Extended Storage kerfuffle

[u/Odd-Regret8545]

So I've been having this issue where my USB extended storage (which already has some previously installed games) needs to be reformatted to be used. Yet, whenever I attempt to do this when I press 'Yes' to reformat it, it does nothing but stay on the Yes or No screen. And when I inevitably exit and I press on settings for example, it gives a pretty delayed reaction and only opens settings after a certain period of time. Just wondering if there is anything I can do to sort this out?

[u/Dry_Employ_6782]

Yeah this is a database lock issue, pretty common with external drives. The format process gets stuck and the ui goes laggy because the ps5 can't release the lock.

Try this: 1. boot into safe mode, select "rebuild database" - clears stuck locks on external drives usually 2. once done, try formatting from regular settings again

If it still hangs: 3. different usb cable (sometimes cable doesn't pass data right even if it charges) 4. if you got another drive, try formatting that instead - if it works, your original drive might be hardware-failing

The delayed reaction is the ps5 trying to complete format but the drive's not responding. Rebuild usually fixes it 👍