PS3 4.45 Update Bricking People’s Consoles

Sony has released firmware 4.45 for the PS3 just a few minutes ago. However, there have been numerous reports that it bricks your console.

[GreenRanger]

Fix this crap, Sony.

[GribbleGrunger]

I'm one of 78 million. I'll take me chance. Updating now so that I can continue playing TLOU on New Game Plus. I hear that some guy sneezed and his PS3 failed the following day ... Must have been the sneeze.

Finished updating. Now back to playing the best game ever created. I see all the trolls are in full force today. What's the matter? No good news?

[Ares84HU]

TLOU is the best game ever created??? It's an awesome game but it's far from the best game ever created, especially because that topic is so subjective.

I like the game, it's pretty nice. Spent 2 hours with it last night but I'm in no hurry to play it again like I was with every Uncharted for example.

[xPhearR3dx]

@Ares84HU

Ehh, personally I think Uncharted is crap. Never cared for it, but The Last of Us is amazing. I checked out the MP for a bit last night too, pretty damn awesome. Can't wait to see how the story continues.

EDIT: Just a side note, never played Uncharted 3, but I do have PS+ so I have it downloaded. Personally, it looks much more interesting than U2 which I hated. Looking forward to checking U3 out though.

[Loki86]

Best game ever created, I haven't played it, but from what I have heard and read it wouldn't hold a candle to SotN, Chrono Trigger, FFVI, MGS, and several other memorable classics.

That sucks for the PS3, good thing I am waiting till the PS4 when they will have breach, crashing, and development problems dealt with.

[aquamala]

The thread on playstation forum is now 50 pages, just because it didn't happen to you doesn't mean it's not happening to many

http://community.us.playsta...

Mine is bricked

[aquamala]

That forum now has 55 pages, at least the update is pulled now

[GameCents]

Say a bunch of nice things about a playstation exclusive, take a jab at "trolls" and create some misdirection: recieve massive agrees.

[GDDR6_2014]

It's only affecting the most hardcore ps3 owners that would put a 1TB in their ps3's, the casuals are not affected

[andibandit]

@GribbleGrunger

I'm amazed how you took a topic about faulty firmware, and made it all about TLOU

[Conzul]

@GDDR6

I have a Momentus XT in MY PS3.
I am hardly a casual.

Also, yes, The Last of Us is the best thing ever. I wouldn't say it's the best **game** ever made, but I'd say it's the best **gaming experience** I've ever had, and I've had them all.

[King_Slayer]

@Conzul

I think you might want to reread GDDR6's comment.

[Goodfella78]

dont encourage the trolls,youre just making yourself look like one of them matey by baiting them, but yeah the tlou is the ps3 s swan song peace out brother......

[Thisisjuju]

Just been looking on PSLifestyle and a lot of people are reporting this issue in the comments.

Seems to be quite widespread. From what I gather on the Sony forums it is affecting people who have upgraded hardrives, haven't seen anyone have an issue who is using the stock HDD, but I may be wrong.

[Ares84HU]

I have a 750GB HDD in one of my PS3's and a 500GB HDD in the other. No problems here after the update and they were both a 120GB PS3 slim....

[Mikeyy]

@LOL_WUT

Phew good catch! I stuck a 500GB HDD in my ps3, I'll wait till tomorrow night to even attempt to update it. Acually my PS+ Might do it for me, Uh oh..

[Ilovetheps5]

My PS+ did it for me. I have a 60GB with a 500GB HDD in it. It did not brick and still works perfectly today.

[clonerz]

i was hit with it damn damn im hoping i can do a memory stick firmware update because sytem file restore came up corrupt at 36 percent wants me to format harddrive and ive got 1tb Mikeyy damn wish me luck when firmware is on ps website im try to do a fresh install with it on memory stick

[evilunklebud]

You got 17 disagrees????

[sensor21]

Exactly why I dont mind getting an xbox and play by their rules at least I will be gaming.

[Veni Vidi Vici]

Unless you had the RROD or had your console bricked by one of MS's past updates.

They both have their issues with updates.

[porkChop]

I remember back when LA Noire came out Sony released an update that bricked my phat PS3. They refused to cover the damage even though there were tons of people online with bricked consoles from that update. They tried to charge me for a repair even though it was their fault.

[Ray186]

I think that this is real as of 6/19 1:15am there is a thread on the support forum that is 58 pages long.

I'm so glad I looked here first.

[Larry L]

Actually Sony pulled an update before just because Xbox fanboys were spamming the playstation forum with mass reports of bricked consoles and 2 days later they put the update back up when they realised there was nothing wrong with it and they got duped. This wouldn't be the first time, so your argument that since Sony pulled it, the reports MUST be real......is baseless.

[OCEANGROWNKUSH]

OK well they got me... Ive always heard the stories but always thought it was BS...

I can confirm after updating (obviously before i knew about this) i get the background but no XMB. Drive was swapped to a WD 320gb drive. I have tried restoring multiple times with no results. All of my saves & downloads are on this console and do not want to reformat.

[takohma]

Ok so you thought every person you heard the stories about were lying? Lol wow nothing is true unless it happens to you personally huh? I bet your pretty bad at taking warnings. Also by your logic it wouldn't matter to you if you knew about this or not since you don't believe the "stories" you heard.

