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"Other OS" Installation Procedure

The information on this website assumes use of PS3™ system software version 1.60 or later. Before using an "Other OS", be sure to update to the latest version of the PS3™ system software.

Requirements for Installing an "Other OS"

The following items are required for installing an "Other OS".

  • PS3™ system
  • Personal computer (PC)
  • Storage media: A Memory Stick™*, SD Memory Card*, CompactFlash®*, or USB mass storage device such as a USB flash drive (with approximately 5 MB or more free space)
    or
    Disc media: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, BD-R, or BD-RE

  • * A USB card reader (not supplied), or a similar device is required when using a PS3™ system that is not equipped with media slots. Also, these media must be formatted for the FAT file system.

  • Boot loader for the "Other OS" (obtain from "Other OS" provider)

Preparing for Installation

Step 1Create folders to store the boot loader file on the storage or disc media.

  • Using a PC, create a folder named "PS3" (uppercase characters) on the storage or disc media. Then, create a folder named "otheros" (lowercase characters) within the "PS3" folder.

Step 2Save the boot loader file on the media.

  • Save the boot loader file as "otheros.bld" (lowercase characters) in the "otheros" folder created in Step 1.

Notices

  • the boot loader will not be recognized if the folder and file names are different from those above.
  • Use the same folder and file names as above when using disc media such as a CD-R.

Performing the Installation

Step 3Insert the storage or disc media with the boot loader file into the PS3™ system.

  • Insert the storage media with the boot loader file into the media slot or the USB connector on the PS3™ system. If the boot loader file was saved on disc media, insert the disc into the PS3™ system disc slot.

Step 4Start the installation using the PS3™ system software.

  • If you select [Install Other OS] under Settings (Settings) >  System Settings (System Settings) in the home menu, the system will search for the boot loader file saved on the storage or disc media.
    Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  • When the installation is complete, [Default System] will be displayed in  Settings (Settings) >  System Settings  (System Settings) in the home menu.

Notices

  • Installation steps may vary depending on the PS3™ system software version.
  • Do not turn off the PS3™ system or remove the storage or disc media while the installation is in progress. If the installation is interrupted, it may cause the system to malfunction.

Starting the Boot Loader

  • When installation is complete, select [Other OS] in [Default System] under  Settings (Settings) >  System Settings (System Settings), and then restart the PS3™ system. Instead of the PS3™ system software, the boot loader will start. Contact the boot loader provider for details on operating the installed boot loader.
  • To return from the "Other OS" to the standard PS3™ system software, refer to the manual for the installed "Other OS". Also, even if [Other OS] is selected in [Default System], you can forcibly start the PS3™ system software when turning on the system by holding down the power button for about 5 seconds until a beep is heard. Note that this causes the display settings (video output connector, screen resolution, etc.) to return to the default settings.