5 replies to this topic

[Swaami]

Hi Folks,
I downloaded Firmware 3.55 and it got to 99% on the installation and then froze for about 5 minutes.  It then came up with an error message 8002F310 and recommended switching off and removing the power cord and try again after a while.  Did that and every time it powers on it goes straight into the install process with same result.  It suggested I contact tech support if this didn’t work.  I also tried getting to safe mode but it wouldn’t, and  the only thing you can do whilst in this loop is switch off at the back.

I contacted tech support and they didn't know the error code and said I need to send it in for service for $250.  I wasn’t too happy with this as it was the firmware update that stuffed it, so he suggested I could try to remove the HDD. I asked if I’d lose the data & he told me from what I’d told him it was already lost.

So I did some research on the net and worked out a way to fix it and I have not lost any data.  Here’s how I did it.  Hope it works for any other unfortunates out there.
Basically, you need to get it out of the ‘installation loop’ which starts as soon as you turn it on. (fully switch off to start-not on standby)

First I downloaded the system update I was originally trying to install, on to a USB stick and stuck it in the PS3 USB port (make sure the firmware update is in a folder named UPDATE inside another folder named PS3 on the USB or it won’t find it).  Then to get ready for action I opened the HDD port on the PS3 and unscrewed the blue screw with a Phillips head screwdriver.

Now switch on the PS3.  As soon as the update starts, pull out the HDD (take off the small casing to reveal metal HDD, then pull). The update will get to roughly 10%-25%. It will then display an error screen with a countdown.  Leave HDD out!

Let the countdown run out. Will then restart (with HDD still out) When it turns back on it will ask if you want to restart the system by pressing the PS button or install the update using a flash drive (by pressing the select & start button at the same time) .  Push the HDD back in. I tried the PS button option first but it didn’t work, but hey it might for you so give it a try.  If it doesn’t restart it comes back to the same screen again so no problems.   Say yes to install using flash drive (press select & start).
From here it searched for and loaded the update and then takes you to the agreement for the update.  I agreed & it installed.  It did stop for a while again on 99% but then after a few minutes went to 100% and asked me to confirm HDMI etc.

Everything came back with all my data and game saves etc (although I haven’t fully tested everything, but hey it works and cost nothing).  NOTE-I then backed up my HDD to an external drive-which I was actually trying to do when it told me to update-so recommend people do this to save all the worry about losing everything...

I also have to thank Schmll and particularly Elbex91 on page 2 & 3 of a thread entitled ‘stuck in system update loop error 8002F1F0’  on the official playstation tech help thread for getting me most of the way.  The last step didn’t work for me but the rest is pretty much the same, so check out that thread for some good info about things to try if this doesn’t work for you.
Good luck

[DansDans]

Good post - good to have here

I'm always amazed about how little the tech support bunnies will tell you over the phone. Surely good customer services is to advise the client how to fix to machine, not to rip them off $250 (or, in my case $320)

Hope is all good for you now mate

[piccard21]

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Edited by piccard21, 14 December 2010 - 05:03 AM.

[Swaami]

DansDans, on Dec 13 2010, 10:20 AM, said:

Good post - good to have here

I'm always amazed about how little the tech support bunnies will tell you over the phone. Surely good customer services is to advise the client how to fix to machine, not to rip them off $250 (or, in my case $320)

Hope is all good for you now mate

Yes, particularly as the bulk of info I needed was on their own tech support forums.  Obviously each worker bee wouldn't have the time to read the forums, but you'd think they'd have someone scan them occassionaly to see if there is any useful info and make a tip sheet for the support staff, even if it's just to tell people "go check this forum..."

The cynic in me says that paying someone to scan the forums costs money AND they lose out on all the profits from those who pay them $250-$320 for the service.

Yep, all is well.  I have just changed the hard drive from a 40 to 500gb. (what I was wanting to do initially, which got me into the mess illustrated above...)  The restore of backed up data literally just finished.  A quick flick just then seems to suggest all copied across OK.  Time for a game or two to check it out thoroughly.

[pezz]

Thanks for nothing, it didn't work and I've lost everything.

[Swaami]

I am sorry to hear that, and hope my post didn't cause the loss, but simply failed to fix the error.
Reading over it again, perhaps i should have called it 'how I fixed a PS3...' so it does not seem like a definitive fix, just what worked for me.
It took me 3 days of trial and error in which i thought i had also lost all my data before i worked out the above and lucked out on a fix, so can kind of understand how crappy it would be.
Maybe the gurus on the tech forums could still help?  I hope so.