[ziggurcat]

it's not the FW update.

people often fall into the trap of the post hoc fallacy anytime a FW update comes out.

I also just checked for a FW update, and none exists. So either they took it offline or people are really trolling...

[Corpser]

You are the one trolling, Sony pulled it after people complained, the thread on this on Playstation.com community forum is now 70+ pages, and 500+ posts in the neogaf thread. Still in denial?

[andibandit]

@ziggurcat

I think you're on to something...

[trancefreak]

Well 3 ps3s 1 made it threw and I will not attempt to do the 2 others.

I heard Sony pulled the Firmware update. Maybe they will replace the bricked ones with a Ps4 :)

Anyways that suks to those who were effected.

[nosferatuzodd]

i dont know if this is truei just try to download it and they only show me 4.40 has the latest soft ware

[fermcr]

I always get scared when Sony launches a update for their consoles. There is always a chance of brick. When will Sony learn to make a proper update.

[Gamer1982]

At least people can access their recovery menu so Sony can push out a new update for those affected to install via recovery menu, via a usb stick. So no bricked PS3s

[jcnba28]

This just proves that PSN is still unreliable. Sony really needs to fix their network before PS4 is released because it will be suicide if this kind of stuff continues on a console where you HAVE to pay for online.

[xboned]

its the update not the network...

[generalthadeape]

To jcnba (above),

Give me a break!

These things happen from time to time-- we're dealing with computers / electronics, downloading software online and automatically installing said software onto millions of devices throughout the world.

It's amazing that these updates work at all.

Nobody is giving Sony a "pass" on this one. It's a bummer when software updates "brick" our consoles-- but we all know there is an ever so slight chance that it could happen to any of us at any time. In other words, it's a fact of life these days-- get over it!

If Sony pulled the update, I'm sure they're working on getting these people back online.

Also, this problem has absolutely nothing to do with PSN or the fact that PS+ is required to play (most) online games on the PS4. What the hell are you whining about?

You really need to give it a rest-- I understand how nice it is to finally see a negative article written about Sony, (because there are so few), but jumping in on this one really only shows how desperate the Microsoft Xbox One fanbase really is.

Sad, but true.

[BallsEye]

HOW A NEGATIVE ARTICLE ABOUT SONY GOT APPROVED? MADNESS!!!

[generalthadeape]

Bubble for funny!

[YNWA96]

Larry L, you just won the coveted 'Tool of the day'
Please come up and claim with pride....

[JohnS1313]

My PS3 is fine after updating it.

[GameCents]

LOL. I haven't updated my PS3 in 2 updates. And to think I was gonna take the plunge with this update.

[deanobi]

This is why xbox one will win the next gen console war. Sony has too many problems.

[Anon1974]

Sounds like a pain in the ass for those affected. Updated mine with no problems.

If you did have an issue, I understand if you start in safe mode and run "Restore default settings" it'll fix the problem without impacting your game data (from what I read in the forums so take it with a grain of salt). Hold down the power button until it beeps 3 times and then it'll restart into safe mode.

It's unfortunate but not unheard of. Microsoft knew back in 2011 that it's update would brick consoles and ever before they released the update they put out a release letting people know they'd replace consoles killed by the update and give them XBL for a year.

[thezeldadoth]

really, what does this have to do with microsoft

[monkey nuts]

HOW TO GET TO SAFEMODE PS3:
check power indicator is red
Press and hold the power button for ten seconds ( ps3 will power on and back off)
Release power button
Press and hold power button for seven seconds
Release power button after hearing two quick beeps.
You have entered the fabled SAFEZONE.

Thank god I've been in work today, and watched superman last nite. Would have been pi$$ed if it screwed up my last of us saves. Got a upgraded HDD too so would have been sure to have struck. Still be a shame if I can't get no multiplayer love after a hour or two of campaign.

[Anon1974]

thezeldadoth asked "really, what does this have to do with microsoft"

Are you serious? I didn't think it was that confusing. Microsoft makes game consoles, as does Sony and Nintendo. All of them have had their issues with system updates bricking systems. My point in bringing this up was to illustrate that this isn't an isolated problem. Whenever looking at issues of this type, it always helps to have some sort of context.

@monkey nuts. I don't an upgraded hard drive is the issue. I have an upgraded drive in my PS3 and the update went off without a hitch. I see others on the forums mentioning the same thing. Clearly there is a problem, but I think the upgraded hard drive thing is pure speculation.

I'm sure this is just like most articles we see whenever there's an update, much ado about nothing. There's been so much positive Sony press as of late most game media sites must have been going out of their minds not being able to justify more "Sony doom" articles. This should help them let off some steam.

[3-4-5]

Not what Sony needed at this point in time.

Hopefully gets fixed fast as they have some good PS3 games still to release and these people with bricked PS3's would be the ones buying them.

[LonDonE]

NEWS JUST IN, MICROSOFT HAS REVERSED POLICIES FOR THE XBOX 1, USED GAMES ARE NOW ALLOWED, U CAN SELL THEM AND PLAY THEM, NO MANDATORY 24 HRS ONLINE CHECK IN, NO ALLWAYS ONLINE!! this is a good day for gamers, and consumers, and shows these greedy corporations we wont take the raping laying down!!! bravo!!!
http://uk.ign.com/articles/...

