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PlayStation 3 Safe Mode information

What is Safe mode?

Safe mode is a feature for starting the PlayStation 3 system with the minimum required functionality when the system is no longer able to start up normally

By starting up the system in this mode and executing a menu option, you may be able to eliminate any issues you are experiencing.

When should I use Safe Mode?

Safe mode is available in PlayStation 3 system software version 2.60 or later. Execute safe mode when the PlayStation 3 exhibits the following symptoms:

  • When the PlayStation 3 system is started up, the PlayStation 3 Home Menu is not displayed (only the wave screen background appears).
  • When the PlayStation 3 system is started up, nothing appears on the screen.
  • When the PlayStation 3 system is started up, a message stating [The hard disk's file system is corrupted and will be restored.] is displayed. After selecting [OK] the system restores and restarts. Original message is displayed again or the system stops during restoration.
  • When the PlayStation 3 system is started up, a message stating [The hard disk's database will be rebuilt.] is displayed. After selecting [OK] the rebuild operation starts and fails.
  • The system stops while formatting hard disk drive.
  • The system stops while restarting after a PlayStation 3 system update or while updating or rebuilding the database. The situation does not improve even when the system is restarted.

What do I need to do to start my PlayStation 3 in Safe Mode?

  1. Verify that the power indicator on the PlayStation 3 system is solid red, and then turn off the MAIN POWER switch.
  2. Turn on the MAIN POWER switch, then touch and hold the power button.
  3. Keep touching the power button even after you hear a short beep after 5 seconds.
  4. After 10 seconds, you will hear another short beep and the system will shut down (release the button at this point).
  5. Touch and hold the power button again.
  6. Continue touching the power button even after you hear a short beep after 5 seconds.
  7. Release the button when two short beeps are emitted after 7 seconds.
  8. As instructed by the on-screen message, press the PS button to start up in safe mode.

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