memory Card Utility" menu.
- 9
  Select the memory card you just named and press the triangle button on your controller.
- 10
  Choose the slot you want to assign that card to by following the prompt. When the system is finished, you will be able to play PS2 or PS1 games that you saved to your memory card on your PS3.

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