[Pope_Kaz_Hirai_II]

So people cant report mika and jokesonyou as SPAM? wow too lazy i say.

[superkidcupid13]

and sony expects their online for the ps4 to b better than x1....not showing a good example how...

[sloth3395]

mine works with no problems

[Elit3Nick]

Hmm, hopefully the people with bricked PS3s can update with the upcoming fix, if I read the problem right :/

[ThatCanadianGuy514]

I must be one of the luckiest people in the world, considering all the rumors of bricked consoles every update, and i magically never have a problem.

Feels good.

[febreeze1]

One person gets a bricked console and everyone screams that the firmware is bricking consoles lol.

[JackVagina]

theres 30+ pages on the PS fourms, mine got bricked too

[Larry L]

suuuuuuuuure it did..........

[rob20090]

I can confirm this is legit. I do have a 1tb hdd too so that is probably why.

[aquamala]

Mine bricked, reading the forums it seems to affect people that upgraded their hard drives, mine is 1tb

[febreeze1]

So this time it's actually bricking people's consoles? Sorry to hear that...:(

[Gamer1982]

Its not bricking exactly you can still access recovery which means it can be updated and fixed and Sony will be releasing a patch ASAP.

[JohnS1313]

I upgraded my drive but to 500GB so it must be just over 500GB.

[FITgamer]

I've have a 750 gb HDD and it's still working without any issue after update. Weird that its randomly effecting people.

[InTheZoneAC]

every single update that comes out there's an article that copies/pastes itself

[SoundGamer]

No problem with my PS3 after update. Turned it on and off and so on. Works just fine.

[calis]

Is this even newsworthy?

[sarshelyam]

Why wouldn't it be? I went on to play some TLOU last night, noticed it was asking me to update (so I did), and now I'm stuck like many of those in this situation.

This isn't trolling, this isn't rage posting, it's simply an unfortunate situation for more than a handful of us who seem to be effected by this update. The Support Forum thread is now at nearly 100 pages. Probably will be by the time you read this.

http://community.us.playsta...

[calis]

No, now that I realise it is more serious than a couple of bricked consoles.

Usually these articles are posted with 4 people having an issue and it's an outbreak.

[thezeldadoth]

you'd think it was if this was a 360 or wii u occurrence right

[calis]

Wrong. But continue to be a clueless dick.

[Mirage749]

No problem on my end. Update took about 5 minutes, then I carried on with TLOU.

[YourGreatUncle]

Oh look another update and now peoples PS3s are supposedly bricking again. It's kinda funny though I've had a PS3 since launch and its never bricked on an update, and I've yet to actually meet anyone on PSN or in person that has had theirs brick on an update.

[Lovable]

I know lol. I find this absolutely hilarious

[UNGR]

Well if their PlayStation bricked meeting them on PSN wouldn't really work. Not unless the purchase another PlayStation. Everyone I know that's had a YLOD, or RROD switched sides entirely out of spite.

[JohnS1313]

I had the YLOD after two years. I had an original 60GB fat PS3. And I upgraded the drive with a 7200 RPM drive which probably put out too much heat. So when I upgraded my slim PS3 I stuck with a 5400 drive. The early PS3's just ran hot.

[takohma]

Hi nice to meet you. I'm on my second ps3. Fate will decide if ill be on my third when I turn my second one on today. Also two of my friends are on their third ps3. No one I know still has their original first ps3 still working. Well correction on person I know does but barely even uses his ps3 (Xbox gamer).

[k2d]

I'm actually on my second PS3, but I consider it my first, since I got a brand new one almost immediately. The first one blew up like a candle while playing Gitar Hero 3 (I kid you not.)

Feel sorry for those of you who got your PS3's bricked.

There should be some sort of beta testing for these FW updates, and some sort of compensation.

[JohnS1313]

Should Microsoft compensate everyone who updates their Windows computer and the update destroys it?

[thezeldadoth]

^ gotta bring up microsoft. fucking sony trolls. keep sucking the corporate tit thinking that they love you.

[sarshelyam]

So it mustn't be true. I love all these "pics or it didn't happen" replies. Just count yourself lucky while those of us effected wait for a solution...if one becomes available.

[thezeldadoth]

because you and your acquaintances represent the majority of the millions who own ps3 consoles

[Skate-AK]

The PS store kept crashing on me. That's all I have noticed.

[Lovable]

I thought I'm the only one. I don't really go online much, but when I wanted to buy some PSN games, I couldn't go to PS store at all.

[dumahim]

Working wonderfully for me. Downloading 4 games from PS+ and I think it's working faster than usual. I've hated the store since they updated it because of how slow it usually is, but it was decent today.

[Soldierone]

It works fine. These stories (probably the same exact story) comes out every single time a firmware update releases.

[ziggurcat]

exactly.

same **** when 3.00 came out, same **** with 3.15, same **** with 3.41, etc...

post hoc fallacy in full effect anytime a FW update is released.

i flushed my toilet this afternoon and shortly afterwards, it really started to rain, so the toilet flush *obviously* caused the rain to fall...

