Sony fixes non-booting PS3s with 4.46 OFW update

If you were affected by Sony’s 4.45 OFW firmware upgrade, Sony has released instructions on how to revive your PlayStation 3. All you need is a a USB memory stick with at least 168MB of space and a working internet connection (to download the firmware update).

The fix involves booting your PS3 to Safe mode and applying the update. Be sure to carefully read the instructions before proceeding.

If you updated your PlayStation 3 Software to version 4.45 and the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) menu is not displayed, please follow the steps below to manually update your PS3’s Software and restore your system’s functionality.

Step 1: Manually Download System Software

You will need a USB Mass Storage device such as a USB flash drive with at least 168 MB of free space. If your PS3 is either CECHA00/CECHB00 series model, you can also use Memory Stick™, SD Memory Card, and CompactFlash®.

Create a folder named “PS3” on the storage media or USB device.

Within the PS3 folder, create a folder named “UPDATE”.

Using your computer, click the following hyperlink to begin downloading system software 4.46

Download the update data from the webpage and save it in the “UPDATE” folder.

Location: Save in the “PS3” folder > “UPDATE” folder

File name: Save as file name “PS3UPDAT.PUP”

Note: If the data is not saved in the correct way, the PS3 will not recognize the update data. The folder name must be in all uppercase letters.

Step 2: Activate Safe Mode

With the PS3 off (power light should be red), touch and hold the Power button, you will hear the 1st beep indicating that the PS3 is powering on.

Continue to hold the power button, and after approximately 5 seconds you will hear a 2nd beep.

Continue to hold the power button and after 5 more seconds you’ll hear a 3rd beep, and system will power off (Power light goes red).

Release power button.

Touch and hold the Power button, you will hear the 1st beep, again for PS3 power on.

Continue to hold and after approximately 5 seconds you will hear the 2nd beep for video reset.

Continue to hold and after 5 seconds you will hear a quick double beep. At that point release power button.

If you succeeded in activating Safe Mode, you will see a message on screen saying, “Connect the controller using a USB cable and then press the PS button”.

Connect a controller to the PS3 with a USB cable.

If you were not able to get into Safe Mode, your system may need service. Please contact us for further assistance.

Step 3: Manually Update PS3 Software

Connect the storage media to PS3 system.

Select [6 – System Update] and Press X.

Please note: Data and settings may be deleted if you choose any of the first (5) options. Please make sure to only choose option [6 – System Update].

Press Start and Select at the same time.

The PS3 system will restart and recognizes the update file in the storage media.

Press right on the d-pad to scroll through the update description and user agreement.

Press X to confirm the update.

The system will now install the new system software and restart automatically upon completion.

If you were not able to properly install the firmware or experienced and issue please follow the steps again. If you are still having an issue: Please contact us for further assistance.