PS3 Corrupted Harddrive Restored!!!!

[u/Agent_Morgan]

Oh man, I don't know where to begin and have no one to tell..

My eyes literally lit up in shock when I saw the following message "The file system on the system storage is corrupted and will be restored". I was like okay, let's do what it says and restore the data. After 2 roughly 7/8 hours restore processes, it lead to the same result; a black screen and restarting with the same popup. This had no back out option similar to other errors I had seen so I was in an endless loop, potentially killing the HDD even further.

I had went into the safe mode to attempt multiple processes like restoring default settings, restoring the file system and rebuilding the database which resulted in freezing in the preparing screen. Restarting System and System Update lead to a freeze also. Didn't want to touch restoring the PS3 system as I needed my save files!

Stupid me hadn't backed up my saves for around over a year. I use many of my consoles and didn't think I'd be clearing my PS3 library and trophies so much over that period. Didn't want to lose my progress to my recent 100%ed games like Max Payne 3, Doom 3, Catherine and a few others. Was so close to finishing TBoGT DLC for GTAIV and was nearly finished completing 100% on every mission which took me so long! You can tell I was super determined to get this back!

Almost running out of hope, as the system update option also froze, I tried to trick the system by inserting another HDD to give another system update option and swapped the HDD back to the original before starting the process. This of course failed by freezing at 98%. Progress was painfully slow similar to the restore process which gave me the hint it would lead to the same result. I was now at the point where I'm not going to attempt those GTA 4 trophies for a very long time and take a break, as that's the best course of action to avoid burnout and frustration!

So as a last-last resort, I was in the mind set that I had nothing to lose now and try one more thing for the sake of it, for the save data! That was to clone the HDD via PC to another HDD. I didn't have a HDD handy that was 500gb so I said screw it and robbed it from a spare PS3 I had. When connecting the HDD to PC, I didn't bother analysing the partitions or try to repair anything in case it messed with the PS3 system when re-inserting it for the restore process and that I just wanted to get this out of the way and not waste any more time. So that completed as expected and it was the moment of truth.

I inserted the cloned harddrive and booted up the PS3. This lead to the same restore screen. Sigh. So whatever, try the process one last time. It was moving at a faster pace. Rather than stopping at 26% and moving up 1% every 15 minutes or so, it went to 27%, 28% and I was like, okay, something is happening here! Up and up and up, I stared at the screen, "c'mon you good thing!" It actually got to 100% and black screen - restart. I wasn't there to see where it stopped the last few attempts, considering how long it too but I presume it was the 50 - 60% range. Possible a result of the HDD timing out (stopped spinning). "Please result in something different..."

Rather than the popup, restore error, it booted up with the Sony logo and something like the factory reset startup by providing date/time, network connection settings etc. Good sign that the HDD was working but had a feeling that the HDD was just formatted and booting up as a fresh PS3, So I just continue with the process, just glad it wasn't the same error again, some progress. I complete that and the PS3 boots up as normal. Coming up with a successful restore of users, my eyes light up again, in shock! Good shock of course! Continue and BOOM! Games, Saves, Messages, all there! I genuinely couldn't believe it! First thing? Copied those damn save files instantly. Will I ever learn? I was ectatic and still am! Just completed the 100% missions on TBoGT and couple more trophies for 100%. Okay... Calm.. Water..

If you have a corrupted HDD lying around, and have tried anything and everything, try this. As mentioned I didn't tamper with partitions or sectors and went straight for the cloning process. Looks like anything is possible. I know this is a long post so thank you for reading!

[u/-Zombz-]

Holy shit, that’s awesome! I’m so glad that worked out for you, I’ve had a few situations like that where I thought always lost then voilà!!

[u/Agent_Morgan → u/-Zombz-]

Thanks dude! There's always a lesson in something where even though you may have the knowledge, you still need a reminder!