I think my PS3 hard drive is fried!

[Steelmaker]

Originally Posted by glenn22

Have you looked into the drive bay for the PS3? the drive slots into the HD connector and is screwed in place, not connected with wires. I would find it very very unlikely that there would be a loose connection.

Yeah I've taken my hard drive out and put it back in several times. I've also checked all my connections and they are all secure.

[glenn22]

Originally Posted by blackpixels

Just a thought - it seems to me when any PC runs into any problems its when its connected a modem/internet - ethernet cables are very sensitive to static electricity or power flux not to mention the internet corruption. Usually in any power issue the modem or ethernet port could go first before the HD does. Now this may or may not have any bearing at all, but that's why I choose not to connect to the internet. Call it fact, stigma or just plain superstition...I'm sure there are many opinions on this subject, this is just my take

Well I work in IT (both hardware and software, but mostly programming) and I think it highly unlikely that being connected to an ethernet port would have anything to do with a HDD crash. HDD crashes are usually the result of one of the following:

1) manufacturer defect
2) excessive heat
3) excessive/long term wear
4) power problem (surge etc)

In our case it's most likely to be #1 or #2 as the units are far too new to have accumulated much wear and a power surge is much more likely to take out the sensitive electronics on the main board rather than the HDD first.

In my case I think it was simply a defect as the area was well ventilated. I also know for a fact that Seagate drives (which are used in the PS3) have a higher failure rate than other manufacturers such as Western Digital.

[blackpixels]

Originally Posted by glenn22

Well I work in IT (both hardware and software, but mostly programming) and I think it highly unlikely that being connected to an ethernet port would have anything to do with a HDD crash. HDD crashes are usually the result of one of the following:

1) manufacturer defect
2) excessive heat
3) excessive/long term wear
4) power problem (surge etc)

In our case it's most likely to be #1 or #2 as the units are far too new to have accumulated much wear and a power surge is much more likely to take out the sensitive electronics on the main board rather than the HDD first.

In my case I think it was simply a defect as the area was well ventilated. I also know for a fact that Seagate drives (which are used in the PS3) have a higher failure rate than other manufacturers such as Western Digital.

Well, I agree with you, but the power problem (surge) can come through the ethernet port (AC adapter connected to the modem) It happened to me and I was told that the ethernet cable/port as suseptable. so I think what I was saying is not only relevant but possible along with your response. Living in Florida crazier things have happened.

[Steelmaker]

Originally Posted by blackpixels

Well, I agree with you, but the power problem (surge) can come through the ethernet port (AC adapter connected to the modem) It happened to me and I was told that the ethernet cable/port as suseptable. so I think what I was saying is not only relevant but possible along with your response. Living in Florida crazier things have happened.

So you seem to think that a power surge through the ethernet connection is the culprit?

[glenn22]

Originally Posted by blackpixels

Well, I agree with you, but the power problem (surge) can come through the ethernet port (AC adapter connected to the modem) It happened to me and I was told that the ethernet cable/port as suseptable. so I think what I was saying is not only relevant but possible along with your response. Living in Florida crazier things have happened.

In my case I am connected to a gateway router/firewall which is in turn connected to a cable modem, both of which are powered by a surge protecting power supply... while I'm not saying it's that it's impossible for that to occur, I really doubt a power surge through the ethernet port would affect the HD at all... it might take out the ethernet card or something on the board, but the HD... not likely.

[blackpixels]

Originally Posted by Steelmaker

So you seem to think that a power surge through the ethernet connection is the culprit?

I'm not saying it's THE culprit - just saying it's just as possible as any of the other ways mentioned..."supposedly" the heat should not be an issue according to the recent accolades the PS3 has received, but you and well know that heat can do substantial damage to any electronic device.

[glenn22]

Originally Posted by blackpixels

I'm not saying it's THE culprit - just saying it's just as possible as any of the other ways mentioned..."supposedly" the heat should not be an issue according to the recent accolades the PS3 has received, but you and well know that heat can do substantial damage to any electronic device.

Personally I think heat is much more likely to be the culprit. If you feel the air coming out of the PS3 when it's been running a while, it is VERY warm. I was taxing my drive quite a bit at the time it failed (watching a movie that was playing off the HDD), but it still should not have failed under those conditions.

[DavePS3]

This brings up a question... how protected is the PS3 drive from viruses over the web or is that strictly a matter for the broadband provider?

[blackpixels]

Originally Posted by glenn22

In my case I am connected to a gateway router/firewall which is in turn connected to a cable modem, both of which are powered by a surge protecting power supply... while I'm not saying it's that it's impossible for that to occur, I really doubt a power surge through the ethernet port would affect the HD at all... it might take out the ethernet card or something on the board, but the HD... not likely.