[sarshelyam]

I was affected. I hopped on to play some TLOU and ran the update, it restarted to the wave background and wouldn't load the XMB.

You can discredit it all you want, but you'll see from my post history that I am VERY pro-Sony, so I certainly wouldn't be trolling an article out of malice.

I'm frustrated and hopeful for a fix, but that doesn't excuse your naivety regarding a scenario that obviously doesn't effect you.

[sashimi]

I was going to update but since i'm mid download of SR3 guess i'll wait. But every time lol a ps3 FW update someone has to say its cause of the update lol yet my ps3 is still fine yup.

[MonChiChi]

doesn't this always come up every patch damn near?

[thezeldadoth]

maybe every patch bricks consoles.

[TemplarDante]

Ok, Ive been reading about the issues. Some users are claiming that if you have upgraded your hdd, the update does this. So to those that have successfully updated, do you have a standard HDD? or did you upgrade it?
EDIT: Im reading on the PS3 support forums.. and its seems most people with this problem have 1TB HDDs.
Has anyone on N4G successfully updated and has :

1) Swopped their HDD.

2) Has 1TB+ HDD in their PS3?

[VaddixBell]

I have a 1 TB hard drive and it just bricked

[KillaManiac]

Swapped out my HD for a 500gb when I got a slim.

No problems here.

[ebreda]

750mb HDD.
Just bricked:
Youtube video proving it: http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[ebreda]

I meant 750gb of course.

[NateCole]

Why do you need to prove it?. The problem is obviously real and i hope Sony gets a fix soon.

[ebreda]

Because when I uploaded the video I wasn't aware of what was happening, nor that it was a widespread problem. I recorded it so I could show it to the support team.

I'm only noticing now that it's affecting tons of others.

[FunAndGun]

I have a 1TB and mine just bricked.....

DAMN! wish I would have checked N4G before updating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[belac09]

i upgraded but it was only to a 120 gb from a 40 and mine was fine. but i havent turned it back on since i turned it off.

[Grindlefly]

I have 750gig hd. Updated fine this morning no problems during or since

[The_Truth_24_7]

Updated and still works perfectly.

[LKHGFDSA]

Apparently it happens for people who've changed the HDD.

I've upgrade my HDD and I almost want to try installing this firmware so I can see if there's a way out of it.
The console doesn't really get "bricked" since it still turns on. I suspect entering recovery mode may solve the issue.
but I think I'll wait for the 4.451 fix.

[SonyPS4]

Doesn't PS3 have a recovery menu that enable you to re-install failed updates?

[Butters360]

Guess there's a first time for everything. My console is bricked. Was watching Netflix and got prompted for the update and now like everyone else's console, we're sticker at the ribbon and the XMB won't load.

[CountEQv]

installed update and the system was back up and running within seconds...obviously the update isn't all at fault right?

[PositiveEmotions]

Lol good thing i was never planning on this from the start

[R_aVe_N]

Updated both of my PS3's no problems at all me and the wife are doing TLOU multiplayer..

[R_aVe_N]

I am glad you trolls know better than me that my consoles still work lmao.

[ginsunuva]

I think they don't accept the part with the "my wife" and "TLoU multiplayer."

[andibandit]

Disagreeing because it's obvious that this problem affects a small number of users, let's say 3%....how much additional value is there in the other 97% comming in here telling us theirs works.

[SonyPS4]

3% is a lot, that would be over 2 million PS3's.

[Campy da Camper]

Hello people a little research does wonders. It seems upgraded HDDs are the ones going out so if you're not stock I'd perhaps play offline til an update comes out.

[talisker]

It's an optional update so doesn't prevent from going online.

[buckley]

Firmware updates are scary as hell. I try to make it a habit to wait before installing - on any device - until there's community confirmation that it's working well.

Thank god I hadn't updated this yet. Though, from the sound of things, I have a stock HDD so I should be ok. Waiting anyway.

[CaptainYesterday]

Updated a while ago and played an hour of The Last of Us works fine

[wishingW3L]

well, I'm from the unlucky ones I see... My PS3's only 1 year old (this is my 3rd one) and apparently the update bricked it! Because now every time I try to turn it on it says corrupted HDD and minutes ago I was playing The Last of Us just fine. ;___;

[buckley]

Did you upgrade your HDD, by any chance?

[INMATEofARKHAM]

Yeah, curious to know that too... I got my own system I need to decide rather to patch or not.

Also, what's up with Sony's luck on this stuff and exclusives? Leap year bug and Heavy Rain, PSN hack and SOCOM 4, and now this patch bug and The Last of Us.

[izumo_lee]

Can't wait for the PS4 so that these updates can be done in the background. All those 360 fans making fun of this, remember if you buy the XBone you will have to do this every 24 hours since that systems needs to be on to do updates.

Haven't updated yet cause i'm downloading the digital version of TLOU...27 GIGS!!! Couldn't find a copy of the game here in Vancouver Canada. All the stores that i go to have it sold out XD.

[UNGR]

"Can't wait for the PS4 so that these updates can be done in the background. All those 360 fans making fun of this, remember if you buy the XBone you will have to do this every 24 hours since that systems needs to be on to do updates."

