There could be many reasons why you should reset your PS3. If the game or video freezes, a quick reset should solve your problem. If you change your TV or cable, you may have to reset the video output settings. If your PS3 locks up frequently or has problems with XMB, you may have to use a hard drive in Safe Mode.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Reset on a Frozen PS3
Step 1. Press and hold the Power button on the PS3
If the PS3 freezes, you can perform a manual reset. You'll need to do this directly on the console, as normally the controller will freeze too.
Step 2. Hold down the Power button for about 30 seconds
You will hear three short beeps and the PS3 will turn off.
Step 3. Wait a few seconds, then press the Power button to turn the PS3 back on
Do not turn on the PS3 with the controller, as the controller may not detect the PS3.
Step 4. Let the system check for errors
The PS3 will most likely try to check for errors in the drive. This process may take a long time, or it may also be completed in a short time.
Method 2 of 3: Reset Video Output Settings
Step 1. Make sure that the PS3 is turned off
The power light on the front of the PS3 should be red.
If you change your TV or HDMI cable, you will need to do a reset if nothing appears on the screen when the PS3 is turned on
Step 2. Disconnect the PS3 and TV power cables from the wall outlet
Step 3. Make sure that the PS3 is connected to the TV using an HDMI cable
Step 4. Plug the PS3 and TV power cords into the wall outlet
Step 5. Turn on the TV and set it to accept the correct HDMI input
Step 6. Press and hold the PS3 Power button until you hear the second sound
This process takes approximately five seconds.
Step 7. Use the PS3 controller to complete the HDMI image setup process
You may need to press the PS button on the controller to turn it on.
Step 8. Go to "Settings" → "Display Settings"
You can set the exact resolution in this section.
Method 3 of 3: Starting Safe Mode
Step 1. Know why you need Safe Mode
Safe Mode on the PS3 gives you access to diagnostic and repair tools that can fix system freezes or errors. You can use Safe Mode to reshape the file system or do a factory reset on the PS3.
Step 2. Back up the saved game file
Before you attempt to repair the PS3's file system, it is recommended that you back up your saved data in case something goes wrong in the middle of the process. You can back up data to a USB drive, and most game data stores are in the 5 to 20 MB range.
- Plug in the USB drive on the PS3.
- Open the Game menu, then select "Saved Data Utility".
- Go to the first game section you want to back up.
- Press, then select "Copy".
- Select your USB drive, then copy the files to it. Repeat this process for all saved game data that you want to back up.
Step 3. Turn off the PS3
To enter Safe Mode, you must first turn off the PS3.
Step 4. Press and hold the Power button
You will hear the first sound.
Step 5. Hold down the button until you hear a second sound, then a third sound
The system will turn off again and the power light will turn red.
Step 6. Press and hold the Power button again
You will hear the first and second sounds as before.
Step 7. Keep holding the Power button until you hear a rapid double beep
Release the Power button. You will see the message "Connect the controller using USB and then press the PS button".
Step 8. Plug in the controller, then turn it on
You cannot use the controller wirelessly in Safe Mode.
Step 9. Use Safe Mode to reset the PS3
There are several options available, and they can fix the problem your PS3 is having. Try each option out to see if any are suitable for repairing your PS3. If one option doesn't fix the problem, move on to the next option.
- Restore File System - This option will try to repair corrupted files on the hard drive.
- Database Rebuild - This option will try to correct the database information in the hard drive. This option will delete messages and notifications, as well as any folders you've ever created. No files will be deleted.
- Restore PS3 System - This option will restore the PS3 to factory settings, and all data contained in the hard drive will be erased. Make sure that everything you want to keep is backed up before running this repair option.