Very true, typically it would take out the card first (best case) - I'm not saying it's definately the culprit - most likely a bad HD. Remember most cases you cannot protect your cables unless your surge prot routes port connections as well, otherwise they're wide open for static/surge/flux. That's why in any storm here (florida) I unplug ALL wall connections. That's here though. Hopefully, you still under warranty; then you should be taken care of....good luck

[glenn22]

Originally Posted by DavePS3

This brings up a question... how protected is the PS3 drive from viruses over the web or is that strictly a matter for the broadband provider?

Well the PS3 uses a proprietary operating system (not windows or unix), so that makes it much less suseptible to virus and worms as most are programmed specifically for an operating system. (mostly windows OSes) That doesn't make it immune though. The best way to ensure your PS3's safety is to use a hardware firewall between your internet connection and PS3.

[glenn22]

Originally Posted by blackpixels

Very true, typically it would take out the card first (best case) - I'm not saying it's definately the culprit - most likely a bad HD. Remember most cases you cannot protect your cables unless your surge prot routes port connections as well, otherwise they're wide open for static/surge/flux. That's why in any storm here (florida) I unplug ALL wall connections. That's here though. Hopefully, you still under warranty; then you should be taken care of....good luck

I hear what you're saying and I'm also not saying that it's definitely not the culprit either. In any event, you're right, we are all covered under warranty, so not a big deal.

[blackpixels]

Originally Posted by DavePS3

This brings up a question... how protected is the PS3 drive from viruses over the web or is that strictly a matter for the broadband provider?

Exactly...

[blackpixels]

Originally Posted by glenn22

I hear what you're saying and I'm also not saying that it's definitely not the culprit either. In any event, you're right, we are all covered under warranty, so not a big deal.

Good move, I highly recommend warranties for any electronics - good thing yours is covered, its just tough you have to have ANY down time...

[miked924]

Originally Posted by glenn22

Did you have to mail them the system? how do they arrange that?

Yes they sent me a box to pack everything in (system, controller and cables) via UPS. They give you a UPS overnight sticker to send back, dropped that box off at UPS and that same day I had email confirmation that my new system was sent out to me, had it in 2 days

[blackpixels]

Originally Posted by glenn22

Personally I think heat is much more likely to be the culprit. If you feel the air coming out of the PS3 when it's been running a while, it is VERY warm. I was taxing my drive quite a bit at the time it failed (watching a movie that was playing off the HDD), but it still should not have failed under those conditions.

Could be, did you happen to read the thread specific to this subject and how well the PS3 handles heat...tongue and cheek..

[jamacianman83]

Originally Posted by glenn22

Is that seriously the exact message it gives you? Where are you located? Are you using the proper drive type, or an adapter kit?

btw, here's a quick guide for anyone wanting to upgrade their drive:

http://www.gamersreports.com/article/43/

Yes I am using the proper drive. 5200rpm 2.5 inch sata. I've tried using several different drives. Keep getting the same error message. I'm located in Los Angeles, CA.

[glenn22]

Originally Posted by miked924

Yes they sent me a box to pack everything in (system, controller and cables) via UPS. They give you a UPS overnight sticker to send back, dropped that box off at UPS and that same day I had email confirmation that my new system was sent out to me, had it in 2 days

That's wicked awesome. I delayed doing this because I thought I would just get a new HD anyways, but I have no money and won't be able to anytime soon.. might as well just get it replaced.

Do you need a copy of the receipt? what information do they ask for?

[glenn22]

Originally Posted by jamacianman83

Yes I am using the proper drive. 5200rpm 2.5 inch sata. I've tried using several different drives. Keep getting the same error message. I'm located in Los Angeles, CA.

see Aygie's post above (page 1), he seems to have had the same issue you mentioned and he solved it.

[jamacianman83]

Originally Posted by glenn22

see Aygie's post above (page 1), he seems to have had the same issue you mentioned and he solved it.

I have tried restarting it several times. Keep getting the same error message. "not original hard drive can not start." Any help is much appreciated. Thanks

[glenn22]

Originally Posted by jamacianman83

I have tried restarting it several times. Keep getting the same error message. "not original hard drive can not start." Any help is much appreciated. Thanks

Here's a discussion about the same problem you are facing, might help shed some light on your issue:

http://boardsus.playstation.com/rss/...age.id=1204120

Here's another one:

http://community.eu.playstation.com/...d.php?t=135507

And here:

http://boardsus.playstation.com/play...age.id=1619023