Well thanks Sherlock for pointing out that it needs to be online. Downloads will be done in the background, the hardware alone is enough to support such a feature. Not to mention the thing is going to auto update everything whenever it is connected, even if it's off. You make it sound as if the X1 owners have to sit through an update every day. There are plenty of reasons to bash the X1, sadly you missed every single one of them. You are one horrible fanboy.

[DarthJay]

How are you going to trade it in when you are done? Or let a friend borrow it?

And how would the update downloading in the background solve the bricking people are running into?

Just curious on all fronts.

[DarkBlood]

i havent got prompted, did they take it off or is it an optional update because im still online?

[despair]

Looks like they pulled it, I feel sorry for those who got bricked, hope there is a solution.

[UNGR]

You can turn a console into a brick, it's pretty hard turning a brick into a console, sadly.

[Gamer1982]

There is a solution you can access recovery so sony can release an update perhaps 4.46 which you can install via recovery which will fix.

[kenshiro100]

Updated my console, didn't have a problem.

[0pie]

is this me or its not the 1st time sony have hard time with update?

[Finalfantasykid]

It has happened before, but I don't think it was even close to being this widespread. This seems to be affecting a fairly large percentage of people. Luckly I haven't upgraded yet.

[deadfrag]

It will be fix in 24h!Do some jogging in between or take a nap.

[Avernus]

updating mine now.. hoping it's not turned into a big paper weight...

[Dasteru]

Use some common sense here people, if it was the firmware itself that was messed up, then every PS3 it is installed on would brick, not just some.

The problem is most likely an old bios chip that cannot handle the reflash, the same thing happens with PCs.

The fact that there are reports like this for absoutely every firmware update that has ever been released for the PS3 pretty much proves my point.

[R_aVe_N]

Don't use common sense here you will be down bubbled pretty fast. Heck I got disagrees for just saying my Playstations still work lmao. I am glad they would know better than me that it still works XD.

[aquamala]

But every ps3 is not the same, based on the forums it seems to only affect people that upgraded their hard drive to >500GB

And if the problem is not the update, why did Sony pull it?

[Dasteru]

My launch 60GB has been upgraded with a 1TB HDD and it works fine after the update, so it isn't all PS3s over 500GB.

As for Sony, maybe they are removing it based on the assumption that it is affecting all PS3's over 500GB, it would be standard practice to temporarily recall any firmware that has this kind of report just to make sure that there isn't anything in it that would affect larger drives.

They will most likely re-release it unchanged within 24 hours.

If you look back at past updates, 90% of them have had reports like this of PS3s being bricked, Do you honestly think Sony is that bad at coding that nearly every firmware update they ever released has been bricking systems, due to the firmware code being bad?

[eyeDEVOUR]

Damn... I guess I'm about to try to update mine... Im a Lil worried tho because it's half of a 40gig and a 80gig fat.....so yeah lol

[eyeDEVOUR]

Woot... Still in the game...we'll it's on atleast..about to try some bf3

[AKR]

I always find it so ironic when an update that is meant to fix problems and enhance the user experience, ends up doing more damage. And seeing that none of these reports indicate that users powered off their systems in the middle of the update, shows that this is indeed Sony's blunder.

Well - This is the life as imperfect humans. Mistakes will be made. Hope they can patch this up soon.

But interesting enough though - Nintendo releases an update for the 3DS that causes crashing and Sony releases an update for the PS3 and it causes bricking...both updates, just a day between each other.....Kind of freaky?! o_O

What's next - Microsoft releases an update for the 360 which turns your existing Kinect into an infrared spy-camera as well?

[brokenstring424]

are you still able to boot in safe mode? if so, would you not be able to install the fix through that menu?

[IamTheStorm81]

Updated my phat 320gb PS3 and, just like every other BS doom and gloom post about PS3 updates bricking systems, mine is running beautifully.

That some are supposedly having problems does not mean the update caused it. It was BS years ago, it's BS today. Stop the BS already.

Sorry some had problems, but the update was probably not the reason for it.

[Death]

If a system works fine and bricks during an update, how is that BS? What do you think causes it if not a failed update? It's a small percentage that get affected, but that doesn't mean they do not exist.

[Dasteru]

A failed update doesn't automatically mean there was something wrong with the update data.

There are various reason why an update could fail, a bios flashing issue is the most likely.

As i said above, the fact that only some people are having bricked systems vs everyone, proves that it isn't the update data.

1+1 always equals 2 no matter what you calculate it on, if the code in the update is bad, its bad, it will brick every system it is installed on.

[WooHooAlex]

Updated my PS3, played some Last of Us multi-player for a few hours ... no issues for me.

[ashade]

updated mine and nothing happen, seemlike the brick only affect those with custom HDD and have more than 500Gb

[MelodicMizery]

this just bricked my 500 gb ps3, i had over 150 digital games, profile level 21, all my mp3s, and 450 gigs of games. needless to say i am PISSED OFF right now. i lost everything all because of a trophy notificiation, why the fuck would they make that a update!!!!!!!

[Mikeyy]

The General Consensus on the Official Playstation Forums seems to be this:

The problem only occurs to people who have Swapped out their hard drive.

