Create backup image of ps3 hdd

[Transient]

Originally Posted by robots The easiest method is linux is do use "dd", but the problem is that you need to have enough space to save the whole hdd. (use usb<->sata convertor) dd if=/dev/your_ps3_hdd of=/mnt/hdd_big_enough/ps3_save restore dd of=/dev/your_ps3_hdd if=/mnt/hdd_big_enough/ps3_save you can also use some compression ... e.g. dd if=/dev/your_ps3_hdd | gzip -9 > /mnt/hdd_big_enough/ps3_save.gz opposite way is gunzip -c /mnt/hdd_big_enough/ps3_save.gz | dd of=/dev/your_ps3_hdd

This is the method I used, but it is only useful if you're restoring to the same size hdd. Also, I recommend adding in a bs=10M as it will speed things up considerably:

dd bs=10M if=/dev/your_ps3_hdd | gzip -9 > /mnt/hdd_big_enough/ps3_save.gz

Originally Posted by superG compression isn't effective at all (it applies only for PS3 part and not for OtherOS), because PS3 part is encrypted.

It's not very effective, but it has some effect, especially on large drives. I was able to reduce my 500GB drive down to a 321GB gzip'd file.

Originally Posted by vger2 Has anyone backed up their PS3 HDD to include YDL linux partion? Thinking about replace my existing 80 GB hard drive with a larger HDD. Would like to keep my existing YDL Linux partition without having to reinstall. Thanks

I think from kboot you could use dd to make an image of the Linux partition (save it onto a USB drive) and then after upgrading to a larger HDD, use dd again to restore it back.

If you can't do it from kboot, then I'd try from single user mode without the Linux partition mounted.

[blegs]

Is there any way to decrypt the archive files you get from the back up? I want to see what I can do with some of the files.

[bazji]

can someone tell me how i can back up my ps3 (40gb) hdd to my laptop i have the 3 bourne movies in hd on my hdd that i dont want to loose. they are over 4gb each so i cant get them onto a usb stick. im not bothered about game saves and stuff only the movies.

thanks

[idone]

Originally Posted by bazji can someone tell me how i can back up my ps3 (40gb) hdd to my laptop i have the 3 bourne movies in hd on my hdd that i dont want to loose. they are over 4gb each so i cant get them onto a usb stick. im not bothered about game saves and stuff only the movies. thanks

You will need to physically connect it to your pc and use a method as stated in this thread, (i really like winhex). If you dont have a removable media to insert into your ps3 to transfer the movies over this really is your best bet (copy entire hdd) so you films will not be lost.

If you only have one sata connection on your laptop and this is the only pc you have, you can get adapters for $20 or less to go from sata to usb, and connect it that way.

good luck!

Originally Posted by blegs Is there any way to decrypt the archive files you get from the back up? I want to see what I can do with some of the files.

not as of yet you cant.

[pastilatony]

I purchased a 320gb drive a while back which was intended for the PS3 however it soon became apparent that I was going to have problems further down the line; I had not realised that once you copy large files (>4gb) to the internal drive there's no efficient method of copying them elsewhere.

For that reason I decided to install a smaller hard drive and revert to burning DVDs instead.

When it comes to cloning drives on Windows I can vouch for the dd port mentioned earlier though I'm sure WinHex is also more than capable.

I'm fairly sure I read somewhere that the Linux partition isn't obfuscated and by searching for the filesystem superblock you can manipulate the partition externally. Probably doesn't matter much anyway as you could backup the partition within Linux.

[hokodapa]

HI... any way to copy protected savegames from my ps3 to my hdd on pc ??

I wanna do a backup from these files, but have no idea to do it... plz help.

Regards hoko

[Pocker09]

I did this with an adapter, SATA and it is like lots of ports, 3.5", compact flash, etc.

Then i just made an iso.

[Megamorf]

I'm in serious trouble. I upgraded my PS3 from the standard 60Gb HDD to a 320Gb hard drive.

Now to the problem: I've been using the 320gb hard drive for a while without any problems, then all of a sudden, my PS3 died. I called a technician and he told me that the cooling system of my PS3 is broken. Now whenever I start my Playstation it turns itself off immediately. Thus I'm not able to make a back-up.

What I have tried so far:
A friend of mine lent me his PS3, I swapped the both PS3's HDD, started my mate's PS3 with my hard drive. It wanted to format the hard drive, when I clicked no it told me that the my HDD isn't the correct HDD for this PS3.

Then I tried starting his PS3 with his HDD and swapped them while the PS3 was running (I know it's a bad idea but I was so desperate). The PS3 couldn't access my files.

I also tried connecting my hard drive as external HDD with his PS3, as soon as I plugged the USB-cable in it froze the PS3.

The fact that I can't access my own files anymore is driving me crazy. I read that tools like Norton Ghost and Winhex can clone hard drives. Could I make use of them?

Unfortunately I have to send my PS3 to Sony and definitely won't get it back. They'll probably send me a refurbished PS3.

Is there a way to save my files or are they really lost?

Thanks in advance.

[idone]

@Megamorf

if they give you a different ps3 and dont just send the same one back your files are gone for good.

You could make use of winhex to save a image that could be restored only to the same console.

If you send it in and get a different console back your files are gone for good.

[Megamorf]

I'm screwed. Just found this link: http://boards.slackercentral.com/showthread.php?t=113154

Someone had the same probem, hdd were already incompatible between different PS3s back in January '08.