When you experience a hard drive failure on a PlayStation 3, it can be quite frustrating. Often times, a corrupted hard drive is a result of critical files that have inadvertently been damaged. These errors then cause other system failures. The good news is Sony built in a system recovery feature right into the console. Much like a computer, a PS3 can use diagnostic tools, reinstall its own missing or damaged system files, or even be restored back to its original factory condition.
Turn off the PS3 console, if it isn't already.
Press and hold the power button on the console as it powers on, and then powers off again.
Press and hold the power button a second time until you hear two consecutive beeps. If your console powers down before you hear the second beep, try holding down the power button again. It should work during the second cycle.
Connect your controller to the console with the USB cable when prompted to do so.
Turn on the controller. You will now have access to the PS3 recovery menu.
Select option three which states "Restore File System: Checks for corrupt/missing system files." This option will identify and correct and corrupt files. Your PS3 should now be fixed. If this option doesn't fix your problems, you'll want to do a complete system restore and follow the next step.
Turn off the PS3 console by holding down the power button.
Press and hold the power button on the console as it powers on, and then powers off again.
Press and hold the power button a second time until you hear two consecutive beeps. If your console powers down before you hear the second beep, try holding down the power button again. It should work during the second cycle.
Select option 5 which states "Restore PS3 System: Fresh restore; Deletes everything and starts from Scratch." Be aware that performing a complete system restore will cause all data on the hard drive to be lost. This option restores the PS3 back to its original factory condition.
Tip
Back up important data on an external hard drive to prevent losing it.
Warning
Important data can be lost in a complete system restore.