The problem only happens if you are using an HDD LARGER THEN 500GB. Look through the 34 pages of posts, every single person with a brick is either 750GB or 1 TB.

DO NOT RESTORE OF TRY TO FIX YOUR FILE SYSTEM, this will not work, only a new firmware release can fix your system, hopefully tomorrow.

I swapped my slim 120GB into a 500GB, I should be fine to update, but I aint risking it, lol. I'll wait for the next update and leave her signed off for a couple days.

[MelodicMizery]

and just for everyones info it is the update that did it, i have 2 ps3s one is a 60gb and the other is a 40gb they are BOTH updated with the same 500gb hard drive. the 60gb bricked out and the 40gb made it thank god. im currently in safe menu trying to save my stuff without formating

[eyeDEVOUR]

How do you get to safe mode?

[JackVagina]

mine just got bricked

[UNGR]

Well that's bad news. But I have to say, isn't the picture redundant? "We have a still image of a still image, trust us" I'll wait for the video. I hope it's fake, having a $300 paper weight sucks.

[MooseWI]

Updated 2 PS3's, none bricked.

[strigoi814]

Mine is still working..wth are you guys talking about?

[TheGame199320]

i was looking to watch late night with jimmy fallon with the Knack demo and look what it says.....
http://tinypic.com/r/21en9x...

[BLAKHOODe]

What exactly did this update "fix"? How do we know it didn't purposely brick the consoles of users who were doing something against Sony's ToS, like piracy?

[ebreda]

Well, I guess you can't know for sure, if you're the type of person who needs absolute proof of something. I'm telling you I never pirated a PS3 game and the firmware update just screwed me before a Fifa league game. If you believe it or not, that's up to you.

[DarkZane]

I got a 1TB HDD in my PS3 and it didn't brick.

[Rhythmattic]

FFS, its not Bricking consoles....

That terminology suggests there is no fix and your console remains forever useless.

You can still get to restore / safe options..

So , either format and re-install (hopefully you have a back up) or wait for a fw fix.

[aviator189]

My little brother's ps3 got bricked as well. He's been going on about it for a while now.
Hopefully, they get out a fix soon.

[bu7asan]

updated my two PS3s nothing is wrong :)

[JRH7783]

I don't have a 4.45 update, but it doesn't bother me. When it shows up, it shows up....

[DarkWindedAfro]

so i've been doing a little digging and apparently, the problem is accruing with ps3s that have over 500g hdd, smaller hdd seem not to be affected, for ex i have a 1tb hdd and as of right now im s o l, all i got was the flowing ribbon, and that was it, tried the hold down power button for a quick reset and now all i get is a blank screen, so hopefully they can fix that otherwise my hdd is kaput, sony needs to stop coming out with updates that cripple their customers units...seriously

[DarkWindedAfro]

and i have plus

[theEx1Le]

They pulled the update, so guess its a waiting game for those affected.

[ebreda]

I heard they took it off.
Now we're waiting for a solution.

[ajax17]

I'm glad it didn't brick mine. I have a super slim btw. I wonder if that matters at all.

[CPTN MITCHELL]

Mine is working fine playing the last of us then nba2k...slim 120gb

[MelodicMizery]

after being bricked, i tried the recovery menu, last option, to usb the update with a pc download and now i have just a black screen so i can confirm that even the usb stick doesnt work. also sony pulled the update and i got it from somewhere else

[Rhythmattic]

its not the method of how you upgrade the firmware... it is firmware 4.45 thats the issue.

[LeCreuset]

I have a 500gb hybrid drive in my system. It looked like it really wanted to brick there. It basically started back up after installing the update, but there was no output to the tv or synchronization with the controller. I gave it a few minutes, then just reset it. Came back up fine.

[Lockon]

Oh man I'm glad I decided to USB install the update. It was taking a long ass time to download so I said screw it canceled it and decided to USB install it. I probably saved my PS3.

[kaozgamer]

I got the update before they pulled it. Working fine for me. I heard the update affected those who have upgraded the hard drive

[Lockon]

Which is why I'm happy I decided to update by USB..I upgraded my hard drive back in feb to 500GB and If my PS3 would have bricked I would have been PISSED.

[spektical]

meh another update another stream of users saying the update didnt go well. Hopefully those can be fixed. My update rolled out fine.

[Redrever]

confirmed that there is no update or firmware available for me i checked a few times and even going as far as turning off my console usually it asks after turning the console back on but nothing.

[ThatsGaming]

I can see a new N4G headline "Sony forcing gamers to update to PS4, purposely bricking PS3's"...

lol... That's how this site rolls...

[lastofgen]

those sort of headlines happened when isolated cases of bricking were reported with Xbox's. But seeing as how this website is full of psfanboys and all, I don't see such a headline popping up..

[Victorvondoom8]

sounds like a lie too me

[kingPoS]

I think it might be a good idea for me to play Saints Row 3 right now. (which just finished downloading 20min ago) I'm going to wait this one out for a week. I don't like the thought of having to redownlod over 300gb worth games again.

[windblowsagain]

At least when you get PS4'S it'll brick in the background/S

Never had a problem myself.

