How To Add an External Hard Drive to a PlayStation 3
Attaching and adding an external hard drive to your PS3 can be done with either a Windows or Mac computer.You can't play games on the external hard drive due to the internal hardware of the PS3.
Step 1: Attach the hard drive to your computer.
You'll use the cable that came with your hard drive to do this.The slots on your computer's case are thin and rectangular.
Step 2: Go to the Start menu.
You can either click the Windows logo in the bottom- left corner of the screen or press the Win key.
Step 3: You can type "this pc" into Start.
There is a computer monitor-shaped icon at the top of the window.
Step 4: Click here.
There is a monitor-shaped icon at the top of the Start window.This PC app is opened by doing so.
Step 5: Click on the hard drive's icon.
This is usually in the middle of the page.To use the trackpad on a laptop, use two fingers.
Step 6: You can click on the properties.
It is at the bottom of the menu.
Step 7: There is a "File System" value.
The tab of properties has this option near it.If the "File System" value says something other than "FAT32", you need to change your drive.If the "File System" value says "FAT32", you should connect your hard drive.
Step 8: The window should be closed.
To do so, click in the top-right corner of the window.
Step 9: Click Format after right-clicking the external hard drive.
The drop-down menu has it near the middle.There are files on your hard drive.
Step 10: Click on the box labeled "File System".
It's below the "File System" heading.It invokes a drop-down menu.
Step 11: Click for more information.
In order to use your hard drive with your PS3 you'll need this file format.
Step 12: Click Start, then click OK.
The procedure for formatting begins when you do that.Depending on your computer's age and drive size, this process' length will vary.
Step 13: When prompted, click OK.
The pop-up window will let you know that your hard drive has been formatted.
Step 14: Double-click your hard drive.
In the This PC window, it should still be listed.
Step 15: You can create four folders.
To do so, either right-click the hard drive's window, select and click, or click at the top of the window.The folders should be named like that.
Step 16: Remove the hard drive from this PC.
Attach your hard drive to your PS3.If you want to add music, photos, or videos to your hard drive, you should put them in the MUSIC folder.
Step 17: Attach the hard drive to your computer.
You can use the cable that came with your hard drive to do this.The slots on your computer's case are thin and rectangular.Some Mac computers don't have a way to connect to the internet.
Step 18: The Finder can be opened.
There is an app in your Mac's dock.
Step 19: Click on the hard drive's name with two fingers.
There is a Finder window on the left side.It invokes a drop-down menu.
Step 20: Click to get more information.
The option is in the middle of the menu.
Step 21: Look at the value.
The "Format" heading is in the General group of information.You need to format your hard drive for PS3 compatibility if the format doesn't have "FAT32" listed.Attaching your hard drive to your PS3 is possible if "FAT32" is listed next to "Format".
Step 22: There is an open spotlight.
The magnifying glass icon is in the top-right corner of your Mac's screen.
Step 23: Go to Spotlight and type disk utility.
There is a list of matching programs on your Mac.
Step 24: Click the Disk Utility.
In the Spotlight search results, it should be the top option.
Step 25: Click the hard drive's name.
The left-hand sidebar has it.
Step 26: Click on the Erase tab.
The Utility Disk window has this option at the top.
Step 27: Click on the box labeled "Format".
It is in the middle of the page.
Step 28: Click to open the file.
The drop-down menu has this option in it.It is possible to set your hard drive's format preference as FAT32, which is compatible with PS3 architecture.Adding a name to your hard drive in the field below is something you may need to do.
Step 29: Click the Erase button.
It's at the bottom of the page.When the process is done, you can exit the Disk Utility.This will destroy your hard drive.If you have sensitive information on your hard drive, first copy it to your computer.
Step 30: Select your hard drive when you open the Finder.
The hard drive's window is blank.
Step 31: There are four folders to create.
If you click in the top left side of the page, you can either tap the trackpad with two fingers or click.The folders have to be named like that.
Step 32: The hard drive needs to be removed.
Attach your hard drive to the PS3.
Step 33: Attach the hard drive to the console.
You need to connect the hard drive's cable to the PS3.The front of the console has the PS3's ports on it.
Step 34: Attach the controller to the PS3 and turn it on.
Pressing the button on the controller is the easiest way to do it.The controller and power button can be pressed individually.
Step 35: You can select settings by scrolling left.
It's on the left side of the menu.
Step 36: Press X if you want to select System settings.
It is at the bottom of the menu.
Step 37: Press X if you want to select the Backup Utility.
There is an option near the middle of the menu.
Step 38: press X if you want to back up.
The first option on this page should be it.
Step 39: Press X if you want to select yes.
This will lead you to the hard drive selection page.
Step 40: Press X if you want to select your hard drive's name.
Unless you have more than one drive connected, your hard drive is the only option.If you back up your PS3's data, it will be on the hard drive.If you want to clear up space on your PS3's internal drive, you can back up your existing game files to the hard drive.