The latest Sony Playstation 3 firmware is wrecking havoc on many gamer’s consoles. If you are reading this
post and have not yet updated your PS3, make sure you keep it that way. By updating your PS3 to the latest firmware you risk having your console bricked, i.e. made unusable (other than being paperweight of course). It seems this issue is affecting consoles with upgraded HDD and not stock PS3 consoles, however, just to be on the safe side it is advised you do not update it.

Luckily, there’s an easy way to fix your console or unbrick it. It involves a series of steps, but should not take a long time. You do not need to open your console up or go into any technical details.

Instructions for PS3 firmware 4.45 brick fix

The PS3 system needs to be in what is called recovery mode:

1. Make sure the PS3 is in standby mode first, i.e. the red light is on
2. Press and hold the power button
3. You will hear a beep, keep holding the power button
4. A second beep will sound, let go of the power button after you hear it
5. The PS3 should be in standby mode again
6. Press and hold the power button again
7. Keep holding it after the first beep
8. There should be two fast consecutive beeps, release the power button when you hear them

The PS3 system will now boot to recovery mode. Attach the USB cable to your console and controller and press the PS Button.

Warning: Do not play around with the options on this menu. Doing so may result in your HDD being formatted. Your HDD carries trophies, saves, videos, pictures, music, games, and other important data.

1. Download the firmware fix from Sony
2. Make a folder on your flash drive called PS3 then make another folder inside the PS3 folder called UPDATE. Make sure they are both in capital letters. The directory should look like this: /PS3/UPDATE
3. Place the firmware fix inside the UPDATE folder
4. Insert your flash drive into one of your PS3’s USB port
5. Select ‘6. Update Firmware‘ from the recovery menu
6. Follow the instructions from then-on