But i always update, shutdown, leave a few mins and then power on.

[baodeus]

I didn't swap out the HDD so mine is working fine. This is one of those case where proprietary HDD might be a good thing

[rezzah]

DOn't update until sony fixes the issue,tell your friends/family about it too.

[Peanuts110]

I sure this won't happen with the PS4. My PS3 updated just fine with no problems. Must be luck of the draw. (250gb hdd Original)

[Braid]

Just being curious, what happens to a bricked console if the warranty is expired?

It's obviously not the end user's fault, nobody expects a firmware update to render their consoles unusable when they install them.

Hope Sony supports the customers who suffer this error.

[takohma]

Well this happen to my ps3 when they had the clock update and they didn't warranty my ps3. Unless they changed or it affects more users then you probably have to get a new one.

[news4noobs]

I will always love Sony, regardless of handing my credit card details to everyone, lying to me constantly, selling me a brick. Well they even could rape my wife and kill my parents, I'd still love'em, after all I am a true sony fanboy.

[sway_z]

I checked my PS3 this few minutes ago...no firmware update available. It show I have latest update 4.41...so what's going on?

Is this affecting USA only? UK here.....

[GentlemenRUs]

It's been pulled, But I have said package ready for install due to PS+.

[GamePeace]

They want me to buy a Ps4, that's the reason of bricking the Systems, so I cannot Play with my Ps3 anymore in order to buy a Ps4 at Launch. very smart, Sony! very smart... mine is already pre-ordered.

[takohma]

Kind of reminds me of the time Microsoft band all the people bootlegging games right before CoD came out lol. They had a long list of people and waited for the game to come out and people just had to play Cod they got new 360's. two of my friends got banned and went out and got new 360's with their CoD lol.

[lastofgen]

banned =/= bricking.

besides, banning was the result of illegal activities by the user who broke the terms of service.

this ps3 bricking incident was solely the fault of sony ps3 engineers or whoever engineered this update. the users were not at fault here.

[GamePeace]

Everything Sony does is justified from me...

[GamePeace]

Except for parties with my money.

[Silly gameAr]

Glad I dodged this bullet. Yikes.

[TriangleOffense]

got 2 of my 3 ps3's sitting around holding down some paper now, one of which is completelly wiped and wont even boot to the ribbon, its just a black screen

[Mister_G]

Every single update......

[GentlemenRUs]

Ah crap... Updates download automatically with my PS+, I hope It don't install and that I wait for the next firmware.

[takohma]

I'm afraid to turn my ps3 on. This happened to my last ps3 with that clock update. And Sony didnt want to warranty it. Now if my ps3 bricks again I will have less faith in getting a ps4. Last time this happen I lost all my movies and tv shows and they said I couldn't get them back. Even after I got a new one the next week. Sony also wouldn't deactivate my dead console. They said I had to but how if the ps3 bricked?!?!? I have psn plus so either it's already bricked and I didn't know or it's ok. I really don't want to turn it on. I don't have money for a another ps3 Because I'm saving for ps4. Maybe I'll just play my vita until I hear news about this being fixed. Sigh......

[LeCreuset]

I don't know if that bricked system is still activated for your games as well, but if so here's a link that will show you how to deactivate it.

https://support.us.playstat...

If you notice, the link also directs you to contact the consumer services department to deactivate video if you don't have access to the system.

Here's the thing. From my own dealings with customer service, I can tell there are quite a few people answering those phones that have no idea about the system. All they know comes from a little troubleshooting guide that prompts them to ask a question and sends them down a certain branch of questioning depending on the answer. It wouldn't surprise me if the person you spoke to said they couldn't help you because you technically do have physical access to your system. That's why that person said you had to do it. According to their troubleshooting guide, if the customer has access to the system, the customer can deactivate it. So you have two options:

1) Call them back, and if you get someone else that doesn't know what they're talking about ask to speak to a supervisor. That's one of the best tools available to you when dealing with customer service. I've done it once when a rep tried to tell me I had voided my PS3 warranty by upgrading the HDD, and again when I got a system back from Sony without the mounting bracket for the HDD and the rep I called tried telling me I could just plug it in without it. Both times my issue came back resolved completely to my satisfaction without a supervisor actually getting on the phone. They just put me on hold, consulted with their supervisor, then came back and agreed with me.

2) If you want to save yourself a few steps, just tell them you don't have the system. That will send them down the other troubleshooting branch that will direct them to deactivate video for your system.

Remember, customer service is many times just a buffer between the complaining customer and the company. If people go away frustrated without their issue resolved, or because some rep led them to believe it can't be resolved, that's all the better for the bottom line of the company.

[vork77]

my system works

[Animal Mutha 76]

I never update straight away. I don't trust Sonys qa based on past experience. Glad I didn't update after finishing my killzone 3 session last night.

I guess this shows the advantage of having a more content but less often approach like MS where they use a beta test period with a range of hardware types to iron out the bugs although I wish they allowed user upgradable hard drives like Sony.

[tommygunzII]

I have PS+. Turned on PS3 this morning and I'm still at v4.41. That sucks to those that this happened to, Sony needs to own and fix this.

[Krosis]

Lol at the comments defending Sony and saying "Xbox fans are just waiting to jump on anything negative for Sony"....like 90% of N4G has been doing to xbox news for years? Console "loyalists": like peering through the windows on the shortbus.

[goldwyncq]

Good thing I finished TLOU yesterday.

[WalterWJR]

I would be more worried if the consoles were actually bricked and not able to get into recovery.

However this is still shit and shouldn't happen. I suppose anyone who put a 1TB drive into there PS3 is going to know how to recover when sony patch this.

[sAVAge_bEaST]

yes, you can go into safe mode, holding the power button(from off to on)until it beeps 3 times.

[-Gespenst-]

They're trying to outmode the Ps3 so we all have to buy ps4s!!

[OneAboveAll]

I don't plsyay PS anymore but hopefully they will fix the issue.

[Flames76]

It is the PS3 so its no surprise.The console is just a hunk of junk.I bought one awhile back and returned it to the store after 3 days.When you buy garbage thats what you get

[bohemian 23]

Whoops!

[justncase]

Updated mine and its just fine. I have a 500 gig things seem like there running fine..no problems here. Its the first console that sony came out with its old like me and still running great..bought this console on day one

[sAVAge_bEaST]

just went to check my PS3--- EVERY THING IS FINE--- (I also have automatic updates because of ps+)

[Britainz-Fin3st]

@Jon.

So thats why i have more then 3 bubbles now...

[TXIDarkAvenger]

Should of got an Xbox

[LogicStomper]

Sorry but this ain't a Xbox-article so go troll somewhere else.

[TXIDarkAvenger]

Yet when it is, Sony fanboys troll and its ok? LOL gfy.

[illtornworld]

bricking consoles eh? id say a small patch will be released that fixes this

[bohemian 23]

Are rocking a "devil lock" in that pic?

[illtornworld]

haha.. i get that alot sadly.

[bohemian 23]

Sadly? That's like a badge of honor imo. Misfits glory days!

[AutoCad]

lol.
sucks

[TrickishDcnc]

Thank god I didnt know about this update I would of ended up doing it myself and getting bricked. I feel really sorry for all the people who did update though. Lets hope Sony get it fixed Asap.

[MoonConquistador]

Has the update been taken down?

My PS+ downloaded it last night but when I check my system status it still says 4.42. When I go to update via internet, it tells me I have the latest version of the firmware.

[Phoenix76]

cant sign in :(

[TXIDarkAvenger]

Welp, time to bring this image back.

[cyclindk]

Updated... then upon replaying The Last of Us, it froze once and I encountered another glitch which required a reload of a checkpoint.

And another glitch with the (Semi-Spoiler Alert!!!akld3kjflDEER HUNTING SEQUENCEakldj;flakdjf)

Which also required a reload.

All occurred post-update.

[Phish]

I have the original 60GB PS3 model and I upgraded to 750GB a few years ago. I ended up having this same issue. Before I realized that this was a widespread issue I just decided to re-format and now it works fine. I now have to re-download any games I had installed which sucks, but all of my game saves were in the cloud.

[2pacalypsenow]

people that had their PS3 bricked try this out hope it helps :-)

http://www.eteknix.com/firm...

But it will delete all data so if you dont have PS+ that uploads all your saved games i suggest waiting on an official Sony Fix

[blackberty]

This is why I never update straight away.

Same with next-gen consoles, give it a few months.. see if the hardware has any problems :p

[Asilayhasteoath]

but sometimes you have to right?Most seem mandatory for PS3.

[blackberty]

true. guess you're right :)

[PerryCaravello]

Is there anything good in the new update? Besides the new "Brick" feature?

[DeletedAcc]

Cant sign in lol... But i even didnt update

[Asilayhasteoath]

Hmmm, might not be update then for me. Have a western digital 500gb so figured that's why. TY for giving me hope.

[inFAMOUS_KRATOS]

im not updating mine, you never know.. this might be " trick " to sell more consoles, im just saying, coporations get reall greedy.

[Asilayhasteoath]

Mine worked seemingly fine last night. Funny thing is i'm on internet browser but unable to log in, got " The connection with Sony Entertainment Network has timed out" First time seeing that.

[Asilayhasteoath]

When did the update go live? I think PLUS downloaded it for me. Hopefully everything gets sorted for the affected, i know i've got FFXIV to get to this weekend. -_-

[Fakdafakinfakerz]

Mine's fine. Drama Queens striked again...

[HALOisKING]

this is y i game on xbox

[sephiroth420]

Ha, mines fine, but sony should make sure this doesnt happen in the future, does anyone know the maximum size harddrive the ps3 can take?

[Drainage]

PS4 PREORDER CANCELLED ! jk

[greenlantern2814]

mine is just fine. seems to me every time i see one of these articles about problems with the ps3 it has never effected me. just lucky i guess

[aquamala]

it has never affected me ... until now

[Orionsangel]

What's next? Microsoft reversing it's DRM on Xbox One? ...Oh

[NeXXXuS]

PS3 bricks consoles the same day Xbone drops DRM.
Coincidence? I think not.
#ILLUMINATI

[The_Blue]

Lol.

[Clive_Bixby]

BUT BUT... SONY LOVES THE HARDCORE GAMERS...