PS3 Hard drive corrupted file system. Stuck in safe mode "preparing" message

Netflix caused the PS3 (slim, latest firmware) to hang during playback. It wouldn't turn off so I had to cut power. As expected when it started again I had the file system corrupted message but this time, PS3 could not repair and notified me formatting is my only option. Turned to safe mode, tried to restore the file system from there, and it is just stuck on "Preparing" for ever. I waited over night (twice) and no progress. No HDD access light flashing, nothing.

I've tested the drive for bad sectors and found none. The drive is mechanically fine. Our backups were, by twist of fate, deleted a short while ago and not recreated. Me and my sons are gutted we might be loosing hours upon hours in saved game play. I'm trying to save the day, but it looks bleak.

Is there any way I can either repair the file system or copy our saved games off the drive? I've went through all the forums and it seems like nobody has a solution that works for us (though most posts are a few years old).

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How do you fix your PS3 when the file system is corrupted?

The PlayStation 3 hard disk's file system is corrupted

Hold The Power Button 2 times Hold The Power Button For 3 seconds if its red do it 1 more time then it will give you instructions to set Up Safe Mode Press option 4 It Will reset the system then i think its gonna save your games. ...

Dec 18, 2020 by Jeremiah Josephs.

How do you get out of safe mode PS3?

New member

Shut off the ps3 until red light is on.

Press and hold the power button until the system beeps twice AND turns off again.

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.

How do you fix PS3 stuck on Restore?

How long does this take? Only 2 \u2013 5 minutes. It's a good thing to do if you're having any issues with your PS3. Say, for example, your blu-ray drive having issues, trophy syncing, performance issues, etc.

[Windows 10] How To Fix An Infinite Boot Loop (Preparing Automatic Repair) NO SOFTWARE REQUIRED

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Images: LT Chan, Markus Spiske, Brett Sayles, Brett Sayles