PS3 stuck in a HDD restore loop

[Surebrec]

when trying to play GT5 last night, my PS3 froze on the race loading screen leaving me with no option but to unplug it from that mains power supply.

after retsarting it, I got a message telling me that "The hard disk's file system is corrupted and will be restored", so I let it proceed with restoring it, then when complete, it reboots only to tell me the exact same message over and over.

is there any way to get past this problem, or is my PS3 screwed beyond all hope?

 

[Express]

[QUOTE="Surebrec, post: 5344475]when trying to play GT5 last night, my PS3 froze on the race loading screen leaving me with no option but to unplug it from that mains power supply.

after retsarting it, I got a message telling me that "The hard disk's file system is corrupted and will be restored", so I let it proceed with restoring it, then when complete, it reboots only to tell me the exact same message over and over.

is there any way to get past this problem, or is my PS3 screwed beyond all hope?[/QUOTE]

I had it. Use this:

Yo get to the restore menu:
1. shut off the ps3
2. press and hold the power button until the system beeps twice AND turns off again
3. press hold the power button until the system lets out two fast beeps

Supported Features of 2.50 Recovery Mode
The current Recovery Menu supports:
- Restart System: Restarts the PLAYSTATION®3 System.
- Restore Default Settings: Reset all system settings back to default.
- Restore File System: Checks for corrupt/missing system files.
- Rebuild Database: Rebuilds the OS for the PLAYSTATION®3.
- Restore PS3 System: Fresh restore; Deletes everything and starts from Scratch.

I'm pretty sure I used Restore File system. If it doesn't work, try restore default settings or rebuild database.

Those will not delete any files. Anyway after restorin it, it happened again to me. Then I found out that some of my themes were corrupted, so I just deleted them. After that it worked perfectly

 

[Surebrec]

I tried those suggestions and they didn't work.

the restore file system and restore default settings just did the HDD restore process that I am already stuck in. when I tried to rebuild the database, the message that came up was "the hard disk cannot be accessed"

 

[Express]

[QUOTE="Surebrec, post: 5344492]I tried those suggestions and they didn't work.

the restore file system and restore default settings just did the HDD restore process that I am already stuck in. when I tried to rebuild the database, the message that came up was "the hard disk cannot be accessed"[/QUOTE]

That's a shame. I'm afraid I can't help then

 

[Surebrec]

thanks anyway

is there anyone else who has any suggestions?

 

[John25]

Ouch that sounds bad mate Have you tried taking the HDD out and putting it back in (I only as cause I've heard of people fixing some PS3 problems by taking the HDD out)

 

[Bhindi_Bhajji]

Sounds to me like a dead or dying hard drive. If you're PS3 is still under warranty contact Sony to see if they can send you a new hard drive, failing that you can get 2.5" SATA drives fairly cheap, around £35 for 320GB on Amazon.

If you have a hard drive enclosure (or a SATA to USB adapter) you could always try connecting it to a PC, formatting it just to see if it works. Then replace it into the PS3, it will then re-format the drive (if it's working) to it's own file system and hopefully work. If it doesn't work chances are the drive is dead.

 

[Surebrec]

it's not under warranty with sony, but it has an extended 3 year warranty from where I purchased it. that's giving me peace of mind at the moment. the thing that is pissing me off more than anything, is that I can't access my game saves, nor can I deactivate my system before I return it.

 

[HenryPSN]

I recommend you buy a new HDD and keep this one until you find a better solution. There is no hard in spending a little bit on a new HDD imo.

 

[Surebrec]

unless the cost of a new HDD is less than £25, the cheaper option is to call in the extended warranty.

I'm more concerned right now about my game saves, and more importantly, managing to deactivate my system before I return it.

 

[Bhindi_Bhajji]

Here's a 120GB drive for £21.95:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/120GB-SATA-...D4/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1295009489&sr=8-15

I hate to say it mate, but you're more than likely out of luck with regards to your saves.

 

[HenryPSN]

[QUOTE="Surebrec, post: 5344544]unless the cost of a new HDD is less than £25, the cheaper option is to call in the extended warranty.

I'm more concerned right now about my game saves, and more importantly, managing to deactivate my system before I return it.[/QUOTE]

You can forget your saves bud. There is nothing wrong with your system so it really depends on what you would like to do. The most convenient thing for you to do is just get a new HDD and start over with the game saves. Unless you want to take the long route with Sony.

That said there really is no hope for your game saves sorry to say.

 

[Surebrec]

yeah, I'm coming to terms with losing the game saves. what chances would I have with sony doing anything significant considering the standard warranty is up? my first PS3 which started developing problems, they offered me a trade for a refurb and a 3 month extended warranty, would they be willing to do the same with a replacement HDD?

 

[gbdmedia]

[QUOTE="Express, post: 5344480]I had it. Use this:


I'm pretty sure I used Restore File system. If it doesn't work, try restore default settings or rebuild database.

Those will not delete any files. Anyway after restorin it, it happened again to me. Then I found out that some of my themes were corrupted, so I just deleted them. After that it worked perfectly
[/QUOTE]

restoring the default settings just worked for me. Thanks!

 

[arsendo]

well the rebuild thing says its gonna delete my files so ye

 

[Pauile]

UPDATE!!!

I was in a very similar situation, PS3 stuck in File System Repair loop (After selecting yes to restore, screen goes blacks then returns to initial dialogue immediately after).

THIS WORKED FOR ME WITHOUT LOSING ANY PERSNOAL DATA !

For Standard and HFW/CFW Firmware.

Step 1: Prepare a FAT32 USB Drive with latest HFW. (Look online for tutorial).

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode.

1. Shut off the ps3 until red light is on.
2. Press and hold the power button until the system beeps twice AND turns off again.
3. Press and hold the power button until the system lets out a single beep followed by a double beep after about 5-10 secs, Only let go after the second beep.

Step 3: Insert your FAT32 USB Drive with the latest HFW Firmware and then select the last option (Install Update), follow onscreen instructions until Firmware update is complete.

Step 4: After the system restarts, you're done, ALL your personal data will be INTACT, only loss of data is all settings are reset to their default settings.

If you were a standard Firmware user you could consider looking into soft modding your system as the first step is already done, if you wish to revert to official firmware you can simply replace the HFW firmware on your USB Drive with the standard Firmware and repeat the process.

For HFW/CFW Users, This process means you will effectively have to re-softmod your PS3, so from this point you may continue with the relevant process depending on your choice of Custom Firmware (HFW